The Bobby Couto Show

01/11/2026

🚨 BREAKING NEWS EDITION: With the massive announcement that Cliff Ponte Jr. and Mike Silvia (Fall River Reporter) have acquired WSAR, the media landscape in Fall River just shifted. Everyone is asking: What is the vision? Who is the man making these power moves?

We are unlocking the archives to bring you Episode 96, where Cliff laid out the blueprint for his success long before the radio station purchase.

In this Episode: Before all the successes, he was a determined teen with a work ethic that wouldn't quit. Join host Bobby Couto as he sits down with the man who is quite literally buying the block. From owning the city's most iconic staples—Al Mac’s Diner, Roger’s Hot Dogs, and New York Bagel—to leading the city as Acting Mayor during its toughest times, Cliff opens up about the strategy behind the hustle.

If you want to understand the mindset required to go from scrubbing dishes to owning the airwaves, you need to watch this. We dive deep into the philosophy of "Respect over Likeability," the transition from politics to empire-building, and why he continues to double down on Fall River.

💡 “If you do what you truly love, the money comes.”

Topics Covered:

The Empire: How he manages 195 agents at Keller Williams and multiple food franchises.

The Politics: The reality of being Acting Mayor during COVID and the mayoral race.

The Mindset: Why he quit "safe" jobs to risk it all on real estate.

The Future: Why he believes Fall River is a city of massive opportunity.

🎙️ Notable Quotes:

"I want to be respected and not liked." — Cliff Ponte Jr. "I am in the constant pursuit of the best version of myself." — Bobby Couto

⏳ TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) Intro & The Mission (3:47) Accountability, Audits & Mayor Coogan (7:33) Debunking Financial Myths (15:55) Infrastructure Frustrations & Leadership Styles (18:48) The Origin Story: Early Work Ethic (24:57) Risking It All: Quitting Jobs for Real Estate (35:33) Owning Local Staples (Al Mac’s & Roger’s) (55:29) Partnership Dynamics & Integrity (1:05:29) Bobby’s Manifestation Story (1:13:04) The Hard Truth: Respect vs. Likeability (1:26:14) Acquisition Strategies & Business Advice (1:45:51) Closing Thoughts

Support the Show & Join the Community: This is just the beginning. Be part of the conversation as we continue to highlight the movers and shakers of this city.

👉 Subscribe to the Patreon: https://patreon.com/Thebobbycoutoshow

All roads lead here.

01/11/2026

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."

Call to Action: Go subscribe to the Patreon
⁠https://patreon.com/Thebobbycoutoshow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink⁠
All roads lead here.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3shrc8pCXDN2e7UZOyNNR3?si=dgRV9g3UTfaDaEmBmZU-ZQ

The Bobby Couto Show · Episode

01/09/2026