Honoring Dr. John Rooney, Former President at Rooney and Associates, Inc, Episode 282

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Today we honor Dr. John Rooney, formerly the President of Rooney and Associates, Inc. John provided strategic guidance and innovative solutions to numerous organizations over the years. John's expertise in strategic planning, business development, and organizational management earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the business community. John was also actively involved in philanthropic efforts and remained dedicated to helping organizations thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace until his passing on April 7, 2025.

This week on The Wow Factor, we honor Dr. John Rooney, who shared his insights from his book, "Geography of American Sport," which explores the development of various sports, including wrestling, volleyball, and women's sports, emphasizing the impact of coach movements and the role of geography in shaping sporting culture. He talked about the creation of Patriot Golf Days, an event that raises funds for Folds of Honor scholarships, and how the organization gained corporate partnerships to better support military families and first responders. John also shared more about the origins of Folds of Honor, which supports fallen or disabled service members and first responders by providing education opportunities for their children.

“Every sport has an origin.” - John Rooney
“You’ve got to look out there and figure out what you want to do and how to get there.” - John Rooney
“Go before you're ready.” - John Rooney

This Week on The Wow Factor:

John discussed the regional origins and growth of different sports, emphasizing how geography plays a role in their development

The inspiration behind Folds of Honor, which provides educational opportunities for the families of fallen servicemen and first responders

Why it’s so important to figure out what you want from life and take steps to achieve those goals

The importance of being a learner and being open to new possibilities

The need for leaders to let go and allow the next generation to take things to a new level

How coming together and supporting one another can create a sense of belonging and make a positive impact, whatever the niche

The intersection of sports and geography and how geography influences the development and popularity of various sports

The significance of stepping outside your comfort zone to achieve success

How organizations like Folds of Honor and Patriot Golf Days make an impact in supporting the families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders