Honoring Dr. John Rooney | Former President at Rooney and Associates, Inc | Leading with Purpose
Release Date: 05/28/2025
Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. | President of the Magis Center | Christ vs. Satan in Our Daily Lives | Part 1
The Wow Factor
Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, philosopher, educator, author, and the President of the . Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he went on to study at Gonzaga University, the Gregorian University in Rome, and the Catholic University of America, where he earned a PhD in philosophy. He later served as President of Gonzaga University, where he became known for blending academic excellence with faith formation. Today, Father Spitzer leads the Magis Center, which produces resources on the intersection of faith, science, and reason, and he continues to write and speak...
info_outline
Jimmy Mellado | President & CEO of Compassion International | Becoming Before Doing
The Wow Factor
Jimmy Mellado leads , a global, church-driven ministry serving children in poverty across 29 countries. Born in El Salvador (full name: Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado), he grew up across Latin America and Asia, ran decathlon at SMU, and later represented El Salvador in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. His life and leadership are anchored in faith, family, and a deep conviction that true impact starts with who we’re becoming—then flows into what we do. In this episode, Brad sits down with Jimmy at Compassion’s global ministry center in Colorado Springs for a candid conversation about identity,...
info_outline
Ricky Dickson | Former President & CEO of Blue Bell Creameries | One Scoop at a Time
The Wow Factor
is the former President and CEO of , one of America’s most beloved ice cream brands. After 43 years with the company, Ricky's leadership legacy is steeped in faith, humility, and an unwavering commitment to people and product integrity. From a young territory manager trying to conquer a new market to leading the company through one of its biggest crises, Ricky’s story is a testament to servant leadership and doing business the right way—one scoop at a time. In this episode, Brad sits down with Ricky for a rich and honest conversation about faith, leadership, crisis, and of course… ice...
info_outline
Ari Sacher | Israeli Missile Defense Expert | Faith, Innovation, and Life Under the Dome
The Wow Factor
Ari Sacher has spent more than three decades working at , Israel’s premier developer of missile technology, where he played key roles in the creation of the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Ari’s journey took him from upstate New York and Toronto to Israel in 1982—and he never looked back. An electrical engineer educated at Israel’s Technion (often called “Israel’s MIT”), Ari has been at the forefront of developing systems that protect millions of lives, all while holding fast to his faith and deep love for family....
info_outline
Jim Towey | Founder of Aging with Dignity | Serving the Poor and Powerless with Faith and Grace
The Wow Factor
Jim Towey is the former lawyer for Mother Teresa and the founder of , a nonprofit based in Falls Church, Virginia. He is the creator of the widely used Five Wishes advance directive. His story is as unique as it is powerful—marked by a journey from Capitol Hill to Calcutta, from chasing influence in Washington to walking alongside Mother Teresa and advocating for those society often forgets. As a former lawyer to Mother Teresa, White House staffer, and spiritual seeker, Jim has seen the best and worst of power, and ultimately chose a path of service, faith, and purpose. In this episode of...
info_outline
Ralph C. Stayer | Founder of Johnsonville | Building Business With a People First Attitude
The Wow Factor
Ralph Stayer, is the founder of , one of America's most beloved family-owned food companies. From humble beginnings in a small Wisconsin town of just 65 people, Ralph helped grow Johnsonville from an 8-person operation into a global brand by radically rethinking leadership, purpose, Capitalism, and what it means to build a business with heart. In this episode, Brad sits down with Ralph in sunny Naples, Florida, for a deep conversation about faith, capitalism, giving, and legacy. Ralph shares how his own leadership transformation began in frustration and burnout, eventually leading him to...
info_outline
J. Mark McVey | Broadway Performer | How Music, Faith, and Gratitude Can Change a Life
The Wow Factor
From the stages of Broadway to school classrooms and men's ministries, J. Mark McVey’s journey is one of persistence, transformation, and service. Best known for his role as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, J. Mark brings not only vocal talent but also deep wisdom on living a life with purpose and impact. In this episode, J. Mark shares how his upbringing in Huntington, West Virginia, shaped his love of music and gratitude. He reflects on the grind of New York theater life, how faith transformed his approach to performance, and why leading from a place of humility—not ego—is his...
info_outline
Paul Fleming | Iconic Restaurateur | How to Build a Restaurant Legacy By Leading with Integrity, and Taking Care of Employees
The Wow Factor
From a humble start in South Louisiana to building restaurant empires across America, Paul Fleming’s journey is a story of grit, hospitality, and vision. As the founder and force behind beloved brands like Ruth’s Chris (West Coast expansion), PF Chang’s, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Paul Martin’s, Lake Park Diner, and Paulita’s Tacos—Paul has helped define American dining for over three decades. In this episode, Paul reflects on how growing up with strong family values and working in every position in the restaurant world prepared him for a life of entrepreneurship. He shares how...
info_outline
Ryan Leak | Speaker and Best Selling Author | How to Work With Complicated People and Live Generously
The Wow Factor
From receiving life-altering generosity in his youth to helping global audiences navigate complicated people and personal growth— journey is one of resilience, faith, and intentional leadership. In this episode, Ryan shares the early experiences that shaped his calling, how generosity became a family legacy, and why working well with others starts with owning your own complexities. A sought-after speaker, content creator, and the author of Leveling Up and Chasing Failure, Ryan’s newest book offers a deeply practical roadmap for thriving in diverse workplaces. Drawing from personal...
info_outline
Honoring Dr. John Rooney | Former President at Rooney and Associates, Inc | Leading with Purpose
The Wow Factor
Today we honor Dr. John Rooney, formerly the President of Rooney and Associates, Inc. John provided strategic guidance and innovative solutions to numerous organizations over the years. John's expertise in strategic planning, business development, and organizational management earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the business community. John was also actively involved in philanthropic efforts and remained dedicated to helping organizations thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace until his passing on April 7, 2025. This week on The Wow Factor, we honor Dr. John Rooney, who...
info_outlineToday we honor Dr. John Rooney, formerly the President of Rooney and Associates, Inc. John provided strategic guidance and innovative solutions to numerous organizations over the years. John's expertise in strategic planning, business development, and organizational management earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the business community. John was also actively involved in philanthropic efforts and remained dedicated to helping organizations thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace until his passing on April 7, 2025.
This week on The Wow Factor, we honor Dr. John Rooney, who shared his insights from his book, "Geography of American Sport," which explores the development of various sports, including wrestling, volleyball, and women's sports, emphasizing the impact of coach movements and the role of geography in shaping sporting culture. He talked about the creation of Patriot Golf Days, an event that raises funds for Folds of Honor scholarships, and how the organization gained corporate partnerships to better support military families and first responders. John also shared more about the origins of Folds of Honor, which supports fallen or disabled service members and first responders by providing education opportunities for their children.
“Every sport has an origin.” - John Rooney
“You’ve got to look out there and figure out what you want to do and how to get there.” - John Rooney
“Go before you're ready.” - John Rooney
This Week on The Wow Factor:
- John discussed the regional origins and growth of different sports, emphasizing how geography plays a role in their development
- The inspiration behind Folds of Honor, which provides educational opportunities for the families of fallen servicemen and first responders
- Why it’s so important to figure out what you want from life and take steps to achieve those goals
- The importance of being a learner and being open to new possibilities
- The need for leaders to let go and allow the next generation to take things to a new level
- How coming together and supporting one another can create a sense of belonging and make a positive impact, whatever the niche
- The intersection of sports and geography and how geography influences the development and popularity of various sports
- The significance of stepping outside your comfort zone to achieve success
- How organizations like Folds of Honor and Patriot Golf Days make an impact in supporting the families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders
John Rooney’s Word of Wisdom:
Go before you're ready. Take risks.
Connect with John Rooney:
- Dr. John Rooney on LinkedIn
- A Geography of American Sport: From Cabin Creek to Anaheim by John Rooney
- The Recruiting Game: Toward a New System of Intercollegiate Sport (Second Edition) by John Rooney
- Atlas of American Sport by John Rooney
- Folds of Honor
- American Dunes Golf Course
Connect with The WOW Factor: