Name: Brad Danzak
Graduation Year(s): 1996
Major(s): Communications
Minor(s): Biblical Studies
Current Position/Job Title: Chief Operations Officer (COO)
City and State: Nixa, Missouri
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I have been in property management since 1996, beginning my career during my time at CBC / Evangel with John Q. Hammons Hotels, where I worked from 1996 through 2004. Since 2004, I’ve been with Rolling Oaks Group of Companies, where I currently am a partner in the company and serve as Chief Operations Officer. My work spans hospitality, multifamily housing, student housing, self-storage, and commercial property, with a focus on operational excellence, team development, and strategic growth.
Tell us one achievement or accomplishment that stands out in your career!
If I had to choose one accomplishment I truly value, it would be the ability to live out and share my faith through the businesses I’ve been a part of. While I didn’t feel led to enter full-time ministry after graduating from CBC / Evangel, I pursued a secular career where I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work “as workingfor the Lord” (Col 3.23). I’ve had the freedom to openly speak about what God is doing in my life and to pray for colleagues, employees, and leadership—and I’ve witnessed the Lord work in miraculous ways.
When all is said and done, I believe my single greatest achievement is simply being obedient to His calling on my life. It hasn’t always been perfect or consistent, but God has been good, faithful, and full of grace—and for that, I am thankful beyond words.
If I were to add a second achievement, it would be the growth of a startup company that had 2 direct associates and 2 properties when I was hired to a company that now has 25 different locations, 130 associates and $40 million in annual combined revenue.
What is your favorite memory from your time as a student?
One of my favorite memories from my time at CBC / Evangel—aside from meeting my wife—was serving with the Crossroads Drama Team. That experience showed me the power of a team working together toward a shared purpose. It was incredible to witness how God could use each person’s unique talents to minister to others, and even more powerful to see how His Spirit worked through our efforts to make an eternal impact.
How did your school help you identify/develop your calling?
One of the key ways CBC / Evangel helped shape my calling was by encouraging a passion for people. Whether serving through vocational ministry or leading within a company, a heart for people is essential to success. Businesses are ultimately just buildings and products—largely similar from one company to another—but it’s the people who define a company’s identity and culture. CBC / Evangel instilled in me the importance of valuing and investing in others.
How did your experience as a student prepare you for life after graduation?
This question really made me reflect. I’m not sure I fully understood the impact of my experience as a student at the time I graduated. We often take for granted what we learn in school, especially the lessons that come not from the classroom, but from the life experiences we gain along the way. College is often the first real opportunity we have to think for ourselves and to experience personal and spiritual growth in a meaningful way.
Looking back, I truly value that my time at CBC / Evangel taught me how to think critically and pursue what the Lord had for me. That pursuit has ebbed and flowed over the years, but every time I returned to seeking God’s direction and applying the talents and experiences He’s given me, I have been able to clearly understand the path before me.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Work hard and be flexible. The job environment is changing faster than I’ve ever seen in the past, and adaptability is key. The person who works with all their heart, “as working for the Lord” and is open to change when, not if, it comes will have the best ability to be successful in today’s evolving professional landscape.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
I would look for individuals who work with all their heart, “as working for the Lord”, communicate effectively, and demonstrate drive and initiative. A great personality and flexibility are also essential. We value people with an entrepreneurial mindset—those who think for themselves and work independently—while also respecting authority and direction. The ability to balance independence with teamwork and leadership is key to long-term success.