From sports to tourism, faith to leadership, Kirk Elmquist’s story is one of purpose, perseverance, and passion for people. In this episode of Own The Journey, JMARK CEO Thomas Douglas sits down with the Executive Director of Branson Tourism to unpack lessons learned from decades of leadership in sports marketing, hospitality, and community growth.

Kirk shares his journey from a walk-on quarterback to a servant leader who has shaped one of the most iconic destinations in the Midwest. You’ll hear his insights on:

• Servant leadership and why humility is the foundation of great teams
• Vision and collaboration in transforming Branson into a national destination
• Faith, balance, and how to lead well without losing yourself
• Building legacy through enthusiasm, kindness, and truth

If you’re a leader, visionary, or anyone looking to find purpose in the work you do, this conversation will leave you inspired to serve, grow, and lead with heart.

What happens when marriage, military service, and entrepreneurship collide? In this episode of Own the Journey, Tom sits down with Jonathan and Audrey Garard, co-owners of Grooms Office Environments in Springfield.

From Jonathan’s 15 years of military service to Audrey’s leap from advertising into business ownership, the Garards share how resilience, risk-taking, and relentless teamwork have shaped their lives. Together, they open up about:

• Navigating long deployments and raising young kids while building a business.

• The decision to buy Grooms and the grit it took to lead as one of the youngest Herman Miller dealership owners in the U.S.

• The challenges and humor of being spouses and business partners.

• Why creating intentional, people-focused workspaces is essential for culture, talent retention, and community impact.

• Their best advice for leaders: keep moving forward, bet on yourself, and surround yourself with trusted advisors.

It’s an honest, inspiring look at how faith, determination, and a deep commitment to people can turn challenges into opportunities.

In this inspiring episode of Own the Journey, host Thomas H. Douglas sits down with John Oke-Thomas—CEO, President, and Founder of Oke-Thomas + Associates. John shares his remarkable story of leaving Nigeria as a young man, traveling through Europe, and ultimately finding his way to Springfield, Missouri, where his accidental stop turned into a lifelong mission.

John reflects on his deep-rooted passion for architecture, from being fascinated by buildings as a child to launching his own firm and taking on historic projects like the Washington Avenue Baptist Church. Beyond blueprints and buildings, he opens up about the lessons of perseverance, communication, and the importance of designing not just for beauty but for people.

The conversation also dives into his role as a community leader, champion of diversity, and advocate for leaving a lasting footprint. With humility and wisdom, John shares what he’s learned about business, family, and the responsibility to make the world a better place during our short time here.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, community builder, or simply someone seeking inspiration, John’s journey is a testament to courage, vision, and the power of human connection

What does it take to lead a trucking company through change, challenges, and growth in today’s fast-moving world? In this episode of Own the Journey, we sit down with Mark Walker, CEO of Transland, to uncover the leadership lessons, industry insights, and personal philosophies that guide his journey.

🚛 Inside this episode:

• How Mark Walker shaped Transland’s culture and reputation in the trucking industry

• Lessons learned from navigating economic shifts, regulations, and technology adoption

• Why people-first leadership matters in an industry driven by efficiency and scale

• The future of trucking: sustainability, innovation, and the human side of logistics

Whether you’re a business leader, logistics professional, or someone seeking inspiration from resilient leadership, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways.

Most bank CEOs follow a traditional path: commercial lending, then the C-suite. Joselyn Baldner? She did it differently. She started as a teller, worked her way up, and took on challenges no one else wanted. When the opportunity to lead Central Bank came up, she wasn’t even sure she wanted the job. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever thought, Am I really cut out for this?

In this heartfelt conversation, Jason Hynson shares the personal stories and pivotal moments that shaped his leadership at Victory Mission. He opens up about the challenges of shifting organizational culture, the myths surrounding nonprofit work, and how personal experiences influence leadership decisions.

Jason also reflects on the importance of staying positive during difficult times, making ethical decisions in business, and the lasting impact of leading with compassion. His insights offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking to lead with purpose and make a real difference in their community.

What does it take to lead a charity that has distributed over $2.5 billion in aid? In this conversation, Hal Donaldson talks about the role his faith has played in Convoy of Hope’s mission to fight poverty and hunger. In this episode, Tom sits down with Hal Donaldson, founder of Convoy of Hope, to explore how he built one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the world. Hal shares the key moments that shaped his leadership, how he balances a demanding career with family life, and why staying humble is essential for success.

We also dive into the mental toll of leading a global charity and how prioritizing mental health is crucial for sustained impact. Learn how Hal’s decisions have created a ripple effect, empowering people far beyond simple charity.

Grab a copy of Hal’s newest book, ‘What Really Matters,’ here: https://haldonaldson.org/what-really-...

Where to Find Hal: 🌎 Website: https://haldonaldson.org/

Learn More and Support Convoy of Hope: 🌎 Website: https://convoyofhope.org/

Help Those Affected by Hurricane Helene: 🤲 Donate here: https://convoyofhope.org/disaster-ser...

Listen to the Show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7qzjvrV...

Get in Touch: 🌎 Our website: www.JMARK.com 🌎 Tom's website: https://www.adaptordie.com/ 🌎 Work with us: https://www.jmark.com/contact-us/

Join Our Community: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmark/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmark_it/ Twitter: https://x.com/JMARK_Support

Batter up! Join Thomas H. Douglas as he jumps into a conversation with broadcasting legend and culture expert, Joel Goldberg. Currently with the Kansas City Royals, Joel has worked with several teams in the MLB and has witnessed the failures and successes that make up building a championship culture. From communication to motivation to trust, you'll find everything you need to facilitate your company culture the right way in this energizing conversation.