The Wow Factor

Paula Marshall has served as the Bama Companies CEO since 1984 and provides strategic leadership and direction to the entire organization. She embodies the Bama vision of 'People Helping People Be Successful,' and under her leadership, the company has grown to provide a wide variety of frozen desserts and baked goods to fast food chains and casual and family dining restaurants, including McDonald's. Paula received her BSc in Business and her Ph.D. in Commercial Science from Oklahoma City University and is the author of four books on business and entrepreneurship.

Paula joins me today to share how her dad started the company with apple pies in the trunk of the car and the two God-inspired events that kicked off Bama's expansion. She discusses how she came to head the company, why McDonald's put her under a microscope when her dad named her CEO and the traumatic events that led to her being the only one of her siblings able to step up and take control of Bama. Paula also shares her vision for the Bama Foundation, how it helps and supports members of the Bama family, and it's role in the wider community.

"If you're a global product, you have to meet global standards." - Paula Marshall

"What Bama had was passion, desire and we fixated on the product and the product quality, and we never took that out of our minds." - Paula Marshall

"Leaders have to have humility - when you make yourself humble, and you become a servant to the people that work for you, and you turn it around and learn from them that's when real things start to happen." - Paula Marshall

This week on The Wow Factor:

• Paula's experiences of growing up in Tulsa and her family's history as the manufacturer of 98% of all McDonald's pies
• Why she shut down Bama's retail business in 2002
• How it felt going up against the good ole boy network, and how McDonald's subsequently supported her as one of the first woman CEOs of their supply chain
• Why Bama embeds their mission into their relationships and how that impacts the outlook of everyone in the company
• Why they are so committed to B Corporation initiatives, and why Paula sees it as a heart and soul movement in the corporate world
• The story of the exploding pumpkin pies and what Paula learned as a leader from the situation
• The game-changing quality management system Paula brought in to Bama and what she learned from Demings' philosophy
• How impacts a corporation and why we should strive for an egoless corporation and focus on the importance of standing up for what's right
• Bama's partnership with Taylor Hansen and why Food on the Move is working to mobilize good quality food into food deserts in Tulsa and Oklahoma

Paula Marshall's Words of Wisdom:

Find your passion, don't fight it! Write a personal mission statement and use it to help guide you in your decisions and find your balance in your professional and personal life.

Connect with Paula Marshall:

• Bama Companies Website
• Paula Marshall on LinkedIn
• Bama Companies on Facebook
• Bama Companies on Instagram
• Bama Companies on Twitter
• A Piece of the Pie by Paul Marshall, Sandy Miller, and Brian Miller
• Sweet as Pie But Tough as Nails by Paula Marshall
• Creating a personal mission statement resource Eric - Brad says he wants a link in the show notes on how to write s personal mission statement, so I tried to find a credible resource. He may have a particular website in mind, though?

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

Ross Luurtsema, owner and president of transportation and logistics company ALTL, Inc., has embraced the journey of life with faith and patience that's God's plan would be revealed. Ross currently serves on boards for the Grotenhuis Group, Lost Creek Stone, and Walker Charter Academy, and he and his wife of 41 years, Terry, are also active in their community. Now that Ross has taken a step back from the day-to-day operations of the business, he enjoys time away in La Quinta, CA, and keeps active by playing golf, and tennis, and bicycling.

Ross joins me today to share whether it's hard as a founder to move out of your business's day-to-day operations when you loosen your hands on the reins. He discusses how he feels about his three sons joining the business and the measures they have collectively put in place to ensure that ALTL is an officer-driven company, not a family-driven company. We also explore Ross's early life and upbringing, the importance of faith to his family, and the impact on him of having a father who was mostly absent because of his work during childhood.

"Trials with faith always have a safety net." - Ross Luurtsema

"Affirmation is the complement of knowing where you're going; insecurity is your own self-worth and doubt when nobody affirms. Faith in its own search is its own affirmation." - Ross Luurtsema

"You learn to be built for the task ahead." - Ross Luurtsema

This week on The Wow Factor:

• How Brad and Ross met and the mystery of that 'I Like Giving' card
• Why receiving is often harder than giving
• His fathers business in trucking fresh produce, the business innovations Ross introduced to the company, and the two things they did to ensure success in the early days
• How things changed when they pivoted and outsourced some of the work
• Importance of the branding and how they decided on the ALTL name and signature blue color
• Why seeing a job through to the end is one of Ross's guiding principles
• The stress of keeping one eye on the margins and the impact on Ross's family of the business
• Why the support of someone in your life who loves you is so critical, and why Ross is so grateful to his wife, who has been with him through thick and thin
• Why Ross trusted in God and prayed through the hard times and put his faith in God's plan for him
• What he learned about diversification and honoring commitments during what seemed an impossible setback for the business

Ross Luurtsema's Words of Wisdom:

We are not in control of the past or the future; they are in God's hands, but we are in control of today. We need to seize the day because our lives are defined by how we live in the present

Connect with Ross Luurtsema:

• ALTL, Inc. Website
• Ross Luurtsema on LinkedIn
• ALTL, Inc. on Facebook

Connect with The WOW Factor:

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

The Patten family business was founded in 1933 when B.C. Patten Sr. purchased W.B. Louer Co., a Chicago construction equipment dealer. Patten Tractor started with just a single service shop and 13 skilled employees and subsequently opened more facilities and started Patten Rental Service. Patten's fourth generation, Garrett Patten became dealer principal in 2009, following in his father's footsteps, and served as the dealer principal and general manager of construction products at PattenCat until 2018.

Garrett and Crane Patten join me today to share the story of how Crane took over the business, became Dealer Principal, and bought his father out of the company. His son Garrett gives his point of view on experiencing the dealership as a family business, how he learned the ropes of the business from the sludge pit up, and how that impacted his leadership philosophies. Father and son also discuss what it's like to be on top of your game as a Caterpillar dealership and why understanding politics and trade unions is a huge part of managing the business's needs.

"Culture is everything - from a leadership perspective that's what a leader is there to do." - Garrett Patten

"When you find a culture that people are excited and engaged and they're coming up to the leaders with ideas that when you truly know you have a team that wants to win." - Garrett Patten

"You can't change a company unless you have the engagement from the employees to make that change." - Garret Patten

This week on The Wow Factor:

• How Brad and Garrett met at a backyard BBQ and realized that their lives intersected in so many ways
• Crane's experience growing up as one of four children, why he went to a Culver Military Academy, and what he learned there
• The history of PattenCat and from the Great Depression to the 21st century
• Why Crane left the company to move his family to the West Coast
• How Garrett's close working relationships with customers helped move the business forward despite obstacles
• What it was like leading the company together, and how Crane passed the baton to Garrett and his executive team seamlessly
• What Crane moved on to after handing over the reins of PattenCat
• Why it is so critical to foster a sense of community and open channels of communication in a business
• Why Garrett likens be a leader to being a talent scout

Crane Patten's Words of Wisdom:

Reinvest in your business, in your people, your facilities, your technology. Try to make life better for your employees wherever you can.

Garrett Patten's Words of Wisdom:

As a leader, you can create an environment with positive energy where people are engaged, and the key to doing that is having the courage to make changes.

Connect with Crane and Garrett Patten:

• Caterpillar Website
• Garrett Patten on LinkedIn

Connect with The WOW Factor:

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

Ben Manthei co-owns the Manthei Development Corporation, a road construction, and concrete business, and sits on the Board of Directors of other businesses within The Manthei Group, including a veneer mill in northern Michigan and several resorts in southern California. He serves on the Military Ministry Executive Committee of Campus Crusade for Christ to support them to further their purpose of helping spiritually support the military community and those who minister to them. Ben enjoys applying God's principles to life's daily challenges, and the joy he feels in servant-leadership continues to give him a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Ben joins me today to share the three critical lessons his fathers' generation taught him and his cousins about working together and the way Ben's dad explained personality types to him and made him realize that people need to learn to work together to make a project sing. He discusses the importance of having tenacity and understanding how to combine it with hard work to achieve your goals. Ben also describes his most significant setback, how it keeps him humble to this day, and why the experience helped him gain a sense of peace and purpose in his life.

"If you don't learn to give when you're young, and you don't have anything, you won't give when you're older and have a lot." - Ben Manthei

"Getting your relationship right with God helps you get your relationship right with your family, and your relationship right at work." - Ben Manthei

"Teamwork means you contribute your strength and cover your partner's weaknesses." - Ben Manthei

This week on The Wow Factor:

• How Ben's father taught his youngest son the principles of business by giving him a cow
• What it was like growing up in a large Christian family and why Ben's father was keen to encourage entrepreneurial spirit in his children
• How Ben's business career started when he became a partner in a sawmill aged just 13 years
• The incident that made Ben's father and uncle retire and inspired the 13 cousins to take over the business
• How Ben and his family learned to assess their talents and work together without disagreement and stress
• Ben's advice for leaders in resolving conflict, and the power of grace and understanding in trying times
• Why Ben knew it was time to move onto the second part of his career and the promise that inspired the creation of Redi-Rock
• Ideas that bombed and what Ben learned from his mistakes

Ben Manthei's Words of Wisdom:

Leaders should work towards building their faith because faith is what gets you through.

Connect with Ben Manthei:

• Manthei Development Corporation Website
• The Manthei Group Website
• The Manthei Group on Facebook

Connect with The WOW Factor:

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

Ben Harrison is the Founder, CEO, and lead designer of Jonas Paul Eyewear, a startup committed to helping children feel beautiful in their glasses and preventing childhood blindness in the developing world. Ben's background is in photography and web development and design, and he has extensive entrepreneurial experience, having co-founded four companies before Jonas Paul Eyewear. Ben continues to participate in numerous humanitarian projects, both domestic and international, and currently serves on the board of Cornerstone Trust with his wife, Laura.

Ben joins me today to describe how his love of art and creative pursuits started and how that fed into his interest in entrepreneurship in a quest to build a comfortable life for his family. He shares why he and his wife were shocked by their son's medical diagnosis and how the processes of seeking specialist care for their newborn gave them the impetus to start their business. Ben also explores the power of connections and industry knowledge and the pivotal moment that opened the way for Jonas Paul Eyewear to grow and expand.

"Noticing and developing the gifts inside your kids is so good for us leaders to take note of." - Brad Formsma

"We knew that this new narrative included suffering, but the greatest things get built in the valleys of life. How often do you experience true growth and true change when things are easy?" - Ben Harrison

"You're created for relationships, for God and each other - the Jesus way is to lean in through the storms and through the sunshine times." - Brad Formsma

This week on The Wow Factor:

• Ben's academic background and the essential lesson he learned from his course in graphic design
• Why Ben and Laura started their initial photography business and held off on having children for seven years
• Their experience of raising a child with additional needs and what they did to their social circle
• FDA regulated and getting finding a manufacturer self-funded start-up
• The communication challenges involved in finding a manufacturing partner and the differences between a product and service-based industry and mastering the supply chain
• Why Ben is passionate about ripple out the support they give their son and the creation of the Buy Sight Give Sight program
• The leadership challenges Ben has learned as the company has scaled
• Jonas Paul Eyewear's fast growth and how Ben's role has changed in terms of where he now provides value
• The current challenges that they have to work through due to the COVID-19 crisis

Ben Harrison's Words of Wisdom:

As a leader, you may not always feel that you are the most qualified, but you should listen when God rouses you to action and be willing to take the first step. Leaders need to do less talking and more loving into people and encouraging them, especially in these tricky times.

Connect with Ben Harrison:

• Jonas Paul Eyewear Website
• Ben Harrison on LinkedIn
• Jonas Paul Eyewear on Facebook
• Jonas Paul Eyewear on Instagram
• Jonas Paul Eyewear on Twitter

Connect with The WOW Factor:

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

Phil Nicaud is the founder of Legendary Leadership Consultants, which he started to assist organizational leaders who want to experience success in every area of their lives. After serving his country in the United States Marine Corps, Phil developed and founded many businesses from restaurants to real estate, and served as a Senior Executive in a growing oil and gas company before founding his current business. Phil is also a keynote speaker, who inspires transformation through his talks on intentional living and leadership, and his commitment to serving others.

Phil joins me today to share a little of his experience in the US Marine Corps, what it taught him and how his time as a Marine impacted his leadership style. He discusses the concepts of personal power and positional power and how understanding the difference helps aspiring leaders attain clarity on their direction. Phil also gives us the details on his upcoming book, Our Secret Life, how he was inspired by his clients and their stories, and what readers can learn about honing focus as a leader.

• "You have to earn the power, and the right to lead, guide and influence people." - Phil Nicaud
• "Grit is good, push through is good, but grace is better." - Phil Nicaud
• "You've got to develop a leadership strategy and picture the faces and names of the people you need to lead and how you're going to win their hearts and earn that right to lead." - Phil Nicaud

This week on The Wow Factor:

• How being part of a hardworking family living in New Orleans in the 1970s influenced Phil throughout his life
• What Phil learned from his high school coach and how he inspired him to find a vision for his life
• Phil's experience as an entrepreneur and why he was so motivated to succeed after leaving the Marine Corps
• Phil's experience in the restaurant business and the reason he threw away an amazing opportunity to expand his business
• The struggles of finding a work-life balance and how Phil finally found equilibrium
• Hurricane Katrina and the impact on Phil's business, family, and community
• Phil's servant mindset and how he uses it in his business
• How Legendary Leadership Consultants was born and how he grew it to a national business

Phil Nicaud's Words of Wisdom:

The genesis of grit is the desire to push forward, but as a leader, you can't stay in that state too long without falling victim to anxiety and adrenaline. Leaders need to learn to be more rested and peaceful and work towards finding their calm and stillness in order to serve others.

Connect with Phil Nicaud:

• Legendary Leadership Consultants Website
• Phil Nicaud on LinkedIn
• Legendary Leadership Consultants on Facebook

Connect with The WOW Factor:

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

Mark Roesler of CMG Worldwide has represented over 2,500 iconic celebrities over the past 36 years, including Elvis Presley, Norman Rockwell, and Marilyn Monroe. Mark's company has worked tirelessly to help the heirs of celebrities gain control of how their loved one's names and likenesses are used and to achieve fair compensation for that use. Mark has contributed to several books on licensing and is a sought after expert speaker on the subject; he is also a dedicated philanthropist who supports several charities close to his heart, including the Mark and Stacey Roesler Foundation, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, and the Center of Hope.

Mark joins me today to discuss his first clients, the heirs of Elvis Presley, and how he helped the family properly license Elvis' image and name, then how a personal connection led to CMG Worldwide's association with the family of James Dean. He recounts details of his involvement in the OJ Simpson civil case and how his expert testimony impacted the amount of damages awarded in the civil court. Mark also shares why he is committed to continually striving to improve and do a better and better job for his clients and the charitable foundation he started with his wife.

"When you see what an impact people have made, and you're humbled to represent them, you recognize that it's important not only to perpetuate their message but to play an import role in being someone yourself - we try to give back and make the world a better place." - Mark Roesler

This week on The Wow Factor:

• How being meticulous and analytical helped Mark in the very first business he started
• Why he chose to take on an MBA and a Law degree
• Why he moved on from the successful business, he started in college with his cousin
• How Mark became interested in intellectual property work
• The challenges of intellectual property licensing in the pre-internet area
• How families decide how the legacy is managed and what Mark does if there are disputes
• What intellectual property rights are and why they are sometimes more valuable than tangible assets
• Mark's feelings when he meets clients after a tragedy and how he helps the family move forward
• How Mark reaches out to individuals, he is interested in working with
• How CMG Worldwide balances appropriate usage with financial gain when managing intellectual property

Mark Roesler's Words of Wisdom:

It is essential to stay focused on what you do. Push on in constant pursuit of perfection and strive to get better at what you do every single day.

Connect with Mark Roesler:

• Mark Roesler Website
• Worldwide XR
• CMG Worldwide
• Mark Roesler on LinkedIn
• Mark Roesler on Instagram
• Mark Roesler on Twitter

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• Website
• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life book by Brad Forsma
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Doug DeVos co-chairs the Board of Directors of Amway, having previously served as president of one of the world's leading direct selling companies for more than 16 years. He has served as an industry specialist in various roles, including Chairman of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations and Chairman of the U.S. Direct Selling Association, and in 2009 was recognized for his outstanding service with the Direct Selling Education Foundation's Circle of Honor award. Doug and his wife established their charitable foundation Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation, in 1992 and remain active supporters of causes that center around families and education.

Doug joins me today to explore the importance of modeling positive practices for leadership and shares what he learned from his family that helped him put habits learned in childhood and adolescence into practice in the professional arena. He considers some of Amway's setbacks and successes and why it's essential to reflect on the setbacks as well as celebrate the achievements. Doug also discusses what he and Steve Van Andel did differently as Co-CEOs to their fathers and Amway founders Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel and how they found a path to productive collaboration through understanding one another.

"Work is not a burden or a chore; it's an opportunity to be productive." - Doug DeVos

"Find your path forward and take the next step." - Doug DeVos

"A leader doesn't stop learning, or challenging their people to keep learning" - Brad Formsma

This week on The Wow Factor:

• Doug's rural upbringing and fantastic relationship with a father who balanced his home and work-life
• Why volunteering as a great way to engage with and give back to a community
• Doug's valuable experience of working in different parts of the Amway in the US and Overseas
• The importance of finding the right words to inspire your team to move forward
• The story of how Amway got caught in some political crossfire which stalled them for several months abroad
• Why Doug sees persistence as a critical leadership trait
• The ways in which sailing and leadership principles overlap and why trust is at the center of both of them
• The collaborative nature of Doug's work at the National Constitution Centre

Doug DeVos' Words of Wisdom:

Understanding your purpose is the key to getting started down your path. As a leader, you are the one who needs to make critical decisions and take the initial step to achieving your goals.

Connect with Doug DeVos:

• Amway Website
• Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation Website
• Doug DeVos on LinkedIn
• Amway on Facebook
• Amway on Instagram
• Amway on Twitter

Connect with The WOW Factor:

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

Bob Westfall founded Westfall Gold in 2002 to help his clients fund transformational impact around the world, and to date, the team has guided universities, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to raise over $1 billion. He is the author of two motivational books, The Fulfillment Principle and The Courage Factor, an accredited Association of Fundraising Professionals Master Trainer, and an expert in the field of major donor fundraising. Bob also serves as a Director of The Giving Institute, where he shares his experience in donor development, and in his spare time, Bob spends time with his wife and family or occasionally on the tennis court or the golf course.

Bob joins me today to share his journey from part-time night manager at Taco Bell to the youngest General Manager in the franchise and from there to his role as a major donor specialist committed to using his talents to benefit others. He discusses the events that 'flipped the picture' and turned donor development into an abiding passion and calling. Bob also explores the philosophy of sharing our skills and knowledge as widely as possible for the good of the wider society and why he feels that a well-stewarded talent is critical in serving your community

"Humility trumps all - the leaders who are the most humble are the most effective" - Bob Westfall

This week on The Wow Factor:

• How Bob's traumatic early teens turned him into an entrepreneur early on in life
• Why Bob moved into the world of sales, then formed his own traveling photography business company
• How Bob found Walk Thru the Bible and why he was so passionate about working for them
• Why Bob was reluctant to go into marketing initially, and what changed his mind
• How prayer helps Bob when it comes to making significant life decisions
• Walk Thru the Bible's mission in Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union and why it became so important to raise funds to further their process
• The innovative way that Bob raised funds and why people initially resisted
• When and why Bob left a dream job to start the Westfall Group and how he knew that he had made the right decision
• Moments when Bob's faith was stretched and why he often feels the presence of the Lord in testing times
• The unique core value of the givers in this world that Bob sees in his work

Bob Westfall's Words of Wisdom:

Good solid communication is the cornerstone of a relationship. A leader should be someone who is authentic and genuine and seeks to understand others as they move forward with their message.

Connect with Bob Westfall:

• The Courage Factor: Taking Bold Steps that Lead to Joy by Bob Westfall
• Westfall Gold Website
• Bob Westfall on LinkedIn
• Westfall Gold on Facebook
• Westfall Gold on Twitter

Connect with The WOW Factor:

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

Cheryl Bachelder is a passionate restaurant industry executive and former CEO of Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen, where she established a 'Road Map for Results' framework which led to a phenomenal improvement in their restaurant and share performance. In 2014, She was certified as an NACD Board Leadership Fellow and has served on several boards of directors, including for Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen, Pier 1 Imports and the International Franchise Association. Cheryl has won many accolades over the course of her career and has been profiled in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times in addition to being recognized as "Leader of the Year" by the Women's Foodservice Forum, and receiving the Silver Plate Award from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association.

Cheryl joins me today to discuss her approach to leadership and why she favors the servant leadership model to bring out the best in both people and organizations. She shares the experiences that fostered her sense of independence and ingenuity and the lessons she learned from her father about acting with integrity as a business leader. Cheryl also elaborates on the 'Lead from the Heart' program she instigated and how that values-based leadership approach helped educate leaders at Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen on the importance of holistic leadership.

"The best mentor is a journal book - you will have many opportunities to witness good leadership and bad leadership so take notes, remember what you heard, and learn, because you are forging your leadership approach." - Cheryl Bachelder

This week on The Wow Factor:

• Cheryl's college experience and why it brought her closer to her wider family
• Why she pivoted in her career choices and how that changed her life
• Why her Dad became her most important mentor
• The two halves to her career and why she made a switch after having her children
• The concepts of value-based leadership and what that looked like at Domino's Pizza
• Why she retired, then came back out of retirement again to be the CEO of Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen
• The importance of leaders understanding how to inspire and serve their team
• Why Cheryl was inspired to write her book and why she organized it into three distinct categories
• How Cheryl came to serve on the board of Chick-fil-A and her continued love of mentoring future leaders

Cheryl Bachelder's Words of Wisdom:

Leaders need to anticipate how the people impacted by a decision will feel and filter ideas through the lens of understanding how to set someone up to achieve success.

Connect with Cheryl Bachelder:

• Dare to Serve: How to Drive Superior Results by Serving Others by Cheryl Bachelder
• Cheryl Bachelder Website
• Cheryl Bachelder on Facebook
• Cheryl Bachelder on Instagram
• Cheryl Bachelder on Twitter

Connect with The WOW Factor:

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