The Wow Factor Brad Formsma

Paul Saber has been a restaurant owner since 1980. He was the Owner/Operator of McDonald’s restaurants from 1985-2001. In 2003, Paul became President and CEO of Manna Development Group, LLC, and currently holds the Area Development Agreement for Panera Bread. In 2022, Paul was the recipient of the Fierce Brand Love Award. Paul served on the Board of Directors of several Christian ministries and served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association from 2007 to 2009.
I’m excited to have Paul Saber on the podcast this week to share his experiences and insights on balancing business and faith. Paul shares his entrepreneurial journey and discusses his time working with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. We dive deep into the significance of prayer in business decision-making, with Paul sharing a personal anecdote about his time working with Billy Graham. Paul also shares his thoughts on the intersection of leadership and faith, emphasizing the importance of value, inspiring employees, and giving back to the community. 
“We laid the foundation of wanting to truly be here to serve others.” - Paul Saber
“Everything is about prayer and the commitment to Christ.” - Paul Saber  
“Have we asked the Lord if this is right for us?” -  Paul Saber 
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Paul shares more about his introduction to the world of work and how his father taught him the value of buying things by having him count customers and calculate profits at a young age The tragedy of Paul’s brother's death and how Mark influenced Paul over the years, including introducing him to Jesus  Why Paul was committed to starting a business with a focus on people, not location or restaurant concept How Paul built a team at Panera Bread with a strong focus on loving God and caring for people, which led to the company's success Paul shares a personal story of demonstrating servanthood by washing the feet of employees Paul and his wife launched Share the Dough to give back to communities and employees in need How Share the Dough provides scholarships, gives back to employees, and supports women and children in need across 14 states Paul’s experience of working for Billy Graham and Franklin Graham and highlights the impact it had on his personal and professional life The importance of prayer in leadership with Billy Graham's legacy Paul Saber’s Words of Wisdom:
The most important thing we do isn’t the performance or figuring out the details of what’s needed. It is prayer and whether we have asked the Lord if something is right for us. 
Connect with Paul Saber: 
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Kevin Lavelle is the Co-Founder and CEO of Harbor. Kevin brings a wealth of experience from his role as the Founder and Chairman of Mizzen+ Main, having invented the world's first performance fabric dress shirt. With a successful growth round raised from L Catterton, partnerships with world-renowned athletes like Phil Mickelson and JJ Watt, and a background in omnichannel retail, Kevin is not only a dedicated entrepreneur but also a loving husband and father of two.
Kevin joins me on the show to discuss his brand-new venture, Harbor.  Kevin shares his frustration with current baby monitoring technology and why he wanted to design a dedicated device without an internet connection that was completely failsafe in helping parents keep an eye on their baby. He talks about how the Harbor smart baby monitor allows parents to check on their children without disturbing their sleep and shares details of the personalized, supportive advice from experienced pediatric nurses that Harbor offers to help the whole family get more rest. 
"We are democratizing access to sleep expertise”  - Kevin Lavelle
“Keep showing up.” - Kevin Lavelle
“We need to live our lives, and kids need to be able to learn and thrive.” - Kevin Lavelle
This week on The Wow Factor:
The lightbulb moment when a baby monitor app crashed, causing concern for Kevin’s son's safety. Why Kevin wanted to create a baby monitor with a direct connection to a tablet for reliable and secure monitoring. How Harbor allows people to directly connect with their baby, eliminating internet dependence and providing a dedicated device for monitoring. How the camera and tablet communicate directly without Wi-Fi or the internet, using a direct communication protocol. The importance of having a reliable monitoring system and why it makes parents' lives easier How Kevin and the Harbor co-founders and parents tested the device. How Harbor has helped change lives with its sleep expertise and coaching for parents. Kevin Lavelle’s Words of Wisdom:
Just keep showing up and know that if it wasn’t the day you wanted, you get another day tomorrow. But at the same time, not every day is guaranteed, so value everything as you go through life.
Connect with Kevin Lavelle:
Harbor Baby Monitor Website  Kevin Lavelle on LinkedIn  Connect with The WOW Factor:
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Dallen Peterson is the Founder of Merry Maids and author of an amazing business book, titled “Rags, Riches & Real Success.” In his book, he shares his remarkable true story and success principles based on personal faith. He shares the story of the founding of Merry Maids, its phenomenal growth, and how it eventually became part of the ServiceMaster family. Dallen’s book also shares the seven principles for real success, all life truths that come from serving God.
Dallen joins me on The Wow Factor podcast to share his thoughts on the importance of hard work, perseverance, and humility in achieving success. He highlights how his upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a commitment to serving others, including providing shelter to those in need. Dallen discusses his professional milestones, including his experience of founding and growing Merry Maids on the principles of honoring God and pursuing excellence.
“Our first corporate objective was to honor God in all we do” - Dallen Peterson
“It was my dream to be in business” - Dallen Peterson 
“It was God's timing and God's plan, and for that, I am forever grateful.” -  Dallen Peterson 
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Dallen reflects on his experience starting KAPS Foods, including the challenges they faced during that time, including high-interest rates and commodity prices, and how they overcame those challenges through prayer and perseverance How Dallen and his family grew Merry Maids by emphasizing faith and excellence. The importance of honoring God in the company's operations and pursuing excellence, and why that attracted franchisees How Dallen and Chuck Colson joined forces in prison ministry after meeting at a mayor's prayer breakfast in 1976 Dallen shares stories of some of the 100 prisons worldwide he has visited, including prisons in Bulgaria and Uganda, with poor living conditions The $25 million sale of Merry Maids and its impact on Dallen and his family’s lives The challenges of growing a business and the importance of connecting with franchisees How Dallen became involved in various ministry boards and corporate boards after "retiring" at 51 years old Stories of Dallen’s generosity and family ministry, including opening their home to homeless people  Dallen Peterson’s Words of Wisdom:
I thank God every day. The first thing I do every morning is say, “Thank you, Jesus.”
Connect with Dallen Peterson: 
Rags, Riches, and Real Success by Dallen Peterson  Connect with The WOW Factor:
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Porter graduated from Texas A&M in 1979 with a BBA in marketing. He joined The Association of Former Students as Field Director in 1981. Over the last 23 years as President and CEO, he has inspired innovation and led initiatives to achieve The Association’s vision to become the premier alumni organization. Porter serves on the board of Baylor Scott & White Hospital – College Station Region, and he and his wife, Lisa ’91, are Endowed Century Club donors to The Association of Former Students, Eppright Distinguished Donors, and members of the Texas A&M Legacy Society. 
Porter shares insights on generosity, positivity, and living a great life today on The Wow Factor podcast. He discusses how he has felt the power of generosity in his life and career and why he thinks there is a link between giving and happiness. In our conversation, Porter discusses the development of Texas A&M University's core values and the importance of these values for Aggies, past and present, and their families. Porter also digs into leadership qualities and why you gain so much insight into character when you look at their actions rather than words. 
“We developed a sense of humility and appreciation for the opportunities that students are given here.” 
- Porter Garner
“I see young people aligning with our core values.” - Porter Garner 
“When vision and philanthropy come together, it inspires future generations of Aggies to indeed do what they've done.” -  Porter Garner 
This Week on The Wow Factor:
How Porter got his role at The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University Porter reflects on his 42-year association with Texas A&M, including the unique aspects of the school's history and culture The history of the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University The association's inclusive approach today, 23 years after the launch of the Aggie Network, that allows for the recognition of non-graduates and graduates alike Why Aggies value humility, selfless service, and camaraderie, with a strong sense of tradition and reputation Porter discusses the development of Texas A&M University's core values and the importance of these values for Aggies, including the comfort they provide to parents and the sense of belonging they foster among students The importance of integrity and ethical leadership, and inspiring others as a leader The importance of Aggie Park, built exclusively by private philanthropy, as a place where legacy is alive and future generations of Aggies can have the same experiences as past students Why it’s so vital to give with a cheerful attitude Porter’s strong belief in treating everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their position or role Porter Garner’s Words of Wisdom:
You learn a lot about people when you watch how they treat other people —it’s perhaps the greatest insight to character that there is. You can learn a lot about somebody going out to dinner with them, walking down the street with them, attending an event with them, and just watching how they treat people. 
Connect with Porter Garner: 
Porter Garner on The Association's website Porter Garner on Facebook Porter Garner on LinkedIn
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The Association of Former Students on X The Association of Former Students on Instagram Connect with The WOW Factor:
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Flip is the Chairman and Founder of Flippen Group, one of North America's fastest-growing educator training, corporate talent, and team development companies. Flippen associates give themselves relentlessly each day to “Building relationships and processes that bring out the best in people.” Flip and his wife Susan, CEO, were named Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2011, the only couple ever to receive this prestigious award. Founded in 1990, Flippen Group was chosen by Texas Monthly magazine as #2 in the listing of Best Companies to Work For in Texas. The company’s breakthrough educational curricula and processes are used in thousands of schools nationwide, and their business division works with multinational and global companies worldwide, enhancing performance and outcomes. He is the best-selling author of The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back and Your Third Story: Author the Life You Were Meant to Live.
Flip reflects on positive influences and mentors in his life, including his Scoutmaster and baseball coach, who helped instill values of hard work and integrity. He shares more about the challenges faced by at-risk youth and the importance of loving and supporting them to overcome their struggles, and discusses the 16 years he spent as a psychotherapist and how he has supported hundreds of boys over the years. Flip also discusses the importance of understanding one's constraints and how it will help you achieve success. 
“Anybody who does anything with their life can show you people who wrote on their soul” - Flip Flippen
“I always want everybody to be better!” - Flip Flippen 
“Your heart is the most powerful thing you could ever give anybody, so give it freely.” -  Flip Flippen 
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Flip shares more about his life growing up in Texas and some of the amazing mentors he had The power of words, as told in many old proverbs, can stick with a person, potentially causing harm if they are negative or hurtful Why constraints hinder performance and how to create significant improvement The importance of changing behaviors to achieve personal growth and reach one's potential. How leaders can show their team members they care and respect them and why it’s so important The value of extending kindness and care beyond the workplace, even if it's not directly related to the company's core business When teachers capture children's hearts, their minds will follow  Some of the challenges faced by educators in today's society, including the impact of social and political issues on their work How we can understand the neuroscience behind building relationships with students and why it creates a comfortable and secure environment for learning How The Flippen Group trains teachers on how to build meaningful relationships with their students, with a focus on creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment Flip Flippen’s Words of Wisdom:
I wish that leaders would let their team know who they are, that they care for them, respect them, and love them if they can. Your heart is the most powerful thing you could ever give anybody, so give it freely and love more. 
Connect with Flip Flippen: 
Flip Flippen Website  Flip Flippen on LinkedIn  The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back by Flip Flippen  Your Third Story: Author the Life You Were Meant to Live by Flip Flippen and Dr. Chris J. White Connect with The WOW Factor:
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David  Olaricksiri founded Royal Kingdom Industry in 1990 with the vision of exporting Thai goods throughout the world. The business supplies and exports high-quality coolers all over the world. 
David joins me on the show to share the reason behind the name of his company and why he chose it to honor the Kingdom of Heaven. He credits God with leading him to start a business and his continued gratitude for God’s daily guidance and shares his personal experience of facing giants in business with God's grace, and how his faith has sustained and supported him throughout his life. David also shares more about specific changes he made in his business after listening to God’s advice and how they have made his company more successful. 
“God has a purpose in every human life.” - David Olaricksiri 
“I believe in excellency.” - David Olaricksiri 
“Don't wait to give when you are rich; you can learn to give, even when you have little.” 
-  David Olaricksiri 
This Week on The Wow Factor:
David shares his spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's purpose and guidance in his life The reason why David refuses to use recycled materials from Thailand in his plastic products to ensure safety and quality How David drew on God’s wisdom to save freight costs during export What happened when David discovered a monopoly in the Thai battery market, and why he felt called to start a new business How David turned his business around by following the Lord's advice to change the color of his product The importance of listening and trusting God's unique answers to prayer David’s inspiration and role models throughout his career David Olaricksiri’s Words of Wisdom:
Go beyond yourself. Don't wait to give when you are rich; you can learn to give, even when you have little. When you do that, the Lord will give you even more. 
Connect with David Olaricksiri: 
Cooper Thai Website  Connect with The WOW Factor:
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