Joe talks YPO Joe Pohlen

Scott is the former CEO of YPO. Scott and Joe talk about his journey leading organizations in various industries, from horse racing to garage and gate openers and everything in between. 
Scott joined YPO as a member in 1995 and most recently served as its CEO beginning in 2011. Scott helped expand YPO membership, and transition it from a primarily US organization to an international organization focused on leadership impact. He shares a great deal of wisdom, resources, and advice for YPO members and several strategies, philosophies, and tips for CEOs.
Scott has enjoyed 36 years of marriage with his wife, Vicki. He talks about how goodwill and shared experiences have kept their marriage strong. His three children are aged 25-29, and he talks about how they raised them and what he called ‘Mordell University.’ The interview ended with a John Mellencamp song lyric that inspires him to help people be better and reach their potential, whatever that may be.
To connect with Scott, drop him an email. (smordell@forradergroup.com) or send him a message on LinkedIn. If you are interested in learning more about YPO, visit the YPO Website (https://legacy.ypo.org) for more information about becoming a member.
(3:03) - Scott’s background and career
(6:16) - Scott’s experience with becoming CEO of Arlington Race Track at such a young age
(8:02) - What do you think the leadership saw in you so early?
(9:09) - Would you agree with the statement “All businesses are the same, it’s just the people that change” since you’ve been in several different industries?
(10:31) - What separates a good leader from a great leader?
(11:34) - What are you focusing on in the first 90 days of stepping into a new organization?
(12:53) - What was YPO like in 1995 and what was your experience taking over as the CEO of the organization?
(17:08) - What’s the right reason to join YPO and the wrong reason to join?
(18:43) - Imposter Syndrome in YPO & The Diversity and Inclusion aspect of YPO
(22:29) - Scott’s tips and tricks on how to do YPO well
(25:45) - How do you and your wife stay connected and what are your interests together?
(27:01) - How do you navigate balancing career and family?
(28:42) - In what ways do you support and guide your children?
(31:02) - How does YPO support parents?
(32:27) - What YPO family events come to mind that are really worthwhile?
(33:55) - YPO resources for children who are ill
(35:10) - Where do you see yourself making a difference in society and your community?
Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts.

Joe sits down with James Scarlett. James works in business development for Scarlett Inc, a manufacturing and equipment sales company. James is the third generation in the family business, growing up cleaning machines and sweeping the floor as a young kid. 
 
He attributes his curiosity, something he learned from his father, has helped him in his professional and personal life. A man of many hobbies James enjoys racing sailboats, riding bikes, skiing, fishing, and many others. They get into an interesting conversation about private aviation and James’ many injuries on the podcast. James says, "I am most proud to be alive and upright and walking each day. If a human has 9 lives, I've used them all."
 
James spends the rest of his free time with his wife Amanda and two sons Tucker (8) and Quinlan (5). His three word reminders to guide his boys are focus, listen and respect. And we get into why on the pod. He wants his kids to remember all the fun things they did together during the pandemic. 
To reach James Scarlett drop him an email at james@scarlettinc.com.
Visit the YPO West Michigan Website for more information about how to become a member.
(2:30) - How do you introduce yourself?
(3:11) - James background and career
(4:33) - What is some advice you’d give to other YPO-ers when thinking about succession planning?
(5:50) - When did you take over the organization?
(6:43) - James interesting extracurricular activities
(7:40) - Do you have the same level of curiosity for all the aspects of the business?
(8:08) - Is it hard to not jump at every shiny new thing that comes across your path?
(9:58) - Are there certain personality types you mesh with more than other as a leader and manager?
(10:52) - Thoughts on aviation and what it’s done for James & his life
(7:21) - James on Biohacking & maintaining body and mind
(19:06) - What’s your morning routine?
(20:39) - What is something you want to watch your boys do that you never did growing up?
(22:27) - What are your top 3 words for your family that are life skills and will continue to be important reminders?
(23:56) - Why do you desperately need your own garage?
(25:40) - Favorite sports hobby that changes with the season and does it help with your work life balance?
(27:43) - What memories do you have of Covid and what would you like your sons to remember about that time?
(28:50) - When and why did you join YPO?
(31:02) - James’ heli ski trip and getting in touch with James
Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts

Joe sits down with Brett, the founder and president of New Holland Brewing Company. With a retail presence in Holland and Grand Rapids, New Holland is both a brewery and distillery with a full-service restaurant, a spirits tasting room, and an online store. At 24, he began New Holland Brewing in 1997 and has grown the company to nearly 500 team members. Brett serves as CEO, overseeing the corporate and leadership teams and continuing to forge their path into the future. 
Brett’s original partner in opening New Holland Brewing Company, Jason Spaulding, helped grow the company and eventually established Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids. Brett has become a leader not only in his industry but in the community as well.Joe and Brett discuss both the Holland and Grand Rapids, New Holland locations and how they serve as anchors in the community and help to revitalize the areas where their businesses operate. 
Brett and his wife Pamela are proud of Brayden (17) and Quinn (15). To reach Brett VanderKamp, drop him an email (brett@newhollandbrew.com). To learn more about YPO, visit the YPO West Michigan Website for more information about becoming a member.
(2:25) - Brett’s background and career
(5:25) - Were you shocked by the rapid popularity growth in Craft Beer?
(7:25) - Where does the industry go from here?
(8:48) - Brett’s early days in brewing and his current role
(10:42) - Is it easier for you to manage people in roles that you’ve performed yourself?
(14:50) - The pros and cons of raising capital for faster growth
(16:44) - Succession planning
(18:57) - Grand Rapids, MI
(22:14) - Brett’s experience during Covid
(32:37) - Brett’s experience in YPO
(34:06) - What value did you think you’d get out of YPO and what value has actualized?
(38:04) - Brett on fatherhood and family memories during Covid
(39:47) - How can people touch base with you?
Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts

Joe sits down with Aaron Veldheer, the Managing Director and Senior Wealth Advisor for Strategies Wealth Advisors, a wealth management firm. Aaron helps families and institutions manage their wealth by providing comprehensive financial planning and investment management.
Aaron played college basketball and was an NFL Contract Advisor for his brother Jared Veldheer, a 12 yearNFL veteran and team MVP for conference winning Arizona Cardinals. Aaron helped to negotiate his $37.5 million deal with Arizona. There are a ton of great stories around this sports chapter of his life.
Aaron, Jodi and their three sons Lennox 13, James 10, and Beau 5 enjoy sports and travel to any warm-weather destination during the cold, dark Michigan winters.To connect with Aaron Veldeer, drop him an emailor connect with him on LinkedIn.To learn more about YPO please visit the YPO West Michigan Websitefor more information about how to become a member.
(2:09) - Aaron’s background and career
(4:24) - What made you decide to go from getting your Law Degree to getting an MBA?
(5:07) - How has sports been a part of your life and affected your leadership mindset?
(10:04) - Is it easier to manage someone where you’ve done their job?
(11:29) - Aaron’s experience working around the NFL and Free Agency
(15:48) - Working on the College Slam Dunk & 3PT contest
(17:11) - “Sports Cable Real Estate”
(19:55) - What did you learn from your years at InterSport and working under a dedicated CEO?
(20:31) - How much of what you deal with day to day is the Blocking and Tackling and how much is soft skills and building trust?
(22:13) - What lessons did you take away from Covid-19?
(23:36) - What was your personal life like balancing family and business during the pandemic?
Questions from Jodie
(25:12) - How did food & health become a priority for you?
(27:31) - Aaron’s exercise and diet routines
(32:54) - Aaron’s experience in Chine with Duke Basketball
(34:50) - What was Coach K like behind the scenes?
(37:19) - Aaron’s experience in YPO
(38:56) - Where do you see your business headed in the next decade?
(41:01) - How can people get in touch with you?
(41:20) - Do you have anything you want to say to your kids?
Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts

In a special podcast episode, Joe sits down with Wade Wyant, the former Membership Engagement Chair for YPO West Michigan. They discuss all you need to know as a new YPO Member. YPO is an organization for young presidents or CEOs looking for peer support and community. YPO members learn tips and tricks to grow or expand their business from each other, have access to exceptional educational opportunities, and enjoy a social environment. 
Wade and Joe talk about the value of YPO and some of the incredible experiences they had over the years. Wade shares his experience connecting with the YPO network internationally and learning from the top minds in business, science, and academia at YPO Edge.
In the podcast, they get into requirements to join YPO, forum, and YPO board service. They also discuss the written and unwritten rules of YPO membership. It's a must-listen for all YPO-ers!
(4:03) - Why Wade joined YPO
(5:33) - How do you describe YPO?
(6:28) - What are the YPO requirements for membership?
(7:49) - The board positions at YPO 
(12:45) - The Education Chair and responsibilities to keep members active
(17:41) - The core of the YPO experience: Forums
(21:52) - YPO Edge
(23:45) - International YPO forums & Networking experiences
(27:50) - The unwritten rules of YPO
Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts

Joe is joined by Wade Wyant, an entrepreneur at Red Wagon Advisors, where he focuses on coaching companies through implementing the Scaling Up system. Wade has started several successful companies in the Information Technology sector in cyber security and used the Scaling Up system to help them succeed. Wade has also experienced what it is like to have a business fail. He calls himself 'a recovering CEO' and views Red Wagon's work to help other CEO's avoid the mistakes and common pitfalls. He feels his life's purpose is to build teams. 
Wade has been married for 27 years this past August, and is a father of four. All his kids came back home during the pandemic, moved in for a year plus. He enjoyed the time together with his kids, Ethan (23), Elijah (21), Ian (19), and Elora (16). He and his wife Alicia are active in their local community and enjoy traveling the world together. 
To reach Wade Wyant, connect with by email. Visit the YPO Website for more information about how to become a member.
(2:10) - Wade’s Background and career
(5:58) - The story of ITS partners
(8:23) - Wade’s Red Wagon naming story
(11:19) - What advice do you have for people needing to balance business and family?
(14:09) - Wade’s message to his family
(15:11) - What family memories of Covid do you have?
Questions from Wade’s Wife
(18:33) - What’s the most memorable family vacation you took?
(19:00) - What are your three best and worst qualities?
(20:55) - How would you define a successful life?
(21:46) - What was your first job?
(22:43) - How do you feel about where your life is at now?
Essentialism - Book
(27:57) - Wrap Up & Wade’s message to other YPO members
Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts