In this power-packed episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Jon Sansone, the legendary cold-call warrior with over 34 years in sales, bestselling author of Sales Warrior, and a true testament to grit, resilience, and reinvention.

From being $24K in debt and unemployed, battling depression in a small apartment, to becoming financially independent, Jon’s comeback story is one that every aspiring professional and seasoned sales rep needs to hear. With a degree in Advertising & Psychology, Jon combines mental insight with real-world tactics to teach the art of rapport, voicemail mastery, and selling across generations.

A proud Eagle Scout, history and music buff, and member of APEX, Jon pulls back the curtain on what truly drives long-term sales success—and how it’s less about the product and more about connection, mindset, and emotional intelligence.

🔥 Five Highlights from the Episode:

1. 💪 Rock Bottom to Financial Freedom: Jon shares how he went from broke and depressed to financially independent by mastering cold calls and committing to personal development.

2. 📞 The Power of the Perfect Voicemail: Discover how to use emotion, tone, and curiosity to leave voicemails that convert.

3. 🤝 People Buy People: Why personal connection, not pitch decks, wins the deal—and how to build rapport instantly.

4. 📚 Lessons from 150+ Books: Jon reveals timeless principles from leaders like Zig Ziglar, Napoleon Hill, and Chris Voss that shaped his career.

5. 🎯 Selling to Every Generation: Insights on demographic selling from an elder Gen X’er who’s mastered adapting to every age group in the buying cycle.

   
   

   ⏱ Timestamped Summary:

   • 💪 00:00 Jon Sansone opens up about his journey from rock bottom—$24K in debt and clinically depressed—to mastering sales and becoming financially independent.

   • 🌟 27:11 Strategies for managing depression, building professional confidence, and finding emotional balance while maintaining drive.

   • 🤝 43:56 Sales is a relationship game: why building trust, emotional connection, and being easy to do business with matters more than any script.

   • 🤝 58:13 Creating value through personal interaction, active listening, and follow-ups—how real sales pros stay memorable.

   • 🤝 01:14:29 Sales, like dating, hinges on emotional intelligence—Jon compares the two with uncanny insight.

   • 🤝 01:28:51 First impressions matter—tips on nailing your opener, mastering body language, and drawing people in authentically.

   • 🎭 01:57:35 Character, consistency, and storytelling are the secret weapons of great salespeople—and people in general.

   • 🔥 02:22:24 Wrapping up with Jon’s passion for music, emotional triggers, and creating high-energy atmospheres for personal growth.

On this powerhouse episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Jason Nemes, the electrifying entrepreneur, bestselling author of The Code of Behavior, TEDx speaker, and founder of Summit Roofing & Construction. From surviving a heart attack on Easter Sunday 2021 to becoming a high-performance leader with 6% body fat and a supercar in the garage, Jason’s story is proof that discipline, authenticity, and mindset can rewrite your life script—no matter where you start.

A staple in the health & wellness space and a respected leader in personal development, Jason drops unfiltered wisdom on building seven-figure businesses, sustaining peak fitness, navigating relationships, and reverse engineering success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, high-performer, or simply trying to take the next step in your personal journey, this conversation is loaded with the mindset hacks, habits, and heart you didn’t know you needed.

🔥 Five Highlights from the Episode:

1. 💔 From Death to Discipline: After flatlining from a heart attack, Jason shares how it became the ultimate wake-up call to transform his health, lifestyle, and leadership approach.

2. 📈 Reverse Engineering Success: Learn how Jason builds unstoppable momentum by working backward from big goals, holding his team accountable, and living by non-negotiable standards.

3. 👥 The Power of Proximity: He explains why your inner circle is either your parachute or your anchor—and how aligning with believers changed his life.

4. 🎯 Purpose Over Pressure: Why true growth begins when you focus on goal-achieving activities, not just stress-relieving ones.

5. 🧠 The Real Code of Behavior: Jason breaks down the principles behind his bestselling book and how authenticity, faith, and self-discipline are the foundation for personal and financial transformation.

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  ⏱ Timestamped Summary:

  
  

  💪 00:00 Jason kicks off with his origin story—growing up in Plano, building mental resilience, and how a relentless work ethic propelled him into entrepreneurship.

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  🚀 18:51 A masterclass on authentic leadership, learning from peers, and holding yourself to non-negotiables to scale business and life.

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  💔 31:21 Jason recalls his near-death experience from a heart attack and how it reshaped his perspective on faith, health, and purpose.

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  💪 47:44 The importance of consistency, clear communication, and using past failures as a blueprint for future wins.

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  🌱 01:06:03 Mentorship, morning routines, and surrounding yourself with those who call you to a higher standard.

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  🎨 01:31:07 From “Tatted Press” to business leader—Jason shares his thoughts on self-expression, real estate, and living unashamedly.

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  🏡 01:45:03 A well-rounded life is built on faith, fitness, family, and forward-thinking.

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  🌟 02:04:35 Closing wisdom on the human condition, emotional intelligence, and choosing logic over reaction for a life of impact.

  
  

• 🔍 SEO Keywords:
  #JasonNemes, #JasonNemesPodcast, #SummitRoofing, #TheCodeofBehavior, #TEDx, #TEDxmotivationalspeaker, #overcomingheartattack, #CommonCentswithGarrett Reed, #CommonCentsThePodcast, #disciplinemindset, #personalgrowthhabits, #reverseengineeringgoals, #healthtransformationstory, #Planoentrepreneur, #fitnessandfaith, #roofingindustryleadership

In this powerful episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Super Bowl Champion and NFL veteran John Brandes, who now serves as VP of Customer Engagement for Maintenance Supply Solutions. From lining up as a tight end for the Washington Redskins to building winning teams in the multifamily industry, John shares the playbook for resilient leadership, meaningful mentorship, and personal growth.

With stories from Coach Joe Gibbs’ Bible studies at training camp to managing relationships in today’s construction world, Brandes reminds us that true success isn’t about titles—it’s about how you treat people. Whether you're in business, sports, or navigating life’s toughest transitions, this episode delivers real, raw, and relatable insights from a man who’s been at the top—and started over.

🔥 Five Highlights from the Episode:

1. 🏈 Transitioning with Purpose: From NFL stardom to entry-level sales, John Brandes proves the power of humility, work ethic, and starting from the bottom.

2. 👥 Leadership That Connects: Inspired by Coach Joe Gibbs, John shares why strong leadership starts with integrity, faith, and caring for your team—on and off the field.

3. 🤝 Relationships Over Revenue: In business and associations, it's not about the pitch—it's about people. Build trust, earn respect, and the rest will follow.

4. 💼 Culture Over Corporations: Competing with billion-dollar brands? John explains why customer service, culture, and consistency give smaller companies the edge.

5. 🌟 Life, Legacy & Love: After a near-death accident at 61, John’s commitment to gratitude, faith, and family shines through—reminding us to say “I love you” often and mean it.

   
   

   ⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 🏈 00:00 John Brandes opens up about his journey from NFL tight end to sales leader, sharing lessons in perseverance and career reinvention.

• 🏈 19:30 Reflections on Coach Joe Gibbs’ leadership, evolving player safety in the NFL, and how character shaped John’s off-field life.

• 🏈 42:00 John breaks down how the grit and discipline of football prepared him for construction project management and business success.

• 🏗️ 53:44 From NFL retiree to multifamily sales pro—John discusses mentorship, family sacrifice, and rebuilding after big career transitions.

• 🤝 01:19:23 Leadership insights, accountability, and the value of promoting second-chance hires in creating a loyal, mission-driven workforce.

• 🏗️ 01:34:50 Navigating leadership shifts post-acquisition, the importance of humility, and how stress affects culture in a family-run business.

• 🌟 01:50:44 Conversations on company values, mental health for first responders, and raising kids with compassion, gratitude, and resilience.

• 🌟 02:10:58 Final takeaways: love deeply, lead boldly, and don’t wait to resolve conflict—because tomorrow isn’t promised.
  #John Brandes, #JohnBrandespodcast, #NFLtobusiness, #multifamily, #multifamilysalesleadership, #MaintenanceSupplySolutions, #CommonCentswithGarrettReed, #JoeGibbs, #JoeGibbsleadership, #Super Bowl, #SuperBowlchampioninterview, #transitioningafterNFL, #relationship-basedselling, #constructionsalesstrategy, #mentorshipinbusiness, #workplaceculture, #mentalhealth, #mentalhealthforfirstresponders

On this episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Nathan Melnick, founder of HVAC Rental and the man behind one of the most impressive relationship-driven growth stories in the HVAC rental industry. From launching his company as a one-man operation to expanding to 12 offices nationwide, Nathan proves that authenticity, mentorship, and customer-first thinking aren’t just good values—they’re smart business.

Nathan unpacks how a quick-response culture, personal connections, and keeping business third or fourth on the list have fueled 15 years of 30–40% growth. But it's not just about chillers and contracts. This conversation dives into public speaking, comedy, parenting, gratitude, and even urinal cake marketing strategies—because business success starts with being memorable, human, and real.

