In this unforgettable episode of the Profitable Christian Business Podcast, Doug Greathouse sits down with Steven Pemberton, founder of Elevatum Digital and creator of The Capital Sprint, to talk about the intersection of faith, funding, and obedience in today's business world.

Steven's journey is one of radical transformation — from burnout and brokenness to building multiple seven-figure businesses with his wife. He shares how faith, trust, and obedience to God's direction shaped not only his entrepreneurial success but his definition of it.

They unpack how startup funding has changed, why investors now demand traction and clarity, and the mindset shift every founder must make to thrive in this new investment landscape. Steven also opens up about the spiritual side of entrepreneurship — learning that obedience doesn't always equal immediate blessing, and that success defined by faith looks very different from worldly success.

If you're an entrepreneur navigating uncertainty, raising capital, or just trying to follow God's voice in your business decisions, this conversation will inspire and challenge you to lead with both strategy and surrender.

• The era of funding "napkin ideas" is over — traction and clarity matter most.

• You don't need millions in revenue to attract investors; you need product-market fit.

• Investors fund people, not just ideas — your story and confidence matter.

• Early traction, even $2,000/month, can prove your model to investors.

• Faith-led obedience often leads through valleys before mountain tops.

• Obedience doesn't always equal blessing — sometimes it equals growth.

• Build a team and story investors can believe in.

• True success is helping others and building what lasts eternally.

• Joy is rooted in presence with God, not in external results.

• You can serve first and still grow strong businesses God's way.

👉 Learn more about Steven and his work at Elevatum Digital
👉 Connect with Steven:
Instagram | LinkedIn

In this inspiring episode of the Profitable Christian Business Podcast, Doug Greathouse sits down with Micah Pritchard, COO of Service Reef, to explore the intersection of faith, leadership, and identity. Micah shares his personal journey from the corporate world to nonprofit leadership and the lessons he's learned along the way about success, productivity, and building a legacy that lasts beyond business achievements.

The conversation dives deep into how to seek God's guidance in decision-making, balance work with family, and avoid tying identity solely to professional accomplishments. Micah also offers practical insights on energy management, redefining success with an eternal perspective, and how mentorship and community can shape leaders.

Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or striving to keep faith at the center of your work, this episode will encourage and equip you with wisdom for the journey.

• Seek God's guidance in every leadership decision.

• True success is not only about profitability but about eternal impact.

• Energy management is key to productivity.

• Balance work and family life with intentionality.

• Identity should never be tied only to work or titles.

• Building a legacy is about people, not just profits.

• Community and mentorship are vital for growth.

• Service Reef helps nonprofits mobilize volunteers and multiply impact.

• Redefine retirement as a new season of purpose, not the end of it.

👉 Learn more about Micah and his work at ServiceReef.com
👉 Connect with him on LinkedIn

In this powerful second conversation with Matt Blanchard, we dive even deeper into his remarkable journey of resilience, faith, and personal growth. Twice paralyzed and once caught in the grip of addiction, Matt's story is one of overcoming adversity with authenticity, community support, and unwavering faith.

Matt opens up about how addiction recovery taught him the importance of self-love, why perspective can transform challenges into opportunities, and how faith reshaped his definition of success. He reminds us that true success isn't measured by money but by relationships, legacy, and the impact we leave on others.

💡 Matt now shares this message on stages across the country, equipping audiences with hope and practical wisdom to overcome their own challenges.

You'll hear Matt's insights on the difference between joy and happiness, the power of forgiveness, and why loving your neighbor is the simplest yet most powerful principle for a fulfilled life.

Whether you're facing personal struggles, navigating leadership challenges, or simply seeking encouragement, this episode will inspire you to embrace your journey and keep moving forward.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Resilience is built through adversity, not in comfort.

Addiction recovery is possible—even when setbacks happen.

Labels don't define you—your identity can be redefined in Christ.

Perspective changes everything.

Faith brings clarity to purpose and success.

Community support is essential for healing and growth.

Joy flows from authenticity and self-acceptance.

True success is about relationships, legacy, and love.

👉 Bring Matt's Story to Your Stage
Matt Blanchard doesn't just share a testimony—he delivers a life-changing message of resilience, faith, and hope that inspires audiences to rise above adversity and live with purpose. If you want your audience to walk away challenged, encouraged, and ready to embrace joy over circumstance, book Matt to speak at your church, conference, or event today.

🔗 blanchardinspires.com

⏰ Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:54 The Accident and Its Aftermath
07:42 Struggles with Addiction
15:40 Perspective on Life and Challenges
22:11 Spiritual Transformation
29:11 Support Systems and Community
34:06 Redefining Success
35:47 The Anticipation of Freedom
36:54 Defining Success and Legacy
38:10 The Impact of Kindness and Humanity
38:59 The Simplicity of Love
40:06 The Power of Forgiveness
41:38 Embracing the Journey
42:48 The Power of Affirmations
44:34 Joy vs. Happiness
48:51 The Relationship with God and Self
50:24 The Importance of Authenticity
52:12 Offering Help to the Next Generation

In this episode of the Profitable Christian Business Podcast, Doug Greathouse interviews Christopher Trocola, founder and CEO of ARC Defense Systems. Christopher shares his incredible journey — from selling vacuums door-to-door, to hitting rock bottom with devastating injuries and financial struggles, to hearing God's voice and stepping into one of his biggest business successes in the solar industry.

Through raw honesty and powerful testimony, Christopher reveals how faith, perseverance, and divine guidance carried him from a broken arm, leg, and financial loss… all the way to building thriving businesses.

You'll discover:

• How Christopher went from negative $2,000 in his bank account to building a successful solar company

• Why hearing God's voice was the turning point in his entrepreneurial journey

• The role of adversity and perseverance in shaping true business leaders

• Why faith and work are inseparable in living out your calling

• How ARC Defense Systems is innovating with AI defense technology today

• The daily practices that keep Christopher grounded in God's purpose

📣 Get your free digital download of Christopher's book Chains Off, Crowns On → arcdefense.us/christianbusiness

• Website: arcdefense.us

• Free Book: arcdefense.us/christianbusiness

• Facebook: Christopher Trocola

• Instagram: @chris_trocola

• LinkedIn: Christopher Trocola

In this episode of the Profitable Christian Business Podcast, Doug Greathouse sits down with Jennifer Elia, founder of Lead Funnel Scale and a marketing strategist helping businesses grow through simple, effective, and sustainable strategies.

Jennifer shares how her homesteading lifestyle connects to her faith and her approach to marketing. She explains why consistency matters more than chasing viral trends, how systems prevent burnout, and why trust is the foundation of lasting client relationships. With her focus on data, research, and simplicity, Jennifer equips small businesses to create profitable campaigns without gimmicks or overwhelm.

You'll discover:

• Why consistency trumps virality in long-term marketing success

• How building trust and relationships drives real growth

• The role of systems in avoiding burnout and scaling smart

• How data and research optimize campaigns for profit

• Why small businesses matter for protecting community freedom

• How Jennifer's faith shapes her client-first approach to business

📣 Ready to see if your business is prepared for ads?
👉 Take Jennifer's free Ad Readiness Quiz here: leadfunnelscale.com/ads-readiness-quiz

• Website: Lead Funnel Scale

• Ad Readiness Quiz: leadfunnelscale.com/ads-readiness-quiz

• Facebook: Jennifer Elia

• LinkedIn: Jennifer Elia

In this episode of the Profitable Christian Business Podcast, Doug Greathouse sits down with LazRael Lison, an award-winning director, writer, and producer whose films have appeared on Netflix, BET, Amazon, and Lifetime. His latest project, Finding Faith, premiered nationwide in 800 theaters before becoming the #1 film in its Lifetime release.

LazRael shares his inspiring journey from writing plays in junior high to directing major feature films, highlighting the power of storytelling as a tool for connection and transformation. He opens up about preparation, faith, and love as essential guiding forces in his life and career — and offers wisdom for aspiring filmmakers navigating Hollywood.

You'll discover:

• Why storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others

• How faith and values can guide creativity in the entertainment industry

• Why preparation and flexibility are non-negotiables in filmmaking

• The importance of community, love, and support in a challenging industry

• How Finding Faith tackles themes of redemption and personal growth

✨ Whether you're an entrepreneur, filmmaker, or faith-driven leader, LazRael's story will inspire you to create with courage and stay true to your values.

📣 Watch LazRael's latest film Finding Faith now streaming on Lifetime & Hulu

👉 Connect with LazRael:

• Instagram: @lazrael_lison

• Facebook: LazRael Lison | Director LazRael Lison

• LinkedIn: LazRael Lison

• IMDb: LazRael Lison

In this episode of the Profitable Christian Business Podcast, Doug Greathouse sits down with Matt Blanchard, an inspiring speaker who has faced unimaginable adversity yet radiates joy and purpose. Twice paralyzed in devastating car accidents, Matt's story is not about what he's lost, but about what he's gained: perspective, resilience, and an unshakable faith.

Matt shares the power of self-love, gratitude, and community, and how authenticity and mindset can transform even the darkest challenges into opportunities for growth. His story is a powerful reminder that happiness is not about circumstances — it's about choices.

You'll learn:

• Why the secret to happiness begins with loving yourself

• How faith anchors us when life feels impossible

• The importance of gratitude and perspective in recovery

• How non-negotiables build focus, discipline, and resilience

• Why community and authenticity matter most in hard seasons

✨ Matt's authenticity, humor, and faith-filled wisdom will leave you encouraged, challenged, and ready to choose joy no matter your circumstances.

📣 Want Matt to inspire your community or event?
👉 Book him as a speaker at BlanchardInspires.com

• Website: BlanchardInspires.com

• Facebook: facebook.com/matt.blanchard333

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mattyblanch3

• Instagram: instagram.com/mattyblanch3

• TikTok: tiktok.com/@mattyblanch03

• LinkTree: MattBlanchardInspires

In this episode of the Profitable Christian Business Podcast, host Doug Greathouse is joined by Valerie Pugsley, a Success Mindset & Abundance Coach who equips growth-minded entrepreneurs to break through procrastination, perfectionism, and overwhelm.

Valerie shares the power of intentional language, how our internal dialogue shapes our business success, and how faith intersects with self-talk, money beliefs, and purpose. From navigating pressure with grace to unlocking momentum through her RISE Framework, Valerie reveals how to shift your thoughts so you can operate from peace—not pressure.

You'll hear:

• How perfectionism is a sneaky form of self-sabotage

• The neuroscience behind negative self-talk and how to rewire it

• Why stillness and listening for God's voice can change everything

• How to build relationships that actually drive business growth

• What it means to live into your future self starting today

This episode is a heart-centered and mind-renewing conversation packed with practical and spiritual tools for entrepreneurs.

🎁 Free Gift: Rewire Your Mindset with the Power of Intentional Language
👉 Grab it here

🔗 Connect with Valerie:

• Website: ValCares.com/words

• YouTube: @ValCares

• Instagram: @valcaresdotcom

• LinkedIn: Valerie Pugsley

• Link Tree: valcares.com/links