How has God uniquely designed you? How are you using those design gifts?

In this episode, Jeff and Josh discuss:

• Josh’s lifetime of learning begins in an immigrant home.
• Learning alongside and lifelong curiosity.
• Stewarding God’s resources responsibly.
• Using your business for impact in God’s kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

• Reading the newspapers (or other publications) from around the world allows you glimpses into cultures and people that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. As newspapers have gone out of fashion, you can still connect with others through other ways.
• If you want to live like a king, you have to treat your wife like a queen. If you’re neglecting your family, you’re not living up to your full potential.
• Lean into your interests and passions - God gave them to you to lead you and allow you to build His kingdom with your talents.
• As a business owner, there are things you can do to light the path for your team, clients, or network. How you apply gospel principles is unique to you and your business.

"There's just an infinite way that God's designed each of us. So I encourage each person to see how God has uniquely designed you exactly. Let that flourish in your giving, in how you run a company, and lean into that. You don't have to be a cookie cutter, there's more than one path." — Josh Kwan

About Josh Kwan: Josh Kwan is the President of The Gathering, a learning community of philanthropists motivated by their Christian faith to give humbly and steward wisely all the resources God has entrusted to their care. Previously, he was a Co-Founder and Partner at Praxis, a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship whose mission is to build ventures, foster community, and create content for equipping Christian innovators, founders, and funders.

Josh served as the Director of International Giving for the David Weekley Family Foundation, where he divided his time between conducting due diligence on innovative social enterprises and helping portfolio organizations scale their impact. He worked as a journalist and was published in The San Jose Mercury News, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and Stanford Social Innovation Review. He also co-founded Abide, a mobile app for encouraging and enlivening the practice of prayer and meditation. He has an AB from Harvard College and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. He lives with his family near San Francisco.

Connect with Josh Kwan:

Website: https://www.thegathering.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkwan/

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

Is it possible to be a great Christian, a loving husband, and do really well in the marketplace?

In this episode, Jeff, Jeff, and Pete discuss:

• The ups and downs of faith after growing up in church.
• Understanding wealth and keeping your kids' feet on the ground.
• Pleasing the Lord in all you do.
• Avoiding complacency

Key Takeaways:

• Looking successful because of your dad, does not lead to happiness.
• Find a reason to tell your son they don’t need to prove anything and that you are proud of them.
• Intentionality is the only way to make it work - there is no easy road.
• There are 31 Proverbs - if you don’t know where to start in the Bible, start on the current day in Proverbs.
• It is never too late to make peace with those in your life.

"Life balance is not the key. Intentionality and integration are the keys. The only way you can get good at saying no is to know what you’re saying yes to." — Pete Chambers

Episode References:

• Halftime Institute: https://halftimeinstitute.org/

About Pete Chambers: Pete Chambers is an entrepreneur and businessman at heart, who has based his leadership on Biblical principles and on Robert Greenleaf’s statement, “Good leaders must first become good servants.” A graduate of Texas Christian University, Pete’s career started in plant operations, sales, and business development for Chemical Lime Company, now a Lhoist Group Company. He later went back to school to attend the University of Texas MBA program, where his entrepreneurial drive gained traction. Soon after moving back to his hometown of Fort Worth, he purchased Diamond H Recognition, an employee recognition company. Under Pete’s direction as CEO and Chairman, the business was transformed into an employee engagement software platform serving Fortune 1000 companies worldwide. The company re-branded as Inspirus in 2009 and sold to Sodexo in 2016.

Pete is currently living out his mission to serve, lead, and connect leaders in thriving organizations as Managing Partner at Chambers Interests, a single-family office. Constant learning and personal growth have been Pete’s hallmark, compelling him to complete seven Halftime Institute programs and seminars, the YPO Harvard Executive Program, YPO Mergers and Acquisitions Seminar, Wharton School of Wealth Management Program, and the Insead Executive Management Program in Europe. Pete has served as President of the West Texas Chapter of Young Presidents’ Organization(YPO) and has been an active member of his YPO forum for over 25 years. He serves as Chairman of the Board at Rivertree Academy, a private, Christian school serving under-resourced students in a low-income community in Fort Worth. Pete is also a partner with Lloyd Reeb leading men to finish well in life via the 100X Program. Pete and his wife Raney have been married 30 years and have three daughters and one granddaughter.

Connect with Pete Chambers:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-chambers-7059995/

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

How are you keeping ego at bay and focusing on fearing God?

In this episode, Jeff, Jeff, and Mike discuss:

• Building a company by failing your way to success.
• Leaning into your area of expertise.
• Leveraging the energy of forward momentum, no matter how small.
• The important aspects to consider in your exit (especially for those in a family business).

Key Takeaways:

• Building a relationship with Christ is not about your ego….ego is just Edging God Out of your life.
• Slow down and be intentional about your quiet time with God, your prayer, your scripture study, and your mentorship of others and for yourself.
• If you want to sell or exit your business in the future, you have to delegate yourself out of the business.
• Consider joining a peer group for accountability in accomplishing your goals. Peers can be your most powerful tool.

"Be intentional about a balanced life. Keep God at the center." — Mike Mitchell

Episode References:

• Halftime Institute: https://halftimeinstitute.org/
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
• The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Values by Patrick M. Lencioni
• Men of Iron: https://menofiron.org/

About Mike Mitchell: Mike Mitchell is the Executive Director of The High Center at Elizabethtown College. Prior to joining the High Center, he was an owner of Amelia’s Grocery Outlets and served as President and CEO of the company from 1997- 2012. He oversaw all aspects of the 15-store grocery chain with over 400 employees and a 100,000-square-foot warehouse. The business was sold to a private equity firm, Berkshire Partners and Grocery Outlet Inc., a 442-store chain based in Berkley, California, in January 2012. Mitchell is a graduate of Elizabethtown College and has an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. Prior to joining Amelia’s, he worked as a Marketing Manager for several packaged goods companies including Heinz, General Mills, and Unilever. He has served in several board positions with Herr Foods, Irex Corporation, the Boys and Girls Club, and several other for-profit and non-profit organizations. Michael was the 2010 Lancaster Chamber Small Business Person of the Year and a 2019 Central Penn Most Admired CEO. He currently attends Community Fellowship Church where he is Treasurer and serves on the Administrative Board.

Connect with Mike Mitchell:

Website: https://thehighcenter.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mitchell-86929b73/

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

How are you boldly incorporating scripture into your life and business?

In this episode, Jeff and Rick discuss:

• Incorporating scripture into our day-to-day lives from individual to business.
• Handling tough situations in the right way.
• Rick’s transition from a career in the multi-family residence business to working in the Middle East with SRG.
• The three impacts you can have.

Key Takeaways:

• Do the right thing because it’s the right thing. God will bless.
• Live your life after God’s manner and you will be making a statement that you will be running your business differently because it’s the right thing to do before the Lord.
• You don’t need to wait until you get older to be bolder. Get out there, be who God wants you to be, and get out there.

"All you have is Gods. The sooner you realize that, the more freeing that will become." — Rick Graf

Episode References:

• NCF: https://www.ncfgiving.com/
• Apartment Life: https://apartmentlife.org/home
• The Business Card by Dr. Steve O. Steff

About Rick Graf: Rick serves as a resource partner, board member, and as the senior managing partner for SRG. As senior managing partner, he has responsibility for stewarding the overall organization, and reporting to the board of directors. He leads a gifted team of managing partners that oversee resource development, portfolio management, strategic initiatives, and strategic services.

Prior to retiring in late 2022, Rick served as president of multi-family asset services at Cushman & Wakefield, a global leader in commercial real estate. In this role, he focused on strategic oversight for the vision and growth of the multi-family asset services platform, while managing a spectrum of real estate assets for major institutional housing clients across multiple states. This culminated in a 45-year career in the real estate industry.

Rick and his wife, Linda, live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and have four married children and seven grandchildren.

Connect with Rick Graf:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rigraf/

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

Where is your bullseye - the center of your heart, passion, and calling?

In this episode, Jeff and Jake discuss:

• Lessons from a childhood around the firepit.
• Business and opportunities in every stage of life.
• Serving a God of abundance.
• Letting God’s lamp light your next step.
• The importance of setting and holding boundaries with yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• Working with kids and teens is not a 1-week thing. It is 52 weeks out of the year.
• Giving does not have to be prescriptive. What breaks your heart? Use that.
• Fundraising isn’t about the money, it’s about the heart of the giving partner. It is spiritual before it is mechanical.
• Be disciplined without haste. Rhythms of rest are necessary. There is always going to be more work to be done, but never once does the Bible say “Jesus ran.”

"I don't know about you and your 20s, but for me, I wanted a beacon for the next 200 steps. I didn't want a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, right? But the beauty of that is He gives us that lamp and it's just enough light for the next step and the next step and the next step." — Jake Bland

Episode References:

• C12: https://www.joinc12.com/
• Halftime Institute: https://halftimeinstitute.org/
• Pursuing God’s Will Together: A Discernment Practice for Leadership Groups by Ruth Haley Barton
• The Council: A Biblical Perspective on Board Governance by Gary G. Hoag, Wesley K. Willmer, & Gregory J. Henson

About Jake Bland: Jake is the 10th President and CEO of Youth For Christ USA, a pillar of missional youth ministry since 1944, when the Rev. Billy Graham served as YFC’s first full-time staff member. Today, Youth For Christ reaches young people everywhere, including in over 100 nations and through 140 local chapters across America, with a special focus on engaging 11-19 year olds who do not know Christ. YFC intentionally pursues young people who often feel overlooked, building relationships, and uncovering God's story of hope at pivotal moments in their lives.

Jake’s journey with YFC began as a high school student, then as a volunteer and intern. Prior to joining the YFC staff, he taught in the Interactive Media Department at Bradley University and co-founded two media production companies. He holds a master’s degree in Youth Ministry Leadership from Huntington University.

Jake and his wife, Ali, live in the Denver area. As a volunteer, Jake serves as an elder in their church, and as the board chairman for Presence Point—a non-profit organization that helps leaders live into their calling. Jake and Ali have two children: Silas David (8) and Ivy Rehn (6). Their family loves traveling, music, hiking, spending time with friends, and enjoying God’s creation in Colorado.

Connect with Jake Bland:

Website: https://yfc.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-bland-96553834/

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

Are you willing to listen to and take action on the assignment God has for you today while He writes your story?

In this episode, Jeff, Jeff, Cheryl, and Clair discuss:

• The three things every child needs to hear from their dad.
• Finding faith in yourself and building your relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Surrounding yourself with Godly men and teaching generational generosity.
• Donating your time to God and living for the present.

Key Takeaways:

• Commit to work together with your spouse and family. Focus on connection and conversation, not on separation and conflict.
• There are ways to help others lift themselves, not just give them a handout if you think outside the box.
• Kids cannot hear you, they can only see you. You are raising God’s children, show them the way to live through your own actions.
• Stay in relationship with those who have not yet come to Christ. Everything is on God’s timing and your job is to just stay in relationship.

"When you hand God the pen, He's gonna write a different story that is going to be so much better and so much more than the story you think you can write." — Clair Hoover

Episode References:

• HOPE International: https://www.hopeinternational.org/
• Cheryl Byrne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-byrne-92454344/

About Clair Hoover: Clair is a business owner specializing in commercial real estate acquisition and management and has a calling to challenge and encourage men as Christ followers. Clair is an honors graduate of Millersville University with degrees in Accounting and Computer Science. He spent 13 years in the corporate world finishing out his time as the Chief Information Office for a National Cooperative.

Clair’s current focus is building commercial real estate investment and management companies Clair serves on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Self-Storage Association and is an experienced investor in Self-Storage, mobile home parks, car washes, laundromats, and residential housing.

Clair has a passion for encouraging men at all points in their journey to become all God designed them to be. For the past 14 years, he has led the Men’s Ministry Leadership team at his home church where he has had the opportunity to minister to and encourage over 14,000 men. Clair also recently served as the Executive Director for the National Coalition of Ministries to Men.

Clair and his bride Bonnie have been married 36 years. They reside in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Connect with Clair Hoover:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clair-hoover-b2565522

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