“There are no crops without both the sunshine and the rain.” - Bill & Jann Newton
Bill & Jann Newton are a dynamo duo as Bonvera co-founders and leaders. Married for 44 years and with 33 years in the relationship building business, they know a thing or two about working together and overcoming trials and tribulations. Both from Kansas, they met when they were in high school and stayed together through their university days at Texas A & M. Bill was an all star javelin thrower in college, and he was bound for the Olympics. Yet, he and Jann started their journey together and were called to help the family farm in Kansas. Together and with their family, they grew their farm equipment business to a hugely successful venture. In 1980, they were one of the largest tractor dealers in America, and a year later, they were the largest combine dealer in America. Today, they’re speakers, sought after mentors, teammates, and leaders to one of Bonvera’s largest Kansas teams, VIP United. They’ve got sage wisdom and they’re leaving a legacy.
In this episode, Bill and Jann join Bob in the Bonvera HQ home office studio. The key thread woven throughout this episode is wisdom. In this dialogue, Bill and Jann talk about lessons they learned through their business, even when times were hard and difficult. They recount the early days of meeting one another, and Bill unpacks what it was like to be a college athlete bound for the Olympics with a javelin in one hand and big dreams in the other. Leaving a legacy is important, and in this episode, you’ll learn why.
Notes and Quotes:
-Problems aren’t bad. Every successful venture has come about because of a problem.
-When you go through obstacles, ask yourself: what could I have done differently?
-Don’t look at others to blame or make excuses. Look to yourself.
-I’m enthralled with information as I am with application.
-It’s okay to be down, but don’t stay down.
-There are no crops without both the sunshine and the rain.
-Pain is a great motivator if you use it properly.
Links in this episode include:
Bill & Jann Newton Leadership Profile
Bill Newton, Bonvera Board Member
QBQ! The Question Behind the Question book on Amazon
New Way MBA, the new way to pursue continuous education online for any entrepreneur
To learn more about Bob’s two books, find them on Amazon here: The Leap and Love Your Work.