ABOUT US
Jason Baumsteiger, PhD.
CEO & Founder
Trainer & Instructor
My lifelong passion has been the pursuit of knowledge through studying the world around me. My academic journey began at UCLA (Bachelors) and led me to Humboldt State (Masters), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State University, UC Merced (Doctorate), and UC Davis (post-doc). I later taught at CSU Stanislaus, UC Davis, and ultimately served as a visiting professor at the University of the Pacific. Along the way I learned to mentor and teach undergraduate and graduate students from all walks of life.
Like so many, my life was forced in another direction and I took a job as a solar sales representative. Personally responsible for over 250 homes receiving solar, I was fortunate to serve at times in a leadership and teaching role during my 7+ years in the industry, working everyday in one of the hardest sales environments (door to door). Recently, I started my own solar dealership office with my brother, looking to provide effective consultation for those wishing to move to clean energy.
I have been fortunate to publish research in several peer-reviewed journals and recently authored the leadership book, Are You a Leader? (available on our website). More books are on the way. In addition to writing, teaching, and running the Uncommon Sense school, I provide some personal mentorship, business, and leadership coaching and well as strength training for select clients in my in-home gym. With over 30 years experience, I like to tailor sessions to challenge not just the body but the mind.
If not working on the above, I enjoy exploring the world with my wife and daughter, going on adventures of discovery.
Mallisa Baumsteiger, COO
Operations & Marketing
I have spent my life developing a wide range of skills across various industries. During my time working at universities, I focused on becoming an Experienced Leader, Enterprise Systems Designer, Marketing Strategist, and Project Manager, with a strong background in higher education. I’m skilled in operations management, copywriting, digital media marketing, communications, publication design and production, and people management.
My educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Digital Technology & Culture, as well as an Associate's degree in Information Technology. While working in the Universities, I was fortunate enough to share my knowledge of graphic design, video production, marketing, copywriting, and IT with students, which is where I discovered my passion for working with young adults.
Our Mission:
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We believe everyone harbors the potential for success within them, yet may require guidance or accountability to unlock their true capabilities. Our mission is to turn your dreams into reality by building a vision and offering the support needed to navigate life's challenges to become the best version of oneself. In addition, we strive to educate individuals on the day-to-day challenges currently overlooked in traditional education, offering coursework and in-person teachings on essential life skills. From health and finances to career choices and leadership, we serve as a one-stop shop for personal development. Our philosophy centers on the belief that life is a journey and we are committed to equipping you with the tools, supplies, and guidance necessary to chart your path to success.
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As a business, we endeavor to elevate a person’s mental and physical health through mentorship, teaching, and focused individual plans. One of the most sought-after resources in modern society is someone to help turn a dream into reality. Often, someone knows what they want but has no idea how to get it or even where to start. That’s where we come in. We don’t provide the dreams, rather we provide the vision to make it possible. You see, success or one’s best self is inside each of us. However, we often need someone to come along and help us unlock that person, that best version of self. Ever meet someone who just has it all together? They are almost infectious, and everyone wants to be around them. It is our goal to make you that person.
In addition to these goals, we also seek to educate people on the day-to-day challenges life throws at us. Normally this information would come from a parent or guardian. Yet with the modern world being so busy and ever changing, perhaps much of that information never made it to you. Again, we are here to help. Our coursework and in person teachings allow you to brush up on all those things in a clear, concise manner. Imagine spending time in a classroom setting but on topics directly related to surviving adult life. From concepts on health to money to career choice to leadership, we provide a one-stop shop that empowers people to better navigate the world around them.
If we were to cull down our philosophy into something simple, it would be this. Life is a journey we all go on. Anyone who wants to complete a journey should start by taking stock of what they have, what they still need, and hopefully takes along a map of where they intend to go. It is our purpose to equip you with all the right things you need and the best map possible for reaching your destination. There are no guarantees in life but someone equipped with the best tools, supplies, and guidance has the greatest chance of success.
The hardest part of creating change in your life is simply deciding to do it. And we know how hard the emotional pushback can be. We have been there too. What is different, with us, is you aren’t doing it alone. Decide today to invest in yourself. You only get one life. Do you want to just let it slip by or take a real chance on being your best self, on finding the success you have always wanted?
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A few words from Dr. Baumsteiger: My focus in life has always been the pursuit of knowledge by studying the world around me. Much of that time was spent performing scientific research, teaching and learning at the University level. My journey began at UCLA and would take me to Humboldt State, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State University, UC Merced, CSU Stanislaus, UC Davis, and ended at the University of Pacific as a visiting professor. During that time, I was able to publish in a number of peer-reviewed journals and interact with some truly brilliant people. It was also along this journey I first started to ponder what leadership was and how society looks at it. My book represents the culmination of those thoughts as I sought to discover my place in the leadership hierarchy and how others might be doing the same. I am an avid fitness enthusiast and trainer and work as a mentor/coach as well as offer one-on-one strength training sessions to folks. Lastly, I currently work for a large solar company. If not playing golf, you can find me taking adventures with my wife and daughter to continue that exploration of this world we live in.
What People are saying.
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“I would without a doubt recommend The Uncommon Sense School!".”
I would without a doubt recommend The Uncommon Sense School! I was a part of the test group that was used to design the classes, and training plans. Jason offers an incredible blend of life coaching, fitness training, and mentorship that has truly transformed my life. His personalized fitness sessions have boosted my health and confidence, while his practical life skills coaching has improved my everyday routines.
Jason is knowledgeable, caring, and dedicated to helping his clients succeed. He teaches essential skills like budgeting, time management, and effective communication, making a real difference in both personal and professional areas. If you're looking for a holistic approach to self-improvement, The Uncommon Sense School is the way to go. Five stars!
-Hector R. Oxnard CA -
“I feel like I finally found the place to build a better me...”
I feel like I finally found the place to build a better me both physically and mentally. Jason and his team have been amazing by planning the classes that suit for busy adults who still want to learn and improve. Highly recommend this school!
-Victoria S. Oxnard CA
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"I'm able to view things that I thought I already knew through a different perspective. "
I recently enrolled in the online course, so I'm only a few lessons in. But already I'm able to view things that I thought I already knew through a different perspective. Jason breaks down what sounds like complex topics, such as awareness and mindfulness, into easily understandable and simple concepts. Even breaking down just how I actually learn was incredibly helpful. Everyday for the past few weeks I've had those "Aha!" moments in my daily life where I've been able to see the difference in my way of thinking already. It's helped me refocus on who I am and who I want to be, while improving my day to day self as well.
Being able to take the courses at my own pace is hugely helpful with my busy schedule, and really helps me digest each lesson fully. I'm excited each time I get ready to move on to each new section of the course.
For the young adult looking for ways to improve their life and find ways to keep moving forward, this course will definitely help you build a strong foundation to build your life around. Can't recommend it enough. -
“Exactly what you should have been taught growing up.”
Exactly what you should have been taught growing up. Sometimes you need to be uncomfortable and feel challenged to grow, and I think that Jason presented this material in such a way that was respectful, insightful, and encouraging to reflection and introspection. I know for myself I always struggled understand things that people deemed "common sense" and have spent a good part of my last 10 years trying to build the skills needed for "adulting" and it is so hard to learn what you don't know. This is a gem, I am looking forward to more of it!
-Diana S. Ventura CA