Podcast
Pillars of Purpose is a podcast dedicated to exploring the foundational elements that shape a fulfilling and impactful life. I’m your host, Matthew Efird, and this show will dive deep into the core aspects of what it means to live with purpose—whether through nurturing a strong faith, cultivating a close-knit family, or driving innovation in business.
Each episode is an insightful conversation with leaders, thinkers, and everyday people who embody these principles in their lives. We explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned in three distinct areas: faith, family, and business.
Pillars of Purpose is a podcast dedicated to exploring the foundational elements that shape a fulfilling and impactful life. I’m your host, Matthew Efird, and this show will dive deep into the core aspects of what it means to live with purpose—whether through nurturing a strong faith, cultivating a close-knit family, or driving innovation in business.
Each episode is an insightful conversation with leaders, thinkers, and everyday people who embody these principles in their lives. We explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned in three distinct areas: faith, family, and business.
Heather Rogers – Scaling and Simplifying – Market Mavericks
Heather Rogers, owner of Simply Organized, discusses how she has grown her business.
Key Takeaways
– Heather transitioned from medical sales to professional organizing, starting Simply Organized 14 years ago
– Key business lessons: importance of systems/processes, delegating, and understanding finances
– Health crisis reinforced need for business continuity planning and work-life balance
– Advice: Get proper contracts, deposits, and insurance; focus on building community within your team
Topics
Heather’s Business Journey
– Left medical sales job in 2008 to start Simply Organized
– Worked with career counselor to identify professional organizing as a career path
– Kept full-time job for 2 years while building business on nights/weekends
– Now has a team of 12 and offers services beyond just senior downsizing
Business Growth and Lessons
– Initially resistant to hiring help, realized importance of delegation
– Implemented operations manual and systems after attending business coaching
– Health crisis (6 months in ICU) proved value of systems—business continued without her
– Recent implementation of scheduling software saves ~10 hours/week
Mistakes and Learning Experiences
– Not getting deposits upfront led to payment issues with a client
– Being a “control enthusiast” initially hindered growth and work-life balance
– Undervaluing services and not fully understanding financials
Book and Speaking
– Authored “A Simplified Life” with anonymous client stories and organizing tips
– Uses book as platform for public speaking and reaching broader audience
Team Building and Culture
– Holds optional monthly meetings for independent contractors to build community
– Shifted from micromanagement to trust-based leadership style
– Importance of clear communication and expectations with team
Next Steps
– Implement proper contracts, deposits, and insurance if not already in place
– Consider reading “The Generosity Mindset” by John Ray for pricing strategy
– Regularly meet with mentors/advisors to improve financial literacy and business acumen
– Continue evolving systems and processes to improve efficiency and scalability
Richard Grove – Faith, Business, and the Power of Perspective – Belief Builders
Rick Grove discusses his book “Does God Care About Your Business?” and explores the intersection of faith and business.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
1:00 Can you introduce yourself, share your business background, and give us a high-level overview of your book?
16:02 How did your perspective shift from creating good gifts to stewarding what God provides, and what’s a practical way to apply that?
20:45 How would you advise someone to self-evaluate and identify what is truly defining them?
39:13 I really appreciate you writing the book and sharing your story. If someone wants to find it or connect with you to learn more, how can they do that?
Key Takeaways
– God is neutral about business success/failure, but cares deeply about how we conduct ourselves
– Focus on eternal treasures (relationships, character) over earthly treasures (profits, growth)
– Use business as a tool for ministry and blessing others, not as a source of identity or worth
– Listen for God’s wisdom in business decisions, even when it seems counterintuitive
Topics
Book Overview: “Does God Care About Your Business?”
– Explores the question of God’s role and interest in business success/failure
– Written from perspective of long-time business owner, not theologian
– Challenges notion that business success equals God’s blessing
– Emphasizes God cares more about conduct and relationships than profits
God’s Perspective on Business
– God is largely neutral about business success or failure
– More concerned with how we conduct ourselves in business
– Wants us to use “good and perfect gifts” (talents, resources) wisely
– Differentiates between earthly treasures (profits) and eternal treasures (relationships)
Redefining Business Success
– Success shouldn’t be measured solely by profits or growth
– True success is using business to bless others and honor God
– Example: Chick-fil-A closing on Sundays out of obedience, not for publicity
– Shift focus from “ranking” (profits) to what “defines” us (character, relationships)
Practical Application in Business
– Treat employees as valuable people, not just producers (e.g. thanking them for paychecks)
– Look for ways to use business as avenue for ministry and blessing others
– Listen for God’s wisdom in decisions, even when it seems counterintuitive
– Be willing to obey if God calls you to leave business behind
Cautions for Faith-Based Businesses
– Businesses explicitly claiming to be ministries are held to higher standard
– Danger in trying to be a “hybrid” – neither fully ministry nor fully business
– Ensure business success doesn’t become an idol replacing worship of God
Jay Maurice – From Customers to Guests – Market Mavericks
Jay Maurice, CEO of Lessons In Your Home, discusses his business experiences and successes.
Key Takeaways
– Lessons In Your Home provides in-home music lessons across 9 major metro areas, with plans to expand to 30 cities
– Jay emphasizes creating a family-like culture, prioritizing teachers and regional directors over “customers”
– Key business lessons: invest early in technology, formalize partnerships, delegate responsibilities, and “go for it” without overthinking
Topics
Lessons In Your Home Business Model
– Provides in-home music lessons across 9 major metro areas
– Uses “owner-manager” model with regional directors overseeing 50-100 teachers each
– Shifted from solo entrepreneur to scalable business model over several years
– Emphasizes creating long-term relationships with families, not just transactional “customers”
Business Evolution and Lessons Learned
– Started as a side hustle teaching piano, grew organically through word-of-mouth
– Key inflection point: custom-built software to streamline operations (estimated $50k initial investment)
– Regrets: Not investing in technology sooner, letting valuable team members go due to cost concerns
– Advice: “Go for it” without overthinking, make decisions and improve as you go
Culture and Leadership Philosophy
– Focuses on mentoring regional directors to create a ripple effect through the organization
– Prioritizes teachers and staff over customers, believing this leads to better family experiences
– Shifted vocabulary from “customers” to “families” to reinforce relationship-focused culture
– Emphasizes allowing team members to solve problems and learn from mistakes
Personal Growth and Learning
– Recommends “Rich Dad Poor Dad” as essential reading for entrepreneurs
– Participates in mastermind groups and constantly seeks learning opportunities
– Committed to helping music teachers realize their value and impact
Lantz Howard – Parenting, Passion, & Powerful Advice – The Family Table
Lantz Howard discusses family leadership and its integration with business leadership, focusing on parenting approaches and marriage dynamics.
Key Takeaways
– Integrated approach to life: Balance family, business, and personal growth rather than hyper-focusing on one area
– Intentional family time: Calendar-blocking for date nights and family activities fosters stronger relationships
– Emotional awareness: Developing vocabulary for emotions improves communication in marriage and business
– Parenting strategies: Balancing support and independence, especially regarding technology use and personal interests
Topics
Integrated Leadership Approach
– Lantz Howard advocates for a whole-hearted, integrated approach to life and leadership
– Emphasizes balancing business growth with family time and personal development
– Recommends measuring and scheduling important activities (e.g., date nights) to ensure they happen
Parenting Strategies
– Howard family homeschools to foster closer sibling relationships
– Weekly family board game nights encourage bonding (favorite: Clue)
– “Sister Sweetie Pies” business teaches entrepreneurship to daughters
– Screen time limits: 60 minutes/day, self-managed by children
– Gradual introduction to technology: No personal phones until near adulthood
– Supporting children’s interests while maintaining perspective on long-term goals
Marriage and Communication
– Framework for difficult conversations:
1. Identify true emotions (e.g., feeling unwanted, disconnected)
2. Express desire for connection
3. Choose vulnerable communication
4. Explore solutions together
– Emphasis on emotional maturity and staying calm during conflicts
– Recommendation: “Passionate Marriage” by David Schnarch for couples
Personal Growth
– Importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence
– Advice: Slow down, think long-term (in decades), and seek mentors/coaches
– Recognize marriage as an “incubator” for personal growth
Follow Lantz at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lantzhoward/ or https://www.lantzhoward.com/.
Read MoreJonathan Almanzar – Mastering Ambiguity – Market Mavericks
Jonathan Almanzar, new CEO of Iron Forums, discusses his entrepreneurial journey with Chicken Cone and business leadership insights.
Key Takeaways
– Jonathan co-founded Chicken Cone, an innovative chicken and waffle cone concept that grew rapidly through franchising
– Key success factors: embracing ambiguity, hard work, leveraging mentorship, and being selective about opportunities
– Jonathan is transitioning to CEO of Iron Forums, a Christian business owner mastermind group, starting December 2nd
– Advice for entrepreneurs: daily actions matter, partnerships are valuable, and community support is crucial
Topics
Chicken Cone Origin Story
– Idea conceived during a hike in 2012 – popcorn chicken in a waffle cone
– Co-founded with Josh Liner, starting with fairs and festivals
– Got lucky break appearing on Food Network show at first fair
– Expanded to New York City holiday market, leading to viral social media growth
Franchising Journey
– Rapid growth after NYC success – 25,000 Instagram followers in 2 weeks
– Attended franchise expo by chance, leading to franchise development
– Sold 53 units in one year through partnership with development company
– Expanded internationally to Dubai and Qatar
Business Challenges and Lessons
– Struggled with scaling internal team to support rapid growth
– Learned importance of proper documentation and financial preparation
– Shifted focus from dense foot traffic areas to drive-through models
– Realized not every opportunity is good – became more selective over time
Keys to Franchisee Success
– Comfort with ambiguity is crucial for small business owners
– Hard work is essential – “opportunity shows up in overalls”
– Balancing business growth with family life requires sacrifices in other areas
Mentorship and Personal Growth
– Initially resistant to advice, but became more open after facing challenges
– Learned to be curious and listen to experienced mentors
– Book recommendations: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Iron Forums Role and Vision
– Jonathan starts as CEO on December 2nd
– Attracted by opportunity to build community and support for business owners
– Aims to meet every Iron Forums member in next 12 months
Randy Pope – Building Disciples: The Path the Lifelong Impact – Belief Builders
Randy Pope discusses his faith journey, church planting experience, and discipleship approach.
Key Takeaways
– Randy Pope transitioned from a promising career in dentistry to church planting after discerning God’s call through extended prayer and reflection
– Pope developed a “life-on-life” discipleship model focused on truth, equipping, accountability, mission, and supplication (TEAMS)
– Perimeter Church grew significantly, but Pope emphasizes church health over size and integrating discipleship into the church’s DNA
– Pope now leads Life on Life Ministries, training churches globally in discipleship practices
Topics
Randy Pope’s Faith Journey
– Raised in a liberal Protestant church, came to faith through friends inviting him to a different church
– Mentored by godly leaders in high school through Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru)
– Initially planned to become a dentist, but felt called to ministry after experiencing the impact of sharing his faith
Discerning God’s Call
– Spent extensive time in prayer and reflection, writing down thoughts and asking God to “burn” His will deeply into his heart
– Felt called to church planting despite initial reluctance to pastoral ministry
– Moved to Atlanta with his wife and 2-month-old child, having only $10 to their name
Church Planting and Growth
– Founded Perimeter Church in Atlanta
– Church grew rapidly, gaining national attention as an innovative congregation
– Pope realized the church wasn’t as healthy as outsiders perceived, leading to development of discipleship model
Life-on-Life Discipleship Model (TEAMS)
– Truth: Studying Scripture with homework and preparation
– Equipping: Making truth understandable and applicable
– Accountability: Addressing root sins, not just behavior
– Mission: Engaging in evangelism and service
– Supplication: Praying with and for others
– Model based on 3-year commitment, meeting weekly for 28 weeks per year
Church Health vs. Church Size
– Pope emphasizes focusing on church health rather than numerical growth
– Compares unhealthy church growth to rapid, unhealthy weight gain
Advice for Passing Faith to Children
1. Be a sincere worshipper (daily personal time with God, weekly corporate worship)
2. Be a faithful disciple-maker (actively engaging with non-believers)
3. Be an effective disciple trainer (investing deeply in a few to bring them to maturity)
Next Steps
– Listeners interested in the Life on Life discipleship model can visit lifeonlife.org
– Two booklets available: “Making Disciples Life on Life” and “Training Disciples Life on Life”
– Pope continues to lead Life on Life Ministries, training churches globally in discipleship practices
