Bill Brandmeyer, The Purpose-Driven Transformative Leader - Being Part of A Family That Created Multigenerational Wealth, Transforming Kids' Lives Through Sport, and Being in AA at 21

In this compelling episode," Jeff sits down with Bill Brandmeyer (see his bio below), a visionary leader who has transformed organizational development, marketing, and social impact over four decades. Bill shares insights from his remarkable journey, from working with Fortune 500 companies to founding ShareWaves, a nonprofit revolutionizing youth sports access.

Listeners will discover how Bill's passion for breaking down barriers in sports has created tangible opportunities for underprivileged children, and how his professional experiences have shaped his mission-driven approach to community development. You will learn from his struggles with alcohol from being in AA at 21 to now being 29 years sober, being part of a legendary Kansas City family that created multigenerational wealth (as well as the complexity and dysfunction that comes with working with all your family members), building a business that sold for $715 million (2024 dollars), and the reasons for his multiple business failures after the sale of the family business. From personal struggles to philanthropic innovation, Bill's story is a powerful testament to using professional expertise for social good.

Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation about failing, sobriety, leadership, purpose, and the transformative power of sports in building stronger, more inclusive communities.

 

Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at jeff.pelaccio@exechq.com.   

Bill's bio: With over four decades of multifaceted experience in organizational development, marketing, digital content, commercialization strategy, healthcare, hospitality, and event production, ​Bill Brandmeyer (LinkedIn) drives purpose-driven initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences. Throughout my career, I have partnered with various organizations, from ambitious startups to Fortune 500 companies, collaborating with them to achieve their aspirational goals. A relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation has characterized my professional journey. Starting in organizational development, I recognized the importance of understanding the dynamics influencing success. This foundation allowed me to transition into marketing, where I honed my skills in creating compelling value propositions. Embracing the digital revolution, I led strategies that engage and inspire audiences across platforms. I actively contribute to the Kansas City community's social impact and philanthropic endeavors, focusing primarily on youth sports and education. Believing in the transformative power of sports, I am committed to dismantling barriers that impede underprivileged households from accessing sporting opportunities. The research underscores the profound impact of sports on holistic child development, which propels my dedication to pioneering innovative, collaborative solutions for inclusive sports participation.

​Bill founded ShareWaves, a public charity registered as a 501(c)(3) that harnesses the transformative power of sports to build better humans. Our mission is to ensure that every child has equitable access to physical activity and high-quality sports engagement. For over half a decade, we have worked to identify and remove barriers preventing children from participating in sports, particularly those from under-resourced households.Our impactful implementation of core strategies has led to quantifiable changes in young lives. For example, we provide targeted microgrants to alleviate financial burdens, invest in high-quality sports programs in marginalized communities, and equip caregivers with essential social and emotional skills. Through our work, we have discovered a systemic youth sports crisis characterized by a "pay-for-play" and "win-at-all-costs" mentality that drives young people away from the transformative benefits of positive sports experiences. Our #Ready2Play Camps and Clinics aim to provide children access to top-tier coaching and training opportunities, fostering a love for sports while offering essential skills and mentorship.

A principle that guides my life comes from the biblical text, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). This wisdom emphasizes the moral obligation to use one’s gifts to glorify God and benefit others. This ethos aligns closely with Uncle Ben’s words to Peter Parker in Spider-Man: “With great power comes great responsibility.”. Bill is also the co-host of the podcast "Movement is the Medicine," where they discuss the profound impacts of exercise, physical activity, and sports participation.