To The Pointe of Gratitude

Brandon Holtz

Episode 114: Brandon Holtz joins John to talk about the life-changing experience of competing at Augusta and preparing for the U.S. Open, while balancing the realities of work, sponsorships, and life back home. Brandon shares what it’s like to suddenly be in the spotlight, the discipline required to compete at a high level, and why staying grounded through the excitement matters just as much as the golf itself.

Mike Kinney

Episode 113: Mike Kinney, Senior Workplace Consultant at The Gallup Organization, joins John for a practical conversation on employee engagement, leadership, and the human experience at work. Mike shares what most organizations miss when measuring performance, how great leaders turn data into meaningful action, and why aligning employee and customer experience is critical for long-term success. He also reflects on decades of working with organizations across industries—and what it really takes to build a workplace people want to be part of.

Kirk Elmquist

Episode 112: Kirk Elmquist joins John for a thoughtful conversation about what truly makes a place stand out. Drawing from decades of experience across tourism, community development, and leadership, Kirk shares why the success of southwest Missouri isn’t built on attractions alone, but on something deeper: a culture of hospitality, generosity, and pride in taking care of others. From the intentional design of unforgettable experiences to the power of family, faith, and community, this episode explores how meaningful environments are created, not just for visitors, but for the people who call them home. If you’ve ever wondered what drives lasting growth, strong communities, and experiences people keep coming back to, this conversation offers a perspective that goes far beyond business.

John DiJulius

Episode 111: John DiJulius joins the podcast for a candid conversation on what separates average companies from world-class companies. Having helped brands like The Ritz-Carlton, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks elevate their customer experience, John shares how his journey—from building a family salon to advising global organizations—shaped his belief that exceptional service is never accidental. Together, he and John explore why price complaints are often experience failures, why humanity will matter even more in the age of AI, and how small daily disciplines create lasting impact.

The Munie Kids

Episode 110: The Munie Kids join John for an honest conversation about building a business while raising a family. Together, they reflect on what it was like to grow up alongside the company, the values that carried from home into work, and the lessons learned about trust, sacrifice, and presence. The episode explores how intentional leadership, shared purpose, and grace over time can lead to success at work and at home, without losing what matters most.