The Wow Factor

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 helping organizations thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace.

This week on The Wow Factor, I'm joined by Dr. John Rooney, who shares his insights from his book, "Geography of American Sport," which explores the development of various sports, including wrestling, volleyball, and women's sports, emphasizing the impact of coach movements and the role of geography in shaping sporting culture. He talks about the creation of Patriot Golf Days, an event that raises funds for Folds of Honor scholarships, and how the organization has gained corporate partnerships to better support military families and first responders. John also shares more about the origins of Folds of Honor, which supports fallen or disabled service members and first responders by providing education opportunities for their children.

"Every sport has an origin." - John Rooney

"You've got to look out there and figure out what you want to do and how to get there." - John Rooney

"Go before you're ready." - John Rooney

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• John discusses the regional origins and growth of different sports, emphasizing how geography plays a role in their development
• The inspiration behind Folds of Honor, which provides educational opportunities for the families of fallen servicemen and first responders
• Why it's so important to figure out what you want from life and take steps to achieve those goals
• The importance of being a learner and being open to new possibilities
• The need for leaders to let go and allow the next generation to take things to a new level
• How coming together and supporting one another can create a sense of belonging and make a positive impact, whatever the niche
• The intersection of sports and geography and how geography influences the development and popularity of various sports
• The significance of stepping outside your comfort zone to achieve success
• How organizations like Folds of Honor and Patriot Golf Days make an impact in supporting the families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders

John Rooney's Word of Wisdom:

Go before you're ready. Take risks.

Connect with John Rooney:

• Dr. John Rooney on LinkedIn
• A Geography of American Sport: From Cabin Creek to Anaheim by John Rooney
• The Recruiting Game: Toward a New System of Intercollegiate Sport (Second Edition) by John Rooney
• Atlas of American Sport by John Rooney
• Folds of Honor
• American Dunes Golf Course

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

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 organizations. Jim and his wife Amy see Eyes of Faith as a conduit for God's love and encouragement, spreading hope and making a difference in people's lives daily through eyewear.

On the podcast this week, I'm talking with Jim Schneider about what took him from insurance to eyewear and the process he and Amy followed to make their vision for a faith-led brand a reality. He shares more about how they design and name their eyewear lines and why it's so important to them to start in the scriptures to find inspiration. We also discuss how they give in a meaningful way via their links with the Point Hope Vision Clinic in Ghana and their clinic in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

"We're still the world's largest and the world's smallest faith-based eyewear company."

- Jim Schneider

"It's always good to be giving back in a meaningful way." - Jim Schneider

"There's prayer support right there inside that optical." - Jim Schneider

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Jim's passion for eyewear came from prayer and what he and his wife Amy did to make their dream happen
• Eyes of Faith's goals for growth over the next few years
• Their current distribution model of using independent optical practices across the country and how they'd like to expand their network
• More about their key purpose of giving back in a meaningful way via Point Hope Vision Clinic in Ghana
• Why they put a scripture quote on the inside of the temple, and how it creates an emotional connection with wearers
• Why the Eyes of Faith motto is wear and share and what that means in practice
• How people can spread the news about Eyes of Faith
• The moment that Jim saw the businesses' life flash before his eyes and how the brand got past that
• Details of Eyes of Faith's current product range, including bluelight glasses for people who use screens a lot and their range of sunglasses

Jim Schneider's Word of Wisdom:

Sometimes the greatest risk is not taking the risk. What I mean by that is I think a lot of companies, when they're looking to either launch a new product, a new division, or a new company, they look at the financial ROI, but at Eyes of Faith, we try to look at what's the return on relationship.

Connect with Jim Schneider:

• Eyes of Faith Website
• Zivah Website
• Eyes of Faith on Facebook
• Eyes of Faith on Instagram
• Jim Schneider 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

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 respected online educational resources in the USA.

This week on The WOW Factor, we continue our conversation with Marissa. She shares how PragerU leverages technology to allow them to reach the customer directly and cut out the disconnect between parents and educational institutions. Marissa also dives into why PragerU decided to produce the UnWoke Inc. documentary to demonstrate how people can make a cultural impact by providing woke alternatives in academia, culture, and business. Check out Marissa's new show, Real Talk with Marissa Streit.

"Our education system is eroding America. It's working against us." - Marissa Streit

"God gives every single one of us different buckets of skills." - Marissa Streit

"We nourish America's brain." - Marissa Streit

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Marissa's family moved from Los Angeles to Israel and the impact of her military service on her leadership skills

• Why she identified so strongly as an American when she was living abroad

• When her leadership skills first began to emerge

• Why Marissa went into teaching and how she fell in love with working with children

• The key problems in America's education system today

• When Marissa became involved with PragerU and why she believes that her connection with Dennis Prager came about through divine intervention

• How people can access the resources available at PragerU

• What Marissa looks for when she's recruiting new team members

• How PragerU leverages social media for their marketing, and why they prefer to continue the relationship on their own channels

• How and why Marissa encourages people to find mentors

Marissa Streit's Word of Wisdom:

Be willing to do what others are not willing to do because therein lies opportunity. Where is the gap in the market where you can show up and do something totally different that could change the world?

Connect with Marissa Streit:

• PragerU

• Unwoke Inc.

• Marissa Streit on LinkedIn

• Marissa Streit on Instagram

• Real Talk with Marissa Streit

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

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 WOW Factor, we welcome Marissa to the show to discuss the duality of being an entrepreneur and an educator. She shares how PragerU leverages technology to allow them to reach the customer directly and cut out the disconnect between parents and educational institutions. Marissa also dives into why PragerU decided to produce the Unwoke Inc. documentary to demonstrate how people can make a cultural impact by providing woke alternatives in academia, culture, and business.

"Our education system is eroding America. It's working against us." - Marissa Streit

"God gives every single one of us different buckets of skills." - Marissa Streit

"We nourish America's brain." - Marissa Streit

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Marissa's family moved from Los Angeles to Israel and the impact of her military service on her leadership skills
• Why she identified so strongly as an American when she was living abroad
• When her leadership skills first began to emerge
• Why Marissa went into teaching and how she fell in love with working with children
• The key problems in America's education system today
• When Marissa became involved with PragerU and why she believes that her connection with Dennis Prager came about through divine intervention
• How people can access the resources available at PragerU
• What Marissa looks for when she's recruiting new team members
• How PragerU leverages social media for their marketing, and why they prefer to continue the relationship on their own channels
• How and why Marissa encourages people to find mentors

Marissa Streit's Word of Wisdom:

Be willing to do what others are not willing to do because therein lies opportunity. Where is the gap in the market where you can show up and do something totally different that could change the world?

Connect with Marissa Streit:

• PragerU
• Unwoke Inc.

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

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 an evangelist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, he has led crusades around the world.

Join us on The Wow Factor podcast this week as we dive into Franklin Graham's leadership journey, with Samaritan's Purse. He shares a little more about the incredible work the organization does, and how they ensure they're always ready to help those in need. Franklin also shares how his father's advice has helped him over the years, the importance of being a conduit for the Lord's work, and his vision for the next ten years.

"God uses people." - Franklin Graham

"In leadership, you have to make decisions." - Franklin Graham

"God's people want to serve, they want to be involved, and at Samaritan's Purse, we provide a conduit for them to be able to do so.." - Franklin Graham

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Franklin came to take a leadership role at Samaritan's Purse and the incredible team that God has helped him build
• What Frankin believes is the problem in creating the next generation of leaders
• Franklin's father, Billy Graham's advice when Franklin first joined the Board of Directors at Samaritan's Purse
• Some of the ways that Samaritan's Purse helps people in need at home in the U.S and abroad How they are supporting people in Ukraine with their food and water distribution
• Giving generously doesn't just involve money; it also includes the time given to serve in Jesus' name at Samaritan's Purse
• Franklin's prayer for the children growing up in America today
• What the next ten years look like for Franklin Graham and Samaritan's Purse

Franklin Graham's Word of Wisdom:

Pray and spend time with Jesus in the Scripture.

Connect with Franklin Graham:

• Samaritan's Purse

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

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 Christian service and his desire to see impactful ministries flourish. Jay's commitment extends to serving on various for-profit and non-profit boards, including his current role as Chairman of the National Christian Foundation.

I'm so excited to have Jay Bennett, entrepreneur, lawyer, and philanthropist join us on this episode of The Wow Factor. Jay shares his journey of establishing his own law practice and evolving focus areas throughout his career. We explore the transformative power of generosity and how, when you trust in the Lord your path will be revealed. Jay also discusses some of his personal challenges, including a disorder that temporarily affected his voice and led to a deeper connection with God and family.

"Generosity is a portal to intimacy with the Lord." - Jay Bennett

" The willingness of a person to let the mystery do its work, and not to try to dot every I and cross every T, creates space for the spirit to move, and allows the Lord to guide our path.." - Jay Bennett

"Our life can be the place where the King of Kings takes up residence and leads you into an abundant life for the benefit of others." - Jay Bennett

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Jay's entrepreneurial spirit led him to set up his own law practice
• His areas of focus as a lawyer and how they evolved over his career
• The story of how Jay met a significant mentor in his life and how it led to them setting up a private foundation together
• Jay's experience working with Bob Bulford as the Halftime Board Chair
• How to figure out if you're a fisherman or a shepherd and why it's important
• What Jay has learned Mamman to be, and how that learning led to a moment that lasted six years
• The disorder that made Jay lose his voice and how that triggered a renewed intimacy with the Lord and his family
• Jay's belief that generosity is a portal to a better relationship with God
• Jay's role at the National Christian Foundation

Jay Bennett's Word of Wisdom:

Think about the fact that the Kingdom is at hand. You can choose to live a Kingdom life. Your life can be the domicile of a place where the King of Kings takes up residence and leads you into an abundant life for the benefit of others.

Connect with Jay Bennett:

• National Christian Foundation (Twin Cities)

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 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 most powerful business leaders and honored as part of the esteemed "40 under 40" list, Mark is driven by his passion to improve lives through technology, whether it's through scalable business software or inspiring leadership videos.

This week on the show, I'm thrilled to welcome Mark Johnson. We delve into Mark's background, including the invaluable lessons he learned about entrepreneurship and the importance of a strong work ethic from his father and grandfather. Mark shares some of the secrets behind Michigan Software Labs' exceptional company culture and their unique approach to recruiting the right team members. We also dive into Mark's philosophy of generously sharing valuable wisdom and insights with others to help them progress on their personal or professional journey.

"It's so important to have a coach and have somebody that's really speaking in your life and giving you wisdom." - Mark Johnson

"In a partnership, if you're both eager to serve each other, there's going to be a good result." - Mark Johnson

"If we can put our focus on really helping enable each other as well as our clients, we're going to be successful." - Mark Johnson

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Mark's background and what he learned about work early on from his father
• Some of the mentors that Mark has had throughout his life and how they have influenced him
• How he got started building apps because of a request from his wife
• Why he and his partner decided to give their first app project away for free
• The Michigan Software Labs company culture and how they recruit team members who are a great fit
• Why they assign each team member an external coach who helps them achieve their goals
• How Mark and his co-founder Josh manage their partnership with empathy and understanding, and listening
• The impact of AI on organizations in the future — how we use it, its benefits and drawbacks
• The process of working with Michigan Software Labs to create an app
• Some of Mark's favorite apps that his team has built
• Some of the regular habits the company has to show their appreciation for their coworkers

Mark Johnson's Word of Wisdom:

I want to encourage leaders to think about how they can use communities like LinkedIn and what value and wisdom they might get from other leaders.

Connect with Mark Johnson:

• Mark Johnson on LinkedIn
• Michigan Software Labs

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

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 opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities. John's commitment extends beyond his role, as he actively engages in philanthropic initiatives and works to make fitness accessible to the community. Through his vision and dedication, John continues to shape the fitness landscape in the Midwest.

On this episode of The Wow Factor podcast, we have the extraordinary John Clancy as our guest. From starting with little and struggling to find low-paying jobs, John shares his remarkable journey of becoming a Broker at Stratton Oakmont and attaining millionaire status in just three years. He opens up about his involvement in one of Wall Street's biggest frauds, the aftermath of its exposure, and the personal challenges he faced. From being a federal target to enduring a difficult jail experience, John's story takes an unexpected turn when he experiences a profound moment of redemption. Learn why he remains dedicated to being a Christian foot soldier and the transformative power of second chances.

"God had given me this talent for sales." - John Clancy

"As God got me more and more exposed to the real world. And I started feeling that emptiness that lack of peace inside was getting bigger and bigger." - John Clancy

"As a Christian businessman, you've got to be radically obedient to the Holy Spirit, and a lot of that is radical obedience to generosity." - John Clancy

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How John went from being broke and trying to get low-paying jobs to finding a role as a Broker at Stratton Oakmont
• How he became a millionaire in three years
• How John found his inner peace in the middle of professional turmoil
• The experience of being involved in one of the biggest frauds in Wall Street history
• What happened when the fraud was uncovered, and stock prices tumbled
• The first person John called when he found himself on the front page of the Wall Street Journal
• How John felt when he realized he was a federal target and how he made a deal
• What happened when the state then indicted John, and why he didn't take the 'no jail' deal
• Why he illegally fled to the Bahamas, and the horrific experience in jail he suffered on his return
• The moment the Holy Spirit came to him when he was suffering the weight of sin
• What John decided to do when he was acquitted
• Why John still loves being involved with Planet Business

John Clancy's Word of Wisdom:

If you're a Christian, and you own a business, or you want to own a business, or you want to build a business, it is absolutely imperative that you follow the leanings of the Holy Spirit. God answers prayer, but as a Christian businessman, you've got to be radically obedient to the Holy Spirit, and a lot of that is radical obedience to generosity.

Connect with John Clancy:

• John Clancy on LinkedIn
• Planet Fitness Midwest

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 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 hard, and saving money. He also discusses his leadership style, the importance of listening, and his belief in doing for others.

"Look at everything as an opportunity to learn. Everything has something else you can learn." - Tom Smith

"I believe very much in working with the employees, getting their thoughts, their ideas before any decision was made." - Tom Smith

"I always felt that the results were a result of us rather than me." - Tom Smith

This Week On The Wow Factor:

• Tom's early life and the importance of setting goals and working hard.
• His journey from bagging groceries at Food Town (later renamed Food Lion) to becoming the CEO.
• The growth of Food Lion from 200 stores to 1200 stores under his leadership.
• Tom's leadership style and the importance of listening and making decisions together with employees.
• His belief in doing for others, inspired by the teachings of Jesus.
• Tom's generous acts, including donating to various projects that positively impact people.
• His advice on dealing with challenges and the importance of communication.

Tom Smiths Word of Wisdom:

Determine what you want to do and who you want to be. Then, reverse engineer those goals and figure out how to get to where you want to go. It starts by accomplishing one thing at a time.

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

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 need to hear. This creates a unique "data for good" business model that has resulted in HundredX being recognized as one of the top mission based corporations in the U.S.

With a keen understanding of the importance of customer satisfaction, Rob has spearheaded the development of an innovative technology that enables organizations to harness and analyze valuable customer insights in real time. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the customer experience have made HundredX a trusted partner for companies across various industries. With a background in technology and a passion for delivering exceptional results, Rob continues to shape the future of customer feedback management, empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions and achieve unparalleled customer success.

Welcome to this week's episode of the Wow Factor leadership podcast, where we dive into the fascinating journey of Rob Pace, Founder, and CEO of HundredX. We discover how Rob recognized the need to help businesses measure reliable and meaningful consumer data. He shares with us how understanding this data helps growing organizations to better serve their customers and how listening can drive strategic pivots. We'll also learn about the philanthropic arm of HundredX, called HundredX Causes and the generous corporate feedback loop that supports charitable impact. We'll also hear Rob's thoughts on the importance of integrating social impact and purpose into business practices.

"The business problem we're solving is how do you help leaders listen? How do you help them understand where their industry is heading." - Rob Pace

"Consumers are brilliant in terms of helping leaders figure out how to steward their organization."

- Rob Pace

"The whole idea of a listening organization is a game changer." - Rob Pace

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Rob's upbringing, his five life goals as an eighth grader, and how he's achieving them
• The experience of doing an MBA at Harvard and how he got into the program
• What Rob learned from working on Wall St at Goldmann Sachs and where his career subsequently took him
• What led Rob to create HundredX
• Why listening can be transformational for business leaders
• How the company navigates giving generously to charities via corporate feedback
• Why data is so essential for leaders who genuinely want to serve their customer
• Why HundredX is the modern equivalent of a school bake sale
• How the listening piece can help businesses pivot and strategize
• Why the change in the rate of business has never been greater

Rob Pace's Word of Wisdom:

Leaders need to integrate their social impact and purpose with their business instead of merely checking a box. It's tough to gain the trust of your customers if you don't practice what you preach even when no one is watching. g

Connect with Rob Pace:

• Rob Pace on LinkedIn
• HundredX 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