If faith and business actually worked together… what would it look like? In this episode of Marketplace Kings, host Richey Owen sits down with Al Velez—Executive Pastor, former Fortune 500 VP, and the leader behind the culture shift that inspired Staples’ famous “Easy Button.”
Al shares how a radical encounter with Jesus reshaped his leadership, why servant leadership beats “command and control,” and the inside story of creating a “Say Yes” customer culture that moved the needle company-wide. We also dig into practical ways to lead people (not just numbers), celebrate behaviors (not just results), and invite the Holy Spirit into everyday decisions at work.
What you will learn:
How the “Easy Button” idea was born from E.A.S.Y. — Every Associate Says Yes
Turning managers into leaders who serve, celebrate, and develop people
Why customers stay loyal when your team feels valued
Real stories of creative problem-solving (yes—even returning pots & pans to a store that didn’t sell them!)
A pastor’s advice to men and marketplace leaders: empty yourself to elevate others
