What does it really take to build long-lasting wealth, become financially free, and lead a fulfilling life? On this episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Jay Bass, Vice President of Finance at Rise Family Office, to break down the principles of strategic investing, building authentic relationships, and developing a growth-focused mindset.

Jay shares how anyone—whether you're an entrepreneur, professional athlete, or just starting out—can build a blueprint for financial success by leveraging compound interest, authentic networking, and calculated risk-taking. From developing your personal “superpower” to navigating misinformation and economic uncertainty, this episode is packed with insights that will transform the way you think about wealth, fulfillment, and your personal legacy.

Whether you're ready to take control of your finances, build meaningful connections, or lead with purpose—this episode delivers the roadmap.

✨ 5 Key Highlights:

1. Wealth Isn’t an Accident – Learn how compounding, clarity, and consistency drive long-term wealth and how to define your version of financial freedom.

2. Due Diligence Beats FOMO – Jay unpacks how to vet investment deals and avoid being burned by rushing into “too good to be true” opportunities.

3. Authentic Networking Over Shallow Name-Dropping – Why building deep, trustworthy relationships always beats chasing clout.

4. Your Superpower is the Shortcut – Discover how monetizing your unique skillset accelerates success far faster than following someone else’s path.

5. Discipline Over Motivation – Jay shares why daily consistency, not bursts of inspiration, is the key to lasting achievement in money, health, and legacy.

   
   

   🕒 Timestamped Summary:

   • 💰 00:00 – Jay Bass shares insights on wealth management, investing, and relationship building, emphasizing the importance of understanding goals, monetizing unique skills, and starting to save and invest early for long-term financial stability.

   • 💼 20:56 – When making large investments or financial deals, it's crucial to verify terms, assemble a trusted advisory team, and build deep relationships to mitigate risk and ensure success.

   • 💼 42:35 – Jay Bass emphasizes authenticity, trust, and relatability in networking and building a personal brand, especially when working with high-profile clients or celebrities.

   • 💡 56:27 – Jay Bass shares key entrepreneurial insights, including developing a growth mindset, becoming a technician and leader, and leveraging networking and AI tools to succeed.

   • 🤔 01:09:37 – Jay Bass discusses the misinformation spread by media, the importance of critical thinking, and opportunities for building wealth amidst current economic conditions.

   • 💸 01:22:32 – Building lasting wealth requires being strategic with finances, prioritizing long-term rewards over short-term comfort, and having discipline to stay focused on goals.

   • 💡 01:36:41 – Jay Bass shares insights on finding fulfillment, embracing unique strengths, and learning from experiences to build wealth and success.

   • 💡 02:01:46 – Jay Bass discusses his approach to leadership, mindset, and wealth, while criticizing the US healthcare system and big pharma, emphasizing the importance of being a good person and having a positive mindset.

   
   

On this episode of Common Cents The Podcast, host Garrett Reed sits down with Bill Pasha, a media and marketing legend with over 40 years of experience leading companies, building brands, and shaping stories. From the golden era of Top 40 radio to today’s algorithm-driven digital world, Bill takes us on a journey through the evolution of media, the rise of influencers, and the timeless value of relationships and authenticity.

Whether you're in marketing, entertainment, or just trying to understand how influence really works today—this episode is a masterclass in wisdom, creativity, and connection.

🔑 Five Key Highlights:

1. 📻 From Radio to Rogan: How the media industry evolved from personality-driven radio to digital content ruled by algorithm and influence.

2. 🎤 The Power of Authentic Influence: Why people like Howard Stern and Joe Rogan have captivated millions by staying true to themselves.

3. 🤝 Relationship Capital: Bill breaks down “net networking” and the art of hand-written notes to build relationships that matter.

4. 📚 Timeless Wisdom: Lessons from books like Outwitting the Devil and How to Win Friends and Influence People that still shape modern business success.

5. 🎵 Creativity Unplugged: Bill’s “Beyond the Amplifiers” project and why storytelling through music may be the truest expression of humanity.

   
   

⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 📺 00:00 Bill Pasha introduces his 40+ year career in media, marketing, and entrepreneurship, sharing stories from his time with CBS, Entercom, and beyond.

• 📻 10:06 Reflecting on the golden era of Top 40 radio and the shift to today’s more transactional, ad-driven content.

• 📻 19:59 Bill recalls how radio led in real-time communication during 9/11 and why it still matters in moments of crisis.

• 📻 35:48 The impact of corporate influence on media content and why integrity and authenticity are more important than ever.

• 💡 51:03 Why treating people with respect and standing by your convictions is the real path to influence and success.

• 📺 01:10:46 Bill discusses how his firm helps brands and restaurants grow through investor connections, branding, and customer insight.

• 📚 01:32:17 Life lessons on investing early, building human connection through hand-written notes, and the underrated art of listening.

• 🎙️ 01:47:44 Garrett and Bill wrap with stories on creativity, podcasting, and the future of meaningful conversations.

In this high-impact episode of Common Cents The Podcast, host Garrett Reed sits down with Connor Scribner, Co-Founder and President of Trinity Valley Plumbing, to uncover how a former competitor turned close ally used 15+ years of construction experience to redefine the trades through clear communication, elite execution, and fearless leadership.

From managing labor costs and language barriers to building a culture that retains top talent in a labor-short industry, Connor shares hard-earned lessons in estimating, project delivery, employee development, and mentorship.

This conversation is a masterclass for anyone in construction, business ownership, or skilled trades, and a compelling reminder that relationships, resilience, and clarity always win.

🔑 Five Highlights from the Episode:

1️⃣ 📣 Communication Wins Jobs: How Trinity Valley Plumbing separates from the competition through elite execution and proactive communication.
2️⃣ 🔧 Recession-Proof Strategy: Why focusing on essential trades like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical builds a durable business foundation.
3️⃣ 🧠 Mentorship & Leadership: How Connor finds growth through mentors and builds future leaders inside his team.
4️⃣ 👷‍♂️ Building Culture: Daily check-ins, value-driven leadership, and team accountability drive both retention and results.
5️⃣ ⚖️ Balance & Legacy: The importance of family time, personal development, and keeping your word—especially when no one is watching.

⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 💼 00:00 Connor Scribner shares 15 years of construction experience, focusing on honest communication, estimating, and building trusted relationships.

• 💼 22:47 From college disconnection to construction passion, Connor reflects on finding purpose, design-build dreams, and a 10-year marriage.

• 💼 38:08 His experience during crisis moments at Matrix helped him identify the skilled trade labor gap and inspired the creation of Trinity Valley Plumbing.

• 💼 58:38 Connor discusses the power of mentorship, networking, and solving challenges with supportive people in both business and life.

• 💼 01:11:28 The future of trades: Connor’s call to action for those who want to learn, lead, and grow in high-demand skilled professions.

• 💼 01:28:37 Insight into estimating, labor allocation, and combining business acumen with technical knowledge for operational success.

• 💼 01:38:56 Using technology and systems to prioritize well-being and achieve better work-life balance for the team.

• 🤣 01:51:33 Wild stories from construction sites and firefighting shifts, plus a challenge to take bold risks and bet on your network.