Generous Business Owner

Hosted by Jeff Thomas, Alan Barnhart, Jeff Rutt

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

214

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Many business owners think they have to wait until after they sell their company to do significant giving. Each week, listen as Jeff Thomas, Alan Barnhart, Jeff Rutt and their guests discuss practical ways to be more generous NOW. Whether your business does one million in revenue or one billion, this podcast is for you.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202639 min

Chuck Welden: Integrating Faith Deeply into Your Business

What is the goal and assignment you have received from God? In this episode, Jeff and Chuck discuss: God can find you wherever you are, even if you aren’t expecting it. Humbling and honestly handling struggles. Ministry outside of church employment. Beginning with moderation on business ministry. Key Takeaways: Your work matters to God. He can have an impact through you no matter what industry or sector you are in. You’re not as smart as you think you are; you’re not as dumb as you think you are, either. You don’t treasure what you don’t measure. How are you progressing God’s Kingdom each day? Get good at what you’re doing. It will help your business flourish and your generosity increase. "We say you don't treasure what you don't measure. We measure everything, and then we rely on God to show us how we can change and how we can evolve, how we can modify." — Chuck Welden Episode References: Pete Ochs: Creating a Vision of Who You Can Be Lead Like Jesus Revisited by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Phyllis Hendry Your Work Matters to God by Doug Sherman and William Hendricks About Chuck Welden: Chuck Welden is a principal at WeldenField in Birmingham, Alabama, where he focuses on alternative investments and real estate opportunities, which include acquisition, development, and construction for multifamily, single-family, hotel, active adult, and land development. www.weldenfield.com Investing in Business as Mission Companies has been one of the focal points for alternative investments, with over 40 investments in a dozen countries. He, along with several others, created the Lion’s Den, which is an annual “shark tank” like event for business as mission companies held in Birmingham each October. www.thelionsden.us These interactions continue to inform WeldenField as it looks for intersection points for integrating business and faith in its own business activities, including forming a Business as Mission Real Estate Fund focused on value-add opportunities in the Southeast. The Fund’s goal is to achieve market-rate returns while having a strong social and spiritual impact with their residents and the surrounding community. Chuck and his wife, Lauren, reside in Birmingham, Alabama. They have four children and eleven grandchildren. Connect with Chuck Welden: Website: www.weldenfield.com Website: www.thelionsden.us Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

June 9, 202640 min

Jacob Robinson: Operating with Imagination, Building with Faith

What if all of the nos and disasters of your life are the start of the exact path God is using to build something bigger? In this episode, Jeff and Jacob discuss: Discovering entrepreneurship through networking. Seeing the world how Jesus asks us to. Operating from a place of faith, not fear, regardless of our memory of fear. Learning something every step of the way. Key Takeaways: Take the first step - it is more likely to be a curb or a three foot wall, not a cliff. Start before you know everything. You will be learning throughout the process of whatever you’re doing. You are going to miss, both for good and for bad, but you won’t know if you don’t start. The spirit of fear is not of the Lord. He can do more with us than we think is possible. You cannot write the end of your story. Just keep going - your story will be worth telling one day. "The Lord did not give you this vision or this desire or this relentless ability for nothing, and one of two things are going to happen: either the business will come to fruition, the way that you've envisioned it, and the way that the Lord has put on your heart, or it won't, but something will come out of that for the better." — Jacob Robinson About Jacob Robinson: Jacob Robinson is the founder of three start-ups including Dig World, a theme park where kids and adults get to operate real construction equipment. 1 Stone Solutions, a commercial cleaning company and DryPort Capital, an industrial outdoor storage real estate firm. He has successfully started, raised funds, built management teams, and executed plans to bring three diverse businesses to life. In 2023, Jacob was recognized as one of the “Most Admired CEOs in Houston” by the Houston Business Journal. He is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Brookwood Community for disabled adults and is involved in his church. In 2025, Jacob aired on ABCs hit show, Shark Tank telling his personal story and the story of Dig World to a national audience. Jacob is a graduate from Texas A&M University. He lives in Katy, TX with his wife, Melissa and children, Pierce, Annie, and Spencer. Connect with Jacob Robinson: Website: https://digworldnation.com/ Website: https://www.jacobrobinson.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-robinson-9912b215 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacob.robinson.942/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinsonjacob Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

June 2, 202640 min

Ron Blue: How Biblical Money Principles Unlock Contentment and Generosity

Which of the five money habits do you need to strengthen in your life? In this episode, Jeff and Ron discuss: Hiring for quality to build the culture you’re looking for in your organization. Understanding where God stands in your life and path of success. Planting and watering people and allowing God to give the increase. The 4H Tool for a financial foundational framework. The five money habits everyone needs to master, from individuals to businesses to governments. Key Takeaways: God wires us all differently, and we're all unique pieces in his plan. God's Word speaks to any and every financial decision that anybody would make at any time under any set of circumstances. Being values aligned with your financial advisor is good business sense. Take time every day to spend with God in prayer and in the Bible. Listen to what He would have you do. "If you're not spending time in the morning with the Lord, then you really don't have anything to bring to the day." — Ron Blue About Ron Blue: Ron Blue is the founder of the Ron Blue Institute. He has also been the founder and co-founder of several organizations, including Ronald Blue and Company. That firm now Blue Trust, grew to advise on over $59 Billion in assets for its more than 10,000 clients nationwide with a staff of over 400 people in 17 offices across the country; Kingdom Advisors (KA), a ministry that trains Christian financial professionals to integrate biblical wisdom into their client advice; and the National Christian Foundation (NCF), a ministry that helps generous people create a biblically principled strategy that empowers Christians to be more faithful, generous, and fully alive. Ron is the author of more than twenty books on personal finance from a Biblical perspective. The Ron Blue Institute (RBI) serves Christian universities, churches, high schools, and financial professionals nationally and globally. RBI is dedicated to multiplying Ron’s decades of professional experience and intellectual property through publications, curriculum development, courses, and consultation in multiple outlets worldwide. Ron and his wife Judy have been married for fifty-eight years. They have five adult children, thirteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, and live in Bloomington, Indiana. Connect with Ron Blue: Website: https://ronblueinstitute.com/ Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

May 26, 202640 min

Tim Barker: Helping Others in Ways That Matter Forever

When it feels like everything in your life blows up, what do you do next? In this episode, Jeff and Tim discuss: Praying the dangerous prayer with intention. Finding joy in making a difference. How God refines us through loss. Discovering the global giving imbalance and the founding of ROI Ministry. Key Takeaways: God programmed us to desire to serve others, not to serve ourselves. Serving others in the middle of a personal crisis can become a turning point, shifting focus from self‑pity to joy and renewed calling. Your struggles and tribulations are what are going to allow you to serve others in unique ways. Strategic generosity—applying the same due diligence used in business to where and how we give—can multiply impact dramatically, especially for the poorest and least reached. Even small, consistent steps of wise giving, done in community and with trusted counsel, can compound over time into significant, kingdom-level influence. "No matter what you're going through, no matter how difficult it is, somebody else is probably going through something worse. Take the focus off yourself and go ahead, it's going to help you more than it helps them." — Tim Barker Episode References: Books by Dr. Ron Braund The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren About Tim Barker: Tim Barker Bio- Executive Director of ROI Ministry Inc. https://roiministry.org One of the very few proven ways to “Know you’re making a difference” by giving to the Top 10 through our website Author of BOOM – What to do with life blows up around you https://boomtimbarker.com An encouraging book to help you go from striving to thriving in ways that will matter to you, God, and others forever! Founder and sole owner of Resolute D&D Consulting Inc. https://resolutednd.com World’s leading High-risk demolition subject matter expert and primary developer of the industry’s professional certification and only 40-hour certification course High-risk contractor management services to help Fortune 500 and other large companies complete their projects safely on schedule and budget Connect with Tim Barker: Website: https://roiministry.org Website: https://resolutednd.com Book: BOOM: What To Do When Life Blows Up Around You - https://boomtimbarker.com Show: Problem + Solution: https://roiministry.org/problem-solution/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbarkerrednd Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

