The Wow Factor

Jim Stovall is the President of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network and a highly sought-after author and speaker. His work making television accessible to the USA's 13 million blind and visually impaired people saw him named Entrepreneur of the Year by The President's Committee on Equal Opportunity; he was also chosen as the International Humanitarian of the Year in 2000. Jim is the author of the best-selling book, The Ultimate Gift, a major motion picture starring James Garner and Abigail Breslin.

Jim joins my co-host and son Drew and me on the Wow Factor Podcast for the second time to give his insights into nurturing and encouraging the next generation of leaders. We're excited to be digging into the details of The Ultimate Gift, why Jim decided to write it, and his goals for the book. Jim shares the book's central message and why he chose to share his essential vision with a wider audience through the medium of fiction.

"The reason I made Red Stevens (James Garner in the movie) a billionaire was to dispel what I call the big lie. And the big lie in our society simply says, If I just had enough money, I wouldn't have any problems." - Jim Stovall

"There's no shortcut to anywhere worth going. And that's true in life success, in business, and when we deny our children that we set them up in a world that's not real." - Jim Stovall

"Success in life is a series of good choices; failure is a series of bad choices — very few things are terminal." - Jim Stovall

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Jim was persuaded to write his first seven inspirational books
• How long it took to write The Ultimate Gift and why it has never had any edits or rewrites
• The experience Jim had that planted the seed that God was getting him ready for the convergence of ideas for the book
• The three things that hold the key to happiness in life
• Jim's message to parents today who are trying to raise good-hearted, hard-working kids and how to build good familial relationships
• Why it's important to let your kids find their own way and take responsibility for overcoming their challenges
• How The Ultimate Gift became a film and where to spot Jim as he makes a cameo
• How Jim figured out a way to change people's lives, despite it not being in the way he first expected

Connect with Jim Stovall:

• Jim Stovall Website
• Jim Stovall on Twitter
• Dear Napoleon: The Living Legacy of Napoleon Hill and Think and Grow Rich by Jim Stovall

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

Ryan Essenburg is the third generation owner of Tommy Car Wash Systems, a 50 year old car wash equipment manufacturer with multiple patents on buildings and equipment products based in Holland, MI with customers in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and North America. They have 80+ Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise locations in the USA with 200+ more currently under development to serve the world with professional car wash services.

Ryan joins me on the Wow Factor Podcast this week to discuss how he became fascinated by the equipment line side of the family business because of limitless opportunity to scale globally and help serve others, and build businesses. He also gives insights into why consistency is an important core value when providing a service or product, and why that consistent experience is what people are looking for today. Ryan also gives the low down on how Tommy's Express Car Wash supports the Water Mission program, a nonprofit organization that builds water filtration and treatment systems to provide safe, clean drinking water for developing communities and disaster relief areas.

"I look at life like a relay race, each generation runs a distance and then passes the baton … And I look at it as my goal to run the race a little further and hand it off to the next generation in a better spot, and hopefully, each generation appreciates the previous journey." - Ryan Essenburg

"When you come in just to wash your car, we want to be easy to do business with, simple and infinitely scalable so that we can serve every market and every community around the world." - Ryan Essenburg

"That's what's really been fascinating about the Tommy's Express carwash is that anybody can participate in it." - Ryan Essenburg

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Ryan first started off in the car washing business and why he loved it so much
• Why the family was so keen to develop and push forward into new technologies and processes to be as efficient and productive as possible
• The culture at Tommy's Express Car Wash and their value of planting seeds and never giving up on your goals
• Why Ryan is so committed to caring for their communities locally and nationally
• Why they decide to name the car wash after the creative visionary of the company
• Ryan's approach to the franchising model and whether the business got more complicated as they scaled
• The processes for joining the Tommy's Express Car Wash family and why Ryan is excited to expand across the country
• Some of the current challenges they face and the company's plans for the future

Ryan Essenburg's Words of Wisdom:

Help others be successful first, and then somehow success will come to you. If you focus on helping other people sustain wealth or build an ongoing legacy, you'll find that you'll be rewarded along the way.

Connect with Ryan Essenburg:

• Tommy's Car Wash Systems Website
• Tommy's Car Wash Systems on LinkedIn
• Tommy's Car Wash Systems on YouTube
• Tommy's Express Car Wash on Facebook

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on marriage, parenting, and communication. Based on over three decades of counseling and scientific and biblical research, Dr. Eggerichs developed the Love and Respect Marriage Conference, which he presents to live audiences around the country. Emerson has authored several books, including Love and Respect in the Family, Mother & Son: The Respect Effect, and the New York Times bestseller Love and Respect. Emerson is also the Founder and President of Love and Respect Ministries.

I welcome Emerson to the Wow Factor today to discuss how God directs our steps and frees us to use our free will to direct our own lives. He believes that the Bible prompts people to recognize the answers to the big questions in life by understanding the four wills of God, which he calls the B.A.G.S, (Believe in Jesus, Abstain from sexual immorality, Give thanks always, Submit to the Lord). Emerson also shares how he realized that men and women communicate differently and why he was prompted to set up the Love and Respect conferences.

"It doesn't hurt to ask God to bring about a coincidence every once in a while, and see what might happen." - Emerson Eggerichs

"The two key ingredients for a successful marriage are love and respect." - Emerson Eggerichs

"I just want to see the hand of God in my life; I really don't care what's in it." - Emerson Eggerichs

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How the challenges in Emerson's family situation prompted him to know Christ and lead his family to Christ
• What Emerson learned about leadership in the early years of being a senior pastor
• Why Emerson made the decision not to write any books until he was 50
• Why Emerson was inspired to develop some way to help people experience, love, and respect
• Emerson describes the four wills of God and shares why they remain central to almost every part of life
• What the 'crazy cycle' is and how it can damage a marriage
• The importance of being honest with yourself about where you can do better in your life
• How the Bible gives us constant reminders of the critical factors in life
• Emerson's thoughts on the state of marriage in the US today

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs' Words of Wisdom:

God is using you to lead, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be rich, but the most successful people in life are those that have loved God and loved others.

Connect with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs:

• Love and Respect Website
• Love and Respect Podcast

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

Dick Stricklen is the owner of Motor City Auto Center in Bakersfield, CA, a sprawling campus which includes a Buick/GMC dealership, a Lexus dealership, and a large used car & truck operation. Dick's team devote themselves to helping and serving their customers and providing staff with the opportunity to develop their skills and interests. Dick took over the GMC dealership at the age of 19 after his father's death and since then has followed his passion for building authentic relationships with team members and clients alike.

Dick joins me on the show today to share how he started in the automotive business and why he's grateful to his late father for starting him as a porter at the dealership at a very early age, allowing him to learn from the ground up. He tells the story of how he managed to put together a proposal that saw him successfully take over one of his father's businesses, and why he walked away from a critical bank loan at the 11th hour. Dick also shares the core values of Motor City Auto Center and why promoting the company culture is so important to him as a leader.

"Let's all get focused on what we have control over." - Dick Stricklen

"I always get in the other person's shoes; I develop a relationship with them a personal relationship." - Dick Stricklen

"Bottom line is important to manage, but that's not what we're about. The bottom line is a result of the major motive, and that is to help people get what they want, see them grow, give them opportunities." - Dick Stricklen

"We are really in the people business that just happens to sell cars." – Dick Stricklen

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Dick switched his sales team from wearing suits and ties to casual wear and how that small decision impacted his business
• How Dick developed the core values of Motor City Auto
• Why the fuel shortages of the 1970s and the jump in interest rates caused Dick to think creatively about how to pull his team together
• Some of the things that Dick as a leader has found to be helpful in growing and developing the people in his stores
• How Dick felt during the recession of the late 2000s and the implications for the business
• Dick's philosophy on developing his team members
• Dick speaks to the moment in his life when he realized that making money was not his true purpose in life
• What inspired Dick to write down the guiding principles of his company and why he believes that those principles are at the source of his success

Dick Stricklen's Words of Wisdom:

Take time, either with prayer or just quiet time, analyzing yourself to figure out what gives you the greatest heartfelt satisfaction in life. Examine your motives and align your behavior as a leader with the values that are truly important to you.

Connect with Dick Stricklen:

• Motor City GMC Website
• Motor City GMC on Instagram
• Motor City GMC on Facebook

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

Mark Danzo, chemist, and founder of Maverix Solutions, Inc., created Mavcoat(registration mark symbol) mold release coatings, which are critical to manufacturing processes worldwide. He also created Mavcoat(registration mark symbol) Steel Shield, an extreme corrosion prevention coating that waterproofs untreated metal for the consumer market. Maverix Solutions was established in 1999 and quickly became recognized for novel technologies that revolutionized mold release performance. The increased thermal performance that Mavcoat® provides has yielded approvals from the Navy, Air Force, and other critical aerospace, defense, medical and marine agencies.

Mark joins us on the Wow Factor today to discuss his career trajectory and the roles that led him down the entrepreneurial path to start his own business. He shares why he made a conscious decision to pursue opportunity rather than financial security in his choice of job roles. Mark also describes how his opinion on managing a team has pivoted and why he embraces team members who follow their instincts.

"I knew I had found that thing, that fulfillment that I'd been searching for all my life and it was a great company, great people… it really taught me how to get in front of a customer, make promises, deliver on those promises and grow the building blocks." - Mark Danzo

"I named the company Maverick solutions because it is an attitude, and a business style and a leadership style that I wanted to, you know, bleed and breathe. And I wanted everybody around me to have that belief in that culture." - Mark Danzo

"Today's an adventure. Take risks, create opportunity, and enjoy the fruits of success." - Mark Danzo

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Mark's adventurous childhood and how it triggered his salesmanship skills
• Why having discipline was essential in Mark's family
• Why Mark's early experience as a teacher's aide helped him learn how to build bridges later in life
• The job that led to Mark publishing a paper that now sits in the Library of Congress
• Why Mark turned down a job at Exxon in favor of a different opportunity
• Some of the Important mentors in Mark's life
• The revelation Mark had while he was getting his MBA
• How Mark discovered that he was not cut out to be a corporate guy
• How his wife inspired him to start his own company

Mark Danzo's Words of Wisdom:

Treat your life as an adventure — be bulldog persistent, learn to take risks and create opportunities, then enjoy the success that stems from your actions.

Connect with Mark Danzo:

• MavCoat Mold Release Coatings Website
• MavCoat Steel Shield Website

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

In 1970, Co-Founders Michael Cardone Sr., and Michael Cardone Jr. and their wives, Frances and Jacquie, opened Cardone Industries in a North Philadelphia storefront. Each member of the six-person team was staking their livelihood and reputation on their ability to rebuild windshield wiper motors. Most in the automotive industry called it an impossible idea. But by 1987, Cardone Industries was employing a Factory Family of 1,000, and the company continues to go from strength to strength. By year 2000, they had 5,000 employees.

Michael, Jr. joins me on The Wow Factor this week to share why he is so confident that the overarching reason for his success is that he has committed his life and his business to God. He shares why he took an uncertain leap into entrepreneurship immediately after graduating from University and outlines some of the challenges he faced along the way. Michael and I also discuss why it's easier to give when you don't have a lot to offer and a lot harder to give when you have more.

"You're in the business of ministry. You're just as important in God's kingdom being a minister. He needs businessmen." - Michael Cardone Jr.

"We love to develop people, take people with not very much on their resume, but see what God had planted them and develop those skills. And many of those people grew into senior leaders in our business.." - Michael Cardone Jr.

"We always prayed for opportunities that God would give us - opportunities in the business, opportunities for ministry, and then bring us the people to help us accomplish those opportunities." - Michael Cardone Jr.

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Early struggles that Michael had when growing the business
• What Cardone Industries did to move successfully past the fire that burned their whole building down
• Why Michael didn't see any division between his spiritual walk, his business walk, faith walk, or family
• Some examples of times when God provided opportunities for Michael and his business
• How Cardone Industries give back to their community
• How Michael brought serving and faith into the business with his Take Five initiative and how his employees received it
• The principles of servant leadership and how they made their assets more productive and more useful

Michael Cardone's Words of Wisdom:

I'm a servant leader and a steward of the wealth that God's given me — you've got to be ready to give your business to God and commit your life to him.

Connect with Michael Cardone:

• Never Too Late by Michael Cardone Sr.
• Business with Soul by Michael Cardone Jr.

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

As Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Allied Universal®, Steve Jones presides over Allied Universal companies and their respective divisions. Under his leadership, Allied Universal has grown from $12 million in revenue to more than $18 billion with more than 800,000 employees and has acquired over 75 companies. Recently, Allied Universal has joined forces with its largest competitor— London-based global security company G4S. Steve's vision for Allied Universal became a reality as his company is now a global leader in integrated security solutions, offering clients manned guarding and highly advanced technology. Jones is the author of "No Off Season" -- a story of his path to success and the priceless wisdom gained along the way.

Steve joins me on the podcast this week to discuss the importance of leaders having a clear vision for the future of their business. We dive into what it means to dream big in life and understand that you won't achieve those goals by resting on your laurels; you have to commit to the dream and plan your route to fulfilling it. Steve also shares the cornerstones of his company's culture, how he mentors his employees and clues us in to why he loves to employ former athletes at Allied Universal.

"You've got to have the mental toughness to get through the highs and the lows." - Steve Jones

"We're trying to share the success of the organization among our employees that hopefully creates loyalty and retention." Steve Jones

"Don't be afraid to dream big." - Steve Jones

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Steve's childhood ventures into entrepreneurship
• Why Steve left the security and safety of a 9-5 job to follow a dream
• Why Steve is more inclined to hire people who are athletes at some level just because of their particular mindset
• How Steve worked to build Allied Universal piece by piece and why he always had a clear vision for the future
• How to pull together great people and build a team that can work together to fulfill your mission
• Why Steve was inspired to write his book, No Off Season, and the lessons that he hopes readers will take from it
• How Steve powers down and relaxes and refreshes
• How Steve has protected the company culture as they have grown over the years and why it remains so important to him as a leader

Steve Jones's Words of Wisdom:

Don't be afraid to dream big — put a plan together and take action to achieve your goals.

Connect with Steve Jones:

• Allied Universal Website
• Allied Universal on LinkedIn
• No Off Season: The Constant Pursuit of More. A Playbook For Achieving More In Business and Life by Steve Jones

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

On today's episode of the Wow Factor, we are joined by Lynsi Snyder, an American billionaire businesswoman, and the sole owner and heiress of In-N-Out Burger. She is one of the world's top female CEO's and runs organizations like Healing Hearts & Nations (HHN) as well as the In-N-Out Burger Foundation. As an Evangelical Christian, she uses her faith to guide her business practices and utilizes her platform to spread God's message of goodwill, generosity, and forgiveness.

In this episode, you'll hear Lynsi talk about her childhood and the pressures of the industry, how God has helped her overcome intense struggle and take control of the multibillion-dollar company, and what it means to inspire the next generation of leaders.

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Growing up and the complexities of being a part of the In-N-Out empire.
• The History of In-N-Out
• Family troubles and father's substance abuse
• Taking control of the company and what it means to handle that responsibility
• "I can't lean on man, to have a God-sized need."
• What is Servant Leadership?
• Using your platform to help, be guided, and help him change in the world.
• Sometimes the lord acts FAST… and sometimes at a glacial pace. Being patient and trusting the process.

Lynsi Snyder's Words of Wisdom:

Take the risk of being transparent. Don't pretend like you know all the answers. Ask for counsel and trust your team.

The WOW Factor

Website: https://www.bradformsma.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradformsma/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.formsma

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradformsma

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-formsma-a9a06424/

Lynsi Synder

Website: https://www.in-n-out.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innout/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innout

Richard Watts was admitted to the California State Bar to practice law in 1982 and is an alumni of the Harvard Business School. He is a renowned speaker and contributor to national publications such as Forbes, Huffington Post, NPR, Variety Magazine, Washington Times, and CNBC, PBS, and has appeared on national television programs to spread his positive message of making your family strong. He is also the author of Fables of Fortune: What Rich People Have that You Don't Want and Entitlemania: How Not to Spoil Your Kids, and What do Do if You Have. A resident of Laguna Beach, California, Richard is the proud father of his three sons; Aaron (wife Rene), Todd (wife Stephanie), and Russell (wife Natalie), and has three granddaughters; Maclane, Lucy, and Chandler, as well as two grandsons; Bennett and Ford.

Richard Watts, founder and President of Family Business Office®, joins me on The Wow Factor podcast today to share his valuable insights into why he moved away from a traditional lawyer role and started a company with a real mission connected to it. He describes the key differences between those who have worked hard to make money and the subsequent generations who have inherited it. He emphasizes the value of thoughtful transitional wealth planning. Richard also discusses the need to have a spiritual connection to the world around you.

"The behavioral fork in the road begins early. You can choose the easier path and placate your children but, but pay the price later. Or you can choose the bumpier road now and use every opportunity that presents itself to teach your kids that taking the shortcut now will cause their life to be rougher as they mature." Richard Watts, Entitlemania

"There comes a time in your life, and often more than one time, where it's really important to exercise the control over your life that you believe your faith has. If you really say I'm a man of faith, then at some point, you have to exercise that faith." - Richard Watts

"People that are wealth creators will spend their entire lives being considerate of building wealth. But when it comes to their estate plan, they're not going to be here to worry about it. So, they don't put the same amount of effort in looking at and recognizing what the ramifications may be of a poor plan." - Richard Watts

"Often the wanting turns out better than the having. If you can teach yourself that the wanting is often more enjoyable than having; that the journey is more appealing than the destination, you have taught yourself a most valuable life lesson that your kids will learn without words. Teach them not to confuse wants with needs...there are few things more rewarding than needing less." Richard Watts, Entitlemania

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• The goal behind Family Business Planning and how they help clients with comprehensive family office services
• How Richard grew the business from six initial client families
• Why a sense of value tends to fade away when money is no object
• What 'option fatigue' is and why it can prevent you from feeling positive about your life
• Why newly wealthy people, famous or not should practice not having the things that they want
• How to encourage people to maintain a servant mindset even when they achieve material success
• The Importance of clever, forward-thinking wealth planning
• Why drone parents who are strategic in ensuring that their kids don't fail or struggle are doing their kids a disservice
• Why Richard feels that it's important to stay sharp in terms of your spiritual capital and how he maintains his faith

Richard Watts's Words of Wisdom:

The spiritual muscle is one that most people don't take the time to exercise, so it can get a little atrophied — but when those spiritual muscles begin to be used and exercised, we begin to recognize spiritual connections all around us and that's such a key element of an optimistic and fulfilled life.

Connect with Richard Watts:

• Family Business Office Website
• Entitlemania Book Website
• Author Richard Watts on Facebook
• Richard Watts on Twitter

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

Dr. Tonia Gilbert wanted to combine her love of the law and her love for Kansas City children and their education. In the non-profit Upper Room, she has found a role that allows her to lead an amazing team that works diligently every day to make sure that Kansas City kids are afforded an equitable and quality education, no matter their background or demographic. Tonia previously spent 17 years working for the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS), finishing her time there as the Executive Director of Student Support and Community Services.

Tonia joins me on the show this week to share her passion for supporting children in the Kansas City area, to learn and grow through the fantastic out-of-school programs that Upper Room provides. She gives us an insight into her journey from working as an Assistant District Attorney to working with children in the Kansas City Public School system, and why she was excited to join the team at Upper Room. Tonia also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Upper Room and how they pivoted to better serve their community at a challenging time.

"I would always tell (school) superintendents, there were no such thing as bad children, there were just children who made some poor choices." - Tonia Gilbert

"We provide exceptional educational opportunities from cradle to college." - Tonia Gilbert

"This is probably the most challenging work I've ever done. But, it's also the most rewarding work that I've ever done, to see how you affect lives." - Tonia Gilbert

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Tonia's previous role in child abuse and neglect investigations and her student discipline attorney experience helped her understand the need for an enhanced educational service offering
• How Upper Room supports children and families
• The partnerships that the Upper Room has in their local Kansas City community
• Why the team at the Upper Room are committed to providing quality programs for children aged six weeks to when through 12th grade
• How they support parents' educational opportunities
• How the Upper Room offerings have expanded over the years and the team's commitment to constantly updating the curriculum to provide the best educational opportunities to their children
• Why Tonia feels it's so important to provide meals for the children who take part in their programs

Tonia Gilbert's Words of Wisdom:

When children know that you're coming from a place of sincerity, they want to be with you, and they are encouraged to come back year after year. At Upper Room, we want what's best for the community and the children that come to us, and we make sure that they have access to opportunities that will enhance their lives in the future.

Connect with Tonia Gilbert:

• Upper Room KC Website
• Dr. Tonia Gilbert on LinkedIn

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter