MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR & SUCCESS COACH

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December 2025 GOOD News Make 2026 your best year yet – By setting goals that matter

Make 2026 your best year yet – By setting goals that matter

I’ve always believed that the future favors the intentional. Success does not show up uninvited—it arrives when we plan for it, prepare for it, and pursue it with passion and purpose. As we step into 2026, I want to challenge you to do something powerful, something transformative:

Set goals that push you, stretch you, and excite you.

Not resolutions.
Not hopeful wishes.
Not “maybe I’ll try this year.”

Real, written goals—backed by desire, drive, discipline, determination, and a decision to follow through.

WHY GOAL-SETTING MATTERS

Goals give us something to move toward. Without direction, even…

Posted 12-16

November 2025 GOOD News Facts about the benefits of being positive

November 2025 GOOD News

TRUE Facts about the benefits of being positive

▪️How many Positives does it take to overcome a negative? To effectively offset all the negatives, we are exposed to every day research suggests we need a minimum of 5 Positives for every negative we hear, see and experience.

▪️Research suggests that a 5:1 ratio of Positive to negative experiences is crucial for mental well-being, with a minimum of three positive experiences needed to counteract one negative one. This balance helps individuals move from feeling simply okay to flourishing.

▪️” Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as…

Posted 10-27

October 2025 GOOD news From Success to Significance

Thank you to Coach Mike Denny for inspiring this message.

We live in a world that constantly tells us to chase success. Titles, trophies, wealth, recognition—these are often the measuring sticks people use to define a life well lived. And don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with success. Success can be rewarding, fulfilling, and motivating. But if success is the end goal, we’re missing the bigger picture.

Because while success fills our hands, significance fills our hearts.

Success is about personal achievement—what we accomplish, build, or gain.
Significance is about impact—who we touch, lift, and influence for the better.

John…

Posted 10-4

August 2025 GOOD News Praise people , raise people

Praise People, Raise People

Have you ever noticed that someone’s entire demeanor can be transformed when they’re recognized for doing something well? A simple “Great job,” “Thank you,” or “I’m proud of you” can light up a person’s soul. I believe that when you praise people, you raise people—and that’s something we should strive to do every single day.

Whether you’re a business owner, a colleague, a friend, or a stranger in line at the coffee shop, you have the power to lift someone’s spirit. Words of encouragement don’t cost anything, yet their value is priceless. It doesn’t take much time…

Posted 8-1

July 2025 GOOD news letter The truth about positivity

The TRUTH about positivity

I am grateful to one of my all-time favorite coaches, Mike Denny, for sharing his insights about the importance of positive feedback.

Those of us who are motivational and inspirational speakers constantly preach that you should find whatever motivates you to be the best version of yourself. We talk about how motivation is needed to help you accomplish your goals and sometimes even to get up in the morning. In this newsletter I’ll shed some light on how to incorporate motivation into your daily life… not once in a while, but every day in some form or…

Posted 6-30

June 2025 GOOD News True leaders listen to their employees

True leaders listen to their employees

Too often, people confuse leadership with titles, positions, or popularity. But in my world—and maybe in yours, too—leadership has nothing to do with your business card or the number of people who report to you. It involves leading by example, lifting others up, and helping people believe in themselves.

Real leaders don’t just talk about what should be done—they show people how to do it. They don’t sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to step up. They are the ones who step up. Leadership is about influence, not authority. It’s about doing the right thing…

Posted 6-1

May 2025 GOOD NEWS Big Hat, No Cattle

Big Hat, No Cattle

We all know someone who fits this description:

They talk a big game. They’ve got the plans, the dreams, the ambition — or at least they say they do. They walk around wearing a big hat, but when it comes time to actually deliver… they have no cattle. No action. Just words.

I first heard this phrase in 1983 in Dallas, Texas, where I started my career in real estate. Growing up in Nebraska, I was surrounded by people who would do what they said they were going to do… honest, hard-working people with midwestern values. In Dallas…

Posted 4-28

April 2025 GOOD NEWS Plant the seed of success

Plant the Seed of Success

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It always starts with a single thought, an idea, a dream—just like a tree starts with a seed that is planted in the soil. Before the tree can grow strong and tall, the seed must sprout and take root. The same is true for success in any area of life. If you want to achieve something great, you must first plant the seed in your mind and then nurture it with action, patience, and belief.

We All Have to Start Somewhere

Every success story begins with a single step. Every champion was once…

Posted 3-23

March 2025 Newsletter The Power of Believing in Yourself

March 2025 Newsletter

The Power of Believing in Yourself

One of the most important keys to success is something that won’t cost you a dime, yet it’s worth everything. It’s belief in yourself. If you don’t have it, you’ll struggle to move forward. If you have it, you can accomplish anything you decide to do.

I’ve seen it time and time again: People who believe in themselves exude confidence. They attract opportunities. They gain the trust of others. Your belief in yourself sets the tone for how the world perceives you. On the other side of the coin, lack of belief in…

Posted 2-25

February 2025 Good News Enthusiasm wins the sale!

Enthusiasm wins the sale

In the sales and service industry, three traits are crucial for your success: enthusiasm, passion, and self-confidence. When you are genuinely enthusiastic about your product or service, it doesn’t just boost your own performance. It also makes a positive impression on your customers, building trust and increasing the likelihood of making a sale.

If I had to identify one trait that has propelled my success throughout my career, it would have to be enthusiasm. Self-confidence and passion were also important, but my enthusiasm and excitement for being in the real estate business has always motivated people to…

Posted 1-26

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What People in the Audience are Saying…

With Van's passion, humor and experience you can be assured of one thing- your audience is going to get fired-up, built-up, and fully charged –up. As an entrepreneur at the top of his game Van is in the unique position of being able to "talk the talk" because he has "walked the walk". Over the years he has been a great inspiration to me and my staff. Van is a speaker with charisma, humility and impact and he's a difference maker in the lives of the people he touches…"

—George Akers // President, First Mortgage Corp.

I wanted to thank you for coming and speaking with our company today. I thought your presentation was awesome! I was really motivated and inspired by your thoughts and ideas. I will use this motivation to grow my business and my personal life.”

—Justin Pauls // Realtor, Tampa, Florida

We are delighted you will be accepting the award for Omaha’s Top 25 fastest growing companies. Congratulations on your outstanding growth and we wish you continued success.”

—Tracey Fortina // Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Thank you for running such a class act company. It is an honor and a pleasure to be associated with someone such as yourself. I know you are probably one of the most respected businessmen in the region.”

—Dustin Talacko // Realtor, Omaha, Nebraska

Congratulations on writing “Selling from the heart” and thank you for sharing a copy with me. Your class has been one of the most enjoyable classes I’ve ever taken. Your enthusiasm and passion for your work are awesome. But the most refreshing part of the class was your delightful sense of humor. Thank you again for being a fantastic teacher.”

—Linda Reismeiler // Student at Randall School of Real Estate, Omaha, Nebraska

Kudos to you, Van, for reaching a major goal. But more than that...For successfully building one of Omaha’s best companies from scratch and making it thrive even in less than ideal market conditions. You have realized the American Dream...And brought it home to many, many others. My best to you!”

—Todd Andrews, Anchor and Producer, KETV Omaha

Having you here again was such a blessing to so many! As I looked at the pictures, I could see just how interested each and every person was in what you had to say!

This has been such a gift to our agents when they need it the most. The fact that you come, you are so genuine and caring, you are so honest, you are not trying to sell anything and your passion to help each and every person believe in themselves and become the best they can be is HUGE! The timing is perfect for us all helping and caring about each other, so, thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for giving of yourself to help all of us!”

—Carolyn Summerton // First Mortgage Company of Idaho

I enjoyed your seminar and its focus. I was on the fence whether or not to attend and decided why not? I could have sat through an all day session if there was one, usually I end up at the seminars that start with a focus and quickly go astray. I found with yours time flew by too fast and it was already time to go but I wasn’t ready to go.”

—Scott Asbill, CDPE // Associate Broker, Realtor