Dallen Peterson | Founder of Merry Maids and Author | Honoring God Through Business

The Wow Factor

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:

  • The WOW Factor Website
  • Connect with Brad Formsma via email
  • Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
  • Brad Formsma on Instagram
  • Brad Formsma on Facebook
  • Brad Formsma on Twitter

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