The Wow Factor

Tim Patton is the CEO of Patton Holdings, a prominent company based in Ann Arbor. Recognizing the inefficiencies of the commercial airline sector, Tim, with his three-decade-long experience in commercial flight travel, founded Flagship Private Air, a subsidiary of Patton Holdings. This private airline, operating from the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, is a testament to Patton Holdings' innovative approach to addressing market gaps.

On the Wow Factor this week, Tim Patton joins us to share the horrific accident he was in as a young man that shaped the onward trajectory of his life. He describes how the traumatic brain injury and shocking bereavement impacted him and drove him to pursue professional success. We also dive into how Tim got his first job when he decided that entrepreneurship was for him and why it was so important to him to create a culture of giving in his companies.

"If you stick to it, you'll find your way." - Tim Patton

"When you start businesses, it takes three times as long as you think to be successful, and at least twice as much cash." - Tim Patton

"This is the greatest country in the world - it's the land of opportunity." - Tim Patton

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• The traumatic accident that Tim suffered as a young man that still has an enormous impact on him today
• How Tim got an internship at Vicks that changed his upward trajectory and how it helped him to secure post-university work in the healthcare niche
• The wonderful moral lesson that he was taught by a mentor in his first role at American Medical Supply
• Why Tim decided to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams and how he took that very first step
• How Tim funded his company and some of the key financial lessons he learned from big challenges in the early days
• The benefits of giving young people plenty of responsibility and why that can help a company move forward
• Why it's important to recognize when it's time to make changes in the business
• Some of the setbacks Tim has experienced in business and what he learned from them
• How Tim's company ensures they live generously and impact their community

Tim Patton's Words of Wisdom:

We need to instill the enthusiasm and confidence that the USA is the greatest country in the world. It's the land of opportunity; if you put in the hard work, you'll reap the rewards.

Connect with Tim Patton:

• First Nation Group

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

Garreth Wood is a Scottish philanthropist and advocate. He and his wife Nicola founded Kids Operating Room with the vision of 'A world where every child has equal access to safe surgery.' He believes that generosity requires tenacity; the ability to hang on when letting go appears most attractive. He is inspired by the tenacity of the surgical teams KidsOR supports worldwide. The grit, perseverance, and resilience they show every day, often in impossibly difficult working environments, is an inspiration to him.

David Cunningham is passionate about achieving Universal Health Coverage. This includes ensuring every child has access to high-quality healthcare when they need it – no matter where they were born. A strong advocate of the Sustainable Development Goals, David is a global leader in developing charitable programs for children's health. He has provided leadership to healthcare projects in the UK and across the world, impacting the lives of millions of children. David is a highly regarded charity regulation expert. He is a Board member of the UK Fundraising Regulator and a member of the regulator's Standards Committee, setting the rules for all fundraising in the UK.

Garreth and David join me on the show to discuss Kids OR's mission and how they help hospitals in developing countries by providing the equipment and facilities they need to provide pediatric surgical services. Garreth and David share their individual journeys into generosity and how they came to work together at Kids OR. The pair also dig into the details of the artwork used in the operating rooms and explain why the bright, bold colors have such a positive impact on doctors, nurses, and, most importantly, their tiny patients.

"If you get the right people, it makes life very easy." - Garreth Wood

"Our goal should be to support countries to get to a place where they don't need our aid." - David Cunningham

"Our artwork is hugely beneficial in terms of the journey to the OR for children." - Garreth Wood

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Garreth moved from the restaurant and hospitality industry and became committed to helping children who need surgery in developing countries
• Some of Garreth's entrepreneurial failures and how they taught him to move forward
• What David learned from going in at the bottom at a cancer non-profit in Scotland
• How Garreth and David met and why they decided to work together at Kids OR
• The personal circumstances that made saying yes to a philanthropic project in Uganda easy for Garreth
• Godwin, the first baby they operated on in Uganda, and the impact of that moment on the mission and Godwin's family
• How they help countries in the developing world to create working operating rooms by being respectful of their grassroots needs
• Why the artwork on the walls of an operating room is so impactful for both the clinical teams and their patients
• Garreth's perspective on generosity and the kind of people who are generous with their time or money
• The responsibilities of wealth transfer and how to foster generosity within that

David Cunningham's Word of Wisdom:

Having empathy is vital in leadership — kindness is courageous.

Garreth Wood's Words of Wisdom:

It's so vital for leaders to share the success with their team and recognize them regularly and publicly.

Connect with Garreth Wood and David Cunningham:

• Kids OR
• Garreth Wood on LinkedIn
• David Cunningham on LinkedIn

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

Marty Ozinga IV is the CEO of Ozinga, a fifth-generation family enterprise that provides concrete and related services. Ozinga was founded in 1928 in Evergreen Park, Illinois as a coal delivery business by Marty's great-grandfather Martin Ozinga, Sr.

He is joined by his five brothers and one cousin in the fourth-generation of ownership. Marty earned a BA in economics and business from Westmont College and an MS in communications from Northwestern University. He has served on boards for numerous not-for-profit organizations. Marty and his wife Amy reside in Chicago with their six children. Recently named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace, Ozinga has over 2,500 employees and operates in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, Florida and a number of other parts of the country and the world.

We're delighted to have Marty on the show with us to discuss the value of hard work and dig into the Ozinga's purpose to positively impact individuals, their families, and the community, for generations. He shares with me how his leadership style has developed since becoming CEO of the company and the value of leaders who have a sense of humility about themselves, in addition to plenty of drive, and who employ their unique gifts in their own style. Marty also shares more about how creating a culture at Ozinga that makes people want to be a part of it.

"The culture of the organization is reflective of the values of the people leading it." - Marty Ozinga

"If we create the kind of place where coworkers feel valued and cared about, they will treat our customers that way." - Marty Ozinga

"You don't run away from it, you run into it." - Marty Ozinga

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Growing up in the Ozinga family and how his dad fulfilled his motto of "trusting young and giving responsibility"
• The challenges and highlights of coming into a big company as the third generation to steer the ship
• Marty's leadership style and how grateful and humbled he felt to be selected as the CEO by his brothers and cousins
• The family culture baked into the Ozinga culture and how they maintain that feeling amongst their team
• The importance of being intentional about treating people with dignity and respect
• How they embrace the notion of making lasting daily impacts and why that gives them purpose
• Some of the most important developments in the business, particularly in the realm of safety
• Marty's philosophy of taking responsibility when things don't go to plan
• The importance of being empathetic and understanding in business

Marty Ozinga's Words of Wisdom:

If you really want wisdom, you need to ask for it, and I try to do that regularly in my prayer time. Ask God for more wisdom with what he's entrusted to you at work and at home. He's generous, and he will answer that prayer.

Connect with Marty Ozinga:

• Marty Ozinga on LinkedIn
• Ozinga Website

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

In this episode we're joined by Mike Zafirovski, a man whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. Born in North Macedonia (in former Yugoslavia) and raised in a communist environment, Mike moved to the United States with his family, not knowing a word of English. From humble beginnings as factory workers, he climbed the corporate ladder to become a CEO of five General Electric businesses, where he spent 25 impactful years. He also served as President of Motorola and Nortel. Mike's story is a testament to the power of business mentorship, resilience, and the American dream.

Get ready for an episode that dives deep into the essence of leadership, the importance of culture in an organization, and the transformative power of mentorship. Mike shares his "Top Six" principles that have guided him throughout his career, from delighting customers to fostering a positive work environment. He also opens up about the challenges of running businesses and how values-based businesses can be society's greatest assets. This episode is a masterclass in leadership and personal development, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to excel in their career.

This Week on The Wow Factor

• Mike's early life in North Macedonia (in former Yugoslavia) and the influence of communism on his worldview.
• His journey to the US and the challenges of adapting to a new culture.
• The role of mentorship in Mike's life, particularly during his early days in competitive swimming.
• His 25-year career at General Electric, including his experience working under Jack Welch.
• Mike's "Top Six" principles for leadership and organizational success.
• The importance of culture in a company and how it can make or break long-term success.
• Mike's views on values-based businesses as assets to society.
• The concept of "compete and win," and why it's crucial for personal and professional growth.
• The transient nature of success and the things that truly last.

"Mentorship is not just about guidance; it's about empowering the next generation to exceed their own expectations." - Mike Zafirovski

"When you're following a legend, you don't try to fill their shoes; you bring your own pair and walk your own path." - Mike Zafirovski

"Culture isn't just a buzzword; it's the DNA of an organization. Get it right, and everything else falls into place." - Mike Zafirovski

Mike Zafirovski's Word of Wisdom:

Embrace change and be adaptable. Life is a journey of ups and downs, and the key to navigating it successfully is to be open to change.

Connect with Mike:

• The Zaf Group
• Mike Zafirovski on LinkedIn

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

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 the Twin Cities' next great impact company, which successfully acquired Showcraft in 2021; he led corporate strategy and innovation at Sunrise Banks, a for-profit impact company, where he architected the bank's expansion into providing bank and compliance services to financial technology start-ups; and, he served as the Founding CEO at Exodus Lending, the nation's leading nonprofit organization working with payday loan borrowers seeking to achieve long-term financial stability.

Adam is with me today, discussing where his entrepreneurial spirit came from and why he and his partner decided to buy Showcraft, an exhibit production company, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss why he spent so long searching for the right company to buy and why the need to find a company where they could genuinely make a positive social impact drove the search. Adam also shares the process when they partner with a business that wants to be represented at trade shows and contacts Showcraft for their expertise, and dives into a few of the company's future plans.

"I've always been interested in creating impact with my career and with my life." - Adam Rao

"We create the environment so that you can come in and show up and sell what you're selling." - Adam Rao

"Success can mean different things from monetary to impact." - Adam Rao

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• What prompted Adam to find out whether there is a way to create organizations that are financially sustainable and self-generating because they're for-profit entities that are also creating social and environmental impacts
• How he pulled Showcraft out of a financial death spiral and why he was game to take such a big risk
• Why he took so much time to find the perfect opportunity in the Twin Cities with his business partner
• How Adam and his team built the Showcraft back up to where it is now
• Services Showcraft offers to streamline a company's trade show experience
• How they navigate all the regulatory pieces involved in creating an exhibit at a convention center
• What makes potential partners stand out to Adam, including their environmental and social impacts
• Why Showcraft recently acquired a company called Display Arts, and how they plan to integrate it into their current offering

Adam Rao's Words of Wisdom:

You should absolutely be afraid of failure, but if you're only afraid of failure without also being optimistic about success, you're probably too afraid of failure.

Connect with Adam Rao:

• Adam Rao on LinkedIn
• Showcraft website

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

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 talking with Jason, who spills the beans on his nerve-wracking experience taking Bad Birdie to Shark Tank and the strategic move he saved for the negotiation table. He describes the steps involved in designing and making their innovative golf shirts and how his team gets them from concept to finished article. Jason also talks about why at the heart of Bad Birdie is a commitment to a premium customer experience and shares the brand's secret sauce and exciting future plans.

"It was instilled very early in me that work is a good thing." - Jason Richardson

"I don't like having any sort of professional ceiling over my head." - Jason Richardson

"Putting something out there then adjusting is better than not putting anything out there at all." - Jason Richardson

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Jason got interested in golf as a 12-year-old caddy
• More about Jason's entrepreneurial father and grandfather and how they inspired him
• Jason's experience of being the first employee in a start-up and what he learned from that experience
• Why going freelance gave him the idea to create some more bold golf shirts
• How Jason comes up with the inspiration for the patterns for his polos
• Why Jason decided to go on Shark Tank in the middle of a pandemic, the process, and why it was such a nerve-wracking experience
• The trick that Jason kept up his sleeve during Shark Tank negotiations
• How Jason came up with the name Bad Birdie and how they work through the print concepts
• Why a premium customer experience is crucial to what they do
• Bad Birdie's plans for the future

Jason Richardson's Word of Wisdom:

Always stay learning, and for those in a leadership position, just remember that it's a massive privilege to lead others.

