Category: Podcast

Nathan Unger is the Associate Campus Pastor/Student Pastor at Bethlehem Church Oconee Campus. He and his wife, Anna of 9 years, have three wonderful boys at home with another one on the way!

Key Takeaways

  – Importance of balancing family traditions with flexibility and intentionality

  – Value of allowing children to experience both success and failure to build resilience

  – Significance of celebrating children’s achievements and modeling outward-focused behavior

  – Need for tailored parenting approaches based on each child’s unique personality and love language

Topics

Family Background and Dynamics

  – Nathan has been married to Anna for 9 years, with three sons (Hudson, Sam, and Judah) and expecting their fourth child in March 2025

  – Roles include father, husband, spiritual mentor, and recently youth football coach

  – Balancing family traditions (e.g. holiday rotations) with creating new family rhythms

  – Emphasis on outdoor activities and limiting screen time for children

Parenting Philosophy and Approaches

  – Allowing children to experience “victory” by not rescuing them too quickly from challenges

  – Implementing age-appropriate chores to instill responsibility (e.g. dishes, pet care, cooking)

  – Focusing on celebrating achievements 5-10 times more than correcting behavior

  – Tailoring parenting style to each child’s personality and love language

  – Teaching generosity and outward focus through modeling and encouragement

Rewarding Aspects of Parenting

  – Witnessing children learn, succeed, and overcome challenges

  – Seeing “light bulb moments” as children master new skills

  – Balancing protection with allowing appropriate struggles for growth

Recommended Resources

  – Book: “Raising Passionate Jesus Followers” by the Comers

  – Book: “The 5 Love Languages” (including children’s version)

  – Podcast: Pure Athlete podcast, especially the episode with Ben Watson

Parenting Advice

  – Be present and enjoy each season of parenting

  – Recognize that challenging phases are temporary

  – Take intentional time to celebrate children’s accomplishments and positive behaviors

Scott Specker, owner of multiple businesses including Five Star Painting, Top Rated Gutters, and others, discusses his entrepreneurial journey and leadership insights.

With over 18 years of experience in the consumer products industry, Scott has honed his skills as an International Sales and Marketing Professional. His deep understanding of consumer behavior has enabled him to successfully navigate complex markets and deliver outstanding results.

Beyond his professional achievements, Scott is a dedicated community leader. He has served as a Small Group Leader at Browns Bridge Church, a Franchise Advisory Committee Member for Five Star Painting, and a Board Member for BMORE Learning and Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.

As a franchisee, Scott recognized the potential to revolutionize the painting industry. By leveraging proven business models and fostering a culture of engaged employees, he has transformed his business into a leader in customer satisfaction. His dedication to providing exceptional service has earned him multiple awards, including Franchisee of the Year.

Scott’s passion for creating value for his customers extends beyond business. He strives to build a company that his family can be proud of and that contributes positively to the lives of others. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to hard work have allowed him to achieve financial success while making a lasting impact on his community.

Key Takeaways

  – Scott leverages his disability (small right hand) as a source of inspiration and leadership, focusing on strengths rather than limitations

  – He’s expanded from painting into multiple businesses, including a new gutter company, by identifying market gaps and leveraging existing skills

  – Networking, mentoring, and continuous learning are crucial for business growth and personal development

  – Effective leadership involves building other leaders, being honest/open, and encouraging pushback on ideas

Topics

Scott’s Background and Businesses

  – Started Five Star Painting in 2013 after 16 years in corporate America

  – Now owns 4 businesses: painting, commercial real estate, gutters, and specialty coatings

  – Launching Top-Rated Gutters to fill a mid-market price gap with high-quality service

  – Considering new ventures related to disability awareness and inspiration

Leadership Philosophy

  – Focus on personal strengths (marketing, people skills) and delegate other areas

  – Build other leaders by investing in their development

  – Provide honest feedback and encourage open communication

  – Balance work and home life through routines and clear boundaries

Networking and Relationship Building

  – Dedicate resources to joining organizations and attending events

  – Focus on personal connections before business discussions

  – Follow up networking events with deeper one-on-one meetings

  – Leverage different team members’ strengths for various networking scenarios

Mentoring and Personal Growth

  – Participates in small groups for personal development

  – Mentors others, including a “nephew” starting a business

  – Seeks pushback and challenges to ideas to avoid complacency

  – Recommends books like “Think and Grow Rich” and “Rich Dad Poor Dad” for entrepreneurs

Business Expansion Strategy

  – Identify complementary services with market gaps (e.g. gutters for painting business)

  – Leverage existing customer base and operational knowledge

  – Keep new ventures separate (e.g. different phones, emails) for clarity and focus

  – Start small and personally handle operations before expanding the team

Next Steps

  – Continue developing messaging around disability awareness for potential speaking opportunities

  – Explore forming an empty-nester small group with his wife for personal growth

  – Consider hiring a dedicated networking professional for the business

  – Implement a “slow to hire, quick to fire” principle to ensure team alignment with company values

Doug Smith and his lovely wife Jenny of 32 years have two amazing children and two lovely children-in-laws. Doug is a long-time friend and mentor of Matthew’s and he serves on Matthew’s board of advisors. Pull up a chair to The Family Table and enjoy as Doug shares incredible wisdom for parents, couples, and individuals looking to deepen their family bonds!

Key Takeaways

  – Consistently affirm children’s inherent worth/beauty to shape their trajectory

  – Balance work/family by being present and involved in kids’ lives/interests

  – Process grief outwardly through mourning to move forward, not stay stuck

  – Find and nurture your “inner child” to heal and gain perspective on life

Doug’s Family Background

  – Married 32 years to Jennifer

  – Two adult children: Emma (27) and Tanner (25), both married

  – Owned/operated a youth retreat center for nearly 20 years

  – Currently does speaking, mentoring, and consulting

Parenting Philosophy

  – Gave kids “freedom to do right” instead of strict rules

  – Taught right/wrong through modeling and conversations

  – Asked “what” questions instead of “why” to promote thinking

  – Celebrated milestones but also random moments of good behavior

  – Advised being honest with kids, tailoring truth to their age/maturity

Navigating Challenges

  – Went through a difficult 3-year process when father-in-law left the family

  – Coped by repeatedly affirming “God’s got this”

  – Shielded kids from unnecessary details but was honest

  – Advised processing grief outwardly through mourning, not inwardly

Work-Life Balance

  – Acknowledged perfect balance is a myth, and requires constant adjustment

  – Made an effort to be present at kids’ activities/interests

  – Tried to be the “fun dad” to know kids’ friends

  – Wished he had done more regular “heart checks” with family

Key Book Recommendations

1.  Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

2.  The Shack by William P. Young

3.  The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan

Parenting Advice

  – Tell daughters they’re beautiful and sons they’re enough every night

  – Have fun and relax – enjoy people/moments in life

  – Understand grief and its effects to process it healthily

  – Help kids “find their little” (inner child) for healing/perspective

Andrew Spikes is the owner of Missio, a digital marketing agency whose mission is to glorify God with digital marketing. As a rapidly growing business (highest ranked Christian digital marketing agency two years running on the Inc 5000 list), Andrew shares powerful insights into building a team around culture and mission. You can learn more about Missio here and you can connect with Andrew on LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

  – Missio is a fast-growing Christian digital marketing agency, twice named to the Inc. 5000 list

  – Andrew emphasizes the importance of core values, profit focus, and work-life balance for entrepreneurs

  – Key advice: Start as a side hustle, build a savings cushion, and be ~80% confident before going full-time

Topics

About Missio and Its Growth

  – Digital marketing agency with a mission to “glorify God with digital marketing”

  – Serves organizations led by Christian leaders who bring faith to work

  – Named to Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies twice

  – Grew from 13 team members to 35, now all remote

Hiring and Team Building

  – Initially hired all 1099 contractors, later transitioned leadership/key roles to W2

  – Learned the importance of hiring for both mission alignment AND technical skills

  – Now uses testing (Wonder, OMG) to assess cognitive ability, personality, motivation

  – Implements regular 1-on-1s (30-60 min) where team members set agenda

Core Values and Culture

  – 5 action-oriented core values: Execute with excellence, Love your neighbor, Make a difference, Think like an entrepreneur, Take ownership

  – Uses core values in hiring/firing decisions and performance discussions

  – Emphasizes servant leadership and refers to “team members” not “employees”

Financial Management

  – Early mistake: Focused on revenue growth without profitability, nearly broke business

  – Now tracks operating ratio (OR) for different business functions

  – Aims for 10-20% OR for success management, 50% for cost of labor in social media

Work-Life Balance

  – Sets clear start/stop times for work day

  – Involves spouse as sounding board for business decisions

  – Advises using entrepreneurial flexibility for family time (e.g. afternoon dates)

Advice for Entrepreneurs

  – Start as a side hustle to prove the concept without full financial pressure

  – Build a $100k savings cushion before going full-time

  – Be ~75-80% confident in business before leaving your day job, not 100%

  – Read entrepreneur autobiographies (e.g. Shoe Dog, Ride of a Lifetime) for inspiration

Justin Seibert is the Owner of Sign Bros in Athens, GA. He and his wife Allison live in Jefferson GA with their three boys. He is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ actively pursuing living a life on Mission. Justin offers great insight into being filled with Holy Spirit and how He can impact every area of our lives.Key Takeaways – Justin’s faith journey evolved from a slow, steady climb to a transformative experience with the Holy Spirit in January 2023 – He emphasizes the importance of submission to Jesus and actively inviting the Holy Spirit’s presence daily – Justin reframed his identity from “entrepreneur who loves Jesus” to “missionary who happens to own a sign business” – He advocates for believers to mature in their faith by embracing the power of the Holy SpiritTopicsJustin’s Faith Journey – Raised in a morally upright home, baptized at 15, but lacked a deep understanding of the gospel – Experienced a slow, steady faith climb until a transformative moment in January 2023 – Wife’s challenge to be a spiritual leader sparked initial serious commitment to faith – Involvement with Cafe 1040 (missions organization) since 2020 refined his prayer life and leadershipTransformative Spiritual Experience – Occurred during a Cafe 1040 conference in Malta, January 2023 – Prompted by a conversation about the Holy Spirit and baptism of the Spirit – Culminated in a powerful physical and emotional experience on his couch at home – Resulted in a renewed hunger for God and a significant shift in perspective on faithDaily Faith Practices – Starts each day asking God to fill him with the Holy Spirit – Focuses on dependence on the Holy Spirit rather than personal efforts – Prays for God’s perspective: “Help me to see like you see, care about what you care about” – Emphasizes submission to Jesus and inviting the Holy Spirit into all aspects of lifeCafe 1040 Mission – Exists to see the Great Commission fulfilled, reaching billions who’ve never heard of Jesus – Provides 3-month programs for young adults (18-30) to experience mission work in closed countries – Offers practical training on living and sharing faith in challenging contexts – Website: http://www.cafe1040.com for more information and involvementMentorship and Resources – Sue Baumgarten: Helped Justin understand the supernatural aspects of faith – Stuart Jeff: Co-leads men’s group, discusses deep faith topics – Recommended book: “Soul Care” by Rob Rimer – Podcast recommendation: Jamie Winship’s teachings on identity and communicating with the Holy SpiritSharing Faith and Parenting – Justin’s transformative experience gave him a compelling story to share – Focuses on helping believers mature in their faith, emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit – Intentional about disciplining his children through nightly bedtime routines, prayer, and Bible reading – Implements structured discipleship years with each child, combining spiritual, educational, and physical growth – Recommendation to practice asking the Holy Spirit two key questions in daily situations: 1. “What do you want me to know about this situation right now?” 2. “What do you want me to do right now?” – Encouragement for believers to invite the Holy Spirit into their lives for transformative faith experiences – Suggestion to reframe personal identity in terms of mission rather than profession

Chris Hanks is the Founder of the Institute for Entrepreneurship. After various successful stints in developing entrepreneurship programs at colleges like The University of Georgia, Georgia State, and Kennesaw State, Chris is focused on developing the community within the Institute. You can connect with Chris through the Institute’s website or via LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways

• Chris is committed to building a transformational organization focused on impact rather than just information

• Systems and people development are crucial for business growth and scaling

• Work-life balance is a myth; instead, focus on being fully present in each moment

• Having a strong “why” is essential for entrepreneurial success and perseverance

Topics

The Institute for Entrepreneurship

• Mission: Create the most transformational organization in entrepreneurship

• Focus on impact rather than just information dissemination

• Bringing together 100 transformational CEOs to mentor and develop others

• Emphasis on executive development, emerging leader development, and investing in the next generation

Business Growth Fundamentals

• Systems are crucial for scaling: marketing, execution, customer experience

• People development is key: hiring the right people and nurturing their potential

• Importance of clarity in defining success and keeping score

• Need for a consistent process in developing team members

Work-Life Integration

• Reject the concept of work-life balance; focus on work-life presence

• Create memorable moments rather than worrying about the duration

• Be fully present and focused in both work and personal life

• Put away distractions (e.g., phone) during family time to show true engagement

Goal Setting and Commitment

• Shift from “goals” to “commitments” for stronger personal investment

• Chris’s commitment: Building a place famous for love and transformation

• Recognize the challenge of loving well and creating a caring environment

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

• Carefully consider your reasons for starting a business

• Understand that entrepreneurship will test your character and abilities

• Have a strong “why” to withstand challenges

• Be willing to sacrifice and go through discomfort for long-term success

• Fully commit without relying on a “backdoor” or easy way out

Nick Vipperman is the Senior Pastor of Galilee Christian Church in Jefferson GA.

Some of the Key Questions:

* How did you discern God’s call in your life? 8:10

* What practices/habits have been key in building your faith? 11:54

* What advice would you have for somebody who may be struggling in their faith? 16:12

* What is a way that you look to seek to pass on your faith to your children? 28:13

* What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago? 34:38

Nick shared his childhood experiences in the Anglican Episcopal tradition and the pivotal role of his mother in challenging his faith decision.

He also reflected on the impact of Tim Hunt’s mentorship on his life. Matthew and Nick both discussed the importance of personal devotional life in building faith and discipleship, offering advice for those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey. They also talked about the significance of passing on faith to their children and the dangers of cultural Christianity.

Throughout the conversation, they both emphasized the importance of authentic relationships with the church and the Lord, rather than just attending church or youth group. They shared their intentional approach to modeling godliness, love, and care in their homes, and the importance of having authentic conversations with their children about walking with the Lord. They also highlighted the dangers of cultural Christianity and the need to live out one’s faith in everyday life, rather than just being a “cultural Christian.” The discussion underscored the value of genuine relationships with the church and the Lord, and the impact of these values on their children’s faith.

The conversation also touched on the transformative power of surrendering control and relying on God’s plan. The discussion underscored the importance of humility and trust in navigating challenges, and served as a testament to the transformative power of faith in their personal and professional lives.

Matthew Efird shares his journey from working at a pharmacy management company to becoming a business owner, investing in Mosquito Joe and Lighting Pros. He discusses the challenges and successes he faced in starting and growing these businesses, as well as the decision to create a franchise system to support other seasonal business owners. Matthew emphasizes the importance of being a good steward of his investments and the value of embracing new challenges while acknowledging the need to balance ambition with practicality.

Matthew also discusses the significance of defining core values and hiring employees based on them, integrating these values into various aspects of the organization such as interviews, performance reviews, and team building activities. He emphasizes the culture of continuous improvement and personal development, aiming to create an environment where employees are encouraged to grow and learn. By setting the expectation for growth and learning from the beginning of employment, Matthew aims to foster a culture where employees are motivated to improve, ultimately benefiting the business and creating opportunities for personal and professional advancement.

Furthermore, Matthew highlights the pivotal role of customer feedback in driving business improvement, drawing from his own experience in the lighting industry. He emphasizes the value of accountability and appreciation for customer feedback, stressing that it not only fosters customer satisfaction but also mitigates the risk of negative reviews and customer attrition. His insights underscore the critical importance of actively soliciting, acknowledging, and acting on customer feedback to drive positive change and business growth.

Matthew Efird introduces The Family Table podcast, which focuses on family values and experiences. He shares personal details about his family, including their traditions and the format of the podcast. He also discusses the core values and parenting strategies within his family, emphasizing the importance of respect, helping each other, responsibility, and independence.

Additionally, he details the strategies for maintaining strong relationships within the family, including regular date nights and intentional time investment in their children. The conversation also touched on the challenges of navigating the pull between personal and professional commitments, and the importance of delegating tasks to create space for meaningful investments in various aspects of life.

Furthermore, Matthew delves into his method for navigating challenging discussions with his children, specifically focusing on addressing intense emotions such as anger. He stresses the value of repetition and practical guidance in these interactions, highlighting the impact of his approach on fostering meaningful and productive conversations with his children. Lastly, he reflects on the wisdom and traditions he hopes to pass down to future generations, focusing on the values of taking ownership of actions and fostering a genuine love for people within his family. The section concludes with a glimpse into the format of future conversations around the family table, where a diverse range of guests will be invited to share their wisdom.

Matthew Efird introduces the Belief Builders podcast, which aims to explore individuals’ spiritual journeys and the influence of faith on their lives. He shared his own faith journey, highlighting key moments that shaped his beliefs and strengthened his faith. Throughout the discussion, Matthew emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and inspiration from various sources to deepen one’s faith, integrating faith into daily routines, and discerning God’s calling.

Matthew also discusses the significance of sharing and passing on faith, stressing the need to live out one’s faith consistently and engage in meaningful conversations to introduce others to the faith. He emphasizes the importance of actively passing on faith to the next generation, detailing his family’s efforts to prioritize church involvement, engage in faith discussions, and integrate faith into daily life. Additionally, he discusses the role of community and music in supporting his faith during moments of uncertainty and shared his aspiration to leave a legacy of passing on his beliefs to the next generation.