Whether you’re in construction, contracting, or simply building a career, this episode delivers hard-earned insight, real-life laughs, and practical strategies that prove success is built one relationship at a time.

🔥 Five Highlights from the Episode:

1. 💼 Built on Relationships: HVAC Rental scaled from 1 to 12 offices nationwide by treating clients like family and prioritizing long-term trust over short-term profit.

2. 🔧 Customer-Centric Strategy: Success in HVAC rental depends on newer equipment, fast 2 a.m. emergency response, and doing what others won’t.

3. 🎭 Stand-Up Confidence: Comedy classes helped Nathan overcome public speaking fears and build confidence that now powers his business success.

4. 🧠 Mentorship Matters: Surrounding yourself with industry veterans and wise mentors is essential for both personal and professional breakthroughs.

5. 🙏 Give Back & Stay Grateful: Nathan’s philosophy centers on appreciating what you have, giving back, and helping others shine—especially in tough times.

   
   

   ⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 💡 00:00 Nathan Melnick opens up about the HVAC rental industry, the value of mentorship, and the mindset shifts that shaped his journey.

• 🌟 09:49 From a hesitant bartender to a nationwide business owner, Nathan shares how authenticity and resilience helped him grow a meaningful career.

• 🌟 27:32 The power of personal connections and cultural sensitivity helped Nathan build HVAC Rental into a thriving, relationship-driven company.

• 💼 39:41 Construction and rental industries thrive on clear communication, consistent service, and pricing strategies that prioritize long-term clients.

• 💼 49:58 Business growth is tied to reputation and staying real in sales—Nathan explains how positivity and honesty drive referrals and retention.

• 🌟 56:58 Nathan reflects on the life lessons that helped him shift perspective, embrace challenges, and surround himself with the right people.

• 🌟 01:07:15 From giving back to balancing family and work, Nathan shares the personal values that drive his professional decisions.

• 🌟 01:21:47 Celebrating milestones and embracing discomfort, Nathan discusses pandemic lessons and the freedom found in vulnerability and connection.

In this power-packed episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with James Giddens, a 31-year veteran of Sherwin Williams and a true pillar in the multifamily construction industry. From his Texas roots to becoming a trusted leader in sales and mentorship, James shares lessons on what really moves the needle in multifamily: relationships, reputation, and results.

This episode dives deep into how "friends buy from friends" is more than a catchphrase—it’s a guiding philosophy. Whether you're an industry newcomer or a seasoned pro, James offers invaluable insights on pre-construction planning, relationship building, navigating client dynamics, and mentoring the next generation.

If you’re looking to grow your business, your team, or your impact in the multifamily world, this episode delivers straight talk and real wisdom from one of the industry’s most respected professionals.

🔥 Five Highlights from the Episode:

1. 🤝 Relationships First: Sales success in multifamily hinges on genuine relationships—treat everyone equally, from leasing agents to executives.

2. 🛠️ Problem Solving with Integrity: Address problems swiftly and honestly by understanding how they affect maintenance, management, and ownership.

3. 📊 Business Strategy: Use detailed bids as instruction manuals and always conduct pre-construction meetings to align teams and expectations.

4. 🤝 Industry Involvement: Join associations and NextGen committees to network, learn, and access mentorship that fast-tracks your career.

5. 🧠 Personal Growth: Invest in teaching your kids and your team about work ethic, communication, and perseverance—because success is about more than profit.

   
   

   ⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 🎟️ 00:00 James Giddens, a Texas native, shares his Sherwin Williams journey and the foundational role of mentorship and industry engagement.

• 🤝 12:51 Building trust and clear communication with clients leads to long-term partnerships, especially when addressing issues with honesty.

• 🤝 31:05 Authenticity and active listening are more powerful than sales scripts—real conversations win business.

• 🔑 40:46 Strong bids and thoughtful project planning are essential for successful outcomes in construction.

• 💼 50:22 Setting boundaries and leading with integrity preserves your reputation, prevents burnout, and attracts the right clients.

• 🤝 01:02:39 Emphasizing long-term local relationships builds resilience in tough markets and fuels business growth.

• 🤝 01:21:18 Mentorship opens doors and drives industry evolution, especially in today’s consolidating multifamily landscape.

• 🏌️‍♂️ 01:37:15 James reflects on teaching work ethic and life skills to the next generation through mentorship, family, and example.

  
  

SEO Keywords:
Multifamily construction podcast, Sherwin Williams sales, building client relationships, multifamily industry insights, mentorship in construction, property management strategies, James Giddens interview, Garrett Reed podcast, how to grow in multifamily industry, construction bid strategy, leadership in sales

In this deeply inspiring episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Naz Thomas, a Life Time Fitness personal trainer, former competitive bodybuilder, and stage 4 cancer warrior, for a raw and powerful conversation on health, hustle, and healing.