May 19, 202641 min

Steve Adams: God Sows the Seeds We Plant

What is God leading you to uniquely do in the discipleship of Him? In this episode, Jeff and Steve discuss: Developing leaders and allowing God to sow the seeds for what will happen later. Creating IBAM and the Tiger Medical Institute. Keeping the gospel as the core, no matter the tool of your business. Realigning with the Kingdom Path. Key Takeaways: The outside of something can look fantastic, but the inside may be crumbling. Don’t just take what you see at face value. Discipling is a commitment to walk with Jesus, not just speaking the right words. He calls for us to abide with Him. Abiding with Jesus does not require a grandiose plan. It requires walking with Him in His way. There is nothing secular in your life. Every decision and every action you take is sacred. "If you want to disciple others, you’ve got to be a disciple yourself." — Steve Adams Episode References: Practicing The Way by John Mark Comer With by Skye Jethani At Work As In Heaven by Scott Ryser Jordan Raynor Books: https://www.jordanraynor.com/books Get Free Access to Third Fish Academy: https://www.thirdfish.org/ About Steve Adams: Steve Adams is the Founder and CEO of IBAM (International Business As Mission), a global movement equipping Christian entrepreneurs to launch redemptive businesses that fuel church planting, disciple-making, and sustainable poverty alleviation. After leaving a successful corporate banking career at God's urging, Steve built a company to $100M in revenue — then redirected that operating discipline toward Kingdom impact. A 2004 mission trip to Bangkok ignited a calling that would reshape his life. Over the next decade, Steve helped plant 30 churches and witnessed 1,500 new believers come to Christ. But something was missing. As a businessman, he couldn't see himself working as a traditional missionary in a way that used his particular strengths. A business-driven mission trip to Russia in 2007 changed everything — training local believers to start sustainable businesses as platforms for discipleship showed him the power of entrepreneurship as a mission. In 2014, Steve launched IBAM and built the Three Fish Model: Give a Fish (startup loans), Teach to Fish (biblical entrepreneur training), and Equip for Discipleship. Today, IBAM operates across multiple countries in Africa, Asia, and Central Asia, with indigenous master trainers replicating the model locally. Biblical business training has raised loan repayment rates from roughly 40% to over 90%, proving that every dollar creates a flywheel — not a one-time handout. Steve also hosts the IBAM Biblical Entrepreneurship Show, a weekly podcast inspiring faith-driven entrepreneurs worldwide. His long-term vision: a business-as-mission practitioner in every village and one million entrepreneurs discipling nations through business. Learn more at www.ibam.org Connect with Steve Adams: Website: http://www.ibam.org/ Website: https://www.tigermi.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iBAM-org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-l-adams/ Twitter: https://x.com/ibamtoday Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internationalbusinessasmission Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibamtoday/ Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

May 12, 202640 min

Peter Greer: How Leaders Lose Their Way

Where are the small cracks in your organization that are deviating you from your mission, even if it seems inconsequential now? In this episode, Jeff and Peter discuss: Closing the gap between what we know and how we live. Leadership warnings from King David and King Solomon. Training up the next generation of leaders. Actively fighting against mission drift. Key Takeaways: What you do today might not seem consequential, but the habits that we establish, the way that we live today, the cumulative impact of those small decisions, do impact where we end up. The earlier you catch that you’re off track, the easier it is to get back on track. The best leaders realize they’re part of a bigger story. They actively and intentionally seek out and celebrate the success of others. Generosity is good for our hearts. It is a way of recentering ourselves in what God is doing in the world, not just with what we want. "Problems left unaddressed only grow in significance and impact on your life and on the lives of the people who are around you." — Peter Greer Episode References: HOPE International: https://www.hopeinternational.org/ Tim Keller: https://timothykeller.com/ How Leaders Lose Their Way: And How to Make Sure it Doesn’t Happen to You by Peter Greer: https://www.peterkgreer.com/how-leaders-lose-their-way-2/ About Peter Greer: Peter Greer is the CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered nonprofit working to alleviate poverty through entrepreneurship and discipleship in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. He is a bestselling coauthor of over 15 books, including Mission Drift, Rooting for Rivals, Lead with Prayer, and How Leaders Lose Their Way. Before joining HOPE, Peter worked internationally in microfinance in Cambodia, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda, and holds a graduate degree from Harvard Kennedy School. While his sports loyalties remain in New England, Peter and his family live in Lancaster, PA. Connect with Peter Greer: Website: https://www.peterkgreer.com/ Medium Blog: https://medium.com/@peter_greer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkgreer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterKGreer Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

May 5, 202634 min

Edgar Sandoval, Sr.: Finding Joy in Generosity

Are you ready to meet God where He has placed you to discover more about finding joy in generosity? In this episode, Jeff and Edgar discuss: From $50 in your pocket to business success. Creating hope at home and prosperity where people live. Joy in generosity. Welcoming the ideas of your team members and partners in ministry. Key Takeaways: Everyone needs someone to believe in them. Don’t think of your non-profit as “non-profit”. Think of it as for-impact. What is the impact that the business is having? One way of generosity and engagement with an organization is not a one-size-fits-all. Everyone involved has different needs, strengths, and abilities to have an impact. Transformation is a blessing that travels both ways when you are living with generosity and joy. "There are so many similarities between corporate and this type of ministry; we develop business plans, we have strategies, we have goals, we have metrics, and we can show the impact of their dollars. And so depending on how God has wired you, and depending on where you get your joy from your generosity, we're ready to meet you there." — Edgar Sandoval, Sr. About Edgar Sandoval, Sr.: Edgar was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Latin America. When he was 18, family hardship prompted him to return alone to the United States, speaking no English, with only his U.S. passport and $50 in his pocket. After earning degrees in industrial engineering and sociology from Rutgers University and an MBA from the Wharton School, Edgar was recruited by Procter & Gamble. A highlight of his 20-year P&G career was directing the creation and launch of the internationally acclaimed #LikeAGirl campaign, which dramatically transformed the popular perception of the phrase. In 2015, Edgar joined World Vision as chief operating officer in response to a clear calling he and his wife, Leiza, felt to the organization’s ministry. After stepping into the role of president and CEO in 2018, Edgar led the launch of Chosen®, World Vision’s invitation to child sponsorship that puts the power to choose in a child’s hands — flipping the script on a 70-year-old industry and garnering national recognition for innovation and impact. Under his leadership, World Vision has seen five consecutive years of record-breaking operating revenue– contributing to the organization’s goal of equipping and empowering more people than ever to step out of poverty into fuller lives. In addition, the organization has received the highest possible financial accountability ratings from top watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau. Edgar cherishes his faith in Jesus and his family above all. His wife, Leiza, is a former teacher who was born and raised in Puerto Rico. The Sandovals live near Seattle, Washington, and they have four children, including two daughters with special needs. Edgar’s understanding of the potential of every child, instilled in him through his experience raising his daughters, drives his dedication to World Vision’s mission of empowering the world’s most vulnerable children to take hold of their futures. Connect with Edgar Sandoval, Sr.: Website: https://www.worldvision.org/ Instagram: @WorldVisionUSA and @EdgarSandovalSr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgarasandovalsr/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldvisionusa Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

April 28, 202643 min

Paul Thrift: Don’t Wait - Utilizing the Platform You Have for Ministry

How do we pray about using the platform we've already been given in a more meaningful way? In this episode, Jeff and Paul discuss: How Paul built a real estate business straight out of high school. Decompartmentalizing faith and business. Reclaiming culture after growth and expansion. Utilizing your platform to serve God’s Kingdom. Key Takeaways: When you ask God, “What should I be doing?” make sure you listen to what He is trying to tell you. Building your ministry for your team, customers, and community will grow and be cultivated over time. You will not build the whole thing perfectly overnight. God will put you in the path of people you never would have met otherwise. Don’t wait until you think you’re ready. Just start. "Get started and lean in, and God will continue to bless that and open doors and reward that, or pull back opportunities. You just have to get started." — Paul Thrift About Paul Thrift: As Chief Executive Officer of Thompson Thrift Development, Paul oversees the company's overall strategy and culture. He founded Thompson Thrift (TT) with partner John Thompson in 1986. Under their leadership, the business has grown into the nationally recognized full-service real estate development and construction company it is today. In 2008, he cofounded Thompson Thrift Residential, a full-service upscale multifamily housing developer. Since then, TT Residential has developed over 25,000 Class A apartments across the USA. During his tenure, Paul has successfully guided Thompson Thrift Development and its over 670 team members through the competitive real estate marketplace while expanding its portfolio to include multifamily, mixed-use, retail, and industrial developments across the United States. His innovation and drive have fueled the company's over $6.6 billion in ground-up real estate projects and positioned TT as one of the country's top privately owned real estate companies. While Paul has been honored to have Thompson Thrift’s developments receive several awards and recognitions throughout his career, his passion lies in servant leadership and is very involved in community, volunteering, and serving multiple non-profit and civic organizations. He is the driving force behind TT Serve, Thompson Thrift’s philanthropic arm, which provides support to team members, financial and volunteer assistance within the communities Thompson Thrift serves, and through designated vision trips, seeking to aid international communities in need. Paul has also served with several non-profit civic organizations, including: • International Cooperating Ministries (ICM), Board Member • National Association of Home Builders Multifamily Leadership Board, 2022-23 Chair • National Multifamily Housing Council, Executive Board Member • National Multifamily Housing Council Political Action Committee, Board Member • Indiana Chamber Foundation, Board Member • Indiana State Chamber, Executive Committee Member, Past Chair • Indiana State University Foundation, Past Chair Athletic Advancement Committee • Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, Past Chair • Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation, Past Chair • Terre Haute Tomorrow & Terre Haute Competes, Steering Committee Chair • Wabash Valley Red Cross, Past Chair • World Gospel Church, Terre Haute, IN, Deacon Council Past Chair Connect with Paul Thrift: Website: https://www.thompsonthrift.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-thrift Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

