From Real Estate to NASA: How Rene Salinas Built a Career on Grit, Growth, and Relationships

In this inspiring episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Rene Salinas, a dynamic leader whose journey from earning his real estate license at 18 to becoming a senior program manager working with NASA is packed with lessons in grit, networking, and personal growth.

Rene reveals how leveraging relationships, taking calculated risks, and embracing lifelong learning have shaped his career across real estate, IT, AV integration, and beyond. From historic home restoration to building healthy habits and fostering a growth mindset, Rene shares actionable insights for anyone looking to level up personally and professionally.

Whether you’re climbing the career ladder, restoring a fixer-upper, or aiming for peak fitness, this episode delivers practical wisdom and motivation!

🔑 Five Highlights from the Episode:

1️⃣ 🚀 From Real Estate to NASA: How grit, networking, and risk-taking propelled Rene’s career from a teenage licensee to leading projects with NASA.
2️⃣ 💼 The Power of Relationships: Why adding value without expecting immediate returns opens doors to life-changing opportunities.
3️⃣ 🏛️ Patience Pays Off: Lessons from restoring a historic home and the importance of attention to detail and communication.
4️⃣ 🏋️‍♂️ Healthy Habits for Success: How fitness, accountability, and nutrition transformed Rene’s productivity and well-being.
5️⃣ 🙏 Growth Mindset & Gratitude: How surrounding yourself with like-minded people and practicing daily gratitude fuels long-term success.

⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 💡 00:00 Rene Salinas shares his journey from real estate at 18 to NASA program manager, stressing perseverance, trade school value, and trusted business partnerships.

• 💼 10:48 The importance of networking, adaptability, and giving 110% effort in overcoming challenges and driving career growth.

• 💼 24:09 How leveraging LinkedIn connections led to NASA opportunities and leadership roles at Diversified.

• 💼 38:06 Taking calculated risks, navigating industry shifts, and restoring a historic home with patience and strategic planning.

• 🏋️‍♂️ 01:01:56 Building healthy habits to improve well-being, productivity, and overall life balance.

• 🏋️‍♂️ 01:20:25 Prioritizing diet, accountability, and the right workout structure for fitness success.

• 💡 01:35:25 The role of gratitude, mentorship, and cold plunge therapy in personal and professional growth.

• 💡 01:52:20 Life lessons on perseverance, intentional living, and the importance of loved ones and simple joys.