The Wow Factor

Adam is a serial entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of launching and leading organizations that generate both financial returns and social impact results. He is the CEO of Showcraft GBC (General Benefit Corporation), a leading exhibit production company. Before his role at Showcraft, Adam served as Managing Partner at Third Path Capital, a search fund for social good created to buy and build...

Jason Richardson is the founder of Bad Birdie Golf, a brand known for its vibrant and unique golf apparel. The company aims to break the traditional mold of golf attire by offering bold designs that stand out on the course. Jason's vision for Bad Birdie was to create a brand that resonated with the younger generation of golfers, blending style and functionality. This week on the WOW Factor, I'm ta...

Scot Sellers is Chairman of Maui Land & Pineapple Co, which develops, manages, and sells real estate on Maui. Scot brings to the table extensive expertise of a 40-year career developing homes and communities across the country. Scot served as Chairman and CEO of Archstone, one of the world's largest multi-family housing companies, overseeing housing development, acquisition, and operation in over...

Dr. Wayne Hammond holds an adjunct status with Ambrose University and is an active presenter to leadership and practitioners in educational, organizational HR and mental health settings. Wayne's work focuses on understanding the role of human flourishing and its implications for embracing a strengths-based approach to nurturing human potential and positive well-being as critical for supporting ind...

James Epp is the President of Fraserway RV, a leading company in the recreational vehicle (RV) industry. His journey in the RV business began as a teenager when his father, Erdman, purchased a camper manufacturing business in 1969. This small venture, which started with just five seasonal employees, laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong commitment to the RV industry for James. Under...

Mark Canlis, co-owner of Canlis Restaurant in Seattle, joined the family business in 2003 after graduating from Cornell University and serving as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. His leadership skills, honed through diverse experiences, such as working with renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer, have been instrumental in navigating the restaurant through various challenges, including the recent global...

Dr. John Rooney is the President of Rooney and Associates, Inc. John provides strategic guidance and innovative solutions to numerous organizations. John's expertise in strategic planning, business development, and organizational management has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the business community. John is also actively involved in philanthropic efforts and remains dedicated to he...

Jim Schneider is a deeply spiritual individual who founded Eyes of Faith in 2008 with a divine vision to fill a gap in the optical industry for faith-based brands. His company, which connects eye doctors and patients to a global mission of serving those in need of optical and spiritual help, has since provided eye care and hope to thousands  by supporting optical and evangelical mission organizati...

  Welcome to part two of our episode with PragerU CEO, Marissa Streit. With a background in military intelligence and degrees in Business, Economics, Education, and Non-Profit Management, Marissa Streit has vast experience as an educator, school administrator, and director of a philanthropic institute. Since the launch of PragerU in 2011, Marissa has lead the organization to become one of the most...

With a background in military intelligence and degrees in Business, Economics, Education, and Non-Profit Management, Marissa Streit has vast experience as an educator, school administrator, and director of a philanthropic institute. Since joining PragerU in 2011, Marissa has helped lead the organization to become one of the most respected online educational resources in the USA.   This week on The...

Franklin Graham has devoted his life to meeting the needs of people around the world and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The eldest son of Billy and Ruth Bell Graham, he serves as President and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Under his leadership, Samaritan's Purse has met the needs of poor, sick, and suffering people in more than 170 countries. As a...

Jay Bennett is a dedicated family man with over 51 years of marriage to his wife, Sally. He has successfully balanced a 40-year career in law and business transactions, both locally in the Twin Cities and internationally. Simultaneously, Jay has been actively involved in Christian ministries for 35 years. In 2000, he founded the National Christian Foundation Twin Cities, merging his passion for Ch...

Mark Johnson is a software development expert, co-founder of Michigan Software Labs, and a trusted partner for Fortune® 500 and high-growth companies. With a mission to deliver top-notch software solutions, Mark's influential presence on the Forbes Technology Council and Fast Company Executive Board has established him as a prominent figure in the industry. Recognized as one of West Michigan's mos...

John Clancy is the CEO of Planet Fitness Midwest LLC, a fitness franchise focused on providing affordable and judgment-free workout spaces. With a passion for health and wellness, John has led the company to remarkable growth by expanding its footprint and creating a welcoming environment. Under his leadership, Planet Fitness Midwest has become a beacon of inclusivity, offering fitness opportuniti...

In this episode of the Wow Factor, we have a special guest, Tom Smith, the former CEO of Food Lion. This episode is a tribute to Tom, who passed away recently. It's taken from a private recording that we did for Tom and his family back in April, 2023. Tom shares his journey from growing up in a rural setting to becoming the CEO of Food Lion. He talks about the importance of setting goals, working...

Rob Pace is the Founder and CEO of HundredX, a revolutionary customer feedback analytics platform.   HundredX believes that legacy surveys are broken and that social media amplifies the "loud" versus the "crowd".   So to source honest data from real customers, HundredX partners with over 1,000 non-profits who receive funding from HundredX when their supporters provide the feedback business leaders...

Rob Hoskins is a highly respected global development leader known for his work with NPO/NGO leaders and his ability to develop sustainable transformation initiatives. He has served major institutions and corporations, helped rehab and revitalize their missions, and scaled growth through successful leadership transitions. Rob has been President of OneHope, Inc. since 2004, which has helped reach ov...

Tom recently retired from a 37-year career in banking.   For the last twenty years, he ran Leveraged Finance business at Citi (2010-2021), HSBC (2008-2010), and Deutsche Bank (1987-2007).   He has held a leadership role in the Manhattan chapter of NCS since its inception in 2008 and has served on the Board of Directors of NCS since 2012, including as Chairman from 2017-2019.   He is currently the...

At Kellogg Garden Products, the values of humility and integrity are deeply ingrained in the company culture. H. Clay "Hap" Kellogg, the third-generation president and CEO, upholds the core values introduced by his grandfather and father before him, even as the family-run business has grown over the years. Meanwhile, Co-Owner and Chairman of the Board, Kathy Kellogg Johnson, is equally passionate...

In this compelling episode, we delve into the life and experiences of Stanley Tam, the founder of United States Plastic Corp. As a man who recently passed away, his story of overcoming adversity, embracing faith, and giving back to the community remains a powerful testament to his legacy. Join us as we discuss Stanley's humble beginnings, his entrepreneurial ventures, and the incredible impact he...

On today's episode we talk with Marty Ozinga III, the former CEO of Ozinga Inc. As an American-owned, fourth-generation family business, Ozinga provides concrete, bulk materials, and energy solutions, along with transportation services through an extensive network of truck, rail, barge and ship terminals.   Established in 1928 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Ozinga survived the Great Depression, Worl...

Erle Nye, Owner of EN Consulting and the former Chairman, and CEO of TXU, transformed Texas-based TXU into an international energy corporation. Erle's career includes times as Chairman of the Nuclear Energy Institute and the Texas Board of Regents, as well as numerous leadership positions within the energy industry. We're diving into the life and experiences of Erle Nye, as he shares some of the m...

Brad Anderson is the former CEO and Vice Chairman of Best Buy, a leading consumer electronics retailer. He joined Sound of Music, the precursor to Best Buy in 1973 as a commissioned salesperson and quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming CEO in 2002. Under his leadership, Best Buy experienced significant growth and expanded internationally. Brad is widely credited with turning Best Buy...

Bob Doll is the Chief Investment Officer at Crossmark Global, where he oversees the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management. With over 40 years of experience in the financial industry, Bob is a well-respected authority on global markets, economies, and investment opportunities. He is known for his insightful analysis, clear communication style, and ability to navigate complex market co...

John Ramstead is a successful entrepreneur, international speaker, and bestselling author with over two decades of experience coaching and mentoring leaders. He is the President of Alpha Principle, LLC, an impact investment advisory firm and Founder of Eternal Leadership. John draws from his military background as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy to offer valuable insights on leadership,...