Author: EFIRDM72

  • #63 Hadassah Treu – Surrender And Strength

    Author Hadassah Treu discusses her faith journey and new book.

    Key Takeaways

    – Hadassah found faith at 17 in communist Bulgaria, overcoming depression through an encounter with evangelical Christianity

    – She wrote “Drawn Near” about finding blessings in painful experiences, drawing from personal struggles including widowhood

    – Hadassah emphasizes Bible study, prayer, and faithfulness in suffering as key pillars for spiritual growth

    – She has an active ministry through blogging, writing, and speaking, primarily in English

    Topics

    Hadassah’s Faith Journey

    – Grew up in communist Bulgaria with little exposure to religion

    – Struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts as a teenager

    – Prayed for 6 months for God to reveal Himself

    – Classmates brought her to an evangelical church where she first heard the gospel

    – Immediately responded in faith at age 17

    Spiritual Growth Practices

    – Bible study: Progressed from memorizing verses to in-depth study and journaling

    – Prayer: Developed a more transparent prayer life over time

    – Faithfulness in suffering: Views struggles as catalysts for spiritual growth

    – Daily routine: Starts day with Bible reading, study, journaling, and prayer

    Book: “Drawn Near”

    – Subtitle: “How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings”

    – Explores 13 painful experiences (e.g., betrayal, rejection, grief, loneliness, depression)

    – Shares personal stories and biblical theology on suffering

    – Aims to change perspective on suffering, highlighting potential for growth and blessings

    Personal Experiences with Suffering

    – Struggled with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks

    – Dealt with infertility and unfulfilled desire for motherhood

    – Lost her husband Thomas unexpectedly 4.5 years ago

    – Moved back to Bulgaria from Austria after husband’s passing

    – Decided to use her pain to help others, bringing measure of peace and joy

    Ministry and Writing Career

    – Started officially in 2017, before husband’s passing

    – Husband was instrumental in supporting and helping launch her blog

    – Initially wrote in Bulgarian and English, now focuses primarily on English

    – Contributes to various Christian websites and publications

    – Received a literature award from her municipality for poetry

    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

    Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

    Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

  • #62 Ben Halpert – From Cybersecurity to Smart Leadership: Ben’s Bold Approach

    Ben Halpert discusses cybersecurity challenges for small businesses and entrepreneurs, highlighting both his for-profit and non-profit ventures.

    Key Takeaways

    – Password reuse is the most common security vulnerability for small businesses (99% of first-time consultations)

    – AI is enhancing both cybersecurity defenses and malicious attacks, requiring vigilance

    – Teaching children about cybersecurity before age 5 can ingrain safe online behaviors

    – Viewing stress positively can lead to better mental and physical health outcomes

    Topics

    CSO Horizon: For-Profit Cybersecurity Consulting

    – Founded after 25 years in corporate cybersecurity

    – Offers advisory services and managed security solutions (MSSP)

    – Focuses on businesses but also serves individuals through partnerships

    – Helps companies achieve cyber resilience against modern threats

    Common Security Vulnerabilities

    – Password reuse across multiple accounts is the biggest issue

    – AI-generated phishing attempts are becoming more convincing

    – Even major tech companies prioritize onboarding over security

    – Recommends using “Have I Been Pwned” to check for compromised accounts

    Savvy Cyber Kids: Non-Profit Education Initiative

    – Started in 2002 to educate parents and children about online safety

    – Developed children’s books to teach cybersecurity concepts from ages 2-3

    – Offers free resources for parents, educators, and homeschoolers at savvycyberkids.org

    – Featured in a New York Times front-page article

    Business Growth and Leadership Insights

    – Importance of building longevity and continuity plans into the business

    – Creating a welcoming culture that values employees beyond profits

    – Leveraging mentorship by actively seeking advice from others

    – Committing to serving each customer in their specific way for 2025

    Next Steps

    – Visit haveibeenpwned.com to check for compromised accounts

    – Implement a secure password manager for better password hygiene

    – Explore free resources at savvycyberkids.org for family online safety

    – Consider reading “The Upside of Stress” by McGonigal for a new perspective on stress management

    – Reach out to CSO Horizon (csohorizon.com) for business cybersecurity consulting

    – Contact Savvy Cyber Kids (savvycyberkids.org) for children’s cybersecurity education resources

    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

    Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

    Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

  • #61 Joshua Straub – Leading Where It Matters Most

    Dr. Joshua Straub discusses parenting, family, and faith with Famous at Home.

    Key Takeaways

    – Focus on pursuing your spouse’s and children’s hearts through intentional conversations and quality time

    – Live from a place of rest and abundance rather than constantly chasing and striving

    – Our presence and “being” as parents is more impactful than our “doing”

    – Increase responsibility and challenges for kids while providing emotional support

    Topics

    Josh’s Family Background

    – Married to Christi for 15 years

    – Three kids: Landon (12), Kennedy (10), Micah (4)

    – Both Josh and Christi have counseling backgrounds

    – Struggled with difficult pregnancies and young children, which shaped their approach

    Famous at Home Origin and Mission

    – Started from working with leaders struggling to balance work and family

    – Focuses on helping people be “famous” (prioritized/celebrated) in their own homes

    – Offers coaching, resources, and a podcast to support families

    Pursuing Hearts in Marriage

    – Practice “15 minutes a day” – sharing one positive and one uncomfortable emotion

    – Focus on understanding spouse’s inner world, not just external actions

    – Make it natural – e.g. during walks, not forced face-to-face conversations

    Connecting with Kids’ Emotions

    – Enter their world and seek to understand before correcting

    – Use role-playing to work through scenarios and build empathy

    – Ask about positive and uncomfortable feelings regularly

    Building Responsibility in Kids

    – Increase challenges while providing emotional support

    – Give age-appropriate tasks (e.g. 4-year-old mopping)

    – Allow tasks to be done imperfectly to encourage growth

    – Use homesteading (animals, chores) to teach responsibility

    Living from Rest vs. Chasing

    – Practice Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown

    – Prioritize being present over constant productivity

    – Trust God to multiply efforts when living from abundance

    Recommended Resources

    – Living Fearless by Jamie Winship – on identity

    – Inside Out by Daniel Siegel – on emotional intelligence

    – Safe House by Josh Straub – on emotional safety

    Next Steps

    – Check out famousathome.com for more resources

    – Practice intentional heart-focused conversations with spouse and kids

    – Implement a weekly Sabbath practice as a family

    – Read recommended books to grow personally as a parent

    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

    Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

    Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

  • #60 Tim Fulton – Mastermind Your Success

    Tim Fulton discusses his experience as an executive coach and Vistage chair, exploring insights on business growth and leadership.

    Key Takeaways

    – Tim Fulton has 20+ years of experience coaching CEOs/owners of small-mid-sized companies through his practice, Small Business Matters

    – Key barriers for business growth occur at $1M and $10M revenue marks, requiring delegation and systems implementation respectively

    – Clarity on strategic intent (values, mission, vision) is crucial for attracting top talent and guiding decision-making

    – Leveraging mentorship and peer groups like Vistage can provide valuable perspectives and prevent costly mistakes

    Topics

    Tim’s Background and Business

    – Executive coach with 20+ years of experience through Small Business Matters

    – Facilitates Vistage CEO peer groups and speaks on topics like financial performance, talent engagement, and strategic planning

    – Transitioned from serial entrepreneurship to coaching after enjoying mentoring other business owners

    Consulting Approach

    – Typically works with established businesses facing growth challenges or stagnation

    – Monthly one-on-one meetings with clients, setting their agenda

    – Available 24/7 for urgent client needs

    – No formal contracts – relationship based on mutual benefit

    Business Growth Barriers

    1. $1 Million Revenue Mark:

    – Only 4% of small businesses surpass this

    – Key: Owner’s willingness to delegate responsibilities (e.g., hiring accountant, salesperson)

    2. $10 Million Revenue Mark:

    – Barrier is implementing systems and processes

    – Requires shift from “winging it” to organized business operations

    Building Strong Teams and Culture

    – Establish clear strategic intent: core values, mission (why), and vision (destination)

    – Use strategic intent to attract top talent and guide decision-making

    – Implement systems and processes (e.g., sales, hiring) to ensure consistency

    – Create an “operations manual” or “playbook” for running the business effectively

    Leveraging Mentorship and Peer Groups

    – Tim has benefited from personal mentors throughout his career

    – Vistage groups provide valuable perspectives and can prevent costly mistakes

    – Courage to present ideas to smart, caring peers can lead to better decision-making

    Resources for Early-Stage Businesses

    – Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network: Free counseling and workshops

    – Emory’s “Start Me” program: 4-month entrepreneurial training for startups

    Next Steps

    – Reflect on the “brutal fact of current reality” for your business (from Jim Collins’ “Good to Great”)

    – Consider joining a peer group or seeking mentorship to gain outside perspectives

    – For those interested in Tim’s services: visit smallbusinessmattersonline.com or email [email protected]

    – Implement systems and processes appropriate to your business’s current growth stage

    – Clarify your company’s strategic intent (values, mission, vision) to guide decision-making and attract top talent

    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

    Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

  • #59 Matthew McReynolds – Building Stronger Franchises

    Matthew McReynolds discusses his entrepreneurial journey and insights on franchising.

    Key Takeaways

      – Matthew has extensive experience as a franchisee (Mosquito Joe) and recently transitioned to franchise development

      – He emphasizes the importance of defining your “North Star” vision early in your career to guide decisions

      – Key lessons shared on business growth, work-life harmony, and leveraging mentorship effectively

      – Matthew advocates for a balanced approach to franchise development that strengthens systems, not just sells units

    Topics

    Matthew’s Business Background

      – Started as Mosquito Joe franchisee in 2016, coinciding with marriage

      – Launched multiple home service businesses, including Hero Home Services

      – Recently transitioned to a franchise development role with Fran Dev Co.

      – Podcast host of “The Street Wise Podcast”

    Early Business Challenges

      – Lost 80% of initial customer base (40-50 down to 11) when neighboring franchisee opened

      – Performed 996 treatments personally in the first year

      – Now does 900+ treatments per month with a team

    Business Growth Strategies

      – Attempted vertical integration model, stacking complementary brands

      – Cautioned against overextension when acquiring/merging businesses

      – Emphasized the importance of systematizing before adding services

    Work-Life Harmony

      – Acknowledges difficulty in balancing ambition with family life

      – Recommends 20 minutes to 1 hour of intentional, focused family time daily

      – Stresses the importance of communicating motivations/goals with your spouse

    Mentorship and Personal Growth

      – Positions himself as a “serial mentee” eager to learn

      – Advises adding value to mentors, not just extracting knowledge

      – Leverages podcast to connect with industry leaders

    Franchise Development Role

      – Represents Glass Guru brand (20 years old, 17 franchising)

      – Focuses on strengthening franchise systems, not just selling units

      – Guides candidates through discovery, validation, and decision process

    Advice to Younger Self

      – Define long-term vision (“North Star”) early

      – Work backward from future goals to inform present actions

      – Seek wisdom to learn lessons faster and avoid unnecessary hardships

  • #58 Alexandra Radford – Embracing Seasons of Faith

    Alexandra Radford’s discusses her faith journey, focusing on three key life experiences and their impact on her spiritual growth.

    Key Takeaways

    – Alex’s faith journey spans three major life events: teenage pregnancy, divorce, and entrepreneurship

    – Transparency and vulnerability with her children are crucial in passing on faith

    – Small, consistent acts of faith (like daily journaling) can lead to significant spiritual growth

    – Embracing life’s “winter” seasons is vital for deep spiritual root development

    Topics

    Teenage Pregnancy and Faith Decision

    – At 17, Alex faced an unexpected pregnancy and chose to keep the baby

    – Experienced support from her mother and guidance through prayer at church

    – Decision strengthened her faith and taught her to trust God in difficult situations

    – Now uses her experience to mentor others at Crisis Pregnancy Centers

    Divorce and Personal Growth

    – Married at 21 to her first child’s father, later divorced after having a second child

    – Went through extensive counseling and self-reflection post-divorce

    – Created a “Christian dating guide” as a spiritual marker for her healing journey

    – Learned to prioritize self-love and identify unhealthy relationship patterns

    Entrepreneurial Journey and Faith

    – Founded The Edge Agency, a marketing firm, now in its 8th year

    – Views the business as a “green light” from God to pursue a new adventure

    – Relies on faith for provision in all aspects: finances, clients, employees, wisdom

    – Uses the business as a platform to live out and share her faith

    Parenting and Faith Transmission

    – Encourages her sons (17 and 9) to develop their own relationship with God

    – Uses age-appropriate devotionals and encourages them to lead prayers

    – Demonstrates faith practices like journaling and prayer in front of her children

    – Believes in the importance of putting children in faith-nurturing environments

    Personal Faith Practices

    – Daily journaling using a “joy strategy” template

    – Incorporates gratitude, prayer requests, scripture reading, and silent listening

    – Seeks mentorship from older, wiser individuals for spiritual and personal growth

    – Recently exploring the concept of spiritual seasons, especially valuing “winter” periods

    Helpful Links: https://www.theedgeagency.net/

    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

    Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

    Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

  • #57 Tom Digregorio – Scaling Up: Why Owners Must Get Out of the Way

    Tom DiGregorio shares his entrepreneurial journey and the growth and sale of AquaGuard Foundation Solutions.

    Key Takeaways

    – Tom built AquaGuard from a small waterproofing business to a $45 million company over 25 years before selling to Groundworks in 2020

    – Implementing EOS/Traction was crucial for scaling the business and empowering employees

    – Building a strong brand and company culture focused on core values was key to AquaGuard’s success

    – The sale to Groundworks resulted in a very high multiple due to AquaGuard’s strong systems and brand

    Topics

    Founding and Early Days of AquaGuard

    – Founded in 1995 after Tom left a previous partnership in waterproofing

    – Initially focused on new construction waterproofing for home builders

    – Shifted to more profitable residential repair market in second year

    – First year goal was simply to survive and learn the business

    Growth and Scaling Challenges

    – Grew to working with over 100 home builders at peak

    – Made difficult decision to exit new construction (~40% of revenue) to focus on repairs

    – Implemented EOS/Traction system around 2016 to help scale

    – Grew from ~$8 million to $45 million revenue from 2012-2020

    – Focused on hiring, training and empowering the right people

    Leadership Philosophy

    – Emphasis on being a “cheerleader” and motivator for employees

    – Maintained personal connections through birthday/anniversary calls

    – Encouraged open communication and addressing issues directly

    – Fired even top performers if they didn’t align with company culture

    Brand Building

    – Heavy investment in marketing – radio, TV, SEO, etc.

    – Tom became the face/voice of the company in advertising

    – Built strong brand recognition in Atlanta market

    You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.

    Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?

    You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com

    Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

    Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

  • #56 Tamika Carlton – Stronger Bonds, Happier Life

    Relationship expert Tamika Carlton discusses building stronger connections in relationships.Key Takeaways – Vulnerability and open communication are crucial for deepening relationships – Small, consistent efforts (e.g. weekly date nights) help maintain connection – Compromise and sacrificing for your partner strengthens bonds – Sharing the “why” behind requests/needs improves understandingTopicsTamika’s Background and Expertise – Relationship expert helping couples/individuals navigate meaningful relationships – Runs couples retreats since 2018 to exotic locations like Costa Rica, Italy, Spain – Recently launched “The Real Connect” podcast on enhancing connections – Married for 7 years, no children, originally from SeattleChildhood Memories and Family Dynamics – Only child raised by single mother in Seattle – Fondest memories were simple activities like beach picnics with mom – Learned value of quality time over material things – Now acts as “pillar” and connector in extended familyKeys to Deeper Relationships – Be transparent and vulnerable about needs/feelings – Explain the “why” behind requests to improve understanding – Make consistent time for connection (e.g. weekly date nights) – Try new activities together to keep things fresh – Be willing to compromise and sacrifice for your partner – Remember why you chose to be with your partnerAdvice for Couples – Start small with scheduled check-ins if struggling to connect – Use conversation prompts/games to spark deeper discussions – Read “The Five Love Languages” to understand partner’s needs – Be honest and open rather than withholding to “protect” partner – Speak thoughts aloud to gain clarity and relieve anxietyYou can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.comWould you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.comInterested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

  • #55 Paul Zanardo – Kingdom First, Success Follows

    Paul Zanardo, CEO of Zenardo Designs, discusses his business journey, faith, and marketing advice for entrepreneurs.Key Takeaways – Paul’s business, Zenardo Designs, offers digital branding services including website design, social media, SEO, and graphic design – Paul emphasizes the importance of putting God first, then family, then business for success and balance – Networking, especially through local chambers of commerce, has been crucial for business growth – Paul advises entrepreneurs to focus on organic, relational-driven marketing rather than paid adsTopicsPaul’s Business Background and Spiritual Journey – Started Zenardo Designs 10 years ago after a background in sales and marketing – Experienced personal struggles including depression, anxiety, and addiction before returning to his faith – Credits his parents for raising him with a Christian foundation, allowing him to “return home” spiritually – Recently began sharing his testimony more openly, speaking at recovery foundationsMarketing Strategies and Business Growth – Focuses on organic, relational-driven marketing instead of paid ads – Recommends consistently posting on 2-3 social media platforms that fit the business – Engages with audience on their own posts and other businesses’ content – Grew from a $30 gig designing a cat’s Christmas card to $30,000+ website projects – Emphasizes the importance of networking, particularly through chambers of commerceFaith in Business – Puts God first in everything, including praying with team before client meetings – Seeks to serve clients through God’s wisdom and guidance – Believes in the order of priorities: God first, then family, then businessAdvice for Entrepreneurs – Research market needs and talk to industry veterans before starting – Be prepared for a long-term investment; overnight success stories are rare – Niche down and know your target market instead of trying to serve everyone – Surround yourself with successful, ethically-minded people – Consider value-based pricing and offering good-better-best scenarios to clientsYou can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.comWould you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.comInterested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com

  • #54 Patrick Krier – From Doubt to Devotion

    Patrick Krier shares about his faith journey and experiences as a Christian business owner.Key Takeaways – Patrick grew up Catholic but came to evangelical faith about 3 years ago after hearing the gospel from a pastor – He emphasizes the importance of reading scripture, understanding church history/doctrine, and fearing the Lord – Patrick and his wife recently moved to Georgia, guided by feeling “at home” and finding a Reformed Baptist church – He advocates for sharing faith lovingly but truthfully, even with family members of different beliefsTopicsPatrick’s Faith Journey – Grew up Catholic in Wisconsin, focused on “fearing the Lord” but little understanding of Jesus – Started asking deeper questions about faith in college – Truly understood the gospel and became a Christian about 3 years ago in grad school – Got married quickly after conversion to align with biblical teaching – Has been growing in doctrine, church history, and Bible reading since thenBible Reading and Spiritual Growth – Patrick and his wife started reading through the Bible in a year, finding it transformative – Emphasizes importance of reading Old Testament to see God’s consistency and human nature – Recommends resources like YouVersion app for accessible Bible reading plans – Stresses viewing scripture as truly God’s inspired word, not just an old bookChurch History and Doctrine – Patrick identifies as Reformed Baptist – Recommends studying church history, creeds, and confessions like the Second London Baptist Confession – Believes it’s important to understand what Christians have believed throughout centuriesSharing Faith with Family – Navigates sharing faith with Catholic parents and more secular in-laws – Emphasizes need to balance truth and grace, recognizing spiritual deadness apart from Christ – Acknowledges challenge of holidays/traditions when family doesn’t share same beliefsFear of the Lord – Patrick wishes he understood “fearing the Lord” better 10 years ago – Sees it as crucial for truly living out faith and avoiding sinPractical Faith Application – Encourages working out assurance of salvation – Stresses importance of living out faith consistently, not just cultural Christianity – Values wrestling with hard questions and growing in understandingYou can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com.Are you a seasonal business owner who’s struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don’t have enough work to keep them employed year-round?You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.comWould you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.comInterested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com