Joseph Brier, DMD, FAGD, Owner and Dentist at Dental Care of Lucas
Who has been the most influential man in your life?
My grandfather played a huge role in shaping me into the man I am today. He was intelligent, quick witted, and deeply social, and he taught me the value of a firm handshake, how humor can help build genuine rapport, and how to thoughtfully bring people together in ways that benefit everyone.
What principles have been key to earning trust and respect in your industry?
I’ve always believed in doing the right things for the right reasons and being a resource for those around me. Whether I’m recommending treatment to patients, coaching my team, educating others about dentistry (even if they never step into my office) or connecting people in meaningful ways, my goal is simple: to do right by people.
Gregory Casale, Co-Owner, Elke's Market Café
What habits or principles have been key to earning trust and respect in your industry?
As a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, I started my learning path and never really stopped. While I currently own a small mom and pop sandwich shop and caterer known for simple flavors, I still take the time to crack open a cookbook or research something a little deeper. Learning is key to evolution.
How do you define leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time?
Leadership is not just about barking out orders but being willing to put in the hard work alongside your team. Being a small business owner, it has become more important than ever to know when to step up and be the navigator, but also know when jump into the trenches with my crew. When your team sees you are willing to put in the hard work, they are much more willing to go the extra mile.
Rudy Frederico, CFE, Affiliate and Partner with The Franchise Consulting Company
Who has been the most influential man in your life?
First, my father. He led by example, not words. He was a devoted husband and father who focused on his children's success. In business, I worked for a man named Roger Goertz who taught me a great deal about running a franchise organization by developing relationships and solving problems so that everyone felt like they won.
What does being a man of influence mean to you?
Being a man of influence means leading by example, acting with integrity and putting others' needs above my own. This works in both business and community settings.
How do you define leadership?
Leadership is about making other people better. It's not just telling people what to do. It's about showing them how to do it, comprehending why they are doing it and prompting a desire to do it to the best of their ability.
Tony Mack II, Founder/Owner, TMack Elite Training
What does being a man of influence mean to you?
Being a man of influence is a responsibility. It means I have to live my core values every day, which are grit, spirit of excellence, and integrity. I lead by example so the next generation can see that your attitude toward life shapes what life gives back to you. I want people to understand that success comes from persistence, consistency, and the willingness to show up even when you do not have all the answers.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want my legacy to be simple and real. I loved people. I helped people. I stayed genuine. I loved God and lived my life with purpose. I explored life, I poured into others, and I gave everything I had to make a difference. If people can say that I made them better and showed them what was possible, then I did what I was called to do.
Bryce Washum, Owner, Send IT Solutions
Who has been the most influential man in your life?
Without question, my dad. I had a front-row seat to his life as an entrepreneur—the way he treated my mom, his employees, and his clients, how he handled tough decisions, and how he responded to both wins and losses. He brought stability to our home and set the standard for the kind of business leader I want to be.
How do you define leadership?
Anyone can call themselves a leader, but real leadership shows up when the rubber meets the road—not in follower counts or mailing lists. For me, it's about being a trusted, go-to resource for the people in my circle, and letting that speak for itself.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want to be remembered for the way I treated people. Not for having the best price or the fastest turnaround—but for doing what I said I was going to do and having your back through the whole relationship.