Red Letter Business

Brig is part of the founding family of Two Men and a Truck, the largest franchised moving company in North America. He worked his way up from being the first of two movers alongside his brother, to president and CEO. This journey and experience gave him a unique leadership philosophy and led him to write a book designed to show those who feel they don't have the pedigree, diploma, or energy how to take charge of their lives and move forward. On this episode you will hear from Brig about this journey and lessons learned along the way. To book Brig to speak as your keynote or connect with him, contact info@brig-sorber.com.

In this episode you will hear from Jim Hammack and Jared Weston about the impact the a discipleship relationship can have. Jared was seeking purpose and meaning in his life when God brought Jim into his life. Through the relationship that they built through going through Operation Timothy together, God was able to complete transform Jared's life. Now ten years later and across several states, God is using Jared to do the same thing for others!

Originally from war-torn Lebanon, Charbel is a successful businessman in Worcester, MA. He and his wife, Christine, use their businesses as platforms to share the sospel with whomever God brings in their path. Charbel is passionate about marketplace ministry and loves to invest in real estate and the community.

Jeff Strueker is a member of the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame. He served most of his military career with the Army Rangers in positions from Private to Major. In almost 23 years in the Army, Jeff served 17 combat deployments in 5 different US wars including the invasion of Panama, Operation Desert Storm, Black Hawk Down in Somalia, and more than a dozen combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. In this episode you will hear from him about how his experience in combat helped to shape his faith. Jeff has received numerous awards and commendations from his military service, including the Silver Star for bravery in combat. He won the David L. Grange Best Ranger Competition in 1996, was recognized in 1998 as the US Army ROTC, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, and taught ROTC at the University of Louisville. Jeff spent his final ten years in the US Army serving as a chaplain in Airborne and Ranger units. Jeff holds a Ph.D. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. He also has several other earned and honorary degrees. He is the lead pastor of 2 Cities Church in Columbus, Georgia, and is an award-winning author with five books in print which you can get at www.jeffstruecker.com

Wally Armstrong is former PGA touring pro, a Lifetime PGA Tour Member, bestselling author, beloved golf instructor, a grandfather, a champion of golf for kids, and so much more. As of April 2022, Wally will also be known as a movie actor when THE MULLIGAN, based on his bestselling book with Ken Blanchard, releases in theaters. But most importantly, Wally is a committed follower of Jesus Christ who loves to share the eternity-changing second chance message of God's love. Through the many metaphors and analogies golf provides, Wally loves relating the game to one's relationship with Jesus. Wally resides in Maitland, Florida with his wife Debbie. They have three children and seven grandchildren. Learn more at wallyarmstrong.com. You can also learn more about the movie The Mulligan, which will be released nationwide on April 18th & 19th, 2022 at www.themulliganmovie.com.

For 29 years, Phil Stone lived his dream calling play-by-play of NFL Football and Major League Baseball for NBC Sports and hosted golf and almost every Olympic sport for ESPN. He was the Voice of the Pac-10 for Prime Ticket Network. In 1994, Phil began wondering if there was anything more to life than travelling the world doing sports. That same year, a number of his close friends introduced him to a church not far from his home in San Diego, and six months later he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. As Phil grew in his relationship with Christ, he was given the book Halftime by Bob Buford. It helped him re-prioritize his life transitioning from a life that was success driven into a life of significance! After 32 years in San Diego, Phil moved cross-country to join CBMC, as National Director of Broadcast Production and Marketing, in July 2008. To be called by God sometimes means trusting Him enough to leave family, friends and a lifestyle you've become accustomed to behind! “It was really about re-prioritizing my life and placing God first," Phil reflected. Several years ago, Phil had the privilege of leading his 83-year-old mother to Christ and then an hour later raced to a Columbus area hospital to lead her twin sister to the Lord, one day before she met Him face-to-face. He calls that frigid December day the greatest day of his life. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Phil is a devoted Buckeye fan and has two grown children, Brent and Lindsay.

We all experience pain. Physical pain and emotional pain. What we also have in common is that our painful experiences shape us. It shapes our way of thinking, how we interact with others, how we approach different situations, and it also shapes the things that we are passionate about. God uses our pain to stretch and grow us and ultimately, for His purposes and His glory. In today's episode, Chris Elledge, CEO/Founder of Fahrenheit: Real. Life. Mentoring shares how God prepared him for ministry through his painful and dysfunctional upbringing. This episode will encourage you that Jesus understands all of our struggles (Hebrews 4:15) and that because of that, we can have hope in Him. Chris has a passion for mentoring men. After pursing his Bachelors in Communications, he obtained a Masters in Theological Education. Chris has worked as a photographer, in hotel sales, as a pastor, in manufacturing and in the business world as a Corporate Chaplain. His goal as the C.E.O. of Fahrenheit is to encourage and challenge men to become authentic leaders in their families, the workplace, and in their faith communities. He enjoys fathering his three unique daughters and is a relentless fitness and nutrition researcher. If you would like to know more about Fahrenheit: Real. Life. Mentoring, visit their website at www.fahrenheitmentoring.org! Also, be on the lookout for their upcoming podcast that you will be able to find on their website as well!

Sasha Tsutserov grew up in Moscow, Russia during the Cold War. During its 70+ years of Communist rule, Russia had lost virtually all traces of Christianity, so Sasha was raised as an atheist. As a young adult, he became a member of the Communist Party and secured a position in the KGB. He had a beautiful wife Natasha, a precious daughter Julia, good friends, a bright future, and all that he dreamed of as a young man. Julia befriended an American girl whose father was a missionary in Moscow. Soon after, Natasha was engaged as their private Russian language tutor. As a KGB agent, Sasha felt obligated to investigate these foreigners his daughter had befriended and his wife was now working with. He was awestruck by the humanitarian aid distributed by their church, and was irresistibly drawn to their joy for life, for each other, and for the Lord. What happened next was life-changing – for Sasha and thousands of others. Enjoy this episode of the Red Letter Business podcast and tune in every other week for another personal story of a practical faith in the marketplace. To support me in ministry, please donate online via https://onemissionsociety.org/give/SashaTsutserov or make a check payable to One Mission Society, put 370410 Sasha Tsutserov remark in the memo line of the check, and mail the check to: One Mission Society, P.O. Box 1648, Monument, CO 80132. (Either way donations are US IRS 501c3 tax-deductible and will be properly receipted by OMS)

In this week's episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with former Oklahoma City Mayor, Kirk Humphreys. Mr. Humphreys shares his thoughts on the passage of James 3:13-18 that talks about where true wisdom comes from and how Christians ought to respond with our actions according to this wisdom from Heaven. We also discuss how as followers of Jesus, we ought to be the peacemakers in our homes, businesses, and in our community. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a BBA in Finance, Kirk Humphreys worked with his brothers in building a family-owned distribution company which served leading retailers nationwide. Since 1989 Kirk has been active in real estate investment. He is Executive Chairman of Humphreys Capital, which manages real estate private equity funds with investments in 20 states. Humphreys was elected Mayor of Oklahoma City in 1998 and re-elected in 2002. Under his leadership, the city completed the historic MAPS Projects, a $360 million public investment which has led to more than $4 billion of new investment in the city's downtown. Kirk also led the effort that became MAPS for Kids, a sweeping $700 million revitalization of the city's public schools. Kirk is vice chair of the Oklahoma City Airport Trust, serves as vice chair of Oklahoma Industries Authority, and is a former trustee of the Urban Land Institute. Kirk and his wife, Danna, have been married for 49 years and have 3 children and 15 grandchildren. For more information about the Topical Memory System, click here.

Leadership is influence and we all have influence in our organizations and families. Influence is not determined by title, position, or pay grade. In today's episode, Robert Greenlaw, Executive Administrator and Board Assistant at Kimray discusses the importance of each of us, regardless of our titles, carrying out our individual functions to further the mission, vision, and values of our organizations, families, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Robert Greenlaw is Executive Administrator & Board Assistant for Kimray, a leading manufacturer of valves and controls for oil and gas production. In this role, Robert serves the board of directors and CEO as they lead the company. He also manages Kimray's corporate giving and community relationships. Before joining Kimray in 2014, Robert was publications director for Strata Leadership and Character First Education where he developed character-based resources for teachers, parents, and students of all ages. As an international instructor, Robert trained more than 30,000 teachers in 18 countries how to implement Character First, after teaching it to more than 70,000 children. Robert earned a Bachelor of Business Administration & Ethics degree from Mid-America Christian University. He serves on the board of directors for In The Gap and Oklahoma Schools of Character, two non-profit organizations that promote character education in K-12 schools. Robert and his wife, Paula, were married in 2006 and they have three children. For more information on The Kimmell Foundation - For Recovering Leadership, Recon, and other resources visit www.thekimmellfdn.org For an example of the Franklin Chart - Decision Making Model, click here.

Have you ever wondered how some men have such great vision for their lives while others, seamlessly wander through life without purpose? In today's episode, Marty Hepp, the recipient of the 27th Annual CBMC Salt & Light Award, shares how submission to God brings a clarity of vision and purpose for our lives. Marty Hepp was Born in Oklahoma City but raised in Fairview located in Northwest Oklahoma. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1979 and went to the University of Oklahoma where he graduated in 1984 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He started his career at CEC in 1984 and has served as president of the company since 1991 becoming the managing partner in 1997. He now serves as the Chairman of the Board. He has grown the company to over 200 employees with offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Duncan, and Dallas. CEC Corporation provides comprehensive design and construction management services for roads, bridges, utilities, facilities, and airports. His clients include ODOT, OTA, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, OGE, and many more government and private clients. The company is currently considered the largest Oklahoma-Based Engineering Company in the state. Mr. Hepp has aspirations of growing the company to become a regional engineering company. He has developed a strong faith-based culture and the company operates according to Biblical principles. He has served as Chairman of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Oklahoma and as a local board member of the Signatry, a Christian based directed fund. He is also active on the leadership team of the Christian Business Men's Connection in Oklahoma City. Marty has been married to his wife, Donna 37 years and they have two daughters Alisha Bloom and Kristi Hepp and four grandchildren. They live in the Deer Creek area where they enjoy cycling and traveling together. In addition to running and growing CEC Marty enjoys cycling, restoring cars, and spends his time making disciples for Christ our Lord.

Over the past 2 years, God has shaken the world up as if it were a snow globe with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, Scott Klososky, Founding Partner at Future Point of View discusses the role of the Church as the snowflakes begin to settle and how we can look to the past to predict what might happen in the future in business and in the Church. Scott Klososky has lived on the leading edge of technology innovation and its impact on the business world and society in general. He is recognized globally for his unique ability to accurately predict future digital trends and provide the logic behind why they will alter the current status quo. In addition to fifteen years of consulting work through Future Point of View, Scott is the founder of numerous successful technology startup companies. This helps him understand clearly the business dynamics needed to survive and prosper today. Scott has been a member of the CBMC Oklahoma City Area Leadership Team since 2016. He produces a podcast titled “The Digital Optimist” in which he delivers ideas about the transformation of humanity through the impact of technology with a positive and hopeful lens. He also writes a blog titled Digital Awakening – both can be found at his website at www.klososky.com. He is the author of four books including his most recent title, Did God Create the Internet? The Impact of Technology on Humanity.

"When we boast, we mention "I" and never "Him". "Our plans" often become our god, and ultimately lead to disobedience and selfishness. Our accomplishments, work or vocation must be used to show other how God has shaped our lives, and how He guides our thoughts and actions. Humility in our personal and professional lives is the key attribute or habit that allows us to emulate Christ and to show others that His plans are all that matters." - Ron Harris On August 2, 1985, Ron Harris boarded Delta Flight 191 on a business trip back to Dallas, Tx. He never would anticipate the events that would occur that day. While approaching DFW International Airport, Flight 191 encountered a microbust and crashed one mile short of the runway. Ron is 1 of the 27 survivers on a flight with 152 passengers. Needless to say, Ron's life and his perspective on life changed forever that day. In todays episode, Ron shares this incredible story, how he is reminded daily of Jesus' presence in his life, and how his decisions and actions must reflect this profound event. Ron Harris is a principal in CFO-Partner where he and his business partner, Rick Simpson, offer contract Chief Financial Officer services to small-to-medium size businesses; and merger and acquisition advisory services for those clients who wish to acquire businesses or to ultimately sell (or retire). Ron received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Oklahoma in 1981. His 40-year Oklahoma City career includes an accounting career as a CPA with KPMG, and he was the owner of an information technology company that he sold in 1998, and then joined CFO-Partner. Ron has served clients in almost all industries other than non-profit or government. Currently, Ron serves clients in the following industries: wholesale distribution, oil and gas, manufacturing, metal fabrication, commercial construction, plastic injection molding, biomedical, and pipeline and industrial pipe/valves. Ron has served in numerous capacities as a Director, Board Member and Advisory Director for various organizations, including Wings; First Bank & Trust, Duncan, OK; Independence Charter Middle School; current Chairman of the Finance and Facilities Committee at Crossings Community Church, current Chairman of the Board for Wings, a non-profit serving the special needs adult community, and was a past Vice President and President of Quail Creek Golf and Country Club. He is a published author (Shear Grace by Ron Harris) and has served as a speaker at various church, business and community events.

It is so easy to get caught in the trap of overfilled schedules, anxiety, and hurry. However, if we prioritize time alone with Jesus and listen to Him, we can fight back against the things that speed us up and make us anxious. In today's episode, Brian Russell, Ph.D. shares how the practice of Centered Prayer can help us experience greater levels of calmness, the ability to listen more carefully, lower blood our pressure, become more self-aware., and most importantly be a more effective vessel of God's love. Brian Russell (Ph.D.) is an author, professor of biblical studies, podcaster and a transformational coach for spiritually minded professionals and pastors. His personal mission is to seek out, study, and embody the deepest truths about God so that he can share them compellingly, lovingly, and participate in the transformation of others. He is the author of the forthcoming Centering Prayer: How Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life. His book is available here. He is also host of the Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations podcast. Connect with Brian by visiting his website at www.brianrussellphd.com.

Every morning (or maybe every moment) we, as Christians, have a decision to make; do I give in to my desires and do what I want to do OR do I submit to what God is calling and telling me to do? More often than not, doing what God wants us to do isn't the easy or convenient thing. However, God is so good to us that His plan for us is so much better if we have the humility to submit to what He asks us to do. In today's episode, Jared Mills shares his story of submitting to God at a terribly inconvenient time in his life and the way God has blessed him and his family as a result. Jared Mills is the founder and owner of Heritage Insurance Advisors based in Edmond, OK. Jared founded Heritage in 2017 and has grown his team of insurance professionals to 7 agents located throughout the state who assist clients with understanding their personal insurance needs. Jared and his wife Amber and daughter Claire are members of Crossings Church in Edmond, and both serve with the student ministry as well as other volunteer organizations in the city. They are all huge OSU cowboy fans, and you can usually find them in Stillwater celebrating on game days with friends and family or relaxing with neighbors at their neighborhood pool. Jared served in the US Army for 12 years serving overseas on several occasions. He attributes his success today to learning how to serve others with integrity, loyalty, and service to his time in the military and through great mentors who help build his faith and purpose.

Whether you work at a company that supports or even encourages Biblical principles being lived out or a company that for legal reasons, would say that's “pushing religion on people”, there are ways to share the love of Jesus with your coworkers. In today's episode, Craig Calvert shares his experiences in both types of cultures and gives great insight into what sharing Jesus can look like regardless of the organizations culture or view on Christianity in the workplace. Craig Calvert is a Safety Manager/Ministry Coordinator at Rudy Construction in Oklahoma City. He and his wife Allie have one son, Casen, and another child on the way. Craig participates in the CBMC Young Professionals program. In his spare time, Craig serves at Crossings Community Church, likes to ride dirt bikes, and watch The Office.

We've all been there. At the end of our patience, BOOM! We explode and say something we will most likely regret very soon. Taming the tongue is one of the most difficult things for us, even Followers of Jesus, to master. Though we strive to tame the tongue, what we do when we fail is just as important. In today's episode, Ross Hill shares a fascinating story about reconciliation and forgiveness after failing to tame his tongue in a staff meeting. Ross Hill worked as a paper boy in grade school to buy baseball cards, in high school he worked in a sewage treatment plant to raise money for college. In college he worked as a ginny pig testing deodorant for Proctor and Gamble. As an adult he built America's number one community bank based upon earnings in 2009, and number three in 2010. In retirement, he is building a dream God put in his heart in 1988, providing executive coaching to pastors. This thirty-three-year dream and decades of prayers are being answered by God Almighty. Hill has successfully coached leaders for over three decades. His client consists of some high impact and successful leaders such as, one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking, a New York Best Selling Author, a World Class Pediatric Eye Surgeon, the Chief Executive of a Church Denomination as well as several Mega Church Pastorsand a two-time Olympic Gold Metal Champion and NCAA All American Football Player. Being a trusted advisor to many of America's top leaders, coupled with 36 years as president and CEO of several top-rated community banks, Hill knows first-hand how difficult and lonely it can be at the top. Ross wrote his first book "Broken Pieces - Nothing is Wasted," an inspirational book designed to give hope and encouragement to everyone. Through a combination of real-life personal experiences, and those of friends, customer's and acquaintances, he shares stories of truth learned over his life. His second book, “Fuel to Ignite Your Soul - The 40-Day Challenge” is his story of how he developed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He personally guarantees the method will enhance your relationship with Jesus too. The book will be released in June 2021. Hill speaks about 40 times a year, is a published author, trusted advisor, executive coach and the Founder of Tall Oaks Coaching a non-profit dedicated to coaching pastors. He also serves as Trustee of Mid-America Christian University and is a graduate of Cincinnati Bible Seminary. Contact Ross by visiting his website at www.rossalanhill.com

To have faith, we have to hear. To hear, we have to listen. To listen, we have to schedule time in silence so we can hear the voice of God. It's in the silence that we hear the whispers. Without hearing it is impossible to please God. Once we hear, we have an obligation to act on what we hear. In this episode, EF Parrish shares how we ought to look to the example Jesus sets in being intentional and acting on what the Holy Spirit instructing us to do. For the past 40+ years EF Parrish has invested his life in building relationships with people. Whether as a sales director with Sprint Communications Company, a children's pastor with a local mega-church, or VP of Sales for a large office equipment dealer, Parrish brings over 40 years' experience as a business executive, minister, and published author. One of Ernest's deep passions in life is building disciples of Jesus Christ, by giving away what he has gained in his forty-nine years of walking with Christ. Responding to the importance Ernest places on relationships, he founded Corporate Care in 1987. The business currently provides corporate chaplaincy services to thousands of employees in numerous businesses. Ernest has also assisted hundreds of men and women begin corporate chaplaincy businesses/ministries nationally and internationally, by giving away his business model, trade secrets and proprietary information. Make sure to get Ernest's book, “Blueprint of a Kingdom Business” here and find his Bible reading plan titled “Blueprint of a Kingdom Business on the YouVersion app.

Too often we tend to take the “easy way” out or avoid difficult conversations. In this episode, Frank Smith shares his story of refusing to lie to his employees and instead engages in one of the most difficult conversations that a business owner can have with their team head on. Frank also shares his passion for educating himself and others on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and how to implement those principles well in the workplace. Frank Smith has been a business owner for over 29 years. He has owned 5 businesses during that time. Everything from Manufacturing, Retail, Distribution and Professional Services. His real passion during this time has been creating a place where people want to come to work on Monday morning. Frank's purpose in life is elevating life through work. His current business Mosaic Personnel helps people find jobs that fit them better. Their clients not only find good people to work with them but also help develop those people and create an amazing business culture. Mosaic also works with local non-profits that help people who have a background of incarceration or addiction prepare to re-enter the work force. It's all about elevating life through work.

Have you ever felt that unexplainable nudge to text a person you haven't talked to in a while, stop to help that person stranded on the highway, or spontaneously pray for a friend? It's one thing to feel those nudges from the Holy Spirit but it's a whole other thing to obey that nudge from God. More times than not, if we obey that nudge, we see that God ordained that interaction and the impacts can be extraordinary. In this episode, Clare DeGraaf discusses the importance of recognizing God's voice, listening to it, and obeying His nudges as quick as possible. Clare De Graaf is a follower of Jesus, an elder, a Bible teacher, and for more than thirty years a full-time spiritual mentor of men, from college students to other would-be servant/leaders. A successful businessman and Christian all his life, at age thirty-one he found himself at a spiritual crossroads – a crisis of faith triggered by cancer. Surrendering himself to Christ, he sold his manufacturing company in 1984, at age thirty-five, to devote the balance of his life serving wherever God called. Since then, De Graaf has been deeply involved in US and international church planting, microeconomic development in Haiti, and orphanage and hospital reconstruction in Albania. He is also the founding chairman of DOOR International, a ministry committed to translating the Bible into sign language for the Deaf of the world. In 2013, Clare's book, The 10 Second Rule was published by Simon and Schuster (Howard Books). Clare and his wife, Susan life in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and are the parents of six children and proud grandparents of twenty. Read Clare's blog, buy his book, interact with him and learn more about his ministry at www.ClareDeGraaf.com. Also find him on Facebook at facebook.com/The10SecondRule.

Here in Oklahoma, the oil and gas industry is the life-blood of our economy and community. When business is good, it's really good. But when it's bad, it can get ugly fast. Like many Oklahomans, Brad Sheriff was a casualty of the oil and gas business and was laid off from one of Oklahoma's premiere companies. What did Brad do with his wife and daughter's that night? They went to dinner and celebrated all that the Lord had done. In the midst of the trial that had just hit, Brad was able to have great joy because of the presence of Jesus in his life. Through his church community, close friends, and colleagues, Brad found support and JOY during his latest trial. Brad Sheriff spent most of his 25-year career in the OKC metro area where he has served in technology leadership roles with Pace/Butler Corporation, Sonic Industries, INTEGRIS Health, Chesapeake Energy and most recently with Ascent Resources. Brad graduated from Texas Lutheran University outside of San Antonio with a business degree and played intercollegiate basketball. He spends most of his free time with his wife and three kids and their jam-packed extracurricular schedule. Brad also spends a great deal of time serving at their church, Henderson Hills Baptist, in Edmond where he is a deacon and Laura his wife is on staff full time.

Prior to knowing and walking with Jesus, Danny was a renowned pool shark. He would travel across the country playing pool with anyone willing to make a bet with him. Danny heard the Gospel for the first time in 1976 in Missouri when a man showed up at his hotel room, gave him a copy of the Gospel of John, and planted the seed that would eventually grow into Danny accepting the gift of salvation and forgiveness from Jesus Christ on May 3, 1978 while dealing cards and playing pool in Las Vegas. Danny retired in 2016 from the largest professional services firm in the world, Deloitte & Touche'. He spent about 15 years in the financial services industry then with Arthur Anderson followed by Coopers & Lybrand. During his 20-year stint with Deloitte, Danny worked with the Federal practice and spent about 75% of that time on engagements that required travel to one degree or another. His areas of expertise were overall Project Management and Banking and/or government insured Loan Portfolio compliance. Danny has been married to his wonderful wife Barbara for the past forty-two years and they live in Oklahoma City. They have two grown adopted sons that are both married. Danny and Barbara have been blessed with three grandchildren that provide a considerable amount of entertainment and joy.

Mark Whitacre was the highest ranked Fortune 500 executive in history to become an FBI whistleblower. While a top executive with ADM, Mark helped the FBI gather evidence over 3 years to break an international price-fixing scheme. His incredible story was made into a major motion picture starring Matt Damon. Mark now leads the faith-based leadership initiative of Coca-Cola Consolidated called T-Factor. You can find more information about Mark at markwhitacre.com or more information about T-Factor at t-factor.com

We are really excited for you to get to hear the stories of how God is moving in the lives of the men you are going to hear from. Go ahead and hit subscribe and we hope you are as encouraged as we have been in making this. We also hope to hear from you about how you were inspired to make your business a Red Letter Business.