Joe talks YPO
Joe talks YPO is a podcast interview series with current YPO members, by YPO members, and for YPO members. YPO is a global leadership community of Chief Executives driven by the shared belief that the world needs better leaders. Through YPO, we're inspired and supported to make a difference in the lives, businesses, and the world we impact. This podcast will introduce you to some of the amazing people within the organization. Your host is Joe Pohlen from the West Michigan Chapter. A little about me. Joe is the co-founder and owner of Cardinal Senior Management, an assisted living operator in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Let's get started.
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#11: Scott Mordell - Former CEO of YPO
01/20/2022
#11: Scott Mordell - Former CEO of YPO
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. ([email protected]) or send him a message on LinkedIn. If you are interested in learning more about YPO, visit the () 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.
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#10: James Scarlett - Owner of Scarlett, Inc.
01/06/2022
#10: James Scarlett - Owner of Scarlett, Inc.
Joe sits down with James Scarlett. James works in business development for , 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 . Visit the 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
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#9: Brett Vanderkamp - Founder & President of New Holland Brewing Company
11/25/2021
#9: Brett Vanderkamp - Founder & President of New Holland Brewing Company
Joe sits down with Brett, the founder and president of . 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 protected]). To learn more about YPO, visit the 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
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#8: Aaron Veldheer - Managing Director at Strategies Wealth Advisors
11/11/2021
#8: Aaron Veldheer - Managing Director at Strategies Wealth Advisors
Joe sits down with Aaron Veldheer, the Managing Director and Senior Wealth Advisor for , 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 or connect with him on .To learn more about YPO please visit the for 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
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BONUS: YPO New Members
11/04/2021
BONUS: YPO New Members
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 . 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
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#7 Wade Wyant: Entrepreneur at Red Wagon Advisors
10/28/2021
#7 Wade Wyant: Entrepreneur at Red Wagon Advisors
Joe is joined by Wade Wyant, an entrepreneur at , where he focuses on coaching companies through implementing the 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 . Visit the 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
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#6 Jason Johnson: President of JE Johnson Inc.
10/21/2021
#6 Jason Johnson: President of JE Johnson Inc.
Joe sits down with Jason Johnson, president of ., a mechanical contracting company for commercial, industrial, and residential customers throughout Michigan. Jason's father started J.E. Johnson in 1979 in Midland, Michigan. Jason has been in the family business since he was 14. He worked his way up in the company and took over as president and CEO in 2012. Jason is a father and husband and has two boys Easton who will soon be 10 in November, and Torren, 4. The most impactful memories in his life are when he married his wife Erin in 2016 and gained his son Easton, and four years ago when his son Torren was born. Jason enjoys being outside golfing, going to the gym, and spending time with his wife and kids. He also enjoys mindless work and makes time each week because he finds the time helps him reflect and solve problems. To connect with Jason Johnson, drop him an If you are interested in learning more about YPO, visit the for more information about how to become a member. (2:24) - What was the reason you joined YPO and what’s been your experience so far? (3:31) - Jason’s background and career (5:32) - How big is JE Johnson today and what does the firm do? (6:09) - Who’d be the ideal customer for you? (7:51) - Growing Pains: Shutting down the TN Plant (8:46) - What’s the state of your industry right now and where do you see it going? (9:23) - What’s been helpful in the process of right-sizing and what hasn’t worked in your experience? (14:50) - Jason’s experience through COVID-19 and losing his father (18:40) - Do you find it’s easier or more difficult to manage someone where you used to have that persons job? (20:18) - Managing ‘Strong’ people & Empathy (22:16) - Joe’s ‘Good Samaritan’ Fund Questions from Mrs. Johnson (23:32) - What do you see your role as a father and a husband? (25:50) - How would your wife describe you in 3 words? (26:24) - What’s a memory that stands out to you as a father and a husband? (27:43) - What do you enjoy doing in your free time? (29:10) - The power of ‘mindless’ Jobs, Block-Out time and exercise (33:32) - Do you have any asks of the other YPO members? (36:08) - How can people get in touch with you? Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson and Straight Up Podcasts
