The Wow Factor

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 over 2 billion children with messages of hope. He has served in various leadership roles in numerous networks and is presently the Senior Advisor to the World Evangelical Alliance. Rob holds degrees in Cultural Anthropology, Theology, and Divinity. Rob and his wife Kim reside in Pompano Beach, Florida, and together they have two daughters and three grandchildren.

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Hoskins, the CEO and President of OneHope, a global ministry that reaches millions of children and youth with the message of the Gospel. Rob discusses the importance of creating a positive organizational transition, explores some of the questions that helped him find his purpose as a leader, and delves into why we should lean into the spiritual when creating our life's vision. Rob also emphasizes the critical importance of being open, honest, and authentic and how this impacts your relationships and leadership style.

"Misionality is in my bloodstream and in my DNA." - Rob Hoskins

"Living a missional life is much more fulfilling than trying to be self-fulfilled." - Rob Hoskins

"Good leadership is about having confidence and being self-aware." - Rob Hoskins

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Robs upbringing as the child of committed missionaries
• What missionality is, and the importance of having a lifelong mission that drives you
• Rob's relationship with his father and why he remains so inspired by him and the way his parents live their lives
• The importance of creating a positive transition in an organization
• How OneHope moved from a Christian publishing house to a user-driven organization
• Why sometimes you have to create the market as an entrepreneur
• Why Rob believes that so many leaders shy away from change
• Some of the components that help you find your purpose as a leader
• The comparison between what younger leaders and older leaders are seeking in their lives
• Why it's so critical to be open, honest, and authentic with your children

Rob Hoskins' Word of Wisdom:

I go back to scripture for this, to the verse that says, we look not at the things which are seen, but the things which are unseen, because the things which are seen are temporal, the things which are unseen are eternal.

Connect with Rob Hoskins:

• Rob Hoskins' Website
• OneHope Website
• Rob Hoskins on Facebook
• Rob Hoskins on Instagram
• Rob Hoskins 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

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 Founder and President of the advisory firm Narrow Gate Partners. In addition, Tom serves as President and is a founding member of Faith in Financial Services in New York. Tom received his BS degree in Finance from Indiana University and his MBA from the University of Chicago. He and his wife, Kim, reside in Naples, Florida, and they have three adult children Jenna, Tara, and Jonathon.

On this episode of The Wow Factor, we are joined by Tom, who shares his insights and wisdom on the importance of building deeper professional relationships. He discusses his book, The Narrow Gate: Fatherly Advice for Navigating the Pathway to Your Best Life, based on his life's journey and the lessons he learned along the way. Tom also shares more about his long career in finance and talks about how leaders can become more effective by listening to their employees and supporting them through difficult times.

"Chaos provides the opportunity for learning and growth." - Tom Cole

"When you get to the end of your life, the most important thing in your life is going to be the relationships that you've had and how you've impacted other people." - Tom Cole

"Your best life will not be by taking the easiest path... it's most fulfilling when you do the hard things to get to the best result.." - Tom Cole

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Tom's early life and when he began to focus his talents on finance and business
• Some of the ups and downs in Tom's personal life and how that impacted him as a leader
• Tom shares why scripture and God's word steer his life
• Why it was so important to Tom to build genuine relationships in his professional life
• How Tom and his wife look at giving and how they moved from reactionary giving to building an intentional roadmap for their generosity
• Tom's heart attacks and why they were the catalyst for writing his book as a way to share some of his life lessons
• What fulfillment means to Tom and why it's essential to take a moment to take a deep breath and really define your purpose
• Why Tom became involved in New Canaan and how the organization serves men today
• Why being a good listener is the hallmark of a good leader
• Why building a community is the key to intentional decision-making

Tom Cole:

You need to understand your values, have a true north, and know in which direction you're headed. So many people make decisions motivated by desire and emotion rather than knowledge, fact, and truth because they're isolated rather than part of an engaged community.

Connect with Tom Cole:

• The Narrow Gate: Fatherly Advice for Navigating the Pathway to Your Best Life
• Tom Cole at the New Canaan Society

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

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 about sustainable business practices and the health of our planet and its people. She focuses on ensuring that Kellogg Garden Products' operations contribute to the future well-being of its employees, customers, and the environment. Together, Hap and Kathy lead the charge in maintaining a company culture committed to positively impacting the world.

Our very special guests this week are Hap Kellogg and Kathy Kellogg Johnson, Co-owners of Kellogg Garden Products. We're delving into the history of the business, how it started and continued to grow and expand, and how it grew and expanded under Hap and Kathy's stewardship. You'll hear how they use the business as a platform for ministry, and we explore their relationship with God and how it's a big part of their Kellogg journey. We'll also discuss the importance of humility, generosity, and the one thing they do at the beginning of each business meeting to set the right tone for cooperation and productivity.

"The wonderful thing is God created this earth, with the ability to heal itself." - Kathy Kellogg Johnson

"We focus on two words, humility, and integrity." - H. Clay "Hap" Kellogg IV

"We're humble and teachable, and able to move forward." - H. Clay "Hap" Kellogg IV

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Hap and Kathy's first experiences of being part of a Kellogg Garden Products
• Why Hap decided to give up being a professional rodeo cowboy and join the family business
• When the business started and how it continued to grow and expand.
• How Kathy and Hap use the business as a platform for ministry
• More about Kathy's TED Talk on how we can rebuild the earth, and her thoughts on the importance of improving our soil quality to improve our health
• How Kathy and Hap work together as third-generation co-owners, how they resolve disagreements and the one thing they do at the beginning of each business meeting to set the right tone
• How Hap and Kathy's relationship with God has been a big part of the Kellogg family business and family legacy
• The importance of humility in helping you start to see a perspective beyond yourself
• Why Hap and Kathy built their company culture around the idea of being generous with thoughts, words, money, time, and attention, and the way they share their influence

H. Clay "Hap" Kellogg IV and Kathy Kellogg Johnson's Word of Wisdom:

It's better to give than receive, no matter who you are, so look for those opportunities intentionally every day, then move forward and be watchful of who you're learning from and who you're teaching.

Connect with H. Clay "Hap" Kellogg IV and Kathy Kellogg Johnson:

• Kellogg Garden Products Website
• Re:build Soil, Re:build the EARTH by Kathy Johnson for TEDxYouth@Austin

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 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 had on countless lives throughout his incredible journey.

Our conversation with Stanley takes us through his early years, starting with his innovative business of rep replacement silver from photographic solutions, which eventually led him to venture into the plastics industry. Stanley shares the story of how he built United States Plastic Corp into a successful business, generating millions dollars annually. Throughout the episode, we explore the various aspects of Stanley's life, including his faith, the challenges he faced as an employer, and the powerful role that giving played in his life. Stanley's inspiring story highlights the importance of persistence, faith, and a commitment to making a difference in the world.

"Today he healed me, healed my legs. I was just praying to the Lord for almost an hour. I thanked him for healing me. Today was a wonderful day." - Stanley Tam

"In the middle of the sermon, God spoke to me. I want all the business. That was a shock to me. Three weeks later, I said, I'll give it all to you." - Stanley Tam

"In 1980 I went into plastics. Now we do 65 million a year." - Stanley Tam

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Stanley faced multiple failures in the silver collecting business but persevered through prayer, eventually finding success.
• God played a central role in Stanley's life, guiding him to turn over his business to a higher power and experiencing growth and prosperity.
• Stanley has given over a hundred million dollars away, attributing his success to placing God first in his life and business.
• The struggle of aging while being blind
• Memorizing the Bible despite being blind
• The excitement of meeting Billy Graham
• Stanley loves ice cream, which he ate daily
• At the age of 104, Stanley experienced a miraculous healing of his leg pain after praying to the Lord.
• Stanley's life verse is Matthew 15:16

Stanley Tam's Word of Wisdom:

Stanley's word of wisdom can be derived from his story of persistence and faith. He demonstrates the importance of never giving up, even in the face of adversity, and trusting in a higher power to guide you through challenges. His wisdom emphasizes the value of hard work, determination, and believing in yourself and your purpose.

Connect with US Plastic Corp:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Contact Form
• Instagram
• Twitter

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

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, World War II and continues to be one of the most successful concrete and bulk material companies today.

In this episode, you'll hear Marty talk about the history of the Ozinga family business, how he empowers Ozinga employees, and how by serving God you will reach unbelievable heights in your business.

"Life is about serving others and empowering those around you" -

Marty Ozinga III

"We're not working here for ourselves. We've always been convicted that everything belongs to God" - Marty Ozinga III

"Understand that you're not the center of the universe, you're here to serve" - Marty Ozinga III

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• The Ozinga Family History
• The process of taking over the company at age 23
• Understanding other people's gifts and talents
• Faith as a foundation
• 8 "Around the World" tickets, no cellphones, no google, and a lot of adventure
• The Ups and Downs of the concrete business
• Caring about the people
• Transition out of being CEO

Marty Ozinga's Word of Wisdom:

Life is about serving others and empowering those around you. When you construct a business with those core values in mind, you will not only build a profitable business, but a legacy as well.

Connect with Ozinga Inc.:

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• 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

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 moments that have helped shape his perspective and guided him in the right direction. Erle discusses his professional journey, including his time as a leader at TXU, and describes a few of the leadership challenges he overcame during that time. Finally, Erle shares his insights into what it takes to achieve personal and professional success, including the critical factors of integrity, responsibility, and empathy, and what ethical leadership means to him.

"Generosity has its own reward." - Erle Nye

"Everybody is part of the solution." - Erle Nye

"Be honest, be responsible, and care about people." - Erle Nye

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• What Erle learned about relationships and communication from his veterinarian father
• Some important mentors Erle has had throughout his life
• Erle's fantastic experience at Texas A&M University and how the decisions he made there shaped his life
• What Erle learned about the value of teamwork at college
• Erle's thoughts for parents or grandparents whose children don't follow the path they envisioned for them
• How Erle found himself growing and developing as a leader at TXU
• One particular challenge that Erle had to overcome as a leader and how it helped him develop personally and professionally
• How working with a psychologist at TXU changed the company culture for the better
• Core tenants of the culture at TXU, including service to others
• Erle's relationship with George H. Bush and what he learned about leadership from watching him
• The three factors that are critical to personal and professional success — integrity, responsibility, empathy

Erle Nye's Word of Wisdom:

Be honest, be responsible, and care about people.

Connect with Erle Nye:

• Erle Nye 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

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 moments that have helped shape his perspective and guided him in the right direction. Erle discusses his professional journey, including his time as a leader at TXU, and describes a few of the leadership challenges he overcame during that time. Finally, Erle shares his insights into what it takes to achieve personal and professional success, including the critical factors of integrity, responsibility, and empathy, and what ethical leadership means to him.

“Generosity has its own reward.” - Erle Nye

“Everybody is part of the solution.” - Erle Nye

“Be honest, be responsible, and care about people.” -  Erle Nye

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• What Erle learned about relationships and communication from his veterinarian father
• Some important mentors Erle has had throughout his life
• Erle’s fantastic experience at Texas A&M University and how the decisions he made there shaped his life
• What Erle learned about the value of teamwork at college
• Erle’s thoughts for parents or grandparents whose children don’t follow the path they envisioned for them
• How Erle found himself growing and developing as a leader at TXU
• One particular challenge that Erle had to overcome as a leader and how it helped him develop personally and professionally
• How working with a psychologist at TXU changed the company culture for the better
• Core tenants of the culture at TXU, including service to others
• Erle’s relationship with George H. Bush and what he learned about leadership from watching him
• The three factors that are critical to personal and professional success — integrity, responsibility, empathy

Erle Nye’s Word of Wisdom:

Be honest, be responsible, and care about people.

Connect with Erle Nye: 

• Erle Nye 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

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 into one of the world's largest and most successful consumer electronics retailers. Brad has also served on the boards of the American Film Institute, American Public Media, Waste Management, Carlson Companies, General Mills, and Mayo Clinic.

Brad joins me on The Wow Factor this week to discuss the importance of finding meaning and purpose in your life as a leader and how it can lead to great things. Brad shares with us the key lesson he learned about providing exceptional customer service and how it helped him turn a tiny store into a retail giant. We follow the steps Brad and his team took to transform their small chain of stores into the phenomenally successful Best Buy we know today. We also learn more about the innovator's dilemma and why desperation and scarcity can lead to creative thinking and innovation in business.

"If you're not up against it, you're in the process of dying." - Brad Anderson

"If you're going to try to share something with somebody, it has to have something authentic." - Brad Anderson

"If you're going to be a unique leader, you need a unique premise." - Brad Anderson

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Brad went to a Lutheran Seminary in St. Paul, and what made him leave without finishing
• The importance of having a sense of meaning and purpose in your life
• How Brad found his niche in sales
• The critical lesson that Brad learned about the value of providing customer service that goes above and beyond
• How the tiny company that Brad worked for developed into Best Buy
• Best Buy's journey from 67 employees to 170,000 and the part that Brad played in that expansion
• Why great leaders need to look through a different lens to discover their true purpose
• The steps that Brad's tiny store had to take to transform into a sustainable and scalable business
• Why desperation and scarcity led to creative thinking and Innovation in business
• Some of the inspirational leaders that Brad has learned from throughout his career
• Why Best Buy ended up becoming so successful as a first-generation superstore

Brad Anderson's Word of Wisdom:

Everybody is a unique, beloved child of God. You cannot find a human being who does not have some value, who doesn't have an interesting story, and if your role is to lead in that ecosystem, you've got to be genuinely open to that concept.

Resources:

• The Innovator's Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book that Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M Christensen

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

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 conditions. Before joining Crossmark Global, Bob held senior positions at several prominent financial institutions, including BlackRock, Merrill Lynch, and Nuveen Investments. He is a frequent commentator on financial news networks and has authored several books on investing and market trends.

This week on the show Bob Doll emphasizes the significance of culture in the workplace and discusses his personal experiences of being a Christian in today's world, where he noticed a shift from being encouraged to being tolerated and then being shunned. He shares his principles of stewardship and giving, emphasizing that everything we have is a gift from God, and our responsibility is to steward it well. Bob also expresses his passion for helping families stay together and be oriented towards a relationship with themselves and God.

"People are drawn to people who are generous." - Bob Doll

"Leadership via servanthood is incredible." - Bob Doll

"If it were really my money, who cares what I do with it, but if it's God's money, now I have an awesome responsibility and privilege to steward it well." - Bob Doll

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Bob discusses the importance of culture in the workplace
• Why Bob was fired from BlackRock for sharing his faith and how it ultimately led him to a new opportunity
• Bob shares his perspective on the changing attitude toward Christianity in society
• How Bob's faith has influenced his career and led him to work for a faith-based money management organization called Crossmark
• The importance of giving, understanding the principle of stewardship, and recognizing that all that we have is a gift from God
• Advice he received in his 20s to set a standard for giving rather than a standard of living, which has influenced his approach to money management throughout his career
• Why Bob is passionate about promoting strong family relationships and his concern about the wealth transfer that is currently taking place
• Why Bob values his role at Crossmark, and what kind of companies they invest clients' money in
• How prayer, fasting, and giving help believers stay connected to their faith
• Bob's conviction that it is crucial to keep faith at the center of one's life

Bob Doll's Word of Wisdom:

To be a great leader, one should serve others, lead by example, and consistently communicate and repeat the goals to increase the chances of success.

Resources:

• The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn

Connect with Bob Doll:

• Crossmark Global Website
• Bob Doll 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

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, teamwork, and adaptability. John is a sought-after speaker who has addressed audiences worldwide and authored the bestselling book "On Purpose With Purpose." Through his coaching, speaking, and writing, he is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations discover their purpose and reach their full potential.

Join us on this episode as we hear the inspiring story of John Ramstead, who shares his experience of surviving an accident that caused catastrophic injuries and the lengthy recovery process that gave him time to consider his future. We delve into the importance of not getting trapped in a victim mentality, reflecting on how you relate to others, and being open to change. John also shares some of the valuable insights he has learned from the leaders he has worked with, emphasizing the importance of knowing what you want to achieve in life to move forward.

"What if you bet on yourself? What's the worst that could happen?" - John Ramstead

"Imagine just a gift we can give to other people when we maybe when we just take some time to slow down and encourage them." - John Ramstead

"Sit down and figure out the kind of life you're trying to create for yourself." - John Ramstead

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• The moment John decided to make a huge decision and bet on himself despite his initial fear of failure
• John's experience of joining Top Gun as an instructor
• How John survived the unsurvivable accident that caved in the entire left side of his skull, broke his neck, crushed his ribcage, and punctured his lung
• The moment that John felt bathed in love by the Lord and how it helped him go on
• The lengthy recovery process that gave John time to consider his future option
• Why it was so important for John not to get trapped in the victim mentality
• John's experience of going from giver to receiver after his accident
• Some things that John has learned from the leaders that he has worked with
• Why knowing what you want to achieve in life is key to moving forward

John Ramstead's Word of Wisdom:

Define your desired outcomes and create a clear vision for the life you want to lead, filter out external voices, and prioritize key goals to start connecting the dots towards achieving your goals.

Connect with John Ramstead:

• John Ramstead Website
• John Ramstead on LinkedIn
• John Ramsted - Beyond Influence

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