Are you willing to ask God for the impossible?

In this episode, Jeff and Bobby discuss:

• Tapping into the zone with God.
• Running a company on Biblical principles.
• The impact of a leader on a business.
• Having patience as our prayers are answered.

Key Takeaways:

• When you align with God and His will, you will see miracles happen.
• Get your kids involved with your ministry and stewardship from the beginning.
• To pass on a vision, it must be your vision, not one you’re just following from someone else with no buy-in.
• God will put people in our paths when we’re veering the wrong way. He will not forget us.
• Let God help you make your list of impossible things. The things that bother you and concern you, God cares about because He cares about you.

"What's a tip on how to be more generous? Ask him. It's going to be a different answer for everybody, depending on your situation." — Bobby Mitchell

Episode References:

• Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (FCCI): https://www.fcci-site.com/

About Bobby Mitchell: Applied Ceramics (ACI) is an international, high-technology manufacturing and development company, primarily focused on the semiconductor, environmental, healthcare, and aerospace industries. Utilizing his leadership skills in engineering, business, and management, Bobby became actively involved with the company’s global Extrusion technology ventures with General Motors, Hyundai, Hitachi, Mead Westvaco, and Dow Chemical. He continues to lead ACI’s business to become world-class by operating with excellence while focusing on its culture first.

Bobby is a Partner of Applied Technology, LLP, a family-owned investment company. He serves in roles on the Board of Directors of the Realist Group and the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (FCCI). He is a current member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO).

In the past, Bobby was involved on the Board of Directors for Buckhead Baseball (a non-profit where he also coached over twenty-two different baseball teams). His other activities include a stint as Director on the Ceramic Glass and Industry Board, the Lovett School Alumni Board, the Capital Group Board, and the Movie Guide Board.

He volunteered in various roles with Young Life, Young Life Africa Expeditions, Children’s Healthcare, and Radical Mentoring, as well as the Lovett Lionbackers (Athletics), where he also serves as the Co-Chair of the annual golf tournament. He lives in Atlanta, GA, and holds degrees from Vanderbilt University (BS) and Georgia Tech (MBA). Bobby is married to Liz, and they have three boys: Robert, Michael, & Charlie, and are members of Peachtree Presbyterian Church.

Connect with Bobby Mitchell - Owner, President & Chief Executive Officer, Applied Ceramics, Inc.:

Website: https://appliedceramics.com/ & https://acicatalysts.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbymitchell1/

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 are you fostering a love for giving and generosity in your heart and home?

In this episode, Jeff, Jeff, and Bob discuss:

• The transformative power of the Bible.
• Transitioning business skills into managing charitable donations.
• Capping your EBITDA and using additional revenue for generosity.
• Collaborative giving for a greater impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Giving generously starts with a heartfelt desire to bless others.
• Bringing your children on a generous path can be a journey that looks different for every family.
• The richness in relationships and purpose is greater than the richness of a large bank account.
• Sometimes what feels like moving backwards in life is the first step in the better path that God has prepared for you.

"If you're at that crossroads where you're trying to choose between full consumption and generosity, I can guarantee you you will not regret choosing the generous path." — Bob Collins

Episode References:

• National Christian Foundation: https://www.ncfgiving.com/
• Every Tribe Every Nation: https://eten.bible/

About Bob Collins: Prior to TrustBridge, Robert served for 16 years with the National Christian Foundation, an organization that has facilitated over $10 billion in charitable giving in the U.S. to more than 50,000 charities in over 100 countries. Prior to that, he was Managing Director and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Equity Investment Management), where he led a 54-person team responsible for investing $36 billion in European and Global equities portfolios.

Connect with Bob Collins:

Website: https://www.trustbridgeglobal.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinsrobert/

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 in your business or relationships is the risk due to a lack of communication?

In this episode, Jeff and Austin discuss:

• Using business to fulfill a higher purpose.
• Blessings and challenges of taking over a family business.
• Intentionally building your family business.
• Asking the questions and facilitating communication between generations.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with something small and let God grow it. You’ll be amazed at what occurs when you look back.
• If you want to bring a child into the business with you, start to loop them in even before they’re fully integrated into the company, allowing them to learn and grow.
• Family businesses will change from generation to generation as the world changes and evolves. What matters are the values and overall mission.
• Don’t let the business separate the relationships between generations.

"Best practice, the transition is way more of a journey than an action. To make it smooth, there are so many facets to it that you have to think about ahead of time." — Austin Ochs

Episode References:

• HBR Family Business Handbook: amazon.com/Harvard-Business-Review-Family-Handbook/dp/1633699048

About Austin Ochs: Austin Ochs is a devoted follower of Jesus, a husband, and a proud father of three boys. A graduate of Wheaton College and former collegiate basketball player, he brings a strong foundation in teamwork, discipline, and leadership to both his business ventures and coaching. As CEO of Capital III, Seat King, and Electrex, Austin leads with a passion for building world-class companies that deliver economic, social, and spiritual impact. He believes faith, family, and business are inseparably linked—and is committed to leading with purpose, integrity, and service.

Connect with Austin Ochs:

Website: https://www.capitaliii.com/ & https://www.seatkingllc.com/ & https://www.electrexinc.com/

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

What are some ways you can build the Kingdom through your business right at home?

In this episode, Jeff and Jarrod discuss:

• Boldly and unashamedly preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Freedom through obedience.
• Business to support the ministry.
• Take care of things at home first.

Key Takeaways:

• Growth often needs to happen slowly and deliberately to support the leaders and the development of the community.
• Teach people to fish. Be willing to go on the journey with them at the necessary speed. Not everything needs to be done immediately. Change happens in God’s time.
• Start with your business. There are needs at home, not just overseas.
• Things can get messy when you run a Kingdom business because you become aware of people’s lives and challenges. Start there.

"What we know to be true is that sound business principles are the same around the world, and if a ministry is pushing back when you ask just simple questions about accountability, KPIs, and transparency, you need to ask more." — Jarrod Brown

About Jarrod Brown:
Jarrod Brown is the founder and CEO of Mission Lazarus, a nonprofit organization using development initiatives to help individuals live abundant lives, now and forever. Mission Lazarus focuses on medical, educational, economic, and spiritual development initiatives in isolated and remote villages in Honduras and Haiti. Jarrod moved to Honduras in 2001, where he lived for nearly 13 years. Jarrod is also the founder and president of Lazarus Group, the holding company for numerous for-profit endeavors, including San Lazaro Coffee and Lazarus Artisan Goods, that are used as tools for sustainable discipling. Jarrod has degrees in International Business and Spanish. He is passionate about finding sustainable solutions in ministry and business to transform lives and the Kingdom. Today, Jarrod and his wife Gabi call Magnolia, Texas, home. They have three children, Aiden, Levi, and Soledad.

Connect with Jarrod Brown:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missionlazarus/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missionlazarus

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

In what way are you investing time in others’ success?

In this episode, Jeff and Phil discuss:

• We all have a platform to do good work.
• Lessons learned from 6 years as an Indianapolis Pacers ballboy as a teenager.
• Preparing in advance and having a plan for your exit.
• The importance of habits, values, and beliefs.

Key Takeaways:

• Prepare early and ahead of time to prepare your legacy and identity ahead of a sale, exit, or merger.
• Not all ideas and businesses are going to generate high profits, but they can still have a high impact.
• You will receive a lot of “no” answers. They teach discipline, accountability, persistence, and trust in the Lord.
• Be willing to be mentored, and be a mentor.

"Invest in relationships earlier than you think, and it compounds quicker." — Phil Daniels

About Phil Daniels: Phil is an operator-turned-investment banker, with experience as a four-time founder and five-time leader in B2B tech, financial services, and digital health. He’s led go-to-market, culture, M&A integration, and capital formation—experiencing firsthand what it takes to scale and exit.

Now a Partner at ArkMalibu, an investment bank for business owners, he's an advisor to founder- and family-led businesses that are approaching a sale. Phil brings operator insight to every transaction—grounded in the realities of building and selling. He's a two-time Inc. 500|5000 CEO, Entrepreneur Magazine award winner, published author, and former NBA ballboy.

Connect with Phil Daniels:

Website: https://arkmalibu.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipdaniels

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 are you starting your morning? Are you beginning by talking to God and immersing yourself in His word?

In this episode, Jeff, Jeff, and Fred discuss:

• Meeting God in the periods of darkness in your life.
• Seeing God’s grace in life’s serendipity.
• Surround yourself with great men and women of God.
• Healing for stronger relationships.
• Finding fulfillment at the intersection of passion, experience, and gifting.

Key Takeaways:

• You can give your life to Christ, but don’t forget about also needing sanctification. Make sure to prioritize your life with the things that matter most.
• Remember the things that went well, but also remember what didn’t work and strive not to do those things again.
• Give your kids responsibility. Learning to work is a valuable skill and a critical part of growing up.
• Start your day with God. It is easier to play the game when you know what the ultimate goal is.

"The number one thing we as leaders can do is start in the Word of God every morning." — Fred Caldwell

About Fred Caldwell: Fred Caldwell is the President and CEO of Caldwell Companies, a fully integrated residential and commercial real estate firm founded in 1990 and based in Cypress, TX.

Today, the firm serves as a holding company for a family of related companies that develop planned residential communities for sale and rental communities, along with associated commercial development. Caldwell Companies' focus is on living out its vision to create extraordinary communities that enrich lives. In short, the Caldwell team is about making life better for all residents of its communities.

Caldwell’s planned communities include Towne Lake, Willowcreek Ranch, The Highlands, Chambers Creek, and others. Rental brands include Asher, Mirela, and Cadence Communities.

Fred serves on several charitable and ministry boards relating to JH Ranch and Texas A&M.

Fred is a graduate of Texas A&M University, receiving a degree in accounting and a master’s degree in finance while playing football. He was recognized in 2018 as a Distinguished Alumni of Mays Business School.

Fred and his wife, Susan, have been married for over 40 years and have two married daughters and 3 grandchildren.

Connect with Fred Caldwell:

Website: https://caldwellcos.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-caldwell-35a9a712

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 care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of your team, their families, your clients, your vendor suppliers, and your local and global community?

In this episode, Jeff and Brandon discuss:

• God’s bigger plan for generous business owners.
• The six domains of flourishing.
• The power of doubling down and not giving in to everything.
• Creating a focus card with your personal mission statement and revisiting it.

Key Takeaways:

• Bring your team and their families with you on the mission-minded values of your business. If everyone understands the reason why they’re working, it can change lives.
• Everyone in your community can be brought in and invited to participate in having a greater impact through the work God is doing and the people you’re serving.
• Your only role is to be faithful, to trust God, to do what is right, and then lay all the results and the outcomes back in His hands.
• Love people better. That is the key to being a more philanthropic leader.

"We are creating generational influence by sharing these stories and inviting our people into the work that God's doing through the companies that we get to serve." — Brandon West

Episode References:

• Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life: https://www.purposedriven.com/
• Flourishing Framework: https://phoscreative.com/flourishing-framework/
• Gino Wickman’s Traction & EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-library
• Compassion International: https://www.compassion.com/
• Randy Alcorn’s Heaven: https://store.epm.org/product/heaven
• Donate to The SAFE Global Fund

About Brandon West: Brandon West founded PHOS Creative at the age of 26 out of his home office. A strategy-first digital marketing agency headquartered in Florida, PHOS’s growth and culture have been highlighted in the Inc. 5000, Gator100, Florida Trend Magazine, and the Best Christian Workplaces Institute.

Author of It Is Not Your Business to Succeed and one of the University of Florida's 40 Gators Under 40, Brandon has shared his insights on over eighty stages, addressing topics such as purpose-driven leadership, people-first culture, business as a ministry, authentic branding, and inbound marketing.

Connect with Brandon West:

Website: https://phoscreative.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmichaelwest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHOScreative/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoscreative

Book: It Is Not Your Business to Succeed

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