Driven Leaders Podcast

In this episode of the Driven Leaders Podcast, host John Patterson sits down with Peter Brakke, Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator, to discuss leadership, servant leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the responsibility businesses have to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Peter shares his inspiring journey from corporate America to becoming a Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator, the lessons he's learned from building high-performing teams, and why he believes every business has the opportunity to change lives far beyond its four walls.

From launching Christmas in July in support of the Orange County Rescue Mission to mentoring future leaders, Peter's story is a powerful reminder that great businesses are built on purpose, relationships, and serving others.

What you'll learn in this episode:
How Peter Brakke became a Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator and built a purpose-driven business
Why servant leadership creates stronger teams and healthier organizations
The leadership principles that have shaped his career and personal life
How Christmas in July grew into a community-wide initiative supporting the Orange County Rescue Mission
The importance of mentorship, generosity, and investing in future leaders
Why businesses should focus on making their communities better—not just increasing profits
How faith, purpose, and leadership work together to create lasting impact

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, manager, or someone passionate about leadership and community service, this conversation offers practical insights on building a business that serves people first.

If this episode inspires you, consider supporting the Orange County Rescue Mission or finding a local organization where you can make a difference in your own community.

Subscribe for more Driven Leaders Podcast episodes featuring influential leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and changemakers who are making a positive impact both inside and outside the Patterson Auto Group.

#DrivenLeadersPodcast #PeterBrakke #ChickFilA #ServantLeadership #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #OrangeCountyRescueMission #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #CommunityImpact #PattersonAutos #ChristmasInJuly

In this episode of the Driven Leaders Podcast, host John Patterson sits down with Valentin Flores, Economic Development Deputy Director for the City of Tustin, to explore how creativity, relationships, and innovation can transform a community and drive real business growth.

From immigrating to the United States as a child to building art galleries, restaurants, and a creative agency, Valentin shares his unique journey into economic development — and how those experiences shaped his approach to helping businesses thrive.

Valentin’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy — it’s about empathy, relationships, and the willingness to think differently.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How Valentin’s journey from Argentina to California shaped his leadership mindset
The role of creativity, art, and culture in revitalizing local communities
Why relationships are the foundation of successful economic development
How cities can better support small and large businesses through empathy and action
The importance of “placemaking” and building stronger local economies
How technology and data (like AI and analytics tools) are transforming city planning
Why an “open door” approach creates better outcomes for business owners

Whether you’re a business owner, community leader, or someone looking to make a bigger impact, Valentin’s perspective will challenge you to think differently about leadership, growth, and what it truly means to serve your community.

If you’re a business in Tustin, Valentin and his team want to hear from you — their mission is simple:
build relationships, remove barriers, and help you succeed.

In this episode of the Driven Leaders Podcast, host John Patterson sits down with Valentin Flores, Economic Development Deputy Director for the City of Tustin, to explore how creativity, relationships, and innovation can transform a community and drive real business growth.

From immigrating to the United States as a child to building art galleries, restaurants, and a creative agency, Valentin shares his unique journey into economic development — and how those experiences shaped his approach to helping businesses thrive.

Valentin’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy — it’s about empathy, relationships, and the willingness to think differently.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How Valentin’s journey from Argentina to California shaped his leadership mindset
 The role of creativity, art, and culture in revitalizing local communities
 Why relationships are the foundation of successful economic development
 How cities can better support small and large businesses through empathy and action
 The importance of “placemaking” and building stronger local economies
 How technology and data (like AI and analytics tools) are transforming city planning
 Why an “open door” approach creates better outcomes for business owners

Whether you’re a business owner, community leader, or someone looking to make a bigger impact, Valentin’s perspective will challenge you to think differently about leadership, growth, and what it truly means to serve your community.

If you’re a business in Tustin, Valentin and his team want to hear from you — their mission is simple:
 build relationships, remove barriers, and help you succeed.

#DrivenLeadersPodcast #ValentinFlores #EconomicDevelopment #TustinCA #PattersonAutos #BusinessGrowth #CommunityLeadership #SmallBusinessSupport #CityLeadership #Entrepreneurship #DrivenToLead

In this episode of the Driven Leaders Podcast, host John Patterson joins Joe Shaker (TruVideo) and Jason Stein (Automotive News) live from the NADA Show to discuss the future of dealership operations, service technology, and why execution still separates the best dealers from the rest.

From AI-powered service insights to the evolving role of video in dealership transparency, the conversation explores how modern dealers are adapting to a changing automotive market — and why focusing on the fundamentals of parts, service, used vehicles, and customer experience is more important than ever.

What you'll learn in this episode:

The biggest operational trends dealers are discussing at NADA
Why service, parts, and used cars are becoming the biggest profit drivers
How AI and machine learning are transforming dealership video inspections
Why execution matters more than strategy in today’s auto market
How TruVideo’s VQS system is helping dealers improve service communication
Why the best dealerships constantly test new technology to stay ahead

John Patterson also shares how the Patterson Autos team has been early adopters of new dealership technologies — often acting as real-world testing grounds for solutions that improve transparency and customer trust.

Whether you're a dealer principal, service manager, technician, or automotive leader, this conversation offers practical insights on how to stay competitive in the evolving automotive industry.

#DrivenLeadersPodcast #JohnPatterson #JoeShaker #JasonStein #NADA #AutomotiveLeadership #DealerInnovation #AutoIndustry #ServiceDepartment #DealershipTechnology #AIInAutomotive #PattersonAutos

In this episode of the Driven Leaders Podcast, host John Patterson sits down with Walt Kallestad — renowned pastor, author, and marketplace leader — to explore how faith, business, and leadership intersect in the real world.

Walt shares his powerful journey from pastoring one of the nation’s largest churches to redefining ministry in the marketplace. His message is clear: “The most strategic mission field in the world is a person’s business.” Whether you lead a team of thousands or serve one guest at a time, Walt’s insight will challenge and inspire you to lead with purpose and eternal impact.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How Walt built a 14-acre ministry campus focused on outreach and transformation

The mindset shift that brought him from the pulpit into business leadership

Why your workplace is a sacred space — and your work is your witness

Practical ways to bring faith into your leadership and daily life

Lessons from his book, Epic Marketplace Revival

What it means to lead with a “there to serve” attitude and eternal perspective

📘 Want to go deeper?
Grab your copy of  Epic Marketplace Revival, now available on Amazon and all of your favorite book platforms. 

Whether you're in sales, leadership, ministry, or simply want to lead with deeper meaning, Walt’s message will encourage you to use your platform — big or small — for something far greater than profit.

#DrivenLeadersPodcast #WaltKallestad #MarketplaceRevival #FaithAndLeadership #PattersonAutos #ServantLeadership #ChristianBusiness #WorkplaceMinistry #TustinAutoCenter #PurposeDrivenLeadership #DrivenToLead

In this episode of the Driven Leaders Podcast, host John Patterson sits down with Eric Watson, Head of Sales for Kia USA, to explore the evolution of the Kia brand, the future of electric vehicles, and what it really means to lead with consistency, transparency, and vision.

From his first job test-driving a Porsche at 15 to guiding one of the fastest-growing auto brands in the U.S., Eric shares stories from across the country and across decades in the automotive space. His leadership philosophy, grounded in collaboration and service, offers valuable insights for dealers, sales professionals, and executives alike.

What you'll learn in this episode:

How Kia went from underrated to industry-leading

Why the Telluride launch was a turning point for the brand

The strategic power of rebranding — including the Kia logo and showroom experience

The role of AI and data in the future of car sales and customer retention

How flexibility in production is shaping EV, hybrid, and PHEV strategy

Why strong dealer-manufacturer relationships drive real growth

Eric’s approach to servant leadership and long-term vision

Whether you’re in the showroom, the boardroom, or anywhere in between, Eric’s journey is a roadmap to thriving in an ever-evolving industry — without losing sight of the customer.

#DrivenLeadersPodcast #EricWatson #KiaUSA #AutoLeadership #EVStrategy #CustomerExperience #PattersonAutos #ServantLeadership #AutoIndustryStories #TustinAutoCenter #KiaTelluride #DrivenToLead

In this episode of the Driven Leaders Podcast, host John Patterson sits down with Noel Burcelis, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Orange County. With over 14 years of service and a background in social work, Noel has dedicated his career to supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

In this powerful episode of the Driven Leaders Podcast, John Patterson sits down with Chad Williams—best-selling author of SEAL of God, former Navy SEAL, and current Huntington Beach City Councilman—to discuss how purpose, faith, and perseverance can redefine what leadership truly looks like.

🔑 Key Topics in This Episode:

The mindset shift that transformed Chad from a failing college student to a Navy SEAL

What “Aim Small, Miss Small” means in leadership and life

Overcoming public adversity with conviction and faith

The role of servant leadership in local government

Balancing family, faith, and public service

Why SEAL of God has impacted thousands of lives

Using influence to protect and preserve community values

Chad shares his raw, real story of growth, discipline, faith, and calling—and how he's using every platform, from military service to city council, to live out his mission.

📚 Grab Chad’s book SEAL of God: https://a.co/d/dJbFcut 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe for more stories from people of influence who lead with purpose.

#DrivenLeadersPodcast #ChadWilliams #SEALofGod #NavySEAL #LeadershipPodcast #Fortitude #ServantLeadership #HuntingtonBeach #FaithInPolitics #PattersonAutos

In this episode of the Driven Leaders Podcast, host John Patterson sits down with Janine McClintock—leadership coach, CEO of J9 Leading Solutions, and author of Stir It Up! Stay Relevant. Together, they explore what it truly means to be a leader in today’s ever-changing world.

Key takeaways from this episode:

Why self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership

The power of servant leadership and how real leaders lift others

How to lead with curiosity and resilience through disruption and change

The impact of giving back and building community-minded organizations

The importance of continuous improvement (Kaizen) in leadership growth

📘 Learn more about Janine and her work:

Visit the Stir It Up! Stay Relevant website: https://www.stiritupbook.com/

Explore J9 Leading Solutions: https://www.j9leadingsolutions.com/

Buy the book on your favorite platform:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/STIR-UP-Relevant-Self-Coaching-Parable/dp/B0D31NXBBS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bQ8_rJECkbUOMnkqEM_S2A.2YYRyj5ZofQv8xNL2vPSxz2lzkFmu27bFL1r-qK_m8g&qid=1715631016&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: https://tr.ee/6-ADit6Kum

Balboa Press (Publisher): https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/856253-stir-it-up

Whether you're a business owner, manager, or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow as a person of influence—both in your workplace and in your community.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for future episodes with internal team members and influential leaders across industries.

#DrivenLeadersPodcast #JanineMcClintock #J9LeadingSolutions #LeadershipDevelopment #ServantLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfAwareness #Kaizen #BusinessLeadership #PattersonAutoGroup

Welcome to the Driven Leaders Podcast, hosted by John Patterson!  In this episode, we sit down with two incredible leaders who are making a real difference in the fight against homelessness: Gina Cunningham, Executive Director of HomeAid Orange County, and Sonia Lister, President of Jackson Tidus and a HomeAid board member.  Discover how HomeAid, a national non-profit, partners with the building industry to develop affordable housing for families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness.  Learn how you can get involved, whether you're a professional offering your skills, a company looking to give back, or an individual wanting to volunteer or donate.    

Don't miss this inspiring conversation about the power of community and the fight to end homelessness.