In 1991, WSFS Financial Corporation (WSFS Bank) was inches from being closed forever. Today, at over 190 years old, WSFS is the leading independent bank serving the greater Philadelphia and Delaware region with a local presence and national subsidiaries. From Failing to Phenomenal is the nail-biting story of that journey— a behind-the-scenes look at events that have never been shared publicly. Authored by Marvin 'Skip' Schoenhals, retired Chairman, President, and CEO of WSFS Financial Corporation, with substantial assistance from Brittany Kriegstein, a professional journalist based in New York City. "From Failing to Phenomenal tells the story of courage and strategic conviction amid dynamic external forces and shows how leadership can turn around difficult circumstances to create enduring success. The story demonstrates that the Board, led by the Chair CJ Cheleden, the CEO Skip Schoenhals, and investors such as young Ted Weschler, who would go on to a significant role at Berkshire Hathaway, navigate a complex, changing world full of risk. Their story is relevant in today's business world of pandemics, inflation, and labor challenges because no matter what, the external and internal challenges, courage, conviction, and leadership matter. You will enhance your business skills, learn, and find the reading well worth the time. I highly recommend it!" -Dan Lavender, CEO/President Moorings Park Institute, Inc. "During my career I saw many business-success-story books come across my desk but this one gets the prize as to how well it is written. It will make a good read in Entrepreneurship, Finance and Management curriculums. It is extremely well written and a superbly organized book. It is a lively account of rescuing and reviving a historic bank in Delaware . -Labh S. Hira Ph.D., CPA, Dean Emeritus, Ivy College of Business, Iowa State University " From Failing to Phenomenal is the amazing and remarkable true story of the Wilmington Savings Fund Society. While this story reads like an adventure novel, it is filled with insightful and inspiring leadership principles, every page. The author and CEO, Skip Schoenhals, does not just tell a story; he lived the story, every day. This is not just an historical account about banking but a conversation on making tough decisions, seeking wise counsel, and doing the right thing, every time. A book well written, Skip's wise leadership acumen comes alive in every chapter, driving you to the next chapters of wise counsel. When I thought the CEO was going to quit and throw in the towel, he pressed in and pressed on to success, for every employee and shareholder. It is a must read for every leader. My copy sits next to Good to Great - this book is that good! -Dr. Douglas Fagerstrom, Senior Fellow at the CEO Forum, Former CEO and President of Marketplace Chaplains "From Failing to Phenomenal is well written and easily readable, lays out how the author achieved this significant turnaround, and subsequent success. Excellent reading!" -Retired CEO of Gencorp and Director, TriState Capital Bank "I just completed reading From Failing to Phenomenal, and this is one of the best and most enjoyable books I have read. I especially understand and feel the testimonial on page 192." -Todd "The retired chairman, president, and CEO of WSFS Financial Corporation provides a behind-the-scenes look at the bank's tumultuous journey. Coming back from near closure in 1991, WSFS has had a storied history serving the greater Philadelphia and Delaware region. Schoenhals also relays foundational leadership principles and good business practices, sharing his hard-earned knowledge and the importance of perseverance with readers." -Wharton Magazine, Alumni Book Roundup, Summer 2023 Marvin N. Schoenhals served as Chief Executive Officer of WSFS from 1990 to 2005 and Chairman/Executive Chairman from 1992 to 2017. From 1990 to 2007, he also served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Schoenhals was a director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh from 1997 to 2007, serving as their Chairman from 2005 to 2007. He was a member of the Brandywine Mutual Fund's Board of Directors from 1995 to 2006. He served on the Board of Burris Logistics, a privately owned distributer of frozen and dry foods, from 1998 to 2016, including chairman from 2005 to 2015. Mr. Schoenhals is a former trustee and former Chairman of the Delaware Public Policy Institute. He is a former Chairman of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and former Chairman of the Sunday Breakfast Mission. Until 2013, Mr. Schoenhals was Chairman of Vision 2015, a Delaware coalition that created a plan to improve Delaware public education. Mr. Schoenhals received the Josiah Marvel Cup Award from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, presented annually to honor a Delawarean who has made an outstanding contribution to the state, community and society. In 2004, he was inducted into the Delaware Business Leaders Hall o