Generous Business Owner Jeff Thomas, Alan Barnhart, Jeff Rutt

Who is pulling you up? Who are your peers? Who are you pulling up?

In this episode, Jeff, Jeff, and Bryan discuss:
Learning discipline and self-control from a young age through wrestling and motorcycles.
Setting goals and learning from others.
Advice for going through succession and recession.
Having a mentor, being a mentee, being a mentor.


Key Takeaways:
Lean into your holy discontent, identify it, and make a change. You can impact God’s Kingdom through the things that you feel deeply about.
Through God, you can accomplish big visions one man at a time.
Get a mentor who you trust and who can help you through things you don’t feel you can do alone.
The core five areas of mentorship are faith, family, fitness, finance, and friends.


"Read Proverbs. Read the Proverb of the day and keep doing that every week. It’s God’s wisdom." — Bryan Zeamer


Episode References:
The High Center: https://thehighcenter.com/
The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon’s Secrets to Success, Wealth, and Happiness by Steven K. Scott: https://www.amazon.com/Richest-Man-Who-Ever-Lived/dp/1400071976


About Bryan Zeamer: Bryan Zeamer has been coaching, mentoring, and leading for two decades. With a strong sense of discipline and a drive to see the world made better, Zeamer is dedicating his life's purpose to helping others win. When God is first, we can achieve balanced success in all areas of life.

• President/Owner, Utility-Keystone Trailer Sales, Inc. (2008 – Present)
• Founder/President/Partner of several regional investment initiatives; PennStro Leasing (2014), PennStro Ventures, LLC, a venture capital firm (2011)
• Founder/Chairman, Men of Iron, a Biblically based non-profit organization that has impacted thousands since its 2006 launch.
• Wrestling Coach; Elizabethtown College, Millersville University and Manheim Central High School (1996-2001)
• Graduate, Elizabethtown College, BS Business Management, 1995; earned All-American status as a wrestler, 1995.

Bryan and his wife, Heather, live in Manheim, PA, where they raised their three sons. In his free time, Bryan enjoys hunting, trips to the family cabin, and watching wrestling. His favorite spot to hang out is around the kitchen island, laughing at his boys’ antics and stories.

Connect with Bryan Zeamer:
UKTS - Website: www.utilitykeystone.com
PennStro Leasing - Website: www.pennstroleasing.com
Men of Iron - Website: www.menofiron.org

Connect with Jeff Thomas:
Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/
Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/
Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up
Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

Would you contract God as a partner in your business?

In this episode, Jeff and David discuss:
How David found appreciation for energy security in Baghdad.
Using the OODA Loop in business and life.
Increasing influence in foreign lands.
Partnering with God in the ventures of your life.


Key Takeaways:
Understanding history and embracing other cultures can allow you to see where God may be leading you to do the work in His kingdom.
Set God in the foundation of your biggest visions and dreams. Pray along the way, honor Him, and don’t take Him for granted.
Wake up, have faith, and take the first step. Let God lead you.
Critique yourself and question if you’re doing the right thing. Ask God, let Him lead, and make the adjustments when needed.


"All I can say is you got to dig deep and turn over to God. And each day, find one thing you can count on that it takes you to the next day." — David Lewis


Episode References:
God Owns My Business by Stanley Tam
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer


About David Lewis: Mr. Lewis has spent 23 years focused on energy, policy, and global security issues with a concentration on strategy development, risk management and value creation. Mr. Lewis founded Energy Capital Vietnam in 2015 with a vision to leverage the transitioning global energy landscape and create an investment platform focused on responsible energy and infrastructure development within Vietnam to strengthen energy security and improve bilateral relations.

Previously, Mr. Lewis co-founded a US upstream oil and gas company in 2008 that originated $200 million in mergers and acquisition value where he led deal origination, strategy, and operations. He consulted on operational efficiency improvements across $4 billion in upstream assets for Marathon Oil Company (NYSE: MRO).

Prior to the energy industry, he developed a $100 million nationwide portfolio of US Federal Government commercial real estate leasing contracts. Mr. Lewis acquired Capitol Hill experience in the US Senate where he worked on national security and defense issues.

Mr. Lewis is a former Marine Corps Infantry Officer and Purple Heart recipient and was twice recognized for combat valor. He holds a BBA in Management from Texas A&M University.

His initial exposure to controlled economic culture began during a 1991 summer program with the first US led oil and gas venture in the former Soviet Union.


Connect with David Lewis:
Website: https://ecvholdings.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lewis-5723775/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15226170/admin/feed/posts/

Connect with Jeff Thomas:
Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/
Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/
Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up
Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

How can you better serve those around you by going deeper and meeting them where they are, one-on-one?

In this episode, Jeff, Jeff, and Jeff discuss:
Understanding your spiritual gifts and stepping out of your comfort zone.
The Buying Formula and the power of “Tell me more.”
Meeting the unexpected challenges of life head-on - God has orchestrated them from behind the scenes.
Staying focused on The One.
Giving isn’t Godly unless there is a sacrifice.


Key Takeaways:
There are times we don’t step forward because we feel underequipped. But there is something about stepping out of your comfort and dramatically lurching forward. You will be amazed at what you can do.
Generosity in business begins with those within your organization but does not stop there.
Writing a check is great, but generosity can also come in the form of giving your time.
There is something tactical and practical in meeting people where they are at.
Set goals, think bravely, and write it down. You’ll be amazed at what will show up.


"In any area of influence, we have to be able to go deeper, and I am convinced that people want to share more, they're just not convinced that the people they are talking to want to know more. That’s the idea of ‘Tell me more, let's go deeper on that.’ It's not just a good sales skill - it's a good life skill." — Jeff Shore


About Jeff Shore: Jeff Shore is a contemporary expert in residential sales and sales leadership with over three decades of experience in selling, consulting, speaking, and teaching. Jeff has spoken to thousands of real estate sales professionals from San Francisco to New York, from Alberta to Abu Dhabi.

He is the author of 11 sales books. Tens of thousands of sales professionals watch his weekly Five Minute Sales Training on YouTube.

Jeff is a Certified Speaking Professional through the National Speaker’s Association, and a fellow in the NSA’s Million Dollar Speaker’s Group, comprised of the NSA’s most successful members.

When Jeff is not on an airplane he enjoys playing hockey, reading a book a week, playing bass guitar, serving as a part-time pastor at his church, working with The Gathering Inn homeless coalition, and hanging out with Karen, his wife of 37 years, and their seven grandkids.


Connect with Jeff Shore:
Website: https://www.jeffshore.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JeffShoreTraining
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshore
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffshore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeffShoreCommunity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffshoreconsulting/
Check out Jeff’s Books Here: https://shop.jeffshore.com/collections/books


Connect with Jeff Thomas:
Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/
Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/
Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up
Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

Where do you have your priorities and responsibilities? How are you strengthening your family in Christ?

In this episode, Jeff and Terence discuss:
The marketplace as a platform for change and impact for God’s Kindom.
Being faithful to God’s callings wherever they take us.
Preparing your children to defend their faith no matter their age.
Building your platform of consistency around Christ.

Key Takeaways:
As leaders, we have the choice to lead by example and build the culture from top to bottom. Everyone in the organization has value, no matter their role.
Start ministry in your own home. The foundation of the home will impact the nation.
Be the family devotional leader of your home - that is the greatest thing you can do in your life.
You have more influence in the marketplace than you think you do. People spend the most time at work during the week.
It is never too late to start, no matter where you are.

"Be the person to live a life of consistency for Christ. Whether we live, work, play we are who we are." — Terence Chatmon


About Dr. Terence Chatmon: Terence has a strong passion for discipleship, particularly discipling parents to make strong and flourishing families. He has been equipping and empowering Family Champions who make mature and thriving followers of Christ. His calling spans across five continents and forty-three states in America resulting in over 100,000 parents training on Victorious Family’s step-by-step family planning process model.

He has authored a must-read 5-Star-Bestselling book titled, Do Your Children Believe? published by Thomas Nelson. Inside this book, author Terence Chatmon offers his proven step-by-step process to create a personalized family discipleship plan that works for families, even those who have grown children. He shares the successes from thousands of workshop participants and stories of how he, his wife, and children put their plan into living action with remarkable blessings in tow. Do Your Children Believe? appears at a time when a similar moment in history does not sound so incredibly far-fetched: “There arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done” (Judges 2:10 ESV).

Victorious Family: www.victoriousfamily.org

Connect with Terence Chatmon:
Website: http://www.victoriousfamily.org/
Victorious Family Podcast: https://victoriousfamily.org/podcast/

Connect with Jeff Thomas:
Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/
Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/
Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up
Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

Where have you seen God’s hand in your life to transform your life or others?

In this episode, Jeff, Jeff, Creek, and Sarah discuss:
Transitioning from being a lukewarm Christian living a selfish life to living a God-led generous life.
Wrestling with God and letting Him lead you where He wants you to go.
Appreciating all things God has given us and understanding where everything comes from.
With Jesus, all things are possible so turn it all over to Him.

Key Takeaways:
Falling apart as a couple is a choice. Focusing on each other and on Jesus in times of struggle will change you and bring you together if you let it.
God will show up in the lowest of times and the meekest of areas.
Passion grows when you know the purpose behind the profit.
Don’t hold on to the stuff - the bitterness and grudges. Give each other grace in all things.
There is nothing that feels like giving. You will find peace, satisfaction, and all the feel good emotions when you’re giving.


"We want Jesus at the heart of everything we're doing. We've drank the good water, we've seen the light, we've felt the fire, and we realize that He makes all the right decisions. We want Him at the helm of everything. We put Him at the head of our business, we put Him at the head of our household, we put Him at the head of our finances, He can have it all because I trust Him 100% with His decisions." — Creek Stewart

Episode References:
HOPE International - https://www.hopeinternational.org/
Gospel Patrons - https://www.gospelpatrons.org/
Fat Guys in the Woods Clips - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLki90Aw2GjdfDVZHGcUoFFHuCTN_TMqrq
SOS: How to Survive Clips - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLki90Aw2Gjddr37xAiz61ayB82gAue_YQ

About Creek Stewart:
Creek is a world-renowned Survival Instructor. He is the exclusive in-house and on-camera Survival Expert for The Weather Channel. Creek is also the host of SOS: HOW TO SURVIVE on The Weather Channel. SOS: How to Survive presents gripping, true stories about people who find themselves in unexpected life-and-death battles with the elements. Creek and his team show viewers innovative skills that teach how to survive in a vast array of climates and terrain.

Creek is the author of over 14 different survival manuals, including the Amazon.com best-seller, Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag. He is also the owner of various survival and outdoor-related businesses. Among those is APOCABOX, a bi-monthly survival subscription box that ships to 1000s of loyal subscribers every other month.

Creek has given a TEDxTalk, and has been the keynote speaker at the National Boy Scout Jamboree (50,000 attendees). In 2015, CR///EK was presented with the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) by the Boy Scouts of America. The NOESA is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or national level.

About Sarah Stewart:
Sarah Stewart has over 20 years of marketing experience working with clients ranging from local nonprofits to internationally recognized brands. She is currently the in-house Creative Director for their family businesses, including CustomBannerLab.com, APOCABOX, GRYS Skin, and the Creek Stewart ThunderCrow Brand. Her greatest accomplishments are her three children, River (9), Lakelyn (5), and Primrose.

Connect with Creek and Sarah Stewart:
Brands/Businesses Owned and Operated by the Stewart Family
creekstewart.com
custombannerlab.com (a percentage of sales each month are donated to HOPE International from this business)
grysskin.com
myapocabox.com
dropstonepress.com
outdoorcore.com
survivalskillofhemonth.com
wildedibleplantofthemonth.com
riverdesigncompany.com
willowhavenoutdoor.com
Amazon.com: amazon.com/Creek-Stewart/e/B0076LIRK6

Connect with Jeff Thomas:
Website: arkosglobal.com
Podcast: generousbusinessowner.com
Book: arkosglobal.com/trading-up
Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com
Twitter: twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv
Fa

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

In this episode, Jeff and Josh discuss:
Josh’s lifetime of learning begins in an immigrant home.
Learning alongside and lifelong curiosity.
Stewarding God’s resources responsibly.
Using your business for impact in God’s kingdom.


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


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


About Josh Kwan: Josh Kwan is the President of The Gathering, a learning community of philanthropists motivated by their Christian faith to give humbly and steward wisely all the resources God has entrusted to their care. Previously, he was a Co-Founder and Partner at Praxis, a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship whose mission is to build ventures, foster community, and create content for equipping Christian innovators, founders, and funders.
Josh served as the Director of International Giving for the David Weekley Family Foundation, where he divided his time between conducting due diligence on innovative social enterprises and helping portfolio organizations scale their impact. He worked as a journalist and was published in The San Jose Mercury News, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and Stanford Social Innovation Review. He also co-founded Abide, a mobile app for encouraging and enlivening the practice of prayer and meditation. He has an AB from Harvard College and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. He lives with his family near San Francisco.
Connect with Josh Kwan:
Website: https://www.thegathering.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkwan/

Connect with Jeff Thomas:
Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/
Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/
Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up
Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw