I have a good friend in the industry who once said to me, “We spend so much time in our cars each day, why don’t we use that time to listen to a good business book or motivational speaker instead of just music?” So for those of you that don’t like to read, I will make the suggestion to get the following book on CD or download.

Last year I read “Lead for God’s Sake” by Todd G. Gongwer, and took away many powerful messages. It’s a fictional story involving a successful high school basketball coach, Steve Rocker, a powerful and successful CEO, Grant Steffin, and — my favorite — Joe Taylor, the high school janitor.

For the first time in his life, Rocker is falling short of expectations. His players have lost their will to win, their love for their teammates and their passion to play. Coach Rocker’s motivational methods, which have always worked in the past, are now failing. He struggles with the pressures of trying to maintain a winning record and a healthy family life.

Rocker seeks the counsel of Steffin, who, while fighting his own battles, offers advice based on his own leadership experiences. Coach also stumbles upon some unexpected insight from the high school janitor, Taylor, of all people.

On the surface, Taylor seems like your average blue-collar worker, but after spending a few minutes with him, you can easily see there is much more to him than meets the eye. Taylor always has a kind word or phrase that has some deeper meaning to it. Without giving too much away, this janitor is the mentor we all need in our life. He teaches us to lead from the heart.

This book has a great storyline, believable characters, real-life takeaways, and even twists and turns involving a large janitorial firm.

I would highly recommend this book to any business owner, but especially to an owner of a janitorial company. The book has taught me to be a better leader, as well as a better husband and father. I will leave you with one powerful message from my own life: We are what we read and who we surround ourselves with.

Bob Armbruster, President, Clean Team, Inc., Toledo, Ohio


A former businessman and assistant college basketball coach, author Todd G. Gongwer uses his past experiences to construct a parable about the challenges of leadership, relationships and the pursuit of success.

“Lead…For God’s Sake!” published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., will challenge readers to think more deeply about leadership, their purpose and what matters most in life.




POSTED ON: 3/20/2014