From the Gridiron to the Game Plan: John Brandes on Leadership, Loyalty & Life After the NFL

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.
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