Naz's journey takes us from his early days as an engineering student to dominating the bodybuilding stage and ultimately transforming lives as a trainer. But his greatest transformation came after a shocking diagnosis—stage 4 metastatic cancer at age 48. With grit, discipline, and an 11-pound salad a day, Naz shifted his entire life to battle the disease head-on. He opens up about the mental reset rituals that keep him strong, the role his 3-year-old son Jackson plays in his healing, and how fitness has become a lifeline—not just for him, but for everyone he coaches.

Whether you're into fitness, fatherhood, mindset, or looking for a true story of resilience, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

🔥 5 Highlights from the Episode:

1. 🏋️ Passion Over Plans: Naz left engineering to pursue personal training, mastering the art of balancing physical aesthetics with emotional strength and client care.

2. 🌱 Plant-Powered Comeback: After a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, Naz adopted a plant-based lifestyle, transforming his body and mindset through holistic health.

3. 🧠 Mental Reset Mastery: His 3-minute "truck-to-gym" reset ritual and the power of managing mental stress are game changers for anyone in a high-pressure role.

4. 👨‍👦 Father First: Naz’s young son Jackson reminds him to take medication and even scrambles his own eggs—showcasing the beautiful intersection of parenting and perseverance.

5. 📈 Tracking = Transformation: Whether it’s nutrition, workouts, or mood, Naz preaches the power of tracking data for long-term growth and results.

   
   

   ⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 00:00 Naz Thomas shares his journey from engineering to becoming a successful personal trainer, overcoming challenges and earning recognition in the fitness industry.

• 07:15 His transition from sports to competitive bodybuilding, highlighting key competitions and his passion for helping others.

• 23:01 Insights on body image in the fitness world and why client relationships must come before personal goals.

• 35:34 How Naz’s cancer diagnosis reshaped his priorities, training style, and dedication to self-care and family.

• 53:10 The shift to a vegan lifestyle, driven by survival and supported by family, mental strength, and purpose.

• 01:05:19 Strategies for balancing family and fitness, supporting client success, and managing stress.

• 01:24:05 His love for custom cars, funny gym stories, tracking diet metrics, and an ongoing gummy candy obsession.

• 01:37:42 A viral gummy worm gift sparks laughs and a deeper look into holistic coaching, authenticity, and personal growth.

  
  

SEO Keywords:
Naz Thomas, Fitness Coach Cancer Survivor, Life Time Personal Trainer, Vegan Bodybuilder, Resilience, Plant-Based Healing, Personal Growth, Mindset Coach, Gym Life, Fitness Podcast, Garrett Reed, Common Cents Podcast, Fatherhood and Fitness, Mental Reset Routine, Health Transformation, Real Talk with Trainers.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: Naz Thomas on Common Cents The Podcast

In this milestone 100th episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with powerhouse leader and three-time bestselling author Brenda Neckvatal—a woman known for helping the strongest leaders deal with the messiest people. With 30 years of experience in HR, leadership development, and crisis management, Brenda has trained over 1,000 leaders and worked with 700+ companies to transform toxic dynamics and build resilient, high-performance teams.

From her beginnings in Fortune 500 companies to founding Human Results, Brenda’s no-fluff approach has made her a go-to mentor when the stakes are high, egos are flaring, and clarity is critical. Whether you’re leading a team, managing conflict, or trying to figure out how to grow from failure, this episode is packed with practical strategies, personal growth gems, and transformative leadership insights. Brenda also shares how her work with The Honor Foundation helps Navy SEALs and Special Forces veterans navigate civilian life with purpose and clarity.

If you’re ready to learn how to lead with conviction, communicate with authenticity, and manage crisis like a pro—this episode is your blueprint.

Top 5 Highlights:

1. 🎯 Respect Over Likeability: True leadership means being respected, not liked. Brenda shares why making hard decisions and holding to core values builds stronger, more sustainable teams.

2. 🛠️ HR That Works: How the evolution from traditional HR to “Human Results” has shifted the focus from compliance to transformation—and why leaders must master both.

3. 🧠 Crisis Management & Narcissism: Brenda breaks down how to spot behavioral red flags, manage narcissistic personalities, and why clarity and directness are your best tools in a crisis.

4. 🎤 Speaking to Transform, Not Inform: Improv, pattern recognition, and value-dumping—Brenda explains how her keynotes change lives and challenge listeners to self-reflect.

5. 💡 Leading Elite Operators: From boardrooms to battlefield veterans, Brenda shares the SEAL-inspired collaboration mindset: “One is none. Two is one. No man is an island.”

⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 00:00 Brenda shares her leadership journey and the real meaning behind helping elite leaders manage emotional chaos and toxic team dynamics.

• 21:09 From Fortune 500 HR to transformational speaker—why Human Results matter more than policy manuals.

• 52:56 A 4 AM phone call, The Honor Foundation, and finding your calling in serving others through real communication and truth-telling.

• 01:05:21 Clear communication, strong principles, and team alignment—Brenda’s formula for sustainable leadership.

• 01:28:20 Government contracting and accountability: how principles beat preferences and prevent costly mistakes.

• 01:41:58 Escalating behaviors and tough leadership calls—navigating workplace threats with courage and strategy.

• 01:58:42 Trust, trauma, and transformation—Brenda shares the emotional story of Navy SEAL Mike Day and what it means to lead with heart.

• 02:25:09 Big announcements ahead: What’s next for Common Cents and why this episode marks the beginning of a new era.

  
  

Keywords for SEO:#BrendaNeckvatal, #LeadershipDevelopment, #HumanResults, #ToxicWorkplace, #CrisisManagement, #TransformationalSpeaking, #HRConsulting, #NavySEALTransition, #EmotionalIntelligence, #CommunicationStrategies, #GarrettReedPodcast, #CommonCentsThePodcast, #LeadershipPodcast, #TeamDynamics, #WorkplaceCulture, #ConflictResolution, #AccountabilityinBusiness, #ExecutiveCoaching, #TheHonorFoundation.

To contact Brenda Neckvatal:

www.BrendaNeckvatal.com

www.brendaspeaksonstage.com

In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode of Common Cents The Podcast, host Garrett Reed sits down with Jimmy McClung, the Maintenance Support Supervisor at Luma Residential, a CAMT-certified instructor, and 2024’s Fort Worth Apartment Association Member of the Year. From humble beginnings on a dairy farm to becoming one of the most respected leaders and mentors in the multifamily industry, Jimmy shares his remarkable story of resilience, transformation, and service.

With 27 years in agriculture and more than three decades in multifamily, Jimmy opens up about the life lessons he’s learned—like the power of brutal honesty, the importance of mentorship and skilled trades, and why face-to-face communication still matters in today’s fast-paced world. He also dives into public speaking tips, how to turn angry residents into raving fans, and the future of a shrinking workforce in property management.

Whether you're a maintenance tech, leasing pro, property owner, or just someone who loves a story about grit and growth, this episode delivers valuable takeaways—and a few laughs along the way.

🎥 Watch the full show here: YouTube - Jimmy McClung on Common Cents

🔥 Five Highlights from the Episode:

1. From Farm to Facilities
   Jimmy reflects on his early years milking cows and how life on a dairy farm built the discipline and work ethic that fueled his multifamily success.

2. Turn Complaints into Connection
   Learn Jimmy’s proven approach to winning over upset residents in just 10–15 minutes with simple, honest communication.

3. CAMT Champion
   With outstanding pass rates in his CAMT classes, Jimmy explains the importance of teaching and mentoring the next generation of maintenance professionals.

4. Overcoming Stage Fright
   Jimmy shares how he conquered his fear of public speaking, reframed nervousness as excitement, and now aspires to become a motivational speaker.

5. Fixing the Future
   Jimmy sounds the alarm on the need for vocational education, encouraging young people to pursue the trades and help fill the industry’s growing workforce gap.

   
   

   ⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 00:00 – Jimmy McClung shares his roots, growing up on a dairy farm, and the pivotal shift into the multifamily industry after construction.

• 07:23 – His passion for problem-solving and helping others grows as he balances supporting a family and building a new career path.

• 19:21 – Becoming Maintenance Support Supervisor at Luma in 2017, Jimmy finds fulfillment in coaching and mentoring service teams across properties.

• 29:12 – Jimmy explains how effective communication can transform resident experiences and how genuine leadership impacts team motivation.

• 37:01 – Conquering public speaking fears, driven by family and mentors, and transforming anxiety into confidence on stage.

• 51:53 – A call to action: Jimmy discusses the skilled labor shortage and the need for vocational training to inspire the next generation.

• 01:02:18 – The multifamily industry’s future, navigating smaller workforces, centralization, and teaching cash flow awareness to teams.

• 01:09:42 – Final thoughts on authenticity, humor in maintenance mishaps, and the mindset needed to take control of your life and career.

  
  

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