Meet Jason Panniell

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Panniell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland—a city that’s as tough as it is vibrant. Growing up there meant learning how to navigate challenges early. It’s a place that builds character fast. There’s a real energy in Baltimore, and while a lot of people thrive there, I knew deep down that I needed to step outside of it if I was going to build something bigger.

That choice didn’t come easy. It meant developing a certain mental toughness—learning to bet on myself, sharpen my skills, and push forward even when the path wasn’t clear. I had to separate from familiar places and faces, and lean on grit, vision, and self-belief.

One thing my mother instilled in me, my brother, and my sister was this: no one’s coming to save you. If you want something, it’s on you to make it happen. That mindset stuck with me. It’s how I operate in business and in life. I believe in taking initiative, staying accountable, and building something that doesn’t just serve me—but also uplifts others along the way.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business today is the result of two very different worlds coming together—music and finance. I spent 17 years in the music industry as a management consultant and executive manager, working with major label artists, international acts, and Grammy-winning producers. I helped develop talent, manage global tours, and negotiate high-level deals. That world taught me how to move with precision, handle high stakes, and build strong relationships across creative and corporate spaces.

Now, I run a North American financial services agency rooted in purpose. What we do isn’t just about products and services—it’s about helping people understand how money works and how to make it work for them. We teach people how to create multi-handed income, how to shift from survival to strategy, and how to grow not just their accounts, but their mindset.
What sets us apart is our focus on leadership and legacy. We build agencies and teams— but more importantly, we build leaders. We don’t push products—we promote financial literacy and self-improvement. My proudest moments don’t solely come from hitting agency milestones, but from watching everyday people transform—people who never saw themselves as entrepreneurs become confident, financially free professionals.

Getting here wasn’t easy. When I stepped into the financial world, I was starting from scratch. A completely different language to learn. A language I wish I would have learned a along time ago. Boy.. life sure would have been different if I did. But what I brought with me was my work ethic, my belief in systems, and my ability to build trust—skills sharpened in the pressure cooker of the entertainment industry. I leaned, and still lean heavily on mentorship, took every challenge head-on, and stayed laser-focused on the mission.

What was the biggest lesson? Well, I would say that success isn’t linear. You can completely multiply efforts with the right system and mentorship. It’s messy. It’s uncertain at times. But if you stay committed to growth, align yourself with the right people, and refuse to quit—you’ll build something real… real awesome!!

What I want the world to know is this: I’m not here to fit in—I’m here to bridge gaps. Between where people are and where they’re capable of going. Between struggle and sustainability. Between hustle and true wealth…net-worth thinking. My journey is proof that your past doesn’t disqualify you—it equips you. Whether it’s building artists or building agencies, I’ve always been about one thing: helping people realize the power they already have.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
OMG, LA isn’t just a place. It’s a curated energy! I think you tailor the experience to visiting friend’s vibe—whether it’s the glitz, the grit, or the wellness. There is really something for everyone. But I like basing it in West Hollywood because it’s my fav neighborhood.

The itinerary would be something like this:

Day 1
Stay: 1 Hotel West Hollywood – sustainable luxury with rooftop vibes and unmatched city views.
Dinner: Olivetta – moody, sexy Euro-chic spot for shared plates and cocktails. You’ll feel like you’re in Amalfi with L.A. edge.
Night: Hit Harriet’s Rooftop for panoramic views and a fashion-forward crowd. Then maybe Employees Only for a low-key but top-tier cocktail bar hidden behind a psychic sign.

Day 2
Brunch: Great White in Hollywood – chill, Aussie-style brunch with healthy spins.
Midday: Explore Academy Museum of Motion Pictures – even locals get inspired.
Afternoon Drink: Bar Lis at the Thompson Hotel – a French Riviera lounge plopped on a Hollywood rooftop.
Dinner: Mother Wolf – high-design Roman restaurant by Evan Funke; impossible to get into unless you plan ahead. Worth it.
Night: Good Times at Davey Wayne’s – retro house-party bar with a fridge entrance and soul train dance floor.

Day 3
Morning: Walk Abbot Kinney, shop local boutiques. Grab a matcha from Cha Cha Matcha or a quick bite from Gjusta.
Lunch: The Butcher’s Daughter – vibey and photogenic, plant-forward.
Afternoon: Venice Beach stroll → Electric bikes → End up in Santa Monica for ocean air.
Sunset Cocktails: Élephante rooftop – for ocean views and a polished crowd.
Dinner: Rustic Canyon – seasonal, California cuisine elevated by one of the best chefs in the state.

Day 4
Morning: The Broad Museum – cutting-edge modern art (reserve in advance).
Lunch: Marugame Udon – fast casual but masterful Japanese noodles.
Explore: ROW DTLA – local fashion pop-ups, design shops, and Smorgasburg LA if it’s Sunday.
Dinner: Bestia – iconic DTLA Italian spot. Grit meets gourmet. Still elite.
Night: Clifton’s Republic or The Wolves – for a gothic and theatrical bar experience.

Day 5
Brunch: Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel – old Hollywood opulence, worth the splurge.
Stroll: Rodeo Drive or Beverly Canon Gardens.
Dinner: Back to West Hollywood – Catch LA or Delilah for dinner with a side of celebrity-spotting.
Night: The Abbey – still the most iconic LGBTQ+ party destination, inclusive and explosive.

Day 6
Coffee: Alfred Coffee Silver Lake or Intelligentsia on Sunset.
Shop + Explore: Sunset Junction, hip indie boutiques, vinyl, bookstores.
Lunch: Pine & Crane – fresh, modern Taiwanese.
Afternoon Chill: Echo Park Lake paddle boats, or hike up to Elysian Park for sweeping city views.
Dinner: Bacari Silverlake – tapas-style with a charming tree-lit patio.
Night: The Short Stop – divey, dancey, zero-pretension, 100% fun.

Day 7
Morning: Hike Runyon Canyon early. Finish at Dialog Café in West Hollywood.
Lunch: Gracias Madre – plant-based Mexican with a WeHo patio scene you’ll want to post.
Afternoon: Chill at West Hollywood Park, walk through the Pacific Design Center.
Last Supper: Tesse or Sunset Tower Bar – classic, iconic, pure LA cool.
Nightcap: Bar Next Door – micro speakeasy in WeHo where cocktail culture is still an artform.

And I love to people watch…Creators, stylists, founders, DJs, off-duty models, screenwriters, and crypto-dropouts—they’re all out in the wild. LA rewards curiosity and confidence.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people, moments, and insights I could point to when it comes to giving credit for my growth and success. But if I had to spotlight a few, I’d start with my mother. Raising three kids in a tough environment with limited resources, she never folded. Her resilience, her mental toughness—I don’t even think she realizes how powerful those traits were in shaping us. She didn’t just survive—she led by example, and that left a permanent imprint on how I approach challenges.

Then there’s my wife. People assume that a spouse is automatically supportive, but when you’re building something unconventional—especially from the ground up—that support isn’t always guaranteed. She believed in me when the vision was still just scribbles on paper and the pressure felt overwhelming. That kind of belief is rare, and it means everything.

I also have to give major recognition to my mentors and business partners, Chris Payne and Kash Rastan. When I entered the financial industry, they took me under their wing without ego or gatekeeping. They exemplify what leadership, work ethic, and mentorship should look like. I didn’t understand the true value of having mentors earlier in life—but now, I can’t imagine succeeding without them. If you don’t have a mentor, find one. Better yet, find one who’s invested in seeing you win.

And of course, I’ve pulled a lot of value from books and podcasts. Atomic Habits by James Clear reshaped how I approach growth. Anything by John Maxwell offers timeless leadership lessons. And The Game podcast by Alex Hormozi is a masterclass in strategy and execution. We all need a constant flow of input—voices and ideas that stretch our thinking. I’ve learned that success isn’t a solo sport. It’s built on community, collaboration, and continual learning.

Website: https://growthbridgewb.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinthematrix/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonpanniell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.panniell/