When people hear my voice, they usually think of the Kansas City Chiefs. For decades I’ve had the privilege of calling some of the biggest moments in NFL history, from regular season battles at Arrowhead Stadium to three Super Bowl championships. But what I’ve learned over the years goes far beyond football.

In my program, Power From Unexpected Sources, I share the “secret sauce” behind the Chiefs’ remarkable run of 11 straight winning seasons. What makes this story so special is that we’ve done it all in the fifth smallest market in the NFL. Kansas City doesn’t have the size or resources of other teams, but we’ve built something stronger—culture and resilience. That’s where true power comes from.

I’ve seen how teams succeed under pressure, how culture sustains winning year after year, and how energy can be found in places most people overlook. The greatest power often comes from sources that are always available but rarely used: belief, unity, and a relentless focus on the mission.

That’s why I’m excited to share this message with the members of the Lumber and Building Materials Association. Your businesses may not always be the biggest players in the market, but like the Chiefs, you can uncover hidden potential and turn it into lasting success. Strength comes from relationships, from resilience, and from the culture you build every day.

My story isn’t just about football—it’s about finding power where others don’t bother to look. And when you tap into those unexpected sources, you can accomplish things you never thought possible.

Mitch Holthus provides our keynote address at the Mid-America Connection Conference December 9 in Olathe, Kansas