Podcast interview with Steve Graves on business leadership, entrepreneurship, and work-life integration. He's offered our audience a free copy of his new book Flourishing! Key Takeaways - Steve Graves is a multi-faceted leader: author, CEO coach, business owner, and ministry supporter - Emphasizes the importance of objective business evaluation, understanding business lifecycle stages, and creating a "composite scorecard" for life - Advocates for compressed learning through relationships, reading, and application to accelerate growth - Stresses the value of developing a strong organizational culture as a key business asset Topics Steve Graves' Background and Current Roles - Author with a weekly blog on faith, leadership, and strategy - Coaches CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs across industries for 3-4 decades - Owns multiple companies acquired over the years - Maintains involvement with global ministry nonprofits annually - Family man: married with 3 adult children and 5 (soon 6) grandchildren Business Evaluation and Investment Criteria - Looks for natural "tailwinds" in the business (e.g., customers, offering, finances, people, product/service) - Emphasizes the importance of a viable financial model and economic formula - Considers the leader's suitability for the business's current and next stage - Objectifies investment decisions beyond personal relationships Business Lifecycle Stages 1. Zero to One: Idea to launch, testing business theory 2. One to Five: Initial growth, organizational development, market validation 3. Five to Five Hundred: Scaling, competing effectively, significant market presence Work-Life Integration - Rejects "work-life balance" in favor of a "composite scorecard of life" - Stresses the importance of performing well across all life roles (e.g., spouse, parent, professional) - Advocates for identifying God-given assignments vs. mere opportunities - Emphasizes the need to say "no," "not now," or "not yet" to maintain focus Learning and Growth - Recommends compressing learning through relationships, reading, and podcasts - Suggests putting new knowledge into immediate application - Emphasizes deep personal formation work alongside skill acquisition Organizational Culture - Views strong culture as a critical business asset (e.g., Chick-fil-A) - Stresses the importance of defining and living out organizational values - Encourages leaders to regularly evaluate if the company truly operates by its stated values Next Steps - Listeners to check out CornerstoneCo.com for more information on Steve's work and Cornerstone Plus offering

Franklin Scott (affectionately known as Slim) faithfully served college students for many decades, with nearly 3 decades as the Senior Campus Minister at UGA's BCM. Franklin has been Matthew's mentor since his time at UGA. Franklin and Matthew talk about: How did his faith journey begin. How his faith influences his decisions. His advice on building good habits and what he would encourage them to do to strengthen their faith. How mentor's have shaped his life. His advice for someone who is struggling with their faith. How to discern God's call on your life. How to share your faith. What advice would he would have in passing on faith from one generation to another. And finally, the advice that he would give to his younger self.

Steve Beecham is an author, speaker, and business owner. He owns ⁠Home Town Mortgage⁠. He discusses his business experience, referral marketing strategies, and speaking career to provide insights for entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

- Referral-based businesses thrive on deep relationships; join multiple organizations to expand your network

- Provide value and "wow" experiences to generate reciprocity and increase referrals

- Speaking careers require consistent effort in marketing and building an audience

- Diversifying business interests can lead to new opportunities and growth

Topics

Steve Beecham's Business Background

- 30+ years in the mortgage industry

- Owns boutique mortgage company with son and small team

- Survived the 2008 financial crisis by pivoting to writing and speaking

- Published 4 books on becoming a community's "go-to" person

Referral Marketing Strategies

- Focus on making people aware of your business existence

- Paint vivid pictures of what you're looking for when asking for referrals

- Join multiple organizations (e.g., Rotary, Chamber of Commerce) to build deep relationships

- Aim for one new deal per month from each organization joined

- Leverage social media: "kidnap" friends on Facebook to expand network

Creating "Wow" Experiences

- Go beyond good service to create memorable experiences

- Explore clients' personal interests/needs beyond your service

- "Wow" experiences double referral rates from 10% to 20-25%

- Example: Helping a client's son find a job in an unrelated field

Speaking Career Development

- Wrote his first book during the 2008 financial crisis, leading to speaking opportunities

- Started with free 20-minute speeches at local Rotary clubs

- Expanded to paid speaking engagements through connections (e.g., Edward Jones)

- Treat speaking as a business: market yourself, build an audience

- Leverage social media and existing network for speaking opportunities

Business Diversification

- Invested in painting and HVAC businesses using marketing expertise

- Exploring hard money loans for house flippers

- Advice: Buy and hold properties for long-term wealth-building

Brennon Touchet is the Discipleship Pastor at Galilee Christian Church in Jefferson, GA. He and his wife Heather live in the Jackson County area with their three girls. Brennon offers great insights into discipleship and building intimacy with God.

Key Takeaways

• Brennon's faith journey was shaped by generational influence, starting with his grandfather's conversion

• Addressing sin directly and teaching repentance is crucial for passing faith to the next generation

• Studying Scripture holistically reveals deeper connections and beauty in God's narrative

• Embracing difficult situations with faith leads to spiritual growth and stronger relationships

Topics

Brennon's Faith Journey

• Grandfather was the first in his family to become Christian, passed faith to Brennon's mother

• Grew up in Church of Christ, baptized in 8th grade at church camp

• Early evangelism experiences with Catholic friends in South Louisiana

• Initially resistant to ministry calling, pursued other careers before accepting

Discerning God's Call

• Key advice: Listen to trusted people around you who know you well

• Brennon initially avoided ministry due to feeling unqualified

• Explored nursing, physical therapy, and education before accepting ministry role

• First full-time ministry job came after 7 years of a discernment process

Maintaining Faith and Decision-Making

• Relies on three pillars: God's Word (study), prayer, and community

• Regular self-evaluation and conversations with wife Heather to stay aligned

• Sets aside intentional time with spouse for faith-centered discussions

• Recognizes the importance of listening vs. trying to "fix" in marital communication

Advice for Faith Struggles

• Acknowledge it's normal and okay to wrestle with faith

• Don't give up - surround yourself with mature believers for support

• Read Psalms to see examples of faith struggles and praise

• Remember the gospel - Christ's sacrifice demonstrates your worth

Influential Figures in Faith

• Parents modeled church involvement and prioritizing faith community

• His childhood pastor trusted Brennon with responsibilities, fostering growth

• Pastor's passion for original languages inspired deeper Bible study

Passing Faith to the Next Generation

• Brennon's master's thesis focused on biblical fatherhood and family dynamics

• Emphasizes addressing sin directly with children, teaching repentance

• Balances stern discipline with "soft hand" approach (still learning)

• Focuses on pointing children to Christ rather than manipulating behavior

Recent Impactful Resources

• Book: "Jonah and the Shadows of Eden" - reveals scriptural interconnections

• The Bible Project - provides helpful overviews of biblical narrative

Rob Downey, founder of Simply Be Found, discusses his company and experience in the digital marketing industry. He discusses how Simply Be Found helps small businesses with listing management, social media marketing, and AI-powered SEO. Rob shares his background, including previously selling companies to venture capital groups and working in the franchise industry.

Rob explains why small businesses should not just focus on a Google My Business profile, but instead get listed across a wide network of 500+ directories, voice assistants, and search engines. He outlines the benefits of this approach and how Simply Be Found's $39/month service handles the listing management.

Rob discusses how Simply Be Found's social media platform uses AI to generate unique, personalized content for each business, avoiding the generic, spammy content that often results from franchises or agencies repurposing the same posts. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and relevance.

Rob explains how Simply Be Found's AI-driven SEO service helps businesses optimize their websites, even for those on platforms like Wix or WordPress, without requiring direct access. The service integrates with Google Analytics and Search Console to make data-driven improvements.

Rob shares how Simply Be Found had to pivot its platform-based business model after realizing it was not being used as intended. He discusses the importance of being adaptable and making tough decisions to stay ahead of technological changes, even if it means letting go of a product you've invested in.

Rob's key advice is to take risks and believe in yourself, while also recognizing that making money is easier than keeping it. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating risk based on market opportunity and the ability to reach that market organically.

Conduct a podcast interview with Cole Flanders for "The Family Table" series, discussing parenting and family life.

Key Takeaways

- Cole emphasizes intentional parenting, focusing on instilling concepts rather than just rules

- The Flanders family prioritizes Sabbath-keeping as a key tradition to pass down

- Cole balances demanding work as a Chick-fil-A operator with intentional family time

- Parenting resources like Paul David Tripp have significantly shaped their approach

Topics

Cole's Family Background

- Married to Alicia for 9+ years

- Two children: 4.5-year-old daughter Hazel and 17-month-old son Alden

- Cole views his role as head of household, aiming to model Christ-like love

Family Traditions and Bonding

- Sunday morning "muffin makers" tradition with daughter

- Intentional about creating special moments, like chasing/playing after watering flowers

- Prioritize Sabbath-keeping on Sundays for family time and rest

Parenting Philosophy

- Focus on teaching concepts rather than just rules (e.g. respecting authority vs. specific "don't do X")

- Strive for consistency in parenting approach, even during vacations

- Openly discuss and admit parental mistakes/sins to children

- The ultimate goal is children's relationship with Christ, not just worldly success

Work-Life Balance

- Navigated challenges during the Chick-fil-A leadership program while starting a family

- Intentionally chose home close to new store (1/3 mile) to maximize family time

- Recognize the intense time demands of the new store, but plan strategically as a couple

Parenting Resources

- Paul David Tripp's materials are highly influential

- Impactful video on long-term parenting goals (mission field vs. "successful" life)

Advice for New Parents

- Remember children ultimately belong to God, not parents

- Admit weaknesses/mistakes to children, modeling need for Jesus

Next Steps

- Cole to open new Chick-fil-A store in December

- Continue intentional family time during the demanding store opening period

- Maintain Sabbath-keeping tradition in a new location

Interview with Joe Morgan on his entrepreneurial journey and business insights for Market Mavericks. He operates multiple businesses with a specialty in technology and patents.

Key Takeaways

- Joe emphasizes the importance of business plans, even for experienced entrepreneurs

- Intellectual property and patents can be lucrative opportunities, often overlooked by many

- Maintaining work-life balance and prioritizing family is crucial for long-term success

- Networking and never saying no to meetings can lead to significant opportunities

Topics

Current Business Overview

- Joe currently runs three interrelated companies

- Focus on intellectual property and technology innovation

- Aims to find more efficient ways to deliver products/services while maintaining quality and margins

First Business Venture

- Started in television production, buying a working facility through an SBA loan

- Ran the production business for about 15 years before transitioning

Intellectual Property and Innovation

- Holds over 30 patents

- Developed prepaid cellular technology (now AT&T Go Phone)

- Advises looking at existing tools/processes differently to find patentable improvements

Common Entrepreneurial Mistakes

- Focusing solely on core skills while neglecting other business aspects (e.g. HR, bookkeeping)

- Neglecting receivables and cash flow management

- Not creating a comprehensive business plan before starting

Business Plan Importance

- Forces entrepreneurs to think through potential problems and expansion plans

- Helps in budgeting and understanding the true costs of running a business

- Can be crucial for securing funding or selling the business (e.g. Joe's $10 million sale to AT&T)

Staying Ahead in Business

- Attend industry conventions and trade shows (e.g. CES) to spot trends

- Focus on understanding where technology and market demands are heading

- Recap and analyze information gathered daily during events

Networking and Mentorship

- Never say no to a meeting, even if inconvenient

- Build relationships that can lead to future opportunities

- Seek to learn from accomplished individuals in business

Work-Life Balance

- Schedule family time like business appointments

- Recognize the importance of personal well-being for business success

- Use faith (specifically mentioned the Bible) as a guiding principle in business

Special guest interview with Kevin Shaw for the "Belief Builders" podcast segment of Pillars of Purpose. Kevin and his wife Diana live in Atlanta and have three adult children and two children-in-laws. Kevin has experience as a business owner, investor, and currently is the CEO of a thriving retirement community in Atlanta, Georgia. He shares about his faith impacting every area of his life.

Key Takeaways

- Kevin's faith journey began in college, evolving from a works-based to a faith-based understanding of salvation

- Mentorship and discipleship have been crucial in Kevin's spiritual growth, with a 30+ year mentoring relationship

- Kevin emphasizes making decisions through the lens of "what pleases God" rather than personal benefit

- Intentional practices like Bible reading, prayer, and surrendering control to God help discern His calling

Topics

Kevin's Faith Journey

- Raised in a Christian home but initially confused about salvation by works vs. faith

- College years brought clarity on the gospel and personal implications

- Campus minister Wayne challenged Kevin to articulate his faith and get discipled

- Emphasizes the importance of mentors beyond parents for spiritual growth

Integrating Faith into Decision-Making

- Focuses on "what is pleasing to God" rather than personal benefit

- Applies this approach to marriage, parenting, business, and career decisions

- Requires faith to prioritize God's will over natural self-protective instincts

Spiritual Growth Practices

- Regular Bible reading (challenged to read through Bible in a year)

- Contemplative reflection on scripture, not just checkbox reading

- Organic prayer throughout the day, not just set quiet time

- Committing decisions to God and surrendering personal will

Influential Mentors

- Parents and wife Diana as ongoing spiritual influences

- Lynn Sykes: 30+ year mentoring relationship focused on intimacy with Jesus

- Monthly 2.5-hour lunches discussing life, books, and spiritual matters

Discerning God's Calling

- Surrendering personal will and holding decisions with "open hands"

- Praying for guidance while remaining faithful in current roles

- Patience in waiting for clear direction, sometimes over months

- Facing business challenges by offering the company to God

Passing Faith to Next Generation

- Intentional "Family Fun Time" (FFT) with scripture-based lessons

- More impactful: living out faith authentically, including apologizing for mistakes

- Bringing biblical worldview into everyday conversations (Deuteronomy 6 model)

Recent Impactful Content

- Sermon series and book on "ordinariness" by pastor Zach Bradley

- Book: "The Same Old Same" by Zack Eswine

- Theme: Finding God in ordinary, everyday moments vs. seeking spectacular experiences

Advice to Younger Self

- Be more understanding and empathetic

- Don't make big issues out of small things

- Recognize more "gray areas" instead of seeing everything as black and white

- Seek wisdom in navigating complex situations, balancing empathy with truth