The Wow Factor

The Wow Factor

By Brad FormsmaBusinessEntrepreneurship
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The Wow Factor episodes

  • Rabbi Lapin: The Importance of Deferred Gratification

    Rabbi Daniel Lapin, known as America's Rabbi, is a noted rabbinic scholar, popular international speaker, and best-selling author. He hosts the Rabbi Daniel Lapin podcast as well as co-hosting the Ancient Jewish Wisdom TV Show on the TCT network with his wife, Susan. Rabbi Lapin's ability to extract life principles from the Bible and entertainingly transmit them, thus improving peoples' finances, family, and community life have brought countless numbers of Jews and Christians closer to their respective faiths.

    Rabbi Lapin joins me on the podcast today to give us an insight into where he originates from, both geographically and spiritually, and gives an overview of the projects that he is currently involved in. He shares the pivotal moment in his life when he learned to speak from the heart, without notes or autocue, and why he continues that habit today. Rabbi Lapin also discusses why he feels teaching deferment of gratification is fundamental to child-raising while you have your child's attention for the crucial 10 years from 13 to 23.

    "If your plans are out of sync with God's destiny for you, then he's going to whack you. And if you persist along your path, persisting in doing that which was not part of the plan for you, then he whacks you with a bigger stick until it becomes a two by four. And then finally, you get the message." - Rabbi Lapin

    "Don't try and fight God's current, God created our soul. We human beings are designed to be givers rather than takers." - Rabbi Lapin

    "Success in life means understanding deferment of gratification." - Rabbi Lapin

    This week on The Wow Factor:

    • How Rabbi Lapin learned to express and organize his thoughts from an early age
    • How he teaches parents to be more intentional, particularly with their sons in the 13 to 23 age range
    • Why, if you don't commit to the hard work of raising your child right in adolescence then you are storing up a lifetime of problems
    • When Rabbi Lapin decided that pursuing a path as a Rabbi was the right one for him
    • How he discovered that some of the things he thought he knew were wrong thinking and where his journey took him from there
    • Why human beings are intrinsically givers and why generosity inspires generosity
    • Rabbi Lapin's latest project to make the world a more giving place

    Rabbi Lapin's Words of Wisdom:

    The most important word of wisdom is that there is never only one important word of wisdom. People's lives are far too complex to operate based on a slogan here or a saying there or an aphorism somewhere else. It depends on what challenges are facing you at any given time.

    Connect with Rabbi Lapin:

    • Rabbi Daniel Lapin Website
    • Rabbi Daniel Lapin on Facebook
    • Rabbi Daniel Lapin on Instagram
    • Rabbi Daniel Lapin 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

    45 min
  • Chuck Cox: How To Recover and Take Care of Your Customers

    Chuck Cox CEO of Northern Jet Management, has had a passion for aviation since his youth, and today he has clocked up over 25 years of aviation and travel industry experience. He founded the aviation consulting firm of Cox & Vogel in 1977 with business partner Greg Vogel. In 2008, he was named a board member of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). Mr. Cox is also a member of the World Presidents Organization. Mr. Cox is a Certified Travel Consultant (CTC) and completed studies at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, located in Daytona Beach, FL.

    Chuck joins me on the podcast to share the importance of taking the time to search for creative ideas and how the entrepreneurial spirit can come to the fore when you see a problem that needs to be fixed, or a gap in the market. He discusses his passion for providing exemplary customer service and why it can make or break a company. Chuck also discusses his philosophy on how to act with grace when the unexpected happens or things go wrong.

    "If you want something, you've got to go get it — sometimes you have to convince people that you're the person to do this." - Chuck Cox

    "It's all about the recovery, taking care of the customer, and doing as quickly as possible. And they understand that, and they appreciate it a lot." - Chuck Cox

    "All our decisions in the company are made for the customer. Our vision is to create smiles by enhancing lives. You think about that. If you let that enter into every decision you make, you'll keep these customers for a long, long time." - Chuck Cox

    This week on The Wow Factor:

    • How Chuck moved from washing airplanes to selling airplanes at the beginning of his career
    • The journey from Cox and Vogel to moving into the full-service management side at Northern Jet Management
    • Why Chuck is such a stickler for good customer service why he feels it has made Northern Jet Management the success it is today
    • What Northern jet management does differently from others in the aviation industry
    • The changes that Chuck has spearheaded to stay safe and relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic
    • How Chuck has developed as a leader throughout his career

    Chuck Cox's Words of Wisdom:

    Every day, you've got to get up and you got to go to work, and you've got to make it up. Then once you're there, things are going to happen every day, it's not going to go the way you want it or the way you plan it every day. Sometimes you just simply make it up.

    Connect with Chuck Cox:

    • Northern Jet Management Website
    • Northern Jet Management on Facebook
    • Northern Jet Management on Instagram
    • Northern Jet Management 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

    47 min
  • Chef Bruno Serato: Treating Your Employees and Customers As Equals

    Sir Bruno Serato arrived in the U.S. from his native Italy speaking no English with only $200 in his pocket. Through hard work and determination, he worked his way up from busboy to owner of the Anaheim White House restaurant, whose patrons include U.S. Presidents, sports stars, and celebrities. In 2005, Chef Bruno founded Caterina's Club, a non-profit organization inspired by his mother, Caterina, that serves over 5,000 warm nutritional meals to underprivileged children every single night. Among Chef Bruno's many honors are a CNN Hero award, being knighted by the Italian government, receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and a papal blessing from Pope Francis.

    Chef Bruno joins me on the Wow Factor to share the story of why he came to the U.S. and how he learned everything he knows from being hands-on in his job rather than having had formal schooling. He zooms in on some of the pivotal moments in his career, good and bad, including the fire that burned his restaurant to the ground. Chef Bruno also gives us some behind-the-scenes insights into the workings of the Caterina's Club foundation and their current projects supporting families.

    "I feel like evil will not win against love. I decide that love will prevail. I decide to rebuild the love that I have." - Chef Bruno Serato

    "Stop talking about it and just do it!." - Chef Bruno Serato

    "It doesn't take much to change life for people in need. It just needs the courage to do something." - Chef Bruno Serato

    This week on The Wow Factor:

    • Chef Bruno's upbringing in Verona, Northern Italy as one of seven children, and when he realized he wanted to become a chef
    • Why and when Chef Bruno came to the USA and why he never intended to stay
    • How he got the opportunity to buy his first restaurant
    • How as a leader he brings new employees into his restaurant and qualities he looks for
    • The current projects at Catarina's Club and how they are supporting families to move out of motels and into secure accommodation
    • How Chef Bruno innovated when COVID-19 meant lockdown in California
    • When Chef Bruno met Pope Francis and what they talked about
    • Chef Bruno's book Power of Pasta and why he decided to write his story down

    Bruno Serato's Words of Wisdom:

    It takes zero money to be a decent human, and being a kind decent person is the foundation of leadership.

    Connect with Bruno Serato:

    • Bruno Serato Website
    • Bruno Serato on Facebook
    • Bruno Serato on Instagram
    • Bruno Serato 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

    39 min
  • Charles Tenney and Spencer Tenney: Aligning Passions with People In Your Company

    Charles Tenney founded Tenney Group in 1973, and even now at 73, is still passionate and active in ensuring that hardworking transportation business owners achieve the best possible transaction every day. When not managing deals, Charles speaks at events across America focused on educating business owners on how to increase the value of their companies, protect their wealth and prepare for their best possible exit at the appropriate time.

    Spencer Tenney serves as President & CEO of Tenney Group, where he oversees the firm's day-to-day effectiveness and long-term vision. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds the designation of Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor through AM&AA. Spencer currently serves on the board of Franktown Open Hearts, a faith-based organization dedicated to equipping inner-city kids to free themselves from generational poverty.

    Today Charles shares some of the leadership experience and business acumen that he learned from his role as Sergeant in the U.S. Army and how that role helped him when it came to setting up Tenney Group. Spencer describes why he joined his father in the Tenney group as President and CEO, and how the pair navigated working together successfully and smoothly. He also shares the company's philosophy on serving their customers and their communities and why what they do transcends the financial aspects of the business.

    "Military training gave me discipline, gave me encouragement, gave me confidence, and founded me on leadership." - Charles Tenney

    "I learned is that failing at that time was a necessary part of my development. And it didn't happen immediately. But I needed to fail to evolve into a better leader." - Charles Tenney

    "The impact of the transaction has the ripple effect is tremendous, and so I think that's what lights us up as a team. That's where our passion comes from. Because we know that the impact is well beyond what happens at the closing table. It's generational, spiritual, it's community, it's everything." - Spencer Tenney

    This Week on The Wow Factor:

    • How looking back at the USA from the war in Korea gave Charles perspective on all the opportunities in his home country
    • How Spencer's leadership skills were shaped at high school
    • Why Spencer and his brother loved having a project to do with Charles and why Spencer ultimately decided to go and work at Tenney Group
    • How Tenney Group helps transportation companies go to the next level
    • Why having clear boundaries can help professional relationships
    • Some of the moments when deals have gone off the rails and what the team did to problem solve
    • Challenges Charles anticipates in the next few years
    • Common traits of business owners in the trucking industry
    • What the 'Good News Report' is and how they use it at Tenney Group

    Spencer Tenney's Words of Wisdom:

    If you can align the passions and the people in the purpose, it is such a multiplying factor. It brings purpose and richness to life that is well beyond the work that you're doing.

    Connect with Tenney Group:

    • Tenney Group Website
    • Tenney Group on LinkedIn
    • Tenney Group on Facebook
    • Tenny Group on YouTube

    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

    57 min
  • Joe Paulo: Communicate, Then OVER Communicate

    Joe Paulo, President, and CEO at Hope Media Group in Texas is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of success in the media industry. Hope Media Group's mission is to be the voice of hope connecting people more deeply to God through on-air broadcasting, community outreach, prayer initiatives, and Hope on Demand. Joe is skilled in formulating strategy, building growth, team development, and relationship building and has a Master's degree in Business Administration and Management from Liberty University.

    Joe joins me on the podcast today to dive into how he pivoted his career to fill his life with joy and fulfillment. He describes what ministry means to him and why he loves the ability of radio and online media to inspire and lead thousands of people to feel the love of God in their lives. Joe also shares his thoughts on how we are going to emerge from COVID-19 and be more inclined as leaders to continue to understand that things change and we need to be prepared to change with them and see the opportunities within.

    "No matter what you're doing, there's something bigger at play." - Joe Paulo

    "Great leaders know how to ask really, really good questions." - Joe Paulo

    "What I think is so important from a leadership perspective, is just to communicate, communicate, communicate, and over-communicate." - Joe Paulo

    This week on The Wow Factor:

    • Why Joe decided to leave the teaching profession, and how his wife was the catalyst for him getting a job at a local Christian radio station
    • The importance of pausing and analyzing your purpose in life
    • Joe's move into leadership roles and why he enjoys it so much
    • The messaging Chris found himself focusing on in the media and radio arena
    • How Hope Media Group evolved and dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and Chris's plans for the future
    • Why challenges force us to trust God, which in turn leads to healthy obedience, and how that cycle allows us to grow
    • When Joe realized that he is used by the Lord for a season in a position, and when it's time to go to the next role, that he needs to relinquish his current position with an open hand
    • The importance of experiencing the joy of a relationship with God before we can invite other people to experience that

    Joe Paulo's Words of Wisdom:

    Always try to return something in better condition than you found it. In leadership terms the significance of that everything is temporary. None of us are going to keep the current position we're in forever. This company that I'm leading, or this company that you're leading is not ultimately yours. You're merely stewarding it. If we realize that this is a temporary season, we have to be the best stewards. And that's humility.

    Connect with Joe Paulo:

    • Hope Media Group Website
    • Joe Paulo 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

    The Borrower's Attitude

    No doubt you were taught by your parents as I was that when you borrow something, you're supposed to return it in as good condition or even better than how you found it. My son just learned this the hard way, in fact. He borrowed someone's bike and somehow, by the time he returned it, the kickstand was missing. So, he's paying out of his own money to install a brand-new kickstand on the bike so that it is returned to his friend in equal or better shape.

    Have you ever thought of the company where you work or the position you now hold in the same way? That you and I should "return it" someday in better shape than we found it?

    The "leave-it-better-than-you-found-it" attitude, otherwise known as "The Borrower's Attitude," is simple, but yet too often elusive. If you and I have the mindset that we are simply borrowing our company… borrowing the position in which we serve, we will by doing so adopt 4 hidden, but extraordinarily powerful principles. Consider these:

    • Principle #1 – Understanding its brevity. When I borrow something, I understand that I will not have it forever. At some point, I'll have to give it back. No matter how long you have worked in your current role, it will end at some point. We'll hold no position forever. Understanding this helps us appreciate how temporary things really are. It helps frame my identity correctly. At the core of who I am, I am not this company. I am not this title. This is only a season and at some point, I'll need to return this position better than I found it.

    • Principle #2 – Working as a custodian. When I borrow something, I understand that I am not the true owner of it. I'm merely the custodian entrusted to care for it on behalf of the owner. I don't know about you, but when I'm expected to care for something that is not my own, I go even more out of my way to care for it than if it was my own. No doubt you are the same. You want to show the owner that they made a very wise decision in allowing you to serve as the custodian. So… who really owns your company? Who owns your position and entrusted you with it? Of course, even if you are the legal owner of your own company, it ultimately is still owned by another. God is the true owner and it is He who has placed you in this role.

    • Principle #3 – Living to train. Last year, my car was in the shop and a friend let me borrow her convertible. Man, what a sweet ride. Don't you know that I took my son with me for a nice long ride. Part of our conversation centered on how I needed to make sure the gas tank was full when I returned it and that he needed to help me on a sharp right turn so that I didn't scrape the curb. In other words, this was an opportunity for me to teach, train and model to him how to handle something that is not mine. When I understand that my position or company is merely borrowed, I'll take every opportunity I can get to teach, train and model to others to have and hold the same view.

    • Principle #4 – Embracing humility. John Ruskin, a 19th-century English philosopher, said, "I believe that the first test of a truly great man is his humility. I don't mean by humility, doubt of his power. But really great men have a curious feeling that the greatness is not of them, but through And they see something divine in every other man and are endlessly, foolishly, incredibly merciful." If you and I understand and embrace that we are merely borrowing our position and our company, it forces upon us a tremendous sense of humility. Oh my! We have actually been entrusted with these… these positions, these companies. It is not of our own doing, but of His choosing. James encourages this thinking another way, by stating that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6).

    Someday, somehow and in some way, you and I will be asked to give "it" back. Until then, let's have The Borrower's Attitude, understanding that this is a brief season, that we are custodians for the real owner, that we have a golden opportunity to train others in the same attitude, and that all of the above should be clothed in humility. Let's return it better than we found it.

    48 min
  • Chris McIntyre: Using a Subscription Model to Generate More Cash Flow

    Chris McIntyre started EagleRider with business partner Jeff Brown when they stumbled upon a gap in the market. Chris and Jeff wanted to take sabbaticals from their jobs and travel around the United States on Harleys, but they found that there were no motorcycle rental services. EagleRider operations started from humble beginnings, but they defined the untapped niche of promoting the American Dream to adventure-minded vacationers and assembled a team who are passionate about motorcycles, about travel, and about fulfilling dreams.

    Chris joins me on the show today to share why he left his corporate job and became an entrepreneur, why he and his partner chose to go into motorcycle rental, and the miracle that helped get the company off the ground. He outlines his philosophy on how to overcome problems and manage setbacks and occasions when things don't go to plan. Chris also describes how the EagleRider membership program works and why they decided to go in that direction to better serve their customers.

    "I truly believe you can will success. You need the right ingredients, but we're in control to make magic happen. It's whether or not we really want to." - Chris McIntyre

    "We're in the business of dreams." - Chris McIntyre

    "When you're faced with adversity, you become better, you get better financing, you get better insurance, you run more optimally, you get better people that you listen to. You always solve problems by collectively working with your team." - Chris McIntyre

    This week on The Wow Factor:

    • Why they pivoted EagleRider's game plan on the feedback of their first four customers
    • Why the team was so keen to take the motorcycle rental experience global
    • Some of the touching moments that Chris has seen at EagleRider and why he feels it is truly one of the greatest gifts from God is to help others find their happiness
    • Some of the latest bikes EagleRider has in their stable
    • Why Chris was always so focused on building a team of knowledgeable, capable experts
    • What Chris's 'high five' culture is and how he fosters that mindset at EagleRider
    • The most important things that Chris has learned from the school of hard knocks and how that helps him move forward when things don't go to plan

    Chris McIntyre's Words of Wisdom:

    Build a team of people smarter than you are, make a company culture that is based around happiness and experiences, and embrace innovation.

    Connect with Chris McIntyre:

    • EagleRider Website
    • EagleRider on Facebook
    • EagleRide on Instagram
    • EagleRide 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

    57 min
  • Rick Pierce: How To Build A Company Around Values and Doing The Right Thing

    Bass Cat Boats was formed in 1971 in Rick's parents, Ron and Jan Pierce's two-car garage before eventually moving in 1972 to its present location. Rick Pierce started at Bass Cat when he was 13-years old with a passion for bass fishing and building boats and quickly earned a reputation for designing fast boats with incredible fiberglass finishes. Today's Bass Cat Boats, led by Rick, employs over 100 people and offers a myriad of different models of boats across three different levels. Bass Cat has also won multiple awards, including 5 J.D. Power Customer Service awards for quality, service, and performance.

    Rick joins me on the show today to discuss why he is so committed to growing a caring company culture at Bass Cat and what they do for their employees to make them feel valued in the business. He also shares why his father, Ron, the founder of the company, was initially reluctant to have him join the family business and how he came to realize that it was Rick's passion. Rick also shares why it is vital to him to embrace the abundance mindset and the philosophy of giving, rather than jealously guarding information and resources.

    "Do the right thing, have a reason for everything and be thorough in what you do." - Rick Pierce

    "We've got values in this business - we've always had values." - Rick Pierce

    "At about the end of the day, it's all about people." - Rick Pierce

    This week on The Wow Factor:

    • Rick's first role at Bass Cat and why he ended up taking over the company
    • The mentors he had at the company and what they taught him about being part of the team
    • What Rick learned about being a leader from his Father
    • How the Bass Cat merger with Correct Craft came about and why it was a long journey
    • Rick's close relationship with his Grandfather and the value of community and family
    • How Rick's faith intersects with his life at work and beyond
    • Rick's three core values in life and in business
    • Some of the trials and tribulations that the company have endured over the years and what they have learned from their mistakes
    • Why one of the best things Rick ever did, was also one of the worst things he ever did

    Rick Pierce's Words of Wisdom:

    Do the right thing, plain and simple.

    Connect with Rick Pierce:

    • Bass Cats Website
    • Bass Cats on Instagram
    • Bass Cats 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

    52 min
  • Buzz Baker: How Servant Leadership and Eternal Giving Make Companies Thrive

    Buzz Baker has served as Network Funding, LP's President, since he co-founded the business in 1998. With more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Buzz and his partner have expanded Network Funding into one of the fastest-growing mortgage companies in the nation, employing over 500 originators in 38 states with licenses to do business in 47 states. Before founding his own company, Buzz worked first as a loan officer and then a producing manager for North American Mortgage Company. He holds a degree in Finance from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Buzz is also proud to serve as one of the trustees on the Star of Hope board, a charity that supports the homeless in Houston, Texas.

    Buzz joins me on the show to share why he changed his college major from PE to Finance and the mentor that helped him make that pivotal decision. He discusses the processes of navigating business partnerships and how setting ground rules ahead of time together with his long-standing business partner gave them a firm and positive foundation for Network Funding, LP. Buzz also shares his philosophy of investing eternally and why charitable giving is so important to him personally and to the business.

    "We're just trying to be a good steward, make wise decisions, and pray for wisdom." - Buzz Baker

    "When the hard things come along, you've got to get counsel, and I still get counsel." - Buzz Baker

    "What we try to do is find good people and build it around them." - Buzz Baker

    This week on The Wow Factor:

    • Buzz's experience of growing up in Houston, Texas, as the youngest of three boys
    • How his parents helped their sons develop a strong work ethic and the jobs he did as a youth, from delivering papers to selling Christmas trees
    • What Buzz got out of working at Lockheed for two years and how he knew it was time to spread his wings
    • The colossal risk Buzz took when he moved to North American mortgage and why he took the leap
    • How Buzz blended fear of the unknown with an absolute trust in God
    • Why Buzz is a fan of outsourcing tasks that lie outside your zone of genius
    • Why he embraces the servant leadership model
    • The principles that are central to their business
    • The highs and lows of Network Funding LP, and what happens in the financial sector when the rates spike up or drop low

    Buzz Baker's Words of Wisdom:

    Pray for wisdom — pray for wisdom and discernment. Pray for good ideas, and when you get them write them down and put them somewhere safe, then you'll have several years of ideas in hand.

    Connect with Buzz Baker:

    • Network Funding LP Website
    • Network Funding LP on Facebook
    • Network Funding LP on Instagram
    • Network Funding LP 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

    51 min
  • Fred Caldwell: How To Build Better Teams Within Your Company

    Fred Caldwell was the founding partner of Caldwell Nyberg Interests, which later became Caldwell Companies, and today serves as a holding company for a family of related companies that invest in, develop, broker, and manage real estate interests and participate in private equity investments. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation, is a Lowry Mays College & Graduate School of Business Development Board Member, is on the Board of Directors for the Lonestar College System District Foundation and is an Elder with Terra Verde Community Church.

    Fred joins me on the show to discuss how he got into real estate investment and development and why his career path didn't initially go as planned. He shares the joy he finds in building organizations, teams, and people and encouraging them, and trying to challenge and develop them. Fred also shares his philosophy of 'speed kills, but planned speed wins' and why he consistently advocates for people to do the Godly right thing with a great sense of urgency.

    "As parents, sometimes we take it so easy on our kids that we don't really help them grow into what they can be. There's a balance in that they've got to experience, the kindness and the love of a parent, and at the same time, we need to help them grow." - Fred Caldwell

    "Pain is a gift that no one wants. It is a gift, but in the midst of pain and struggle, it's hard to see that, because we are just trying to stay afloat." - Fred Caldwell

    "It's important to be a good leader, but It's also important to be a good follower." - Fred Caldwell

    This week on The Wow Factor:

    • How a love of playing football led to Fred completing a Business degree and an MS in Finance
    • The valuable mentors that have shepherded him through his life
    • Why Fred loves to hire college athletes into the company
    • Why it's important to maintain hope even in the hard times
    • Why God sometimes shows up at the 11th hour, and the story of how that happened to Fred in his business
    • The company culture at Caldwell Companies and why they are always thinking about how to bring their employees to the next level and help develop them
    • Fred's favorite part of his work today, and where he feels particularly fulfilled
    • The near-death experience that prompted him to share God's vision as widely as he can as an invitation to others to get to know Him

    Fred Caldwell's Words of Wisdom:

    I would encourage people to look for the great outcomes and opportunities that come out of this pandemic. No one wants challenges, but despite the pain of the last year, try to find the benefits, the business opportunities, and relational opportunities that have come out of 2020.

    Connect with Fred Caldwell:

    • Caldwell Companies Website
    • Fred Caldwell on LinkedIn
    • Caldwell Companies on Facebook
    • Caldwell Companies on Instagram
    • Caldwell Companies 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

    56 min
  • Cameron Davies: How a Healthy Mindset Is the Key To Business Growth

    Cameron Davies is the President and CEO of Cruising Kitchens, which builds custom high-end mobile kitchens and businesses in the United States and internationally. Cameron and his team first appeared on Discovery Channel's Blue Collar Backers in 2016 and are now appearing in their own series, Built for Business, a docu-reality show that follows the crew as they transform ordinary trucks into unique mobile businesses. Cameron lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and two children, who are also a big part of the Cruising Kitchens family.

    Cameron joins me today to share why he had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age and the person he regards as his hero even to this day. He discusses the high-profile business venture he started in his early twenties, why it crashed and burned and what he learned from that company's failure. Cameron also shares the importance of his faith, how it has strengthened his relationship with his family, helps him work through challenges in his business, and helps him navigate Cruising Kitchen's growth.

    "Put God first and then family, and everything comes secondary. If you put God first, then it really does make it much easier to put family second." - Cameron Davies

    "f you don't love what you do, then don't do it. If you love what you do, you don't work a day in your life." - Cameron Davies

    "Attitudes are contagious." - Cameron Davies

    This week on The Wow Factor:

    • The importance of a healthy mindset in helping your business succeed
    • Why Cameron moved from building custom cars for NFL stars to building custom food trucks
    • The risk he took on Texan project that kicked off his second career and brought a volume of attention he didn't image
    • What led to the company moving into making waps for cranial helmets for babies and fighter pilot helmets for the USAF
    • Why Cameron treats everyone in the company as part of his family and why its an integral part of their culture
    • What has changed in the business during COVID-19 and some of the projects they are working on to support local first responders
    • Why he pulled out of a million-dollar build because it didn't align with his beliefs and values of genuine giving
    • Why Cameron feels that God put him on this earth to help people out and why his struggles have paved the way for him to give back.

    Cameron Davies's Words of Wisdom:

    Put others first and give back to your community. If you've been successful, remember that you can't take money with you. Give as much back as you can to provide opportunities for other people.

    Connect with Cameron Davies:

    • Cruising Kitchens Website
    • Cameron Davies on LinkedIn
    • Cruising Kitchens on Facebook
    • Cruising Kitchens on Instagram
    • Cruising Kitchens 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

    54 min

About The Wow Factor

From the publisher's feed

Leading with excellence is not something that happens overnight. Join Brad Formsma, best-selling author and a Forbes top-rated leadership speaker, as he dives in to uncover the extraordinary stories…

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