MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR & SUCCESS COACH

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 Maxwell said it best:

 

“Success is when you add value to yourself. Significance is when you add value to others.”

 

That’s the shift. Success builds a career; significance builds a legacy. Success is temporary; significance lasts.

 

When you think back on your own life, who had the biggest impact on you? Chances are it wasn’t just someone who was successful—it was someone who was significant in the way they cared, encouraged, and believed in you. Coaches, mentors, family members, friends—they didn’t just teach us how to win, they taught us how to live.

 

Jesus reminds us in John 10:10:

 

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

 

That abundant life isn’t measured by medals, money, or milestones. It’s measured by how we use our gifts to lift others, to strengthen our teammates, to honor our faith, and to influence the next generation.

 

Here’s the truth: wins are temporary, but encouragement is eternal. Success might get your name in the paper, but significance puts your name in someone’s heart.

 

So while we’re here on this earth, let’s live for more than success. Let’s live for significance. Because at the end of the day, people won’t remember what we achieved nearly as much as how we made them feel and the difference we made in their lives.

 

That is the true legacy worth leaving.

 

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