Connect with Jason Richardson:

• Jason Richardson on LinkedIn
• Shark Tank Episode with Bad Birdie

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

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 50 cities. Scot also served many years on the international board of Habitat for Humanity and has continued to support the organization to provide shelter to those in need worldwide, including on Maui. He currently serves as a director for several innovative real estate companies, including The Howard Hughes Corporation, Milhaus, and The Irvine Company, and on the National Board of ACE Scholarships.

My inspiring guest this week is Scot Sellers, we really did a deep dive into leadership in our conversation, and I'm sure you'll find huge value in what he has to say. Scot shares how he determines the right direction to follow by unlocking the creativity in his mind using a prayer journal to help him work through difficult decisions. He discusses his early career and the moves that helped him develop and hone his leadership skills. Scot also shares more about why it's so important to prioritize your relationships and how to plan your time so that you can pursue your passions right now instead of waiting for a moment that may never come.

"Stand up and do what is right, even in the face of criticism." - Scot Sellers

"If you take what people say about you too seriously, it can really derail you." - Scot Sellers

"Be willing to take a risk. And because by taking those risks, that's what makes you alive."

- Scot Sellers

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• What Scot learned about hard work from growing up on a subsistence farm
• The high school bullying experience that inspired Scot to study and understand human behavior and relationships
• Why Scot changed his career path from medicine to business and subsequently found a job in real estate through sheer perseverance
• How Scot and his team grew Archstone from $100 million in assets to over 20 billion in assets in just 15 years
• Scot's ten life lessons and why one of them is to stand up and do what is right, even in the face of criticism
• How the 'as soon as mentality' works and why if there's something that you really want to do, don't wait
• How to plan your time so you have more time to pursue your passions
• Figuring out how your actions line up with your priorities
• How Scot finds his direction by praying, reading scripture, and looking for the wisdom God gives us

Scot Sellers's Word of Wisdom:

Be willing to take that risk that you're concerned about because that's what helps you grow and learn. I would also advise people to focus on their relationships because they are ultimately the most gratifying part of life. From a leadership perspective, make sure your teammates know that you care about them and that they are part of achieving something together. That's when you accomplish things way beyond your own individual ability.

Connect with Scot Sellers:

• Maui Land and Pineapple
• Regret Free Living by Scot Sellers

Resources:

• Chris Wright, Chairman and CEO at Liberty Energy, The Wow Factor Episode 175

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

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 individuals and organizations to thrive. Wayne served in clinical supervisory capacities, worked in a comprehensive residential treatment center, and provided clinical services in an inpatient/outpatient forensic setting and an adolescent comorbidity program based in a hospital setting. He has also published several scientific articles and developed an innovative framework for evaluating and assessing resilience and potential for human flourishing.

This week on the show, I'm excited to be talking with Dr. Wayne Hammond; we dive into his professional journey and how he went from being functionally illiterate as an adult to gaining a Ph.D., thanks to a mentor's generous words and attitude. He talks about the power of gratitude, both on our physiological and psychological wellbeing, and how that feeds into the concept of flourishing. Wayne also discusses why we need to encourage soft skills, including independent thinking and perseverance, to create adaptable resilient children and how parents and teachers can help kids bounce back and build forward.

"Kids don't change their value system because somebody told them; they change their value system because they want to be like the people building into their lives" - Wayne Hammond

"If a child is not making mistakes, they're not learning." - Wayne Hammond

"When we focus on building up a person's strengths in ways that supports them to meet their needs – instead of mitigating or managing their weakness – we empower their capacity to thrive." – Wayne Hammond

"Youth do not choose to mess up they lives – rather, they lack an understanding and ability to draw the strengths and skills required to create the success they desire." – Wayne Hammond

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Wayne's experience of generosity in the further education sector continues to inspire his work today
• Why he moved from theology into psychology and how it was a natural fit for his personality and his values
• Why Wayne believes that there's a rise in anxiety and depression among kids today and how parents and educators can help them through it
• Why parenting isn't about trying to guide or manage your child's journey. It's about facilitating experiences and allowing your child to take ownership of their story
• Knowledge doesn't translate to practice — but when children are in a safe and caring relationship with an adult, who gives them permission to step out of their comfort zone, they take knowledge and start putting it into practice
• Why we should celebrate effort, self-determination, and self-motivation rather than just grades
• How many of the concepts involved in positive psychology are the same for leadership in an organization
• How you can give your kids positive affirmations to turn feelings into behavior, behavior into habits and habits into a belief system of convictions
• What it means to 'learn to your spark' and how parents can recognize and nurture that spark in their children
• How we can best support teachers using the Generous Students Program to help kids build better relationships
• Why the peer culture concept is so powerful

