The Wow Factor Brad Formsma

Marty Ozinga IV is the CEO of Ozinga, a fifth-generation family enterprise that provides concrete and related services. Ozinga was founded in 1928 in Evergreen Park, Illinois as a coal delivery business by Marty’s great-grandfather Martin Ozinga, Sr.
He is joined by his five brothers and one cousin in the fourth-generation of ownership. Marty earned a BA in economics and business from Westmont College and an MS in communications from Northwestern University. He has served on boards for numerous not-for-profit organizations. Marty and his wife Amy reside in Chicago with their six children. Recently named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace, Ozinga has over 2,500 employees and operates in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, Florida and a number of other parts of the country and the world.
We’re delighted to have Marty on the show with us to discuss the value of hard work and dig into the Ozinga’s purpose to positively impact individuals, their families, and the community, for generations. He shares with me how his leadership style has developed since becoming CEO of the company and the value of leaders who have a sense of humility about themselves, in addition to plenty of drive, and who employ their unique gifts in their own style. Marty also shares more about how creating a culture at Ozinga that makes people want to be a part of it. 
“The culture of the organization is reflective of the values of the people leading it.” - Marty Ozinga
“If we create the kind of place where coworkers feel valued and cared about, they will treat our customers that way.” - Marty Ozinga
“You don't run away from it, you run into it.” -  Marty Ozinga
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Growing up in the Ozinga family and how his dad fulfilled his motto of “trusting young and giving responsibility” The challenges and highlights of coming into a big company as the third generation to steer the ship Marty’s leadership style and how grateful and humbled he felt to be selected as the CEO by his brothers and cousins The family culture baked into the Ozinga culture and how they maintain that feeling amongst their team The importance of being intentional about treating people with dignity and respect How they embrace the notion of making lasting daily impacts and why that gives them purpose Some of the most important developments in the business, particularly in the realm of safety Marty’s philosophy of taking responsibility when things don’t go to plan The importance of being empathetic and understanding in business Marty Ozinga’s Words of Wisdom:
If you really want wisdom, you need to ask for it, and I try to do that regularly in my prayer time. Ask God for more wisdom with what he's entrusted to you at work and at home. He's generous, and he will answer that prayer.
Connect with Marty Ozinga: 
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In this episode we're joined by Mike Zafirovski, a man whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. Born in North Macedonia (in former Yugoslavia) and raised in a communist environment, Mike moved to the United States with his family, not knowing a word of English. From humble beginnings as factory workers, he climbed the corporate ladder to become a CEO of five General Electric businesses, where he spent 25 impactful years. He also served as President of Motorola and Nortel. Mike's story is a testament to the power of business mentorship, resilience, and the American dream.
Get ready for an episode that dives deep into the essence of leadership, the importance of culture in an organization, and the transformative power of mentorship. Mike shares his "Top Six" principles that have guided him throughout his career, from delighting customers to fostering a positive work environment. He also opens up about the challenges of running businesses and how values-based businesses can be society's greatest assets. This episode is a masterclass in leadership and personal development, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to excel in their career.
This Week on The Wow Factor
Mike's early life in North Macedonia (in former Yugoslavia) and the influence of communism on his worldview. His journey to the US and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. The role of mentorship in Mike's life, particularly during his early days in competitive swimming. His 25-year career at General Electric, including his experience working under Jack Welch. Mike's "Top Six" principles for leadership and organizational success. The importance of culture in a company and how it can make or break long-term success. Mike's views on values-based businesses as assets to society. The concept of "compete and win," and why it's crucial for personal and professional growth. The transient nature of success and the things that truly last. "Mentorship is not just about guidance; it's about empowering the next generation to exceed their own expectations." - Mike Zafirovski
"When you're following a legend, you don't try to fill their shoes; you bring your own pair and walk your own path." - Mike Zafirovski
"Culture isn't just a buzzword; it's the DNA of an organization. Get it right, and everything else falls into place." - Mike Zafirovski
Mike Zafirovski’s Word of Wisdom:
Embrace change and be adaptable. Life is a journey of ups and downs, and the key to navigating it successfully is to be open to change.
Connect with Mike:
The Zaf Group Mike Zafirovski on LinkedIn Connect with The WOW Factor:
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Adam is a serial entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of launching and leading organizations that generate both financial returns and social impact results. He is the CEO of Showcraft GBC (General Benefit Corporation), a leading exhibit production company. Before his role at Showcraft, Adam served as Managing Partner at Third Path Capital, a search fund for social good created to buy and build the Twin Cities' next great impact company, which successfully acquired Showcraft in 2021; he led corporate strategy and innovation at Sunrise Banks, a for-profit impact company, where he architected the bank's expansion into providing bank and compliance services to financial technology start-ups; and, he served as the Founding CEO at Exodus Lending, the nation's leading nonprofit organization working with payday loan borrowers seeking to achieve long-term financial stability.
Adam is with me today, discussing where his entrepreneurial spirit came from and why he and his partner decided to buy Showcraft, an exhibit production company, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss why he spent so long searching for the right company to buy and why the need to find a company where they could genuinely make a positive social impact drove the search. Adam also shares the process when they partner with a business that wants to be represented at trade shows and contacts Showcraft for their expertise, and dives into a few of the company’s future plans. 
“I've always been interested in creating impact with my career and with my life.” - Adam Rao
“We create the environment so that you can come in and show up and sell what you're selling.” - Adam Rao
“Success can mean different things from monetary to impact.” -  Adam Rao
This Week on The Wow Factor:
What prompted Adam to find out whether there is a way to create organizations that are financially sustainable and self-generating because they're for-profit entities that are also creating social and environmental impacts How he pulled Showcraft out of a financial death spiral and why he was game to take such a big risk Why he took so much time to find the perfect opportunity in the Twin Cities with his business partner How Adam and his team built the Showcraft back up to where it is now  Services Showcraft offers to streamline a company’s trade show experience How they navigate all the regulatory pieces involved in creating an exhibit at a convention center What makes potential partners stand out to Adam, including their environmental and social impacts Why Showcraft recently acquired a company called Display Arts, and how they plan to integrate it into their current offering Adam Rao’s Words of Wisdom:
You should absolutely be afraid of failure, but if you're only afraid of failure without also being optimistic about success, you're probably too afraid of failure.
Connect with Adam Rao: 
Adam Rao on LinkedIn Showcraft website Connect with The WOW Factor:
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Jason Richardson is the founder of Bad Birdie Golf, a brand known for its vibrant and unique golf apparel. The company aims to break the traditional mold of golf attire by offering bold designs that stand out on the course. Jason's vision for Bad Birdie was to create a brand that resonated with the younger generation of golfers, blending style and functionality.
This week on the WOW Factor, I’m talking with Jason, who spills the beans on his nerve-wracking experience taking Bad Birdie to Shark Tank and the strategic move he saved for the negotiation table. He describes the steps involved in designing and making their innovative golf shirts and how his team gets them from concept to finished article. Jason also talks about why at the heart of Bad Birdie is a commitment to a premium customer experience and shares the brand's secret sauce and exciting future plans. 
“It was instilled very early in me that work is a good thing.” - Jason Richardson
“I don't like having any sort of professional ceiling over my head.” - Jason Richardson
“Putting something out there then adjusting is better than not putting anything out there at all.” -  Jason Richardson
This Week on The Wow Factor:
How Jason got interested in golf as a 12-year-old caddy More about Jason’s entrepreneurial father and grandfather and how they inspired him Jason’s experience of being the first employee in a start-up and what he learned from that experience Why going freelance gave him the idea to create some more bold golf shirts How Jason comes up with the inspiration for the patterns for his polos Why Jason decided to go on Shark Tank in the middle of a pandemic, the process, and why it was such a nerve-wracking experience The trick that Jason kept up his sleeve during Shark Tank negotiations How Jason came up with the name Bad Birdie and how they work through the print concepts Why a premium customer experience is crucial to what they do Bad Birdie’s plans for the future Jason Richardson’s Word of Wisdom:
Always stay learning, and for those in a leadership position, just remember that it's a massive privilege to lead others. 
Connect with Jason Richardson: 
Jason Richardson on LinkedIn  Shark Tank Episode with Bad Birdie Connect with The WOW Factor:
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Scot Sellers is Chairman of Maui Land & Pineapple Co, which develops, manages, and sells real estate on Maui. Scot brings to the table extensive expertise of a 40-year career developing homes and communities across the country. Scot served as Chairman and CEO of Archstone, one of the world’s largest multi-family housing companies, overseeing housing development, acquisition, and operation in over 50 cities. Scot also served many years on the international board of Habitat for Humanity and has continued to support the organization to provide shelter to those in need worldwide, including on Maui. He currently serves as a director for several innovative real estate companies, including The Howard Hughes Corporation, Milhaus, and The Irvine Company, and on the National Board of ACE Scholarships. 
My inspiring guest this week is Scot Sellers, we really did a deep dive into leadership in our conversation, and I’m sure you’ll find huge value in what he has to say.  Scot shares how he determines the right direction to follow by unlocking the creativity in his mind using a prayer journal to help him work through difficult decisions. He discusses his early career and the moves that helped him develop and hone his leadership skills. Scot also shares more about why it’s so important to prioritize your relationships and how to plan your time so that you can pursue your passions right now instead of waiting for a moment that may never come. 
“Stand up and do what is right, even in the face of criticism.” - Scot Sellers
“If you take what people say about you too seriously, it can really derail you.” - Scot Sellers
“Be willing to take a risk. And because by taking those risks, that's what makes you alive.” 
-  Scot Sellers
This Week on The Wow Factor:
What Scot learned about hard work from growing up on a subsistence farm The high school bullying experience that inspired Scot to study and understand human behavior and relationships Why Scot changed his career path from medicine to business and subsequently found a job in real estate through sheer perseverance How Scot and his team grew Archstone from $100 million in assets to over 20 billion in assets in just 15 years Scot’s ten life lessons and why one of them is to stand up and do what is right, even in the face of criticism How the ‘as soon as mentality’ works and why if there's something that you really want to do, don't wait How to plan your time so you have more time to pursue your passions Figuring out how your actions line up with your priorities How Scot finds his direction by praying, reading scripture, and looking for the wisdom God gives us Scot Sellers’s Word of Wisdom:
Be willing to take that risk that you're concerned about because that's what helps you grow and learn. I would also advise people to focus on their relationships because they are ultimately the most gratifying part of life. From a leadership perspective, make sure your teammates know that you care about them and that they are part of achieving something together. That's when you accomplish things way beyond your own individual ability.
Connect with Scot Sellers: 
Maui Land and Pineapple  Regret Free Living by Scot Sellers  Resources:
Chris Wright, Chairman and CEO at Liberty Energy, The Wow Factor Episode 175  Connect with The WOW Factor:
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Dr. Wayne Hammond holds an adjunct status with Ambrose University and is an active presenter to leadership and practitioners in educational, organizational HR and mental health settings. Wayne’s work focuses on understanding the role of human flourishing and its implications for embracing a strengths-based approach to nurturing human potential and positive well-being as critical for supporting individuals and organizations to thrive. Wayne served in clinical supervisory capacities, worked in a comprehensive residential treatment center, and provided clinical services in an inpatient/outpatient forensic setting and an adolescent comorbidity program based in a hospital setting. He has also published several scientific articles and developed an innovative framework for evaluating and assessing resilience and potential for human flourishing.
This week on the show, I’m excited to be talking with Dr. Wayne Hammond; we dive into his professional journey and how he went from being functionally illiterate as an adult to gaining a Ph.D., thanks to a mentor's generous words and attitude. He talks about the power of gratitude, both on our physiological and psychological wellbeing, and how that feeds into the concept of flourishing. Wayne also discusses why we need to encourage soft skills, including independent thinking and perseverance, to create adaptable resilient children and how parents and teachers can help kids bounce back and build forward.
“Kids don't change their value system because somebody told them; they change their value system because they want to be like the people building into their lives” - Wayne Hammond
“If a child is not making mistakes, they're not learning.” - Wayne Hammond
“When we focus on building up a person’s strengths in ways that supports them to meet their needs – instead of mitigating or managing their weakness – we empower their capacity to thrive.” – Wayne Hammond
“Youth do not choose to mess up they lives – rather, they lack an understanding and ability to draw the strengths and skills required to create the success they desire.” – Wayne Hammond
This Week on The Wow Factor:
How Wayne’s experience of generosity in the further education sector continues to inspire his work today Why he moved from theology into psychology and how it was a natural fit for his personality and his values Why Wayne believes that there's a rise in anxiety and depression among kids today and how parents and educators can help them through it Why parenting isn't about trying to guide or manage your child's journey. It's about facilitating experiences and allowing your child to take ownership of their story Knowledge doesn't translate to practice — but when children are in a safe and caring relationship with an adult, who gives them permission to step out of their comfort zone, they take knowledge and start putting it into practice Why we should celebrate effort, self-determination, and self-motivation rather than just grades How many of the concepts involved in positive psychology are the same for leadership in an organization How you can give your kids positive affirmations to turn feelings into behavior, behavior into habits and habits into a belief system of convictions What it means to ‘learn to your spark’ and how parents can recognize and nurture that spark in their children How we can best support teachers using the Generous Students Program to help kids build better relationships Why the peer culture concept is so powerful Wayne Hammond’s Word of Wisdom:
If we're going to create new leaders and inspire people who will be the positive citizens in our society, we do it by building into their lives and empowering them to explore their innate greatness, embrace life’s challenges as opportunities to grow their potential and scaffold their ability to thrive. We need to put intentional thought into building our leaders and influencers.
Connect with Wayne Hammond: 
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