April 21, 202641 min

Sharon Epps: From Numbers to Narrative - Serving Families, Women, and Kingdom Purpose

How are you subconsciously buying into the lie that there is a secular-sacred divide? In this episode, Jeff and Sharon discuss: The intersection of faith and finance. Glorifying God through your business leadership. Investing in the things that will last for eternity. Communicating with others through a common language narrative. Key Takeaways: God's ways work at all times, and they work for believers and non-believers. As a business person, you have a stronger pulpit than the pastor. You are with your employees for 40+ hours a week, not only 30 minutes per week. Busyness is not an indicator of success. It is a sneaky trap for comparison. Intentionality with what God has called you to is the key to success. Spouses should be having the money conversations, including working with the financial advisor, together. They should be on the same page and allow the money to tell a narrative. "I'm a firm believer that when we construct our business around fulfilling God's purpose and God's mission, then not only are employees going to be impacted, but our vendors will be impacted, our clients will be impacted, and, plus, it's just more joyful to live God's way." — Sharon Epps Episode References: Women Doing Well: https://womendoingwell.org/ Kingdom Advisors: https://kingdomadvisors.com/ About Sharon Epps: Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors. Sharon has a background in corporate banking, as a stewardship pastor, and as an executive with Crown Financial Ministries and Generous Church. She is also a co-founder of Women Doing Well. Sharon's passion is to energize stewardship and generosity through highly leveraged leaders. Connect with Sharon Epps: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonepps1 Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

April 14, 202634 min

Cary Brown: Gaining Perspective on God’s Ownership During the Wonderfully Difficult Times of Life

How can you keep score without being defined by the scoreboard? In this episode, Jeff and Cary discuss: Lessons learned during the first year with no profit in a family company. Stewardship versus entitlement - understanding the paradigm that God owns it all. Doing what God calls you to do as the next right thing. Riding the elevator of business, both up and down. Key Takeaways: God is always teaching us lessons, even if it takes until we meet Him again to understand fully. Marriage is a partnership, and in a good partnership, when things go well, they're twice as good because you get to share them. And when things go bad, they're half as bad because you've got somebody else to carry the weight. When we start to see God’s blessings as entitlements, it is going to suck the joy out of life. Find somebody whose life you respect, take them to lunch, talk to them, and ask them how they navigated some of these questions of stewardship and entitlement. "I don't know if this is right for everybody else, but my conclusion is, God always wants me to struggle with it. He always wants me to be asking the question, ‘Is this becoming about me and my lifestyle or the stewardship of what I entrusted to you?’" — Cary Brown Episode References: Kingdom Giving Fund: https://www.kingdomgivingfund.com/ About Cary Brown: Cary Brown is a co-founder of The Moriah Group. He is an entrepreneur who has grown businesses in oil and gas, real estate, software, specialty finance, and several other industries. He took the oil and gas company public in 2007, serving as its Chairman and CEO until his retirement in 2015. Today, he focuses on running the Family Office and helping various Kingdom-focused nonprofits. He serves as Chairman of the First Priority of America Board (an evangelism ministry focused on USA public schools) and Board member of Faith Tech (a ministry focused on networking and supporting Christians in the tech industry). Connect with Cary Brown: Website: https://www.moriahgroup.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-brown-285502152/ Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw