The Wow Factor

Brad Formsma
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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 of failures and triumphs of other successful leaders in business and beyond. The Wow Factor strives to empower the journey of business leaders through raw conversations and uncovered stories of today's thought leaders. This podcast will also help you discover the words of wisdom to inspire a team of any size, spark a culture of generosity and innovation, and lead with excellence. For extended insights and podcast show notes, go to https://www.thewowfactorpodcast.com

  1. 1일 전

    Josh Block | CEO of Block Imaging and Author of People Matter at Work | Building Cultures Where Team Members Thrive and Everyone Wins

    Josh Block is the longtime leader of Block Imaging, a global healthcare equipment company known for its distinctive people-first culture and multigenerational family leadership. After unexpectedly stepping into the president's role at just 29 years old, Josh spent the next decade and a half guiding the organization's growth from a $30 million business into a thriving enterprise of over 425 team members. In this episode, he joins Brad to share insights from his new book, People Matter at Work, a practical framework for helping leaders create cultures where team members feel safe, seen, and successful, and where the organization wins as a result. Brad and Josh talk through the pivotal backyard moment that changed the course of Josh's life overnight, what it was like to suddenly lead people decades older than him, and how humility became the essential ingredient that shaped his leadership. They explore the "Me Cycle" vs. the "We Cycle," why so many workplaces get stuck in unhealthy patterns, and how transparency, thoughtful leadership, and tough-but-kind conversations can turn a culture around. Josh also shares real stories from inside Block Imaging, the importance of organizational identity, and what it looks like to democratize leadership as a company grows far beyond the founder's reach. This Week on The Wow Factor: Josh's early roots in Lansing, Michigan, selling strawberries door-to-door and discovering a love for entrepreneurship at a young age The unexpected Friday-to-Monday transition from sales rep to president, and how humility shaped his early leadership What the Me Cycle looks like inside companies, and why leaders unintentionally create cultures where people stop caring The We Cycle: how safety, transparency, and shared purpose turn individuals into a thriving team Why organizational identity matters, and how a clear mission draws the right people and gently repels the wrong ones How Block Imaging grew from 30 employees to more than 425, and why growth creates opportunities for others, not just leadership A real-time story from this week: how Josh coached a leader through caring for a team member facing trauma at home Why clear, honest feedback is generosity, and how "closing the gap" conversations can transform careers "Leadership is accomplishing things through others, and that begins with humility." - Josh Block "If you're glad you're here today, it's because someone before you didn't stop the growth. That's the invitation to keep building for the next person." - Josh Block "When people feel safe, seen, and successful, they give back. It gets lighter for everyone because the work is shared." - Josh Block Josh Block's Wow Moment: Josh reminds us that technical skill doesn't automatically translate into strong leadership. Leading well takes humility, curiosity, and a commitment to building a culture where people truly matter. His core message is simple: people are worth it. When leaders slow down, care intentionally, and lead transparently, the impact reaches far beyond the work itself. Connect With Block Imaging Block Imaging Website Block Imaging Facebook Block Imaging LinkedIn Block Imaging YouTube Block Imaging Instagram Connect With People Matter at Work People Matter at Work Website People Matter at Work Book Book Josh Block To Speak   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    26분

  2. 2일 전

    Dr. Emerson Eggerichs | Author & Speaker | Light Bulb Moments in Marriage and the Path Back to Love and Respect

    Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is a longtime marriage teacher, speaker, and author, that has helped couples for decades. A former senior pastor at Trinity Church in East Lansing, Michigan, Emerson's work blends pastoral experience, biblical study, and real-world marriage dynamics into practical tools couples can use immediately. In this episode, he joins Brad for his third visit to The Wow Factor this time to talk about his newest book, Light Bulb Moments in Marriage, a collection of insights and stories designed to bring clarity when couples feel stuck, distant, or worn down by years of misunderstanding. Brad and Emerson dig into why many marriages don't need more effort, they need more light. Emerson explains the difference between intent and impact, why couples misread each other's defensive reactions, and how "love" and "respect" show up differently for men and women during conflict. They unpack the "Crazy Cycle" (without love she reacts without respect; without respect he reacts without love), the "pink and blue" perspective gap, and how outside influences (including Hollywood's version of romance) can reinforce the wrong expectations. The conversation is candid, hopeful, and grounded in faith, especially for couples who still believe there's a goldmine inside their marriage, even if it feels buried right now. "Without love, she reacts without respect. Without respect, he reacts without love. And we start spinning, that's the crazy cycle." - Emerson Eggerichs  "We don't need more effort. We just need light." - Emerson Eggerichs  "My defensive reactions are offensive, and I don't realize I'm stepping on her air hose while I'm trying to protect mine." - Emerson Eggerichs  This Week on The Wow Factor: Emerson's backstory: pastoring Trinity Church in East Lansing, studying Scripture deeply, and the moment Ephesians 5:33 clicked in a new way Why "respect" can feel loaded for many women, and how fear of being dismissed often drives conflict reactions The Crazy Cycle explained: how couples unknowingly escalate when they feel unloved or disrespected A key insight from research: why many men withdraw/stonewall during conflict, and how that can be misread as hostility instead of an attempt to de-escalate Why criticism and complaint often come from care, yet can land as contempt in a husband's ears The danger of outside scripts: how Hollywood and social media fuel idealism, comparison, and the belief that "someone else will be easier" The power of a simple repair: how a sincere "I came across unloving" or "I dishonored you" can change the temperature of a marriage fast Dr. Emerson Eggerichs' Wow Moment: Emerson reminds us that most couples aren't miles apart, they're inches apart, but misunderstanding makes the distance feel far greater. When spouses stop assuming the worst and honestly name their part, the marriage becomes workable again. The breakthrough isn't a new spouse or a new life. It's the humility to bring light into the moment and choose repair before resentment takes root. Connect With Dr. Emerson Eggerichs Dr. Emersons Website Buy Lightbulb Moments In Marriage Love and Respect Instagram Love and Respect Facebook Love and Respect X   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    42분

  3. 2월 18일

    David McDonald | Owner of Escalante Golf | Entrepreneurship, Stewardship, and Building a Golf Culture Rooted in Service

    David McDonald is the owner of Escalante Golf and a third-generation car dealer originally from Roswell, New Mexico, raised in the Denver area. A former college tennis player at the University of Oklahoma, David carries deep work ethic values shaped by family, faith, and decades of business leadership. Today, he leads Escalante Golf with a long-term stewardship mindset, building private clubs and experiences that prioritize customer service, culture, and community. Brad sits down with David to explore how Escalante Golf was born out of a simple observation: golfers, especially young golfers, weren't always treated with appreciation at public courses. David shares how his family's business background in automotive (dating back to 1926) helped shape his operational discipline, while his entrepreneurial wiring and Christian faith pulled him into golf with a bigger purpose than profit. He walks through the early days of starting Escalante in the early 1990s, learning to "trust God" in uncertainty, and later using the 2008 market crash as a window to acquire and improve properties with strong operational fundamentals. David also explains the vision behind Icon Golf ("membership in the sky"), the story of acquiring Canyata (built on a family farm, with zero revenue at the time), and the unique home-office culture where employees are invited, not required—to read the Bible together every morning. "Work really creates strengthening, understanding your purpose in life, building your own self-esteem, it's a great life teacher." – David McDonald "I thrive off of uncertainty" – David McDonald  "We're really in a lot of ways a very old school fundamental, disciplined company, it's not a house of cards. It's really built on solid, solid rock." – David McDonald This Week on The Wow Factor: David's upbringing across New Mexico and Colorado, and how tennis, family, and faith shaped his drive The McDonald family legacy in the car business (since 1926) and seeing business as a platform for service Why Escalante Golf started: noticing a lack of customer appreciation and wanting to treat people differently Learning the car business on his own, the power of commitment, and giving his best effort for years Launching Escalante independently and the leadership lesson behind "go figure it out on your own" The 2008 crash as a turning point: operator mindset, buying opportunities, and scaling through discipline Canyata's origin story: a world-class course built on a family farm, acquired with zero revenue, and transformed through vision Icon Golf explained: access + curated experiences, community, couples travel, and long-term membership connection David McDonald's Word of Wisdom: David challenges leaders to think bigger than their own limitations and to enjoy the ride. He believes we're often constrained by what we can see and predict, but growth comes when we step into uncertainty with trust, discipline, and joy. He also emphasizes teaching stewardship, of time, resources, and responsibility, because when people learn to steward well, they multiply the mission and the results far beyond what leadership could do alone. Connect With David McDonald and Escalante Golf: Escalante Golf Website Icon Golf   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    44분

  4. 2월 11일

    Dick Stricklen: Owner of Motor City Auto | Focusing on Company Culture Rather Than Profits

    Dick Stricklen is the owner of Motor City Auto Center in Bakersfield, CA, a sprawling campus which includes a Buick/GMC dealership, a Lexus dealership, and a large used car & truck operation. Dick's team devote themselves to helping and serving their customers and providing staff with the opportunity to develop their skills and interests. Dick took over the GMC dealership at the age of 19 after his father's death and since then has followed his passion for building authentic relationships with team members and clients alike. Dick joins me on the show today to share how he started in the automotive business and why he's grateful to his late father for starting him as a porter at the dealership at a very early age, allowing him to learn from the ground up. He tells the story of how he managed to put together a proposal that saw him successfully take over one of his father's businesses, and why he walked away from a critical bank loan at the 11th hour. Dick also shares the core values of Motor City Auto Center and why promoting the company culture is so important to him as a leader. "Let's all get focused on what we have control over." - Dick Stricklen "I always get in the other person's shoes; I develop a relationship with them a personal relationship." - Dick Stricklen "Bottom line is important to manage, but that's not what we're about. The bottom line is a result of the major motive, and that is to help people get what they want, see them grow, give them opportunities." - Dick Stricklen "We are really in the people business that just happens to sell cars." – Dick Stricklen This Week on The Wow Factor: Why Dick switched his sales team from wearing suits and ties to casual wear and how that small decision impacted his business How Dick developed the core values of Motor City Auto Why the fuel shortages of the 1970s and the jump in interest rates caused Dick to think creatively about how to pull his team together Some of the things that Dick as a leader has found to be helpful in growing and developing the people in his stores How Dick felt during the recession of the late 2000s and the implications for the business Dick's philosophy on developing his team members Dick speaks to the moment in his life when he realized that making money was not his true purpose in life What inspired Dick to write down the guiding principles of his company and why he believes that those principles are at the source of his success Dick Stricklen's Words of Wisdom: Take time, either with prayer or just quiet time, analyzing yourself to figure out what gives you the greatest heartfelt satisfaction in life. Examine your motives and align your behavior as a leader with the values that are truly important to you. Connect with Dick Stricklen: Motor City GMC Website Motor City GMC on Instagram Motor City GMC on Facebook 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

    51분

  5. 2월 4일

    Gracie Formsma | Co-Founder of Love Gives & Storyteller for Generous Family | Calling, Vulnerability, and a Lifestyle Brand Rooted in John 3:16

    Gracie Formsma is a college student at Samford University, co-founder of Love Gives, a hat brand in the Generous Family ecosystem. She's also the daughter of The Wow Factor host, Brad Formsma. Originally from Michigan, Gracie moved with her family to California about a decade ago, growing up in a home shaped by faith, generosity, and the gritty reality of launching the nonprofit I Like Giving and its Generous Family initiative. Today, she brings her marketing eye, creative direction, and heart for discipleship to Love Gives, a lifestyle brand built around the simple but profound truth of John 3:16. Brad sits down with Gracie to unpack her journey from a "lukewarm Christian" and people-pleasing high schooler to a young leader who met God at rock bottom, transferred schools in obedience, and eventually said a hesitant but wholehearted "yes" to launching Love Gives with her brother, Drew. Gracie shares how a single comment at a conference, a road trip photo shoot to Nashville, and a season of closed doors on campus leadership roles became confirmation that God was calling her into something unconventional. She also explains the heart behind a hat that quietly points to the gospel, why she uses Instagram as a place for raw vulnerability, and how this work has exposed her weaknesses while deepening her dependence on Jesus and her passion for helping others feel known, seen, and loved. "I don't want to just shout the name of Jesus at people. I want them to see Him through my actions, through my fruit, and then ask, 'What does that hat mean?'" – Gracie Formsma "This has been the biggest gift—and the hardest thing I've ever done. It's exposed every weakness in my life, and that's exactly where God keeps meeting me." – Gracie Formsma "God's power is made perfect in our weakness. So I can boast in my weakness, because that's where He fills in the most for me." – Gracie Formsma This Week on The Wow Factor: Gracie's journey from Michigan to California, starting high school in the middle of COVID, and recognizing that her faith had been inherited but not yet her own Hitting emotional and spiritual bottom in her sophomore year, crying out to God in her childhood bedroom, and choosing to fully surrender and be baptized Sensing God's nudge to transfer high schools, leaving behind the life she'd built, and discovering new friendships, joy, and a deeper walk with Jesus How closed doors on campus leadership at Samford opened the way for Drew's Love Gives idea, a providential moment at the National Grandparent Conference, and the first prototype hat Driving to Nashville for the first Love Gives photo shoot, building the brand vision from a Pinterest board, and realizing she felt more peace and purpose there than in a typical college path The heart behind Love Gives: subtle John 3:16 branding, lifestyle hats that quietly spark gospel conversations, and partnerships with teams, churches, and campus ministries all supported by a fulfillment process covered in prayer Gracie's honest presence on Instagram, sharing mental battles, spiritual warfare, and real struggles, and how vulnerability, generosity, and deep family trust are shaping her vision for Love Gives in 2026 and beyond Gracie Formsma's Word of Wisdom: Gracie invites us to boast in weakness. Drawing from Paul's teaching, she points out that God's power shows up most clearly in the places we feel unqualified, insecure, or insufficient. Instead of hiding those moments or waiting to feel "ready," she encourages us to bring them into the light, respond in obedience, and trust that God will meet us there using our vulnerability to connect with others and shape a story we could never have written on our own. Connect With Gracie Formsma and LOVE GIVES: Love Gives Instagram Purchase a Love Gives Hat Generous Family Website   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    42분

  6. 1월 21일

    Ron Blue | Founder of Kingdom Advisors & Pioneering Christian Financial Planner | Calling, Generosity, and God's Perspective on Money

    Ron Blue is a pioneering Christian financial planner, longtime CPA, and founder of the firms and ministries that helped shape today's faith-based financial movement. After growing up in Indiana, studying at Indiana University, and working for KPMG in New York, Dallas, and San Francisco, Ron returned home to start his own CPA firm in 1970. That firm would grow into one of the top 50 accounting firms in the country, and later, Ron would go on to launch a fee-based financial planning firm for Christians, work closely with Campus Crusade (Cru), and help birth Kingdom Advisors and related initiatives that now influence thousands of advisors and families around the world.  In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Ron to trace how a rigid religious upbringing, an intense drive for success, and a quiet conversion moment on the way to a golf game all led to a radical decision to walk away from a thriving CPA practice and follow God's call to Atlanta. Ron shares how that step of faith, a series of "turning points" he only recognized in hindsight, and a growing conviction that there's no such thing as an independent financial decision laid the groundwork for Christian financial planning, national-level generosity, and ultimately the founding of Kingdom Advisors.  "Everything turned when I realized it all hinged on the resurrection. If the resurrection happened, Christianity is true and I had to respond to that." - Ron Blue  "There's no such thing as an independent financial decision. Every choice you make with money touches your family, your future, and your ability to give." - Ron Blue  "I really believe the church is the next frontier for biblical financial wisdom. We're just now seeing how all these years of proof-of-concept were preparation for serving the local church." - Ron Blue  This Week on The Wow Factor:  • Ron's Indiana roots, early success track, and what drew him to the "big time" at KPMG in New York  • Leaving a secure global firm to start a CPA practice in Indianapolis and realizing most work was really counseling around money and taxes  • Childhood legalism, the soapbox derby story, and how early church experiences shaped his reaction against faith  • Ron's journey from "success first" to wrestling with the resurrection and praying to receive Christ alone in his car  • Moving to Atlanta after a clear call from Philippians 3 and a literal "For Sale by Owner" sign in the attic  • How a time-based CPA model became the blueprint for a fee-for-advice Christian financial planning firm  • The "first million-dollar giver" and the early financial plan that proved generosity could increase cash flow  • Being let go by the board of the firm that bore his name—and why that painful moment was a turning point  • Practical stories of cash-in-hand generosity to families, single moms, and unseen workers  • Ron's vision for serving local churches through trained Kingdom Advisors and holistic financial discipleship  Ron Blue's Word of Wisdom:  Ron believes the local church is the next major frontier for biblical financial discipleship. After decades of proving that faith-based financial principles work, he sees churches uniquely positioned to help people understand stewardship, generosity, and calling at every life stage.   Connect With Ron Blue:  Kingdom Advisors  Ron Blue Institute   Blue Trust    Connect With Brad Formsma:  WOW Factor Website    Brad Formsma on LinkedIn    Brad Formsma on Instagram    Brad Formsma on Facebook    Brad Formsma on X

    55분

  7. 1월 7일

    Sandra Teplinsky | Former Attorney & Author of Why Still Care About Israel | Scripture, Antisemitism, and God's Heart for Israel

    Sandra Teplinsky is an American-Israeli Messianic Jew, former attorney, and author based in Jerusalem. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Sandra experienced antisemitism early in life—an upbringing that shaped both her faith journey and her long-term focus on helping the church understand Israel through a biblical lens. Through decades of study and ministry, she has written and updated Why Still Care About Israel to address common theological misconceptions, church-history blind spots, and the interpretive frameworks that still shape how many Christians think about Israel today. In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Sandra to explore why so many people are asking the wrong questions about Israel, and why the better starting point is, "Who is our God, and what is He doing?" Sandra shares a defining calling moment from her time in Los Angeles during the late Jesus Movement era, where she describes sensing Jesus' grief and love for the Jewish people.  From there, the conversation moves into antisemitism, what it is, how it spreads, and how certain theological ideas can unintentionally fuel it. Sandra explains supersessionism (often called replacement theology), points listeners to Romans 9–11 as foundational, and describes why humility, repentance, and Scripture-led thinking matter as global hostility rises and Israel remains central in the news. "Israel is the apple of God's eye, whoever would harm Israel is like sticking a finger in the eye of God." – Sandra Teplinsky "The ultimate question isn't, 'Are you for this side or that side?' The ultimate question is: Who is our God?" – Sandra Teplinsky "Paul cautions Gentile believers: don't be arrogant… Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the fullness comes in." – Sandra Teplinsky This Week on The Wow Factor: How Brad met Sandra through a chaotic Israel trip—and why her book stood out immediately Sandra's childhood experience with antisemitism and how it shaped her pursuit of truth A working definition of antisemitism and why it's not only external behavior Sandra's Los Angeles calling moment and a lifelong focus on praying for Israel's salvation "Apple of His eye" and what spiritual blindness can look like in the church Why Israel is rarely taught clearly in many Western churches and seminaries The impact of church-history interpretation shifts on modern theology Supersessionism / replacement theology: what it is and why it matters Romans 9–11 as a framework for God's ongoing purposes for Israel End-times curiosity, modern Aliyah, and rising pressure on Jewish communities worldwide The story of "S" and how Scripture confronted hatred at the heart level Practical steps: humility, repentance, and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal wrong thinking Why blessing Israel can't just be transactional—and needs to be rooted in loving God Sandra Teplinsky's Word of Wisdom: Start with humility. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart, and let Scripture interpret Scripture. Caring about Israel isn't meant to be a trend or an argument—it's about aligning with the heart and character of God and learning to love who He loves. Connect with Sandra Teplinsky: Light of Zion Sandra Teplinsky's Books Additional Teachings & Resources   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    1시간 10분

  8. 2025. 12. 17.

    Jordan Raynor | Author, Entrepreneur & Executive Chairman at Threshold 360 | Why Your Work Matters for Eternity

    Jordan Raynor is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech company. A sixth-generation Tampa native, Jordan has built and exited multiple startups, served in the political arena, and now devotes his life to helping Christians connect the gospel to their everyday work. Through his books, podcasts, and speaking, Jordan's mission is to equip believers to see their daily tasks, whether in tech, teaching, or making coffee as sacred and significant. In this rich and thought-provoking episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Jordan to explore the turning points of his life—from a teenage campaign manager to a tech founder, and ultimately, a writer and teacher helping others redeem their time and purpose. Jordan shares how a pivotal post-church conversation reframed his view of work, the journey behind his first book Called to Create, and why the gospel speaks to spreadsheets and startup culture just as much as sermons. They dive deep into time stewardship, distractions, work as ministry, and the countercultural freedom that comes when you stop chasing your bucket list and start living for eternal impact. "God cares about the work itself, not just the evangelism you're doing within it or funding through it." - Jordan Raynor "For the Christian, nothing is secular and everything is sacred." - Jordan Raynor "You are not the savior of the world, and neither am I, and that is terrifically freeing."  - Jordan Raynor This Week on The Wow Factor: Growing up in Tampa and discovering politics through a middle school teacher Why Jordan walked away from politics after a White House internship How a mentor's honest question redirected his entire career The biblical foundation for why all work matters to God Why the idea of "secular work" is a false divide The powerful message of Jordan's first book, Called to Create How Jesus' life as a carpenter reframes how we think about "sacred" work Jordan's framework for stewarding time based on Jesus' own rhythms Practical ways to reclaim your attention and avoid "infinity pools" of content Why Jordan completely cut out the news—and didn't miss a thing Insights from his bestselling book Redeeming Your Time How he and his family prioritize presence by setting phone boundaries The impact of internships on Jordan's early career trajectory Why bucket lists can become burdens—and what Jesus offers instead How Randy Alcorn and C.S. Lewis have influenced Jordan's theology of eternity Why Jordan's next book will focus on setting goals the way Jesus did Jordan Raynor's Word of Wisdom: If you don't have a relationship with Jesus, generosity won't make much sense. At best, it's PR or a feel-good move. But once you realize He gave everything for you, the only logical response is to spend your life giving your time, your money, your presence, everything in return. Connect with Jordan Raynor:   Jordan Raynors Website Mere Christians Podcast Jordans Courses Jordans Books Connect with The Wow Factor:   WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    53분
모두 보기(309개)

4.9
최고 5점
172개의 평가

소개

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 of failures and triumphs of other successful leaders in business and beyond. The Wow Factor strives to empower the journey of business leaders through raw conversations and uncovered stories of today's thought leaders. This podcast will also help you discover the words of wisdom to inspire a team of any size, spark a culture of generosity and innovation, and lead with excellence. For extended insights and podcast show notes, go to https://www.thewowfactorpodcast.com

정보

  • 제작진
    Brad Formsma
  • 방송 연도
    2019년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    309
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 웹사이트 보기
    The Wow Factor

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