Allison Evans: Find Your “Why?”

Are you wondering how you can give your kid the gift of the hustle and help them to understand how to create value? In this episode, Jeff and Scott discuss: Understanding your identity - what did God put you here to do? How to really learn entrepreneurship. Lifting young entrepreneurs - find them, find them, form them.Overcoming fear.  Key Takeaways: The skill of door knocking and learning how to handle rejection can serve any kid for the rest of his life.Selling is a muscle. Some are naturally better than others, but it is a skill you can practice, train, and strengthen. Fear is the number one thing that holds every kid, and every adult, back from pursuing their ideas.  Teach your kids early that they can live in the mindset of adding value every time they show up anywhere. In the gospel and in the economy.   "The world needs more entrepreneurs that love Jesus, and I think we can teach them, by what Kyle experienced, learning by doing." —  Scott Lingle Episode References: Value Creation Kid: The Healthy Struggles Your Children Need to Succeed by Scott Donnell and Lee Benson About Scott Lingle: Scott is the Co-Founder & Chairman of several InsurTech businesses, including Remodel Health, which is a 7-time INC. 5,000 SAAS business in the employee benefits industry with 230 employees based in Indianapolis. They are the #1 CHOICE Arrangements platform provider for brokers.Scott is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University and is actively involved in helping them build their Entrepreneurship Program. He is also building High School Hustle, a nonprofit that helps high school students build, fund, and grow businesses like car detailing, pressure washing, house cleaning, etc.He is married to Linda, and they have four children and five grandchildren in Indianapolis. He spends most of his time playing golf, pickleball, tennis, and raising up the next generation of kingdom-minded entrepreneurs. Connect with Scott Lingle:Website: http://highschoolhustle.org/Website: https://www.scottlingle.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-lingle-a84a9b83/  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: [email protected] 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

Have you given your “why” to God to see the impact that you can make on His kingdom? In this episode, Jeff and Allison discuss: How Allison’s health contributed to the start of Branch Basics.  Leaning on God and trusting in the gifts He has given.The power of purity. Understanding your why and building your business with God.  Key Takeaways: Just because something is common doesn’t mean that it is normal. God made us to heal. We need to stop doing those things that prevent our healing. When you go all in on truth and healing, God will take you beyond what you ever dreamed. If you have your why, then you honestly can get through anything.Find someone you trust to do it with you because it can be really lonely, especially as a woman. "You never know when you step out and do something how God is going to use that and the ripple effect that it can have on His kingdom." —  Allison Evans Connect with Allison Evans:Website: https://branchbasics.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@branch.basics/featured LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allison-evans-23557b15  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchBasics/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchbasics/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@branchbasics  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: [email protected] 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

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to bring your kids along with you on your business journey?In this episode, Jeff and Blake discuss: Integrating family and business for a life of less conflict and less chaos. Living outside the work identities that people place on us.The benefits of having your children with you at work.Raising future adults, not parenting for your own convenience. Key Takeaways: Throughout all of history, there are standout families who enhance the Kingdom of God.  Invite your kids into what you do and your professional life. They will learn and grow and understand more than you think they will.Integrate your work into your family life, even if it can only be conversational. You are not your work self and your home self, as two separate beings. Give all of yourself to your family.Create at least one night that is intentional for just your family. Turn work off and give your family your all.  "The gift of Sabbath that we find in the Bible, it's not meant to be a burden or a performative or a thing you have to do. It is this gift where it moves your heart back into your household, and I think it is an incredibly elegantly designed tool that the Lord made." —  Blake Allsmith Episode References: Organize your family with spreadsheets here: https://theallsmiths.com/  About Blake Allsmith: Blake Allsmith is a two-time founder and Head of Growth at Synthweave. He built and sold a venture-backed startup and then a growth marketing agency, helping grow 100+ brands along the way. He advises Techstars and 500 Startups and has spoken at TEDx. He and his wife Chandler are the authors of The Family Framework (Revell, Oct 13) and the parents of seven kids. They live on 14 acres on the Ohio River in Kentucky.  Connect with Blake Allsmith:Book: amazon.com/dp/0800748042 Website: theallsmiths.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/blakeallsmith Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: [email protected] 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

Are you wondering how you can start or increase your giving?  In this episode, Jeff and Tom discuss: Learning from unexpected challenges in business. Trusting in God and allowing Him to protect you. Involving your spouse and family in the giving process. Using a donor-advised fund to support your giving. Leaning on God as you run your business and in how you treat your employees and customers.  Key Takeaways: The things we think are good may not always turn out the way we think (especially when we don’t turn to and listen to the Lord). God will give you peace if you turn to Him during your dark moments.   The more you give, the more your giving muscle will grow, and your love of God and your fellow man will thrive. Have an individual meal with each of your kids (or grandkids). Give them your time on a one-on-one level. Do your best, then let God do the rest.   "Relationships are more important than results. If I were gonna do it over again, I would lean more into the relationships and less into the results, trusting that God will bring the results." —  Tom Vande Guchte Episode References: National Christian Foundation: https://www.ncfgiving.com/ C12: https://www.joinc12.com/  About Tom Vande Guchte:Tom Vande Guchte is a business leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for generosity in his community. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a BBA in Accounting, Tom began his career as a CPA at Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young) before serving in leadership and consulting roles in the Christian gifts and office furniture industries. From 1992 to 2026, he served as Owner and CEO of Storr Office Environments, a Steelcase office furniture dealership.Tom has been married to his wife, Mary, for 47 years. Together, they have five adult children and ten grandchildren. Beyond his professional career, Tom and Mary are passionate about promoting generosity in their community. They have facilitated more than 35 JOGs and hope to expand this ministry as Tom transitions out of full-time work, continuing their commitment to inspiring generosity and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Connect with Tom Vande Guchte:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-vande-guchte-9b841719  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: [email protected] 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

Are you letting your money fertilize in God’s Kingdom, or is it stinking up stagnant in your accounts? In this episode, Jeff and Jess discuss: The dangers of prioritizing business over relationships. Lessons learned during catalysts of life. Changing your mindset from success for me to success for us.Take inventory - where are you on your balance sheets in business, as a parent, as a spouse, as a friend, as a disciple of Christ? Key Takeaways: The way you treat your team is the way they’ll treat your customers. There is power in staying. If you’re not around your people and your community, it’s harder to connect and understand where they’re at. Compounding isn’t just for money - it is also for relationships. Generosity is the antidote to greed. If you’re feeling greedy, get out the checkbook and give.  Read God’s Word every day, and the next right choice won’t be a mystery.  "All the things that I was so tight about and worried about are the things that really refined and defined my life and my joy." —  Jess Correll Episode References: NCF: https://www.ncfgiving.com/  About Jess Correll:Jesse (Jess) T. Correll is founder and chairman of the board for First Southern Bancorp, Inc.  First Southern, founded in 1983, is based in Stanford, Kentucky, and is the parent company of First Southern National Bank.  With approximately 230 team members, the banks operate a total of 15 locations in 11 Kentucky counties.Correll, 70, is an entrepreneur at heart and has a passion for giving, which led to the establishment of The River Foundation, a private foundation that gives to Christ-centered organizations, both locally and throughout the world.  Jess serves as President and Chairman of the Board for this Foundation, which also functions as a vehicle for encouraging First Southern team members to give and serve through mission work.Jess is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UTG, an insurance company headquartered in Stanford, Kentucky.  He is on the boards of Friends of the Good Samaritans, National Christian Foundation, and Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc. Jess is a seventh-generation Kentuckian and lives on a farm in Central Kentucky where he practices sustainable farming in partnership with his son, Preston. He and his wife Angela, along with their business partners, own several hospitality businesses in downtown Stanford, including an inn, two restaurants, a soap factory and shop, and a boutique spa. They have won several awards for historic preservation in historic Stanford.Jess was inducted into the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in 2018. A native of Somerset, Kentucky, Jess attended Asbury College. He is married to Angela Crouch Correll, and they have three children and six grandchildren.    Connect with Jess Correll: Website: https://utgins.com/  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: [email protected] 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 is the Lord asking you to fulfill the invitation to come follow Him?  In this episode, Jeff and Jon discuss: Sitting in the crockpot of Jesus’s plan. Aligning your will to God’s. Discernment in knowing how to steward God’s resources. Living for an audience of one.  Key Takeaways: God will lead your way - but it will take prayer and patience to see what He is asking of you. Partner with local churches as you steward resources with benevolence. Your model does not need to match another organization’s process. If God is in charge, He can use many different pathways to fulfill His work. The business as mission model is a way for people to be in a country, either nationals or people who are sent, and really for them to create relationships and invite people into community, church, and Bible study that they would never have interaction with otherwise. "Every country is different, every leader is different, and so that's how we do it - one step at a time, by faith." —  Jon Rudolph  Episode References: Gospel Patrons by John Rinehart: https://www.gospelpatrons.org/ Open Network: https://open.life.church/ B4T: https://b4t.org/ BAM: https://businessasmission.com/  About Jon Rudolph: Jon is a 1992 graduate of Taylor University and a 1997 graduate of WMU’s MBA program. Jon has been married to Jodi Rudolph for 31 years. They reside in Ada, MI, where Jon leads the Two Fish Foundation, a faith-based non-profit focused on missionary care and gospel-centered work around the world. Previously, Jon was the owner and CEO of Action Fabricators, a privately held manufacturing business headquartered in Grand Rapids. They are the proud parents of four girls, two sons-in-law, and two amazing Labradoodles! Connect with Jon Rudolph: Website: https://thetwofishfoundation.org/  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: [email protected] 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 is God asking you to carry the lemonade?In this episode, Jeff and Jeff discuss: Learning to trust in the Lord in times of plenty and times of struggle. Maintaining your own stones of remembrance. Running your decisions through your personal filters.Advancing the Kingdom of God in all you do. Key Takeaways: Keep a journal of blessings and tender mercies the Lord has given to you. They will be the stones upon which you can turn in faith for the next hard season. As stewards of God’s resources, we need to recognize that those resources are not purely for our own enjoyment, but also to build the Kingdom. Selling your business doesn’t end your stewardship. While your resources may change, the calling stays the same: seek the King, love others, make disciples.Take a genuine interest in somebody you’re walking by tomorrow. Engage with them, learn their name, ask for their story, show you care. "If I can get my employees to genuinely respect each other and care for one another, everything else takes care of itself. They'll care for the equipment, the bathroom, the break room, the customers, how the parts go in the box. And it starts with me." —  Jeff Applegate Episode References: Living the Life You Were Meant to Live by Tom Paterson About Jeff Applegate: Jeff Applegate is the founder and CEO of Texas Injection Molding. Jeff is a founding member and teaching Elder at Village Community Church in Houston, Texas. He is currently serving as Chairman of the Board for Camp Eagle in Rock Springs, Texas. Jeff was the co-founder and Past Chairman of the Greater Houston Manufacturing Association.  He served two terms as President of the Society of Plastics Engineers and served on several advisory boards, including the University of Houston College of Engineering, Houston Community College Advanced Manufacturing, The Downtown Rotary Club of Houston, and HBU’s Center for Christianity in Business. Jeff earned his Master’s in Christian Leadership from Houston Christian University and graduated from Baylor University with dual majors in Finance and Entrepreneurial Management. He is the author of Lead Your Family and is married to Julie Applegate, and they have 3 grown children. Connect with Jeff Applegate:Website: https://jeffreyapplegate.com/ Book: Lead Your Family: Vision, Mission, and Core Values LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-applegate-b346624   Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: [email protected] 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

What assets do you have (non-monetary) that can contribute to your capacity for meaningful action?In this episode, Jeff and Dave discuss: What entrepreneurship means to the Kingdom of God. The power of a Christian-led business.  Admitting, then confronting, exploitation in business to rid yourself of those ways of working.Fully surrendering to God and all that He is.  Key Takeaways: Entrepreneurship is connected to business, but what it really does is bring a new thing into the world and shape everything around you with it. It’s up to you what shape that takes.It's inescapably true that in a world that works on exploitation and will give you a high five for being ethical, to do more than is required, you've got to sacrifice something. You can’t lead a redemptive organization if it is all about you. Inventory your assets, then pray to God to find out how to re-risk it for a redemptive move. "I would call that one redemptive move that requires some re-risking of your capacity. That's a great place to start. You don't need to have a redemptive organization that's firing on 800 cylinders, aspire to that for sure, but let's find one or two things that you can do right now that don't require galactic change." —  Dave Blanchard About Dave Blanchard, Co-Founder & CEO, Praxis: Dave Blanchard is the Co-Founder & CEO of Praxis, a venture-building ecosystem advancing redemptive imagination. Praxis has supported hundreds of ventures through its global Business and Nonprofit Accelerators, while also organizing a broader community of founders, funders, and innovators working on the major issues of our time. Previously, Dave was a Principal Designer at IDEO and founded two companies in music and technology. He is a co-author of From Concept to Scale and a contributor to Praxis's various publications. He has a BA from Babson College in Massachusetts and an MBA and MEM from Northwestern University in Illinois. He lives in New York City with his wife and three sons, where Praxis is headquartered. Connect with Dave Blanchard:Website: https://www.praxis.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtblanchard/  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: [email protected] 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

Who are three people that you can pour into today who can bring the Light of Christ into their lives? In this episode, Jeff and Bill discuss: The value of work and making it work.Building your marital relationship to be better together than separate.Seeing yourself in the reflection of God.Building the Kingdom and transforming people through work and leadership. Key Takeaways: If you can make it work on paper, you can make it work. Just never forget, it is going to be work.  You are enough in God. That Enough is a gift that you didn’t earn. God has compassion on us no matter how short we come. Are we willing to give others that same compassion?Leadership development and discipleship are synonymous. Convince people you believe in them more than you believe in you, and everything will change. "We believe that our goal is to raise people up to the fullness of their God-given potential and introduce them to God in a way that it will forever transform who they are. If you do that, we win." —  Bill Spencer Episode References: Praxis: https://www.praxis.co/ The Multiplication Effect by Mac Lake About Bill Spencer: As founder of Narrow Gate Foundation, Bill Spencer has spent over 20 years building more than a ministry—he’s built a culture of transformation. With a background in entrepreneurship, marketplace leadership, and pastoral development, Bill brings a rare blend of real-world experience and spiritual authority, helping leaders not just lead better, but live differently.Through the launch of Narrow Gate Lodge and three artisan businesses—Narrow Gate Leather, Narrow Gate Coffee, and TN Box Beams—Bill has created a sustainable, Gospel-centered model where work and discipleship intersect. Rooted in Scripture and delivered with authenticity and clarity, his messages are practical, conversational, and deeply impactful, making him a compelling speaker for churches, pastoral teams, and kingdom-focused business leaders. Connect with Bill Spencer:Website: https://narrowgate.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspencer-narrowgate/   Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: [email protected] 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

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you just started saying “yes” to the opportunities in front of you, even when you aren’t sure how it is going to work out? In this episode, Jeff and Dave discuss: Taking strength from bankruptcy lessons learned young. Utilizing your time for God. Just saying “yes” to the next right thing and trusting that God will make it okay.God gives us the resources, then will guide us to what He needs from us.  Key Takeaways: Accidents and coincidences are God’s way of working anonymously. Faith matters. God will never give you the 10–year plan up front. What you make a priority is what you will give time to. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon you, you will be changed into a different person. So just go and do. He will guide and provide.  "The secret to life is one word: just say yes. Just do the next right thing. Say yes to the things that are in front of you, and trust that God'll make it okay." —  Dave Gibbs Episode References: Mission Lazarus: https://www.missionlazarus.org/  About Dave Gibbs: Dave Gibbs (73) has recently retired from his role as founder and CEO of Mission Creek Resources, an upstream oil & gas company focused on Southwest Arkansas, and continues to serve as Senior Advisor to the management team. Mr. Gibbs holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech (1975) and has over 50 years of upstream and midstream oil & gas experience.  After beginning his career as a petroleum engineer at Exxon Company, USA, he has held management and executive positions in several successful independent oil companies, including roles on the senior management team of Superior Oil through its merger with Mobil in 1984, as well as Union Texas Petroleum through its sale to Pacific Corp in 1990 gaining experience in every major producing basin in the US, as well as several international assignments. Since 1992, Mr. Gibbs has founded and led several independent oil companies. As co-founder and CEO of TDC Energy, Mr. Gibbs built a highly successful offshore Gulf of Mexico development company from 1992 to its merger into a public vehicle in 2005. He also served as President of Medco Energi US, Southern Star Energy, and Terrace Energy, as well as consultant to several domestic and international projects prior to forming Mission Creek in 2018.Dave serves as a Shepherd / Elder at Grace Crossing Church in Conroe, TX, where he leads the Community Outreach Ministry, Foreign Missions Ministry, and serves as mentor and coach to the Youth Family Ministry.Dave also helped found and lead Mission Lazarus, where he serves as chairman of the board. Mission Lazarus is a multi-faceted international ministry focusing on education, medical and abandoned children care, and economic development in Honduras and Haiti for more than 25 years. Dave & his wife, Joy, have been married for 52 years and have raised 9 children, including four combat veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns.  They are also helping to raise 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren (so far).  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: [email protected] 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