On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews sits down with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, for a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, and what it truly means to build a business around people—not just products.

Tune in to hear how the unlikely origin story of a small bird-feeding store in Wisconsin becomes a masterclass in principle-driven leadership. Listen as Joe shares how his parents' retail shop grew into the number one sport-optics brand in the world, not by chasing trends, but by committing to service, integrity, and genuine human connection. You'll also hear the heart behind Vortex's legendary VIP Warranty, why service is a true superpower, and how putting people first—customers and employees alike—has shaped a company that's built to last.

If today's conversation resonated, this is where you can find more of the principles, stories, and lessons behind the CARE Movement.

• CARE Movement: www.vortexcare.com
• YouTube & Instagram: @joehamiltonlive
• LinkedIn: Joe Hamilton
• Find more at VortexOptics.com

This week on The Professional Noticer, Andy Andrews unwraps a Christmas favorite with an encore reading of Socks for Christmas—proof that the best surprises don't always come in shiny boxes.

Told through the eyes of a young boy on Christmas Eve, this story captures the wonder, anticipation, and quiet lessons that only childhood—and Christmas—can teach. With humor, warmth, and Andy's unmistakable storytelling style, Socks for Christmas reminds us that the moments we remember most aren't always the ones we expected… and that perspective often comes wrapped in the simplest packages.

Whether this is your first time hearing it or a tradition you return to each year, this episode is a perfect pause in the middle of a busy season—a chance to smile, reflect, and remember what really matters. Settle in, listen closely, and enjoy this special Christmas episode of The Professional Noticer. 🎄

It's become one of our favorite Christmas traditions—and it's back again. 🎄

This week, Andy welcomes Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, the duo behind one of the most recorded Christmas songs of all time: Mary, Did You Know? (Seriously…there are so many versions, no one can count them.)

Tune in as Mark shares how the lyrics were first written, Buddy explains how the music came together years later, and both reveal a surprising twist—there was once an entirely different melody.

You'll also hear them reminisce about childhood Christmas memories, talk through why the song continues to resonate across generations, share their favorite renditions, and laugh through one of Mark's most memorable (and awkward) encounters with people who didn't quite love his explanation of the song.

Whether you've heard this episode before or it's your first time, this annual release is the perfect way to slow down, laugh a little, and enjoy the story behind a Christmas classic.

Buddy's favorite versions of Mary, Did You Know?

• Michael English: https://amzn.to/384wrGD
• Pentatonix: https://amzn.to/34feTq5
• Clay Aiken: https://amzn.to/3mlZ7jm
• CeeLo Green: https://amzn.to/3nxXyAB

Mark's favorite versions of Mary, Did You Know?

• Christ Church Choir: https://youtu.be/1jv_a24Bh6s
• Natalie Cole: https://amzn.to/4iUz0Pw
• Donny Osmond: https://amzn.to/3micwZJ
• Carrie Underwood: https://amzn.to/3nmOu11

Find more from Buddy and Mark—and be sure to connect with them online:

Buddy Greene

• BuddyGreene.com
• Facebook.com/Buddy-Greene-Music-352032036982

Mark Lowry

• MarkLowry.com
• Facebook.com/markalanlowry