The Brian Hess Show

Episode 977 | The Power of Relationships Every real opportunity in business and life comes through people. Growth follows trust. Speed follows credibility. Leverage follows proximity. Networking isn't collecting contacts. It's showing up, adding value, and playing the long game. The rooms you're in shape your thinking. Your thinking shapes your future. Relationships aren't a soft skill. They're a strategic advantage. Build them before you need them.

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to The Brian Hess Show. This is Episode 2 of 2026, and today we're taking yesterday's conversation to the next level. Learning lessons is easy. Turning lessons into standards is where most people fail. In this episode, I break down how to take the pain, adversity, and clarity you gained in 2025—and lock those lessons into systems, boundaries, and non-negotiables that actually change your future.  We dig into: ✅ Why reflection without execution is useless ✅ How lessons are wasted when standards don't change ✅ Turning adversity into systems, not stories ✅ Why most people relearn the same lessons over and over ✅ How to eliminate bias in hiring, leadership, and decision-making ✅ Why fundamentals beat sophistication every time ✅ How complexity is often just avoidance in disguise ✅ The discipline required to protect focus in a distracted world ✅ Contributors vs. takers—and why access must be earned ✅ When it's okay (and necessary) to break old commitments ✅ How boundaries enforce standards and protect momentum We also talk deeply about discipline, focus, communication cadence, rest and recovery, and why leadership fundamentals are boring—but absolutely undefeated. The truth is simple: 👉 Reflection respects the past. Execution respects the future.  🔥 CHALLENGE: What lesson did 2025 teach you that you still haven't turned into a standard? What boundary, system, or rule needs to be implemented now so you don't relearn it again? If today's episode brought you value, do me a favor—Like, Subscribe, and Share this with someone who's serious about leading better in 2026.  📲 Follow us for more:  👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow 🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Expert content creation? www.1teammedia.com 🚜 Elite paving & construction training? www.topcontractorschool.com 🏗️ Industry-leading paving solutions? www.thepavementgroup.com 🔧 Trusted partners:   www.leeboy.com www.dynapac.com   www.truxnow.com www.dewalt.com #TheBrianHessShow #Leadership #StandardsOverFeelings #Discipline #Focus #Execution #2026Mindset #HighPerformance #NoDrama #RaiseTheStandard

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to The Brian Hess Show — and welcome to 2026. In today's episode, I'm taking you on a real, unfiltered walk through everything 2025 taught me. The wins. The pressure. The lessons that cost something. This isn't hype, predictions, or surface-level motivation — this is leadership lived out in real time. 2025 was a year that revealed things. It revealed people. It revealed standards. It revealed discipline, focus, loyalty, and where leadership either holds or breaks under pressure. In this episode, I break down:  ✅ Why adversity doesn't create leaders — it reveals them ✅ The truth about kindness without accountability  ✅ Why low turnover isn't a badge of honor — standards are ✅ The ceiling of coaching and when leadership requires hard decisions ✅ Why you can't outwork scale — systems beat heroics ✅ How drama destroys momentum (and why it's optional) ✅ Contributors vs. takers — and how discernment protects your mission ✅ The loneliness of leadership — and why it's supposed to be that way ✅ Why presence matters more than intention ✅ How discipline, focus, and daily execution make success inevitable I also share the real lessons learned while scaling The Pavement Group, Top Contractor School, and One Team Media — lessons that apply whether you're leading a company, a team, a family, or just yourself. 🔥 THE THEME FOR 2026: Raise the standard. No drama. Clear focus. Clear accountability. 🔥 CHALLENGE: Audit your circle. Audit your standards. Audit your time. What needs to be eliminated so your best people — and your best life — can thrive? If today's episode brought you value, do me a favor — Like, Subscribe, and Share this with someone who's stepping into leadership this year.  📲 Follow us for more: 👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow 🔗 Presented by Verizon Business Verizon Business is #1 in customer satisfaction for small business internet service six years running. Learn more at: verizon.com/thebrianhessshow 🔗 Resources & Partnerships:  💡 Expert content creation? www.1teammedia.com 🚜 Elite paving & construction training? www.topcontractorschool.com 🏗️ Industry-leading paving solutions? www.thepavementgroup.com 🔧 Trusted industry partners:  → www.leeboy.com → www.dynapac.com → www.truxnow.com → www.dewalt.com #TheBrianHessShow #Leadership #2026Mindset #RaiseTheStandard #Discipline #Focus #HighPerformance #Entrepreneurship #NoDrama

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to The Brian Hess Show! Today, we're diving deep into the world of innovation, leadership, and global growth with returning guest Eric Cunningham, CEO and Founder of Green Cabbage — a company redefining procurement intelligence for some of the biggest organizations in the world. Fresh off a $40 million Series B round, Eric shares what it takes to build a world-class team, scale across continents, and create a culture that drives results and relationships at the highest level.  In this episode, we unpack:  ✅ The mindset behind raising Series A and B funding rounds  ✅ How Green Cabbage is disrupting the procurement space globally ✅ Building elite culture, people, and pace that fuel sustainable growth ✅ The power of advisory boards and partnerships in scaling smarter ✅ Lessons learned from leading through rapid expansion and change Eric and Brian also reflect on gratitude, leadership, and the entrepreneurial grind — reminding us that no matter how big the vision, it all comes down to people, values, and relentless execution.  🔥 CHALLENGE: Look at your own business or leadership journey — are you growing with intention, or just going fast? If today's episode brought you value, do me a favor — Like, Subscribe, and Share this with someone who's building something special!  📲 Follow us for more: 👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow  🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Expert content creation — www.1teammedia.com 🚜 Elite paving & construction training — www.topcontractorschool.com 🏗️ Industry-leading paving solutions — www.thepavementgroup.com 🔧 Dynapac paving equipment — www.dynapac.com #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #ProcurementIntelligence #StartupJourney #GreenCabbage #BusinessGrowth #TheBrianHessShow Listen to this episode on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perspective-podcast/id1477287951 Listen to this episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4OnmaJ1QDjgb2bZcJjrPhK?si=4INR61YZQ3mBL77wagjrQQ Listen to this episode on Stitcher: https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/456985/episodes https://www.realbrianhess.com/ https://www.topcontractorschool.com/ https://www.thepavementgroup.com/

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to the show! Today's episode is special—not just because we're talking business and technology—but because we're reconnecting with an old friend and powerhouse leader in the wireless world, Chris Pagano, Senior Director of Segment Marketing & Business at Verizon Business. We dive deep into leadership, longevity, and the evolution of one of the world's most influential brands—and how relationships, consistency, and innovation continue to drive Verizon's success.  In this episode, we break down:  ✅ How relationships build lasting careers and cultures within big organizations ✅ The evolution of Verizon—from retail roots to global tech powerhouse ✅ How AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation are shaping the future of connectivity ✅ Why reliability, relationships, and service still win in a transactional world ✅ What small business owners can learn from Verizon's model of innovation and trust We also unpack what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry, how Verizon supports small businesses with digital tools and education, and why great companies are built by great people—one relationship at a time.  🔥 CHALLENGE: Think about your own business or career—are you building relationships or just transactions? What can you do this week to strengthen your connections and serve people better? If today's episode brought you value, do me a favor—Like, Subscribe, and Share this with someone who needs to hear it!  📲 Follow us for more: 👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow  🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Expert content creation? www.1teammedia.com 🚜 Elite paving & construction training? www.topcontractorschool.com 🏗️ Industry-leading paving solutions? www.thepavementgroup.com Listen to this episode on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perspective-podcast/id1477287951 Listen to this episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4OnmaJ1QDjgb2bZcJjrPhK?si=4INR61YZQ3mBL77wagjrQQ Listen to this episode on Stitcher: https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/456985/episodes https://www.realbrianhess.com/  https://www.topcontractorschool.com https://www.thepavementgroup.com/ #TheBrianHessShow #Leadership #VerizonBusiness #Entrepreneurship #AI #SmallBusiness #Innovation #RelationshipsMatter #TechnologyLeadership

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to the show! Today we've got a special in-studio guest—Adam Gunn, COO of NoCap Sports—to talk about how NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) is transforming college athletics and why NoCap is changing the game for universities, athletes, and businesses alike. We dig into:  ✅ How NoCap is solving the donor fatigue problem for universities  ✅ Why their innovative B2B model is creating sustainable athletic funding  ✅ The behind-the-scenes challenges NIL has created for coaches and school ✅ How businesses can partner to support universities while saving money ✅ Why athletes must think like brands—and how social presence impacts deals We also talk about Florida State, Louisville, Oklahoma State, and South Carolina, plus smaller programs like Nicholls State that are proving community buy-in can level the playing field. From car dealerships to credit card processing, NoCap is building win-win partnerships that fuel championships. 🔥 CHALLENGE: Whether you're a business owner, alum, or fan—ask yourself: Are you supporting your university in ways that create lasting impact? Explore partnerships instead of just donations. If today's episode brought you value, do me a favor—Like, Subscribe, and Share this with someone who needs to hear it!  📲 Follow us for more: 👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow  🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Expert content creation: www.1teammedia.com  🚜 Paving & construction training: www.topcontractorschool.com  🏗️ Pavement solutions: www.thepavementgroup.com 🔧 Dynapac equipment: www.dynapac.com #TheBrianHessShow #CollegeSports #NIL #NoCapSports #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #GameChanger

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to the show! Today, we're diving into one of the most overlooked but powerful skills a leader can develop—active listening. Too often, leadership gets reduced to vision, charisma, or strategy, but the truth is this: if you can't listen, you can't lead. Joining me today is Eric, and we break down:  ✅ Why active listening builds more trust than any strategy or title ✅ The difference between "hearing to respond" vs. "listening to understand" ✅ How great leaders create presence, curiosity, clarity, and empathy ✅ Why listening is a leadership advantage in business, parenting, marriage, and sales  ✅ Practical tips to become a better listener starting today We also talk about leadership at home, the power of giving people space to process, and how something as simple as putting your phone down at lunch can transform relationships.  🔥 CHALLENGE: This week, practice listening 80% of the time and talking just 20%. You'll be amazed how much trust, influence, and opportunity grows from being fully present.  If today's episode brought you value, do me a favor—Like, Subscribe, and Share this with someone who needs to hear it! 📲 Follow us for more:  👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow  📲 Stay connected: 👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow 🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Expert content creation: www.1teammedia.com  🚜 Paving & construction training: www.topcontractorschool.com 🏗️ Pavement solutions: www.thepavementgroup.com 🔧 Dynapac equipment: www.dynapac.com #TheBrianHessShow #Leadership #ActiveListening #TheMostUnderratedSkill #SuccessMindset #EmotionalIntelligence #Entrepreneurship

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to the show! Today, I'm going solo to unpack a truth that we often overlook—God always delivers, but blessings come with responsibility. The things you pray for—opportunities, resources, relationships, abundance—don't just show up. They arrive with weight, stewardship, and the call to manage them wisely. In this episode, we dig into:  ✅ Why answered prayers can feel overwhelming as much as exciting ✅ The "double-edged sword" of blessings—abundance + pressure ✅ Why gratitude and perspective are key to stewarding success  ✅ How sacrifice, discipline, and action align with prayer ✅ The importance of building systems, boundaries, and the right people around you  I also share personal reflections from recent family trips, moments that reminded me how fragile life really is, and why Luke 12:48 ("to whom much is given, much is required") hits harder than ever. God doesn't just give us what we ask for—He stretches us into who we're meant to be. 🔥 CHALLENGE: This week, ask yourself: Am I ready for the responsibility of the blessings I'm praying for? Don't just ask—align your actions with your vision. If today's episode brought you value, do me a favor—Like, Subscribe, and Share this with someone who needs to hear it! 📲 Follow us for more:  👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow  🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Need expert content creation? www.1teammedia.com  🚜 Elite paving & construction training? www.topcontractorschool.com 🏗️ Industry-leading paving solutions? www.thepavementgroup.com  🔧 Dynapac paving equipment? www.dynapac.com #TheBrianHessShow #FaithInAction #BeCarefulWhatYouPrayFor #Leadership #Stewardship #Gratitude #Entrepreneurship #PurposeDriven

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to the show!   Today, we're breaking down an often-overlooked distinction in business — the difference between growing and just getting bigger. They might sound similar, but they're worlds apart when it comes to building something sustainable.   Joining me in the seat is Super Bowl Champion Josh Miller. Together, we unpack what real growth looks like, why bigger isn't always better, and how chasing the wrong kind of "growth" can actually set you back.   Here's what we cover in this episode: ✅ Why scaling up too quickly can hurt more than help ✅ The mindset shift from chasing size to pursuing sustainable growth ✅ How to identify when your business is truly ready for expansion ✅ Lessons from sports about playing the long game ✅ The role of depth, preparation, and resilience in business success ✅ How to avoid the "more is better" trap and focus on what matters most ✅ Real-life examples of smart growth vs. reckless expansion   Whether you're building a startup, running an established company, or leading a team, this episode will give you practical insights on how to grow with intention — not just get bigger for the sake of it.   🔥 CHALLENGE: Where are you focused right now — on getting bigger, or truly growing stronger? What would it look like to shift your strategy toward long-term success?   If this episode hit home, do me a favor — Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs to hear it.   📲 Follow us for more: 👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow   🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Need expert content creation? www.1teammedia.com 🚜 Elite paving & construction training? www.topcontractorschool.com 🏗️ Industry-leading paving solutions? www.thepavementgroup.com 🔧 Dynapac paving equipment? www.dynapac.com   #TheBrianHessShow #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #SustainableScaling #SmartGrowth #MindsetMatters #PlayTheLongGame

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to the show! Today, we're diving deep into a powerful conversation about talent and timing—why both are essential, and how getting them out of sync can derail even the most promising careers and businesses. Joining me back in the seat is Mark Perkins, and we unpack the often-overlooked balance between being ready… and being right on time. Here's what we cover in this episode: ✅ Why being "good" isn't enough—you need the right timing too ✅ How to avoid jumping too soon—or waiting too long ✅ The pain of moving too fast without critical resources ✅ How to develop patience without losing urgency ✅ The role of humility, gratitude, and honest self-awareness in growth ✅ How to know when to push, when to pause, and when to pivot ✅ Why consistency and capacity matter more than chasing hype ✅ Real-world lessons from entrepreneurship, leadership, and even parenting Whether you're building a business, growing in your career, or figuring out your next big move—this episode will give you clarity on how to align your talent with timing that matters. 🔥 CHALLENGE: Where are you right now—pressing too hard, or holding back too long? What would it look like to trust the process and move with purpose? If this episode hit home, do me a favor—Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs to hear it. 📲 Follow us for more: 👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow 🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Need expert content creation? www.1teammedia.com 🚜 Elite paving & construction training? www.topcontractorschool.com 🏗️ Industry-leading paving solutions? www.thepavementgroup.com 🔧 Dynapac paving equipment? www.dynapac.com #TheBrianHessShow #Leadership #TimingMatters #TalentAndTiming #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset #PatienceAndPersistence #KnowWhenToMove

What's happenin', what's happenin'?! Happy Wednesday and welcome back to The Brian Hess Show! Today's episode is all about the rooms you wished for—those pivotal moments, tables, and opportunities we once dreamed of… and what it takes to actually earn a seat, stay there, and build your own when one doesn't exist. Joined by Eric Guy, we dive deep into: ✅ Why most people never walk into the rooms they long for ✅ What it really means to "belong" somewhere—and why that matters ✅ How to bring value to the room before you ask for a seat ✅ Building something from scratch when the place you're looking for doesn't exist ✅ Why no one's coming to save you (and why that's a good thing) ✅ How to know when you are the tip of the spear ✅ The power of vision, action, and long-term investment in relationships We also share behind-the-scenes stories from Top Contractor School, how Shiloh Plate & Pour became more than a restaurant, and why creating meaningful community spaces—physical or digital—can change your entire life and legacy. 🔥 CHALLENGE: Where are you still waiting to be invited? Stop waiting. Raise your hand. Build your own room. You are one decision away from the person who changes your life. If this episode hit home, do us a favor—Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs a push today. 📲 Stay connected: 👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow 🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Expert content creation: www.1teammedia.com 🚜 Paving & construction training: www.topcontractorschool.com 🏗️ Pavement solutions: www.thepavementgroup.com 🔧 Dynapac equipment: www.dynapac.com #TheBrianHessShow #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BuildTheRoom #VisionOverValidation #TopContractorSchool #ShilohPlateAndPour #OneTeamMedia #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #StartBeforeYou'reReady

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to the show! Today, we're digging into one of the most underrated competitive edges in business, leadership, and life—character. In a world obsessed with applause, overnight wins, and external validation, it's the silent victories, private discipline, and internal grit that define who you become. Joining me today is Josh Miller, and we go deep on:  ✅ Why adversity is essential for building real strength ✅ How silent seasons shape your identity more than public ones ✅ The difference between people who sustain success—and those who burn out ✅ Why your work ethic matters most when nobody's watching  ✅ How leaders build trust by doing the unglamorous work, every day We also talk about building momentum from rock bottom, parenting with purpose, why athletes make great teammates, and why your ability to bounce back is your biggest asset.  🔥 CHALLENGE: Ask yourself: Am I showing up consistently when no one's watching? Where do I need to realign with who I say I am? Choose one area this week—and take action. If today's episode brought you value, do me a favor—Like, Subscribe, and Share this with someone who needs to hear it! 📲 Follow us for more: 👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow 🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Need expert content creation? www.1teammedia.com  🚜 Elite paving & construction training? www.topcontractorschool.com  🏗️ Industry-leading paving solutions? www.thepavementgroup.com 🔧 Dynapac paving equipment? www.dynapac.com #TheBrianHessShow #BuildCharacter #Leadership #AdversityBuildsStrength #DisciplineOverMotivation #Entrepreneurship #SilentWins

What's happening, what's happening?! Welcome back to the show!   Today's episode is one of the realest we've ever recorded—because we're sitting down with NFL All-Pro Running Back Le'Veon Bell to talk about more than just football. From misunderstood moments to defining decisions, Le'Veon opens up about the man behind the headlines.   In this deep, wide-ranging conversation, we cover:   ✅ The power of patience—on the field and in life ✅ Being misunderstood by the media, fans, and even teammates ✅ The inside story behind his Steelers contract situation ✅ Why he walked away from "success" in search of something deeper ✅ Leadership lessons from playing with Big Ben, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes   We also get into the adversity he faced growing up as a 2-star recruit in Columbus, how a twist of fate opened the door at Michigan State, and why betting on yourself is the hardest—but most important—move you can make.   🔥 CHALLENGE: What narrative are you letting others write for you? Take control. Speak your truth. Own your story—before someone else does.   If today's episode brought you value, do me a favor—Like, Subscribe, and Share this with someone who needs to hear it!   📲 Follow us for more: 👉 Instagram: @realbrianhess | @thebrianhessshow 🔗 Resources & Partnerships: 💡 Expert content creation? www.1teammedia.com 🚜 Elite construction & paving training? www.topcontractorschool.com 🏗️ Industry-leading paving solutions? www.thepavementgroup.com 🔧 Dynapac paving equipment? www.dynapac.com   #TheBrianHessShow #LeVeonBell #Leadership #BetOnYourself #Misunderstood #NFLStories #Entrepreneurship #LegacyOverLabels