Wayne Hammond's Word of Wisdom:

If we're going to create new leaders and inspire people who will be the positive citizens in our society, we do it by building into their lives and empowering them to explore their innate greatness, embrace life's challenges as opportunities to grow their potential and scaffold their ability to thrive. We need to put intentional thought into building our leaders and influencers.

Connect with Wayne Hammond:

• Wayne Hammond on LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]
• www.flourishinglife.com

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

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 James' leadership Fraserway RV has grown significantly, maintaining a strong focus on ethics and customer satisfaction, principles instilled by his father.

This week on the show, I'm talking with James about what he learned from working in the family business as a young man and the lessons he learned from his father that still form the core of the business. He shares the importance of living your values and describes how Fraserway RV demonstrates their generosity philosophy daily. James also gives a few examples of some of the huge hurdles that the company has had to overcome and how they have found opportunities in adversity.

"If we don't exemplify our values, they are not going to mean anything." - James Epp

"Take one step at a time." - James Epp

"With success comes responsibility." - James Epp

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• What James learned about business and leadership in his teens from working with his dad
• What he learned about working as a team from his family
• How the family prayed over the business challenges in the early days
• The importance of living your values and showing your team why they are so important to you
• Some of the financial challenges James has come through, including recessions in the 1980s and 2000s
• Why they took the opportunity to separate and grow the business on two different streams, Adventurer and Fraserway RV, in the late 1980s. Today, Adventurer Manufacturing is based out of Yakima, WA and under his son, David's, direction.
• How they make sure they build their motorhomes to give their customers the ultimate experience
• The shocking flood that resulted in the company losing 500 vehicles in just one day and how James' team managed to pull together to move forward
• Some of the ways that Fraserway RV exemplifies its guiding principle of living generously including matching donations for child sponsorship and World Vision, giving in their local communities at Christmas, and supporting fire and recovery charities.

James Epp's Word of Wisdom:

My word of wisdom is to take one step at a time; you have to have patience.

Connect with Fraserway RV:

• Fraserway RV

Social Media:

• https://www.facebook.com/FraserwayRV
• https://www.instagram.com/fraserwayrv/

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

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 pandemic. Alongside his brother Brian, Mark is the fourth generation of Canlis restaurateurs.

On The Wow Factor, I have Mark Canlis sharing the origins of Canlis, the two distinct types of people who eat there, and expanding on he curates an amazing team that enhances the diner experience. He provides invaluable advice for the next generation that might be considering joining a family business and emphasizes the importance of giving children the freedom to explore paths outside the family tradition. Mark also shares how Canlis navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with humor and resilience, bringing much-needed laughter to the Seattle community.

"There are few industries in the world that'll teach you as much about people as the hospitality industry." - Mark Canlis

"Experience outside of the family company is golden." - Mark Canlis

"If you're going to start a relationship, any relationship, you need to start out on the right foot." - Mark Canlis

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Mark's advice for the next generation about potentially joining the family business
• The importance of giving your children the freedom to move away from the family business
• Why fine dining is for setting aside and hallmarking certain moments in life
• How their wine list has been curated over the generations to enhance diners' experiences
• Qualities they look for when Canlis is hiring, including an applicant's character and the things that they crave deeply
• How to build a positive, long-term relationship with your team
• The importance of creating an amazing long-term company culture
• Mark shares his perspective on the "character versus skill" conundrum
• Why Canlis' mission is to inspire people "to turn toward one another"
• How Mark's team deals with conflict in the restaurant with love and tact

Mark Canlis' Word of Wisdom:

There is so much opportunity for anyone in leadership today to be a person who is bringing hope and light into this world.

Connect with Mark Canlis:

• Canlis Restaurant

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter