The Wow Factor

Joe Brandmeyer is an Industry Advisor at Great Range Capital. Previously he founded and served as the Chairman of Enturia, Inc. in 1985 after acquiring antiseptic product lines from Marion Laboratories, Inc., a manufacturer of disposable antiseptic applicators for medical facilities. Joe began the company in 1985 after acquiring antiseptic product lines from Marion Laboratories. Jeanne Brandmeyer has supported Joe throughout his career, and the couple has been married for 63 years.

Joe and Jeanne join me on the podcast to discuss Joe's career at Marion Laboratories and how he progressed through the company over the years, including the purchase of $5000 of stock in Marion Laboratories and how his decision played out when the company went public. We talk about how Jeanne supported Joe on the home front and why she prompted him to stop so much traveling so much with his work. Joe and Jeanne also share how they felt when they lost over $500,000 in their business venture and the subsequent business that turned their fortunes around.

"We always felt like we were a team. We never felt like it was just his job, but it was our job." - Jeanne Brandmeyer

"I never saw a business that I didn't want to turn around!" - Joe Brandmeyer

"Listen to your managers; that's what so many people don't do. Listen to your managers, that's who knows what's going on." - Jeanne Brandmeyer

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why a strong work ethic was foundational in both Joe and Jeanne's early years
• How Joe and Jeanne met through her father and why their first date wasn't too successful!
• Why Joe decided to go to college and where it ultimately took him
• The lesson Joe learned when he tried to rescue his father from a problematic situation in Kansas City
• Lessons Joe learned when he went into the wholesale meat business and went bust in 2 years
• How the couple turned a subsequent business around from a $40,000 loss to a $40,000 profit in just two months
• How Joe acquired the antiseptic product line from Marion Laboratories and where it took his company
• Why selling the business was a family decision
• The joy that Joe and Jeanne felt in being able to share their wealth with their community

Joe Brandmeyer's Words of Wisdom:

The key to business is perseverance — you just can't give up. If you really believe in what you're doing, and you believe in yourself, then good things will happen when you keep showing up.

Connect with Joe Brandmeyer:

• Great Range Capita

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

David Nemmers has been the owner of Midstate Security Company Based in Michigan since 2007. Midstate Security installs and designs integrated electronic security and monitoring systems. Midstate Security services state and local government needs in the critical areas of prison and court security, video conferencing for arraignments, and monitored home detentions.

David joins me on the Wow Factor to discuss how he turned an outdated analog technology business into a company more suited to the modern digital world. He shares why he had to ask his employees to take furlough days during the recession and why he was delighted to be able to pay them back when business improved. David also discusses why he is so passionate about the servant leadership model and giving back to his community.

"You don't hire people or work with people who have your same skill set; you work with people who bring different gifts to the table." - David Nemmers

"God's timing is perfect." - David Nemmers

"The business was going through an incredible transformation. And instead of being scared of it, I saw it as an opportunity to create something unique." - David Nemmers

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• What David's upbringing taught him about fiscal responsibility
• David's ambitions to work as a CPA after his Finance and Accounting degree
• The moment that David was faced with a big moral integrity decision and how the situation turned out
• How the opportunity came his way for him to buy a business in the security world
• How David navigated his partnership at Midstate Security Company
• The tragic accident that left David in control of the business
• The change in David's personal life that added even more challenges to David's life
• Why David is writing a book focused on the culture, the common language, and the cadence of small businesses
• The culture of philanthropy that David has grown in the business

David Nemmers' Words of Wisdom:

Drive, discipline, and discernment are the three things that determine your success in life.

Drive — are you hungry for success?

Discipline — set your goals and work towards them.

Discernment — choose who you associate with carefully.

Connect with David Nemmers:

• Midstate Security Company 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

Chandler Rose, Group CEO of Rosewood Family of Companies, was born and raised in Burlington, North Carolina. Growing up in the family business, he managed commercial plumbing projects by the time he was in high school. He earned undergraduate degrees in Criminology and Psychology from Florida State University, then returned to North Carolina, where he earned his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law. He ensures that the Rosewood Family of Companies is focused on being the best in the industry with a robust set of core values and a drive for excellence.

Meredith Rose is the Group Chief Design and Marketing Officer of Rosewood Family of Companies. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BFA in Commercial Interior Design. Her background in commercial interiors laid a great foundation for her career in sales and marketing. Meredith has championed the sales and marketing directives at ProVantage and helped drive growth since 2009.

On the Wow Factor today, Chandler and Meredith discuss the culture of generosity at Rosewood Family Companies, how they spread their mission and vision to their employees and why that's so important to them. Chander shares his entrepreneurial background and why he felt inspired to make a move into building his own company. Meredith shares why she is so grateful for each and every member of her team and the support those individuals give the business.

"We have a responsibility to the employees that work here to be successful and to be stewards of the company." - Chandler Rose

"We hold each other accountable to a very high standard and expect our leadership and our teams to show it." - Chandler Rose

"Being honest and upfront has earned us some respect." - Meredith Rose

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• The experiences that both Chandler and Meredith had growing up, that inspired their company's core values
• Chandler's experience of starting a law firm straight out of Wake Forest University School of Law and why he decided to move away from that to start ProVantage
• What led Meredith to completely switch her college major and find her passion
• The moment that Chandler and Meredith took the leap into something completely new and acquired their new company
• The generosity of their first clients and their first year in business, where they traveled all over the country
• How they draw a firm boundary between their work and personal lives
• Some of the big brands Chandler and Meredith work with and why they turned down opportunities with Target, twice

Chandler Rose's Words of Wisdom:

When we are giving, we need to invest time and thought into that giving to ensure it multiplies out. When you understand that you're blessed with opportunities to give, cherish those opportunities, protect them, and try to grow them. It gives you satisfaction in life and the resilience to cope when it doesn't go well.

Meredith Rose's Words of Wisdom:

Gratitude is so important; be thankful for your team and every single person that is out in the field helping the business fulfill its mission.

Connect with Chandler and Meredith Rose:

• Rosewood Family of Companies

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

Jeff Padnos, Chairman at PADNOS is among the third-generation Padnos family members to join the company. Founded in 1905, PADNOS is a family-owned and operated business, creating innovative recycling solutions and managing scrap products for industrial and commercial accounts with accuracy and efficiency. Their mission is to make the best use of all resources in recycling paper, plastics, ferrous, and non-ferrous metals, as well as e-scrap at their 25 locations (24 of which are in Michigan).

Jeff joins me on the Wow Factor to share the details of his current role in the company that his grandparents built from the ground up. He discusses how the work ethic and study ethic was instilled in him by his parents from an early age. Jeff also dives into what it is like to work alongside family members, and some of the strategies that he used to update some of the business' systems without treading on other senior leader's toes.

"When you are inefficient or doing things that aren't productive, you're actually detracting from someone's standard of living." - Jeff Padnos

"We want to make the best use of all resources — not waste anything." - Jeff Padnos

"Curiosity and collaboration are core values." - Jeff Padnos

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• What the core business of PADNOS is in terms of recycling
• Why it's important to Jeff to have a company culture of continuous education and development
• Why Jeff sees a questioning mindset as an important quality
• The importance of supporting your team as a business leader
• How the people at PADNOS are involved in giving back to the community
• How PADNOS helps their employees pass down a love of learning to their families
• How Jeff embodies his personal philosophy of 'treat others as you would like to be treated'
• Where Jeff looks for innovators to join the company

Jeff Padnos' Words of Wisdom:

Collaboration, curiosity, and appreciation are critical in business. Even as your company grows bigger it's important to keep those values at the forefront of your mind.

Connect with Jeff Padnos:

• PADNOS Website
• PADNOS on LinkedIn
• PADNOS on Facebook
• PADNOS on Instagram
• PADNOS 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

Terry Looper is CEO and Founder of Texon LP, a Houston-based energy company founded in 1989. Texon views its core values and employees as the keys to its mission of being the best service provider in its industry. Terry is the author of Sacred Pace: Four Steps to Hearing God and Aligning Yourself with His Will, which outlines his faith journey and offers a biblical framework for making large and small decisions in all phases of life.

Terry joins me on the Wow Factor to share the details of the emotional moment that made him realize he had been chasing a false god and inspired him to put his faith in the Lord. He discusses the ultimatum he received that changed his career trajectory and how God helped him set boundaries in his professional life. Terry also gives his insights into staying neutral as a leader and explains why he gives 50% of his income to support the Lord's work.

" The more you get out of your area of giftedness in life, the less joy you have." - Terry Looper

"When you're under pressure, look to where you want to gravitate to, look where you think you want to find joy." - Terry Looper

"Most Christians, in my experience, do not get neutral on major decisions in business, to where they actually let Him take the lead and reveal." - Terry Looper

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Terry chose to study engineering and the twist of fate that started him on his career pathway
• How Terry was able to take advantage of an unanticipated opportunity to found an energy company
• What made him rethink his priorities and endeavor to be more present for his family
• Why he sold his company and took time to figure out what he really wanted to do with his life
• Why Terry takes time every year to slow down and reflect
• Why it was the desire of Terry's heart to grow and create wealth to make a difference in other people's lives
• How Terry sees Texon's company culture and why it works for them
• Terry's four steps to discerning God's will

Terry Looper's Words of Wisdom:

Connect with Terry Looper:

• Texon 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

Steve Green became President of Hobby Lobby in 2004 and has helped his family grow the business to more than 900 stores in 47 states with over 43,000 employees. He is a national speaker on business and philanthropy interests, always focusing on how his faith intersects with his life endeavors. Green is also chairman of the board for the Museum of the Bible. Green has authored four books: Faith in America, The Bible in America, This Dangerous Book, and This Beautiful Book. His books can be found in Hobby Lobby stores across the nation and online.

Steve joins me on the Wow Factor to share his experience of seeing his father grow Hobby Lobby into the business it is today and the Green family's culture of hard work and commitment to the company. He gives insight into his spiritual inheritance and explains why he was inspired to get involved with the Museum of the Bible museum project. Steve also discusses why the museums are such popular attractions, how the board manage the operating costs and their financial plans for the future.

"The biggest takeaway is that this is not our business, this is God's business, we're stewards of it." - Steve Green

"We owe God everything. He paid the price that we might have life, and therefore we are His." - Steve Green

"I don't know what the average person knows to the degree that the Bible has impacted our world, but it has." - Steve Green

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Steve's initial role with Hobby Lobby and how it shaped the view of the world of work
• How Steve's Dad trusted in God when his business was at a crossroads
• How Steve and his team decide where to open new Hobby Lobby stores
• Why Hobby Lobby donates a percentage of their profits to Christian charities as a Kingdom investment
• When Steve started really interacting with God's Word and how his journey progressed to opening the Museum of the Bible in three US cities
• How the Museum of the Bible organizes its displays and attractions and why it is becoming a 'must visit' in Washington D.C and New York
• The tasteful way that they invite people of all faiths to understand and learn about the Bible
• Why the visitor feedback on the Museum of the Bible is so positive

Steve Green's Words of Wisdom:

Some life experiences remind us that we are stewards of God's businesses. We need to follow His principles in your personal life and your business life, and if we do so, He will be there with you. God can be with us in the midst of the challenges of life if we trust in Him.

Connect with Steve Green:

• Hobby Lobby Website
• Museum of the Bible 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

Evan Goldberg is the Executive Vice President of Oracle NetSuite Global Business Unit. He is responsible for product strategy and development at Oracle NetSuite Global Business Unit. Before Oracle acquired NetSuite, Goldberg was CTO and Chairman of the NetSuite board. Before co-founding NetSuite in 1998, Goldberg spent eight years at Oracle Corporation, serving as a vice president. He was involved in various projects; all focused on making powerful database technology more accessible to users. When he left Oracle, he started mBED Software and built groundbreaking website technology.

Today on the Wow Factor, Evan joins me to discuss how he came to the conclusion that the software of entrepreneurs was woefully lacking and how he set out to solve the problem with NetSuite. He describes how entrepreneurs can maintain focus on their north star and why navigating change is an essential part of growing a company. Evan also shares why he started the BRCA Foundation to support research on inherited cancer syndromes.

"When I talk to entrepreneurs, today, I really encourage them to the largest degree possible to try to stay true to their North Star." - Evan Goldberg

"It is true that the natural growth of a company is both sort of horizontal and vertical." - Evan Goldberg

"For very few companies, is it the Field of Dreams where you build it, and they will come ... there's a lot of work to build a customer base." - Evan Goldberg

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Evan became fascinated by computers in high school
• How after graduating from Harvard University, Evan moved to Oracle
• Evan's relationship with Steve Jobs and Mac
• The importance of having a mentor and how they can support you through career changes and challenges
• How Evan took NetSuite from four employees to 100, to thousands.
• How Oracle enables companies and entrepreneurs to succeed and take their business to the next level
• How Oracle is making a transition to the next generation of business user experience

Evan Goldberg's Words of Wisdom:

The journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step. Fighting inertia is one of the hardest things that you have to do when you're running a company but sometimes you have to go all-in and commit to making that first move along the path and build up some momentum.

Connect with Evan Goldberg:

• NetSuite Website
• NetSuite on Instagram
• NetSuite on Facebook
• NetSuite on Twitter
• Evan Goldberg's Linkedin Profile

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

Kenneth Cooper is the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees that oversees The Cooper Institute's strategic direction and educational and research initiatives. He founded The Cooper Institute, a nonprofit foundation, in 1970 and later established the Cooper Clinic, Cooper Fitness Center, Cooper Hotel & Conference Center, Cooper Spa, Cooper Wellness, Cooper Consulting Partners, and Cooper Complete. Kenneth is the author of the best-selling book, Aerobics and has written several subsequent health and fitness books.

Kenneth joins me on the Wow Factor to share how the work and research that the Cooper Clinic does that allows people to live longer, more active lives and square off the curve in terms of physical capacity and longevity. He discusses the importance of eating a balanced diet and taking the appropriate vitamins in addition to exercising to protect your future health. Kenneth also gives his perspective on the health benefits of living a generous life and focusing on others.

"Preventive medicine is the Cinderella of the medical specialties because there's no profit and health." - Kenneth Cooper

"People that are coming back to us regularly are living these longer lives. And they're not just living longer lives, but they're squaring off the curve, living a long life to the fullest." - Kenneth Cooper

"Our whole goal here with our research is to look at things physiologically. What can we do for ourselves that can prolong lives?" - Kenneth Cooper

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Kenneth is still working 10-12 hours a day and seeing patients at the age of 90
• How Kenneth spend his 13 years in the Military
• The moment that Kenneth realized he was out of shape and desperately needed to do something about it
• What the research at the Cooper Clinic focuses on
• Kenneth's opinion on the COVID-19 vaccination
• The problems of the worldwide obesity epidemic
• Kenneth's exercise regime at 90 years old
• Kenneth's relationship with God and why he wrote Faith Based Fitness

Kenneth Cooper's Words of Wisdom:

You don't solve problems by changing the government. You solve problems by changing the people.

Connect with Kenneth Cooper:

• The Cooper Institute Website
• The Cooper Institute on Facebook
• The Cooper Institute on Instagram
• The Cooper Institute 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

Larry Ross is Founder & CEO of A. Larry Ross Communications (ALRC), a Dallas-based public relations firm he founded in 1994 to provide crossover media liaison at the intersection of faith and culture. He has more than 45 years of mainstream and Christian corporate, agency, and non-profit experience influencing public opinion through the power of story by providing senior strategic P.R. consultation and ongoing representation for organizations and individuals on a mission for God or the common good.

Larry joins me on the show today to discuss his work with the legendary Billy Graham, including how he became involved in codifying the great man's legacy. He shares his insights into what it's like to lead influential leaders and the importance of staying ahead of the curve and controlling the narrative as their representative. Ross also explains how he helps high-profile clients to communicate in their voice and understand their audience.

"The gospel isn't a set of doctrine or dogma or an argument. The gospel is a person; it's Jesus. And because Jesus is God, God is love. The gospel is about love." - Larry Ross

"Jesus is the common denominator, not the differentiator." - Larry Ross

"I was never called to preach. But what we do, I believe, is every bit as much ministry in helping to extend the influence of these Christian leaders and the impact of the organizations they lead through the media." - Larry Ross

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How the legendary Billy Graham helped Larry name his fledgling company
• How Larry's early PR career set him up for his later calling
• What it's like working in a hostile media environment sharing an important message for high-profile clients
• Larry's work with Billy Graham, the leadership he saw from him, and the qualities that he believes makes great leaders so inspiring
• Larry's take on the idea that we are more blessed to give than receive
• Larry's work with Doug Coe and what he learned about faith through their relationship
• Why he found it such a challenge to develop a work-life balance and how he eventually learned to slow down

Larry Ross's Words of Wisdom:

Leaders have to consider what they want to lead with, what their central message is and how they plan to get it out there. It's essential to remember that Jesus didn't have to be where things were happening — He made things happen wherever he was, and the same applies to us.

Connect with Larry Ross:

• A. Larry Ross Communications Website
• A. Larry Ross Communications Website
• A. Larry Ross Communications on Facebook
• A. Larry Ross Communications 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

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, which is now a major motion picture starring James Garner and Abigail Breslin.

On the Wow Factor today, Jim shares what it was like for him to be slowly losing his sight as he was trying to become an entrepreneur and develop his business, and how Ray Charles was a reminder to Jim that God did have a plan for his life after sight loss. He describes what prompted him to start The Narrative Television Network to support visually impaired people to enjoy tv and films. Jim also shares his belief that if you've got passion, and a calling, and the willingness, then everything else is possible.

"We walk by faith and not by sight." - Jim Stovall

"You change your life when you change your mind." - Jim Stovall

"Listen to what people say, but really watch what they do." - Jim Stovall

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• The routine physical exam that revealed an unanticipated issue and how it changed the trajectory of Jim's life
• How Jim met his wife and when they figured out the plan for their lives
• How Jim is so productive despite his lack of sight
• The overarching themes in his books
• How he began as a platform speaker
• Jim's philosophy that it is possible to use adversity as a springboard to change your life and why your mindset is the key to your legacy and your salvation
• The details of Jim's most recent book, The Gift of Giving: Living Your Legacy
• Why Jim launched the Crusader Scholarship Fund and the Stovall Center for Entrepreneurship
• Why Jim is convinced that every success we have is not a destination, it's a platform from which to view our next big opportunity for success

Jim Stovall's Words of Wisdom:

You change your life when you change your mind — we're all only one decision away from anything we want. The biggest dream you ever had, the most significant thing God ever called you to, is alive and well, and the only thing you've got to do to activate it. Go into that little voting booth in the middle of your soul that only you and God know about, and grab that lever that says yes, and pull it. And if you'll vote yes for yourself in that big dream, you'll find out that God voted yes for you a long time ago.

Connect with Jim Stovall:

• Jim Stovall Website
• Jim Stovall 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