Episode 96: Unlocking The Absolute Potential with Cliff Ponte JR.
Episode Overview:
Host Bobby Couto interviews Cliff Pont, exploring his journey from a determined teen to a successful entrepreneur and city councilor. They discuss politics, business, personal growth, and community impact in Fall River.
Guest Bio:
Cliff Pont: Fall River City Councilor, entrepreneur owning Keller Williams brokerage (195 agents), New York Bagel (6 locations), Al Mac's Diner, and Roger's Hot Dogs. The former acting mayor focused on accountability and mentorship.
Key Topics (with Timestamps):
Podcast mission and welcoming Cliff (0:03 - 0:20)
Appreciating the platform and community perspectives (0:20 - 1:15)
Local media, politician perceptions, and respectful dialogues (1:15 - 3:47)
Accountability, audits, and Mayor Coogan experiences (3:47 - 5:51)
COVID leadership challenges and interim mayor role (5:51 - 7:33)
Debunking financial myths and character insights (7:33 - 9:15)
Mayor's race preview: Candidates, apathy, issues (9:15 - 10:58)
Social media's impact on campaigning (10:58 - 12:41)
Lessons from national politics for local messaging (12:41 - 15:55)
Infrastructure frustrations and leadership styles (15:55 - 18:48)
Early work ethic and family sacrifices (18:48 - 21:52)
Turning points in low-wage jobs and inner drive (21:52 - 24:57)
Quitting jobs for real estate amid struggles (24:57 - 27:12)
Rejecting complacency and early leadership (27:12 - 29:15)
Shift to real estate success and mentorship (29:15 - 32:09)
Building brokerage and overcoming recession (32:09 - 35:33)
Rebranding image and owning local staples (35:33 - 38:24)
Commitment to Fall River as a city of opportunity (38:24 - 41:09)
Political tenure and future family goals (41:09 - 44:25)
Dating challenges as a busy leader (44:25 - 47:06)
Money as passion's byproduct and helping family (47:06 - 49:06)
Family background and legacy aspirations (49:06 - 51:06)
New York Bagel acquisition and expansion (51:06 - 55:29)
Partnership dynamics and integrity (55:29 - 59:20)
Business aspirations and youth advice (59:20 - 1:01:25)
Aligning with driven people unapologetically (1:01:25 - 1:03:17)
Mutual admiration and personal journeys (1:03:17 - 1:05:29)
Bobby's manifestation story and overcoming lows (1:05:29 - 1:08:34)
Inspirations and meaningful conversations (1:08:34 - 1:10:07)
Regrets, reflections, and tough love lessons (1:10:07 - 1:13:04)
Political growth: Respect over likeability (1:13:04 - 1:19:16)
Politics' value: Connections and impact (1:19:16 - 1:21:49)
Mid-life investment advice: Passions and businesses (1:21:49 - 1:26:14)
Acquisition strategies and dream-offering lessons (1:26:14 - 1:30:35)
Stock investments and crypto skepticism (1:30:35 - 1:35:38)
AI advances and ethical questions (1:35:38 - 1:39:03)
Plans for future live episodes (1:39:03 - 1:40:10)
Apology for prior distraction; 9/11 remembrance (1:40:10 - 1:45:51)
Life's fragility and closing thoughts (1:45:51 - End)
Notable Quotes:
Cliff: "I want to be respected and not liked."
Bobby: "I am in the constant pursuit of the best version of myself."
Cliff: "If you do what you truly love, the money comes."
Bobby: "When you get to the point where you say 'I can't no more,' you are ready."
Resources Mentioned:
Businesses: New York Bagel, Al Mac's Diner, Roger's Hot Dogs, Keller Williams.
Investments: Fidelity, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Berkshire Hathaway.
Local Politics: Fall River mayor's race.
Inspirations: Warren Buffett, "The Food That Built America."
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