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#5 Brett Logan: Owner and President of Immaculate Flight
10/14/2021
#5 Brett Logan: Owner and President of Immaculate Flight
Brett Logan is the owner and president of , an aircraft cleaning and detailing company working with private owners, flight departments, commercial carriers, and government fleets. Brett was the person who got Joe into private aviation and they discussed his journey on the pod. As a kid on family vacations in Harbor Springs, he would sometimes sit for hours at the end of the runway to watch planes come in. In 2005, he and a partner began Immaculate Flight. Brett shares the story about how he and his wife Lynne had a six-month-old child and used financial support from his wife’s job to begin his entrepreneurship journey. Brett took over full ownership in 2009, and the company has grown to 200+ employees in over ten states. A huge proponent of private airlines, he shared that commercial airliners can get into approximately 500 airports, while private aircraft can access about 5,000 airports. He and his wife Lynne have been together since they were 15 and had three children Zachary, Nicholas, and Claire. That six-month-old they had when they started the business is now 17. The family has been traveling together, intending to see all 50 states, and only have ten more to go. To connect with Brett Logan, drop him an . Visit the for more information about how to become a member. (2:41) - What attracted Brett to YPO and his first year’s experience (4:00) - Brett’s career background and founding Immaculate Flight (6:17) - Immaculate Flight (7:01) - Who’d be an ideal customer for the organization? (7:33) - The private aviation industry (8:25) - How has private aviation affected your life? Questions from Sam, Brett’s Pilot (9:54) - The Chicken Wing Speech (10:58) - Brett’s failed housing investment during ’08 crisis (13:02) - Brett’s management style and lessons learned (14:23) - Open Book Management (16:48) - Funny things found on planes at Immaculate (18:30) - Commercial airliners can get into 500 airports vs. 10,000 airports for private aviation, is that accurate? (19:03) - Brett’s family (23:00) - Did you have a childhood memory that was impactful on your future career? (25:00) - Do you have any asks for the audience or other YPO members? (27:30) - How can people get started in flying? (29:28) - Wrap Up Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts
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#4 Jordan Notenbaum: Co-founder & CEO of Mobile Defenders - Founder of Tech Defenders
10/07/2021
#4 Jordan Notenbaum: Co-founder & CEO of Mobile Defenders - Founder of Tech Defenders
Jordan Notenbaum is the co-founder and CEO of , an electronics distribution company, and the founder of . After graduating from Grand Valley State University, Jordan got in on the ground floor of phone repair. He calculated that he and his partner needed to repair 1.43 phones a day to pay rent. The business quickly expanded, and in 13 months, they had four stores. As the business expanded, they encountered various challenges from supply chain issues, retail locations, working with China that Jordan details on the pod. He also founded Tech Defenders, which helps schools, businesses, and other organizations maximize the value of their old and obsolete technology. Jordan says daughters Madison (5) and Kennedy (2) as his most significant influence. Jordan and his wife Emily suffered the loss of their son Graham in October of 2020 due to a chromosomal defect. His daughters have significantly helped with the grieving process and speak about Graham daily. He says his life's purpose is to be there for his kids. To connect with Jordan Notenbaum, drop him an email. Visit the for more information about how to become a member. (2:40) - Jordan’s background and career (9:28) - Jordan’s current role as President of Mobile Defenders (15:39) - Plans beyond Mobile Defenders (17:18) - Tech Defenders (19:23) - When did you realize that entrepreneurship would be your path? (21:48) - What does a regular week look like for you? (22:41) - Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? (24:16) - What’s your proudest ‘Dad’ moment? (26:30) - What has been the biggest work challenge for you do you currently have to overcome? (29:59) - What drew you to YPO and what are you hoping to get out of it? (33:36) - Do you have any asks of other YPO members? (34:40) - Jason’s message to his daughters Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson and Straight Up Podcasts
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#3 Jason Ruud: President of S.A. Morman and Co.
09/30/2021
#3 Jason Ruud: President of S.A. Morman and Co.
Jason Ruud is the president of ., a commercial doors, hardware, and security systems company based in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. He and his wife Kristin bought the company from her father in 2019. They are proud to be the 6th generation in the family business, which started in 1857. The company has 75 employees between its two locations in Grand Rapids and the Kalamazoo/ Portage area. He cares deeply about his employees and says, ‘we call them family members.’ Jason is the father of fraternal twins Bennett & Quinn and son Graham, all under 3! He has a fascinating athletic history, including playing football for Muskegon High School when they won a and participating in the water ski club at Hope College. Outside of time with friends, golf, fishing, and hunting, Jason volunteers for the nonprofit , which provides a support system for grieving kids. To connect with Jason Rudd, drop him an email. Visit the for more information about how to become a member. (2:39) - Jason’s background & Career (7:00) - YPO’s Impact on business owners dealing w/ Covid (7:45) - How sports played a role in how Jason runs teams (10:15) - Do you have childhood experience that shaped your life? (12:30) - The power of putting your head down and working hard (13:49) - Jason’s College athletic career (15:26) - S.A. Morman’s History and Jason’s goals for the organization (17:13) - Who would be a customer of S.A. Morman? (18:23) - Jason’s Family dynamic & Family/Business COVID stories (22:54) - What have been the highs and lows of running a family business and do you want your children to be in the business one day? (26:35) - Can you gift your children ‘struggle’? (28:23) - The struggle of growing a business (33:23) - What extracurricular and volunteer activities are you involved in? (38:51) - How to contact Jason YPO Connect and asks of other YPO members Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts
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#2 Jeff Helminski: Managing Partner of Auxo Investment
09/23/2021
#2 Jeff Helminski: Managing Partner of Auxo Investment
Joe sits down with Jeff Helminski, Managing Partner of He has compiled a diverse professional background over the past 20 years, including experience in private equity investing, manufacturing engineering, high-volume assembly operations management, and real estate development. Jeff helped start the which supports homeownership, small business, and real estate development in Michigan. At his first job after college, he worked at General Motors, where they built 1,296 trucks a day--- one every 54 seconds, which made $10,000 net profit per truck to GM. In his spare time, Jeff sits on the Spectrum Health Hospital Group Board and Broadway Grand Rapids Board and enjoys gardening, fishing, and singing in the shower. For more information or to get in touch, Visit the for more information about how to become a member. (2:08) - What drew you to YPO? (3:17) - Jeff’s Background and early career with GM (6:40) - Jeff’s move to Stanford and into Real Estate Development & Student Housing (12:34) - Making the jump into private equity (20:10) - What’s the process of selling to private equity? Why do people do it? Questions from Mrs. Helminski (23:14) - Would you rather be a farmer, Jazz singer or professional trout fisherman? (27:04) - Which of your kids are most like you? (28:02) - What does a typical week look like for you? (29:34) - What makes a good and a bad board member? What are some low handing fruit for rookie board members to NOT do? (34:19) - What are your plans for Oxo going forward and what do you hope to get out of YPO? Joe Talks YPO is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts
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Welcome to Joe talks YPO
09/02/2021
Welcome to Joe talks YPO
Joe talks YPO is a podcast interview series with current YPO members, by YPO members, and for YPO members. YPO is a global leadership community of Chief Executives driven by the shared belief that the world needs better leaders. Through YPO, we're inspired and supported to make a difference in the lives, businesses, and the world we impact. This podcast will introduce you to some of the amazing people within the organization. Your host is Joe Pohlen from the West Michigan Chapter. A little about me. Joe is the co-founder and owner of Cardinal Senior Management, an assisted living operator in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Let's get started.
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