Encouragement for Life

Business Name: Midwest PROTECH, LLC

Contact Name: Rodney Johnson

Business Address:
4471 Bridgetown Road
Cincinnati, OH 45211

Website: https://midwestprotech.com

Business Phone: 513-322-1306

Midwest PROTECH, LLC is a technology services company based in Cincinnati, Ohio – Bridgetown. We specialize in providing comprehensive computer, managed services, and networking support to both small businesses and residential clients across the Greater Cincinnati Area.

We’re highly rated with the BBB, Angie’s List, Google, Christian Blue, and other review sites like Yahoo, Facebook, etc. But most importantly, our clients tell other people about us all the time.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

We discovered early on that many of our clients had no idea who to trust or turn to when dealing with computer issues. As with taking the car to the mechanic, most computer users don’t know if a computer technician is honest when recommending an expensive “necessary” service. We have heard plenty of stories of how “messed up” someone’s computer was, only to find the solution was a very simple and inexpensive fix. Unfortunately, basic issues can turn out to be very expensive when improperly diagnosed.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

At the young age of 12, at the First Baptist Church of Auburn, guided by the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit. I felt the love of Jesus and accepted it with all my heart. It was like a warm hug from God. He gave me something special called grace, which means He forgives us even when we don’t deserve it. I didn’t do anything to earn it, but Jesus still gave it to me because he loves me. Today as I write this I am humbled by the depth of His mercy and awestruck by His unfailing kindness. Truly, our God reigns supreme, ever gracious, ever merciful, an awe-inspiring testament to His boundless love.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

Faith can have a significant impact on a business in various ways. Firstly, it can shape the values and ethics of the business, guiding decision-making and fostering a culture of honesty, integrity, and compassion. Secondly, faith can inspire a commitment to serving others and making a positive difference in the community, enhancing the company’s reputation, and building trust with customers. Faith can offer perseverance in challenging times, encouraging perseverance and hope amidst adversity that all business owners experience. Overall, integrating faith into business practices can lead to a more fulfilling and successful business.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

My business partner Matthew and his wife Shantel are actively involved in the marriage ministry. Their faith in Christ strengthens their own marriage, and they’re committed to helping other couples build lasting relationships. They’ve witnessed too many people giving up on their marriages, so they want to offer support and encouragement to those facing challenges. Additionally, our business supports Matthew 25 ministries, as they provide crucial aid worldwide during times of disaster.

Business Name: Renew Paint & Power Wash

Contact Name: Nate Duehring & Ryan Miller

Business Address:
697 Joyful St.
Columbus, OH
43204

Website: https://renewpaintandpowerwash.com

Business Phone: 614-407-4097

Renew Paint and Power Wash is a residential interior and exterior painting company that aims to serve the central Ohio area through a lived practice of core values, like Knowing Christ and making Him known, adding value to all that we do, being disciplined and accountable, having a growth mindset, and being wholesome. Through these core values, we ultimately aim to be a place where people can grow into the fullness of Christ. That is the hope for ourselves as owners and for all our employees.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

What initially inspired us to get into painting homes was realizing that it was a great and easy way to transform a home. The context of the job site of painting inside of people’s homes and on their property lent itself to meaningful connections and conversations with clients and employees to help make the most of the time.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

(Ryan) I was not raised in a household of faith. But in high school, I was invited to church for the first time by a friend. After attending for a short while and being exposed to the gospel for the first time, I put my hope and faith in Christ. I was hungry for spiritual food and was being fed by a good community and good teaching.

(Nate) I grew up in a Christian home and I professed faith at some point around middle school. I grew a lot during my time at Moody Bible Institute and would say it was there that I more fully understood that Christ is Lord and King and that I can’t earn his forgiveness but it is by grace through faith in Christ alone that I am united to Him. This is something that I’m continually reminded of each and every week through hearing the preached Word of God, times of confessing sin, being assured of my forgiveness, and partaking in communion.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

Our faith is the grid we filter the how and why we do business. Living an integrated life where our work, our family, our ministry is all under the great reality that Jesus is King. There isn’t a compartmentalized life. Jesus has something to say to all areas of our lives.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

Being made into a better disciple is something that has greatly increased in passion and urgency in this season of our lives.  We are becoming more convinced that if each Christian had that heart and mind to become a better disciple of Christ, the world around them would truly change. The Great Commission was to make disciples of all nations. We want to be made into better disciples. We want to make disciples of Christ. We think making disciples of Christ is the most urgent need of our age. We believe that being a part of our local churches is one of the most important ways that this can all happen.

Business Name: Blessed Plumbing

Contact Name: Bill Dempsey

Business Address:
Serving Columbus & central Ohio

Website: https://blessedplumbing.com

Business Phone: 614-204-5156

Bill Dempsey started Blessed Plumbing when he realized he needed a more flexible schedule to spend more time with his wife and two children. The Dempseys live and raise their family in Central Ohio where they are active in the community by supporting local charities, band boosters, and fundraisers. 

Blessed Plumbing operates on a firm foundation in the belief in Jesus Christ and operates the business on Christian principles. Blessed Plumbing believes in fair pricing, working with integrity, and honesty.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

I’ve always been drawn to fixing things and solving problems hands-on. Plumbing felt like the perfect blend of practical skill and helping others. Plus, there’s something satisfying about knowing you’re essential to keeping homes and businesses running smoothly.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

My journey to faith in Christ began with a search for meaning and purpose in life. Through encounters with believers, reading scripture, and experiencing the love of God in various ways, I gradually came to understand and accept Christ as my savior. It’s been a journey of growth, challenges, and profound joy. 

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

My faith shapes the way I do business by guiding my decisions with principles of honesty, integrity, and compassion. It influences how I treat customers, employees, and suppliers with respect and fairness, striving to reflect Christ’s love in all interactions. Ultimately, my faith compels me to seek excellence in my work as a form of service to others and to honor God.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

We champion ministries that align with the values of our local church, such as providing aid to those in need. Our church community emphasizes compassion, stewardship, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Together, we strive to serve our community and beyond, reflecting the love and teachings of Christ in all that we do.

Business Name: Hill Financial Strategies

Contact Name: Shawn & Colin Hill

Business Address:
6914 Miami Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45243

Website: https://www.hillfinancialstrategies.com

Business Phone: 513-271-1991

Hill Financial Strategies is a financial planning firm focused on building relationships with clients for life.  Located in the heart of Madeira, with clients spread out across the country, we take pride in our comprehensive planning approach. 

We collaborate with clients by reviewing their current financial information and understanding their objectives, uncovering opportunities, and creating a plan custom-tailored to their needs. We then implement and monitor the plan making necessary adjustments along the way to ensure success.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

Hill Financial Strategies is a family business.  My father, Shawn, started the business in 1991 seven months before I was born, so you can say I grew up around the business and I always had an interest in it. 

I enjoy client relationships and providing a valuable and important service.  We give families peace of mind as they work toward financial stability and seek to secure what they have worked hard to build.  Investment management is part of what we do, but it’s the unique planning strategies we bring to the table that help each client/family maximize their resources.  Leveraging these advanced planning concepts sets us apart from other advisors.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

My faith has grown more in the last 10 years than in any other period of my life.  I have always believed that God exists, but had not really invested in what that means, and more specifically what it means for me, until recent years. 

My brother participated in Youth Ministry at our church, Horizon Community Church, from junior high school through graduation.  I was “too busy” to participate in such things at the time.  As he grew in his faith, I saw what an incredible impact it had on him and our family.  I was curious, so we began to attend services at Horizon as a family regularly.  My curiosity skyrocketed when my wife, Alex, and I began dating.  Faith has always been very important to her, and she encouraged me to dig deeper into mine. 

In short time I have come to full belief and an awesome walk with Christ.  I got baptized in the presence of friends and family, including the men of my Bible study.  Alex and I are blessed to be parents of two, a boy and a girl, and we are excited to raise them to know Jesus.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

Our business is rooted in relationships.  We help our clients navigate some of the most important life decisions they will ever make. Our fiduciary responsibility to always act in our clients’ best interest is at the core of everything we do, and we are humbled by the trust placed in us and the opportunity to serve them and their families. 

Financial planning is a marathon, not a sprint.  Our work often spans several generations, and there are many factors at play.  I believe that faith in God directly aligns with our fiduciary responsibilities to our clients.  The ways in which God calls us to live and relate to those in our community are congruent to the moral standards we are held to as advisors.  The relationships we develop are fruitful not only for the families we serve but the broader communities in which they live.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

My favorite aspect of our work is helping clients create a legacy both for family and community.  We are blessed to work with individuals and families who are vested in their communities and are incredibly philanthropic.  We help them integrate solutions to ensure their favorite causes and ministries continue to receive gifts beyond their lifetimes. When done properly, not only does this type of planning ensure the gifts to charity continue in perpetuity, but it also imbues the value of giving in future generations by engaging them in the process.

We practice what we preach.  We support several causes/ministries both “hands-on” and through financial giving.  Some of these organizations include Horizon Community Church, Back2Back Ministries, the Karen Wellington Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, Aruna Project, Folds of Honor, and Tunnel to Towers. 

A full list of charitable organizations we support can be found on our website.

Business Name: Dale Robertson Jewelry Co., LLC

Contact Name: Dale Robertson

Business Address:
784 Loveland Miamiville Rd
Ste 300
Loveland, OH 45140

Website: https://www.dalerobertsonjewelry.com/

Business Phone: 513-583-5900

Dale Robertson Jewelry is a custom jewelry creator. Using the earth’s most rare and valuable elements, we create heirlooms to be worn and loved for generations. We are a diamond importer, jewelry designer, and diamond and gemstone setters, with an in-store repair center working on your jewelry. We sell mined, natural, and lab-manufactured diamonds in all sizes, shapes, and qualities.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

While attending college for Graphic Design, I worked in the camera department of a department store with several cases of jewelry just a few steps away. Once I sold a couple of diamonds, the company asked me to expand the jewelry department from 5 to 20 showcases. Once the department was set up, the company hired a person with jewelry experience who took me under his wing and began teaching me about jewelry. Over the next 50 years, Idar learned as much as I could about jewelry and jewelry manufacturing.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I first accepted Christ as a 7-year-old when our church brought in an evangelist. After high school, I drifted away from the faith. When my wife and I were going through a miscarriage in 1982, I did the only thing I knew – that was to pray. I then rededicated my life to Christ and have worked to spread the Gospel. My mission field has been in the business arena.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

I am held to a higher standard than non-believers and try to run my business with biblical methods. I will only offer what I believe to be the best quality diamonds and jewelry at fair prices. I don’t believe in raising a price only to offer a deceptive and dishonest discount. I hold my vendors and services to a high standard and demand their best.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

I support life. Christ gave me life and I believe I need to do what I can to bring life to others. I also will support local, national, and international ministries to help spread the Gospel.

Business Name: Dean’s Landscaping Inc.

Contact Name: Joseph Dean

Business Address:
846 US Rt. 68 South
Xenia, OH 45385

Website: https://deanslandscaping.net

Business Phone: 937-999-6363

Dean’s Landscaping Inc. provides Landscape installation and hardscapes (Pavers, Retaining Walls, Stonework, etc.), and has a full-service Concrete Division.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

As a child, I liked to work outside with my hands and run equipment. I saw the opportunity to mow our neighbor’s lawns, which then led to the beginning of our business. We also had the opportunity to learn about the concrete industry as children by visiting job sites and working alongside a family friend.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

When I was about 12 or 13 years old, the Holy Spirit weighed on my heart that I needed to accept Christ, and I asked my Dad that night to pray with me and I accepted Jesus into my Life.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

We try to run our business with Christian principles, honesty, integrity, treating others like we want to be treated, and hopefully showing Christ to others through those values.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

One ministry that we regularly work with is Hope Rising Women’s Center. We believe in their cause of helping pregnant women choose life for their unborn babies and providing many resources and support throughout the pregnancy and after.

Business Name: SoldBuyStone, LLC

Contact Name: Missy & Shahne Stone, Realtors

Business Address:
3476 Irwin Simpson Road
Mason, OH 45040

Website: https://www.SoldBuyStone.com

Business Phone: 513-404-8954

Missy & Shahne Stone of SoldBuyStone, LLC, are full-time realtors serving the Southwest Ohio Cincinnati/Dayton corridor. They have over 15 years of experience serving both residential and commercial buyers and sellers and are ICON and Circle of Excellence Award Winners.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

Missy has worked in sales or customer service for most of her career. She loves helping people, so putting her sales skills with real estate was a natural collaboration. Missy especially enjoys helping young families find the perfect home!

Shahne has been a pastor for 25 years and also has a corporate background. He joined Missy to help with support and marketing to take the SoldBuyStone Team to the next level.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

Shahne is a Pastor’s Kid and came to receive Christ as his Savior at the young age of 5 during a youth camp that his parents were directors of. The Lord was moving during the nightly service and fell upon Shahne in the back of the sanctuary. He was crying and when his family noticed this, they checked on him to see if he was ok. After speaking with him for a moment, his father realized the Spirit of God was calling Shahne and at that moment, so his father led him through the prayer of repentance.

Praise the Lord, and also for keeping Shahne his entire life in an unwavering walk with Christ Jesus. Shahne is now an Ordained Pastor and serves God with all his heart.

Missy grew up in church her entire life and was saved while in her elementary years. She started serving at a young age due to her parent’s role in the church. Upon dating and marrying Shahne, they continued to serve the church in many lay ministry and pastoral areas.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

There is no doubt that our faith and walk with Christ flow through our business and activities. We have served our clients with the utmost character and service, as we know that we work “as unto the Lord”, and not just our clients. All of our business comes from God, and we serve everyone with the utmost respect and integrity.

We fulfill the same level of service, quality, and effort for all client levels and treat them all as family. We pray over each client, their transaction, and the process of closing. We don’t stop there, as we also provide quality service after the transaction closes. If our client needs a painter, plumber, foundation specialist, loan officer, construction, or just about anything you can think of, they call us for our contact list.

We work with some great people covering all aspects of owning or renting a property and are always just a phone call away. We are so thankful for our repeat clients as it reveals the heart of our business which is relational and not just transactional.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

Shahne is currently the Associate Pastor of West Chester Nazarene Church and oversees the executive parts of the church as well as the daycare and the men’s and women’s ministries.  He also helps plan services, plays/sings with the worship team, and also preaches the Word of God many times throughout the year. 

Missy is part of the First Impressions team, production, and lady’s ministry council, and serves West Chester Nazarene as a pastor’s wife. She also serves at the Warren County Board of Elections during voting season. 

Together they support Elizabeth New Life Center (Right to Life), the Republican Women’s Club of Warren County, and sponsor a few local pastors and smaller churches.

Business Name: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Contact Name: Michael Bishop

Business Address:
5207 Hampstead Village Center Way
New Albany, OH 43054

Website: https://CentralOhioHomes.info

Business Phone: 614-600-4554

Michael Bishop, The Cooler Real Estate Agent with Howard Hanna Real Estate in New Albany, Ohio. Michael is an experienced real estate pro. With over 9 years in new home construction sales and 9 years as a licensed real estate agent, Michael helps clients: Buy Sell Have Fun & Know the Numbers.

So what is the Cooler Real Estate Agent about? That’s part of the typical gift for clients after closing on the purchase or sale of property – a large cooler usually containing some of the client’s favorite beverages. Plus some other “cool” stuff.

Whether you are a buyer or seller, Michael tries to provide data, stats, and numbers. It helps understand the range of values for similar properties. High. Low. Average.

Michael believes knowledge is the key to helping empower clients. Whether they are buying or selling.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

My father was a WWII Navy veteran, and while he did not have more than a high school education, he taught me a lot. He worked as an electrician for the Rural Electrification of America (REA), which was bringing power to rural areas around Coshocton with no electricity. He could do heating, insulation, plumbing, roofing, auto/truck mechanic, and of course, electric. While I admit I often didn’t enjoy helping him, I now wish I had paid more attention and helped more.

However, I did learn enough to help me understand the basics of heating, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical components in buildings and homes. Add to that selling new construction and watching land turn into roads, with sewer and all utilities. Then watching the construction of homes. Dirt. Hole in the ground. Footers. Foundations. Decking. Walls. Then all the various trades to get to complete, and handing over keys to a brand new home. It’s all quite inspiring.

As a real estate agent I mostly now handle the purchase or sale of existing housing and an occasional new build. But the fatherly lessons, plus the 9 years in new construction make what I do… a joy and it’s particularly warming to me when these experiences help me assist my clients. My goal is to make my clients better informed, and more knowledgeable. Knowledge = Power, or Confidence.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

It started as a child, in Coshocton, Ohio, where my parents attended the Park United Methodist Church. The Pastor was Reverend Rahrig. I was young but I can still recall sitting through quiet, almost lazy sermons. Then the Pastor would get to the key points and the entire church, including the rafters, would be shaking with his powerful culmination of the message. There was no one nodding off!

Over the years in the Columbus area I’ve attended a few churches but none had that hometown feel until we came to the Johnstown United Methodist Church; led by Pastor Matthew Van Winkle. While his style is completely different, the messages of the Gospel, truth, the path to forgiveness, and belief are warm and inviting. The selection of older hymns is varied and sung by the choir, and, at times, guest members. It’s a warm community of worshipers.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

The first thing to remember about real estate is the Fair Housing Act: “In the process of buying, selling, renting or engaging in other housing-related transactions, it is illegal to discriminate based on religion under the Fair Housing Act.”  With that said, it means discrimination should never be a part of the process. While I do not ask the faith of my clients, it is clear some have different faiths or none at all.

Some aspects of the real estate business, buying and selling, involve some opinion and judgment. While that is not completely avoidable, I try to use facts to guide clients. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I try to guide clients based on the numbers. I refer to this as “Know the Numbers.” This means looking at closed sales of largely similar properties in the nearby area. The goal with the data, numbers, and stats is to educate the client so they feel more knowledgeable about the decisions being made to buy, or sell.

In every transaction, I try to imagine the client was my own family member. They make all the decisions. In rare situations I feel they are not making the best choice; I’ll typically review the facts and make sure they are choosing with all information considered.

The goal is to always do what I believe might be the path Jesus would have followed.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

Undies. A recent cause my wife and I contributed to through the JUMC was undies. Underwear for people in need in West Virginia. The church collected donations for over a month and then delivered to very rural, poor areas in West Virginia through other ministries in the local area.

Business Name: American WeatherTechs LLC

Contact Name: Tim Whitener

Business Address:
American WeatherTechs
8892 Beckett Rd.
West Chester, Oh. 45069

Website: https://www.americanweathertechs.com/

Business Phone: 513-759-9904

As a full-service exterior remodeling company, American Weathertechs is proud to provide integrity, quality, and value for all your home improvement needs, including replacement windows, siding, gutters, roofing, doors, and bathrooms.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

I have had an interest in exterior remodeling since childhood. I worked in the construction business with companies and saw people taken advantage of with little interest in customer satisfaction.  I wanted to manage a business exercising ethics, morals, and credibility, giving people what they wanted at a fair price.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I was raised in the church, and have always been a believer in Jesus Christ. I contribute that to my parents.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

I believe you most certainly reap what you sow. I sow with integrity, honesty, quality workmanship, and reliability, with reasonable profit not taking advantage of anyone!

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

I work with men in recovery. There’s no better reward than seeing a man come to Christ after being under the oppression of alcoholism and drug addiction.

I’ve been attending Crossroads Church for the last 25 years, and serve there in whatever capacity needed.

Business Name: Thrivent

Contact Name: Donnie Vick, Financial Advisor

Business Address:
2498 Perry Crossing Way Ste 240
Plainfield, Indiana 46168

Website: https://connect.thrivent.com/donnie-vick

Business Phone: 317-699-7339

What makes Thrivent different is what makes us strong. We are membership-owned, so we don’t answer
to shareholders. We make decisions based on your goals and values. In addition, we make it easier for
you to help your church and community through outreach programs and activities.

As a financial professional, I’m here to help you address your financial concerns and assist you in finding
solutions through a variety of products and services. Whether you’re looking for guidance on saving for
retirement, protecting your family, or leaving a legacy, I can help you achieve the financial clarity you
need to reach your goals and needs.

As a financial advisor, I offer advice and solutions regarding:

• retirement
• investments
• college savings
• dedicated financial plans
• life insurance
• disability income insurance
• long-term care insurance
• charitable giving
• Medicare
• travel insurance (including coverage for missionaries)
• dental and vision insurance
• Licensed in AK, AL, AR Insurance Lic. #20567627, FL, GA, IN, KY, MI, MO, MS, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA

DISCLOSURE: Thrivent Financial Professionals may only conduct business with residents of the states
and/or jurisdictions in which they are licensed. For licensing and practice information, see my website
https://connect.thrivent.com/donnie-vick. For Thrivent privacy policy and important disclosure information, visit Thrivent.com/privacyandsocial. This page is not intended for communications between you and Thrivent Financial, its representatives, or affiliates. Thrivent.com/disclosures

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

After serving churches as a minister for over a decade in Virginia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, my family and I wanted to return home to Indianapolis, where I grew up. While I love preaching, I wanted to expand my impact in the community, and I’ve found that providing financial advice has allowed me to do just that. I’ve had conversations and prayers with people as an advisor that I would never have had as a preacher. I enjoy discussing markets and investments, but I really love helping clients align their financial goals with their values.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

It was about 10 PM on January 5, 1999. It was about a month after my grandfather passed away. I knew that I was lost, so following the example of Saul of Tarsus, I arose, expressed my faith in Christ, and called on His name in baptism, having my sins washed away (Acts 22:16; Rom 6:3-4).

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

My mission is to bring glory to God by educating and enabling my clients to steward their resources for His purposes. Paul’s mission to Timothy is mine: to encourage those with financial blessings “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” (1 Tim 6:18)

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

I am actively involved in the work at the Shelbyville Road Church of Christ, my home congregation. I am currently teaching a Christian evidence class.

I enjoy the opportunity to participate in medical mission trips to Latin America. We are commanded to go (Mt 28;19), and I like to go to Latin America because of my Spanish studies in college.

I also love supporting the Manna Project, which is a mission program that trains preachers overseas not only how to preach but also to support themselves through agriculture. As a Christian, I have a responsibility to be involved in the training of future preachers and teachers.

Business Name: Living Hope Counseling Services

Contact Name: Jeanne Schneider

Business Address:
1538 Groesbeck Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45224

Website: https://www.livinghopecs.com/

Business Phone: 513-371-5135

Providing professional mental health counseling services to individuals and couples.  As an organization that knows and trusts the Holy Spirit as the Great Counselor, we are vessels who have been trained to create those sacred places to explore the hurts/wounds of life that will lead to healing and transformation.  We have Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, and graduate counseling students.  Fees range from $60-$150 depending on the level of clinician.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

The short answer is God.  Through the twists and turns of life, I found myself asking the question “What now God?”  He opened doors for me to attend graduate school at Cincinnati Bible College & Seminary obtaining my Masters of Arts degree in Counseling.  I often found in my previous career in Corporate Health and Fitness, that people would share deeply with me the wounds of life that made it difficult for behavior change in working toward a healthy version of themselves.  I have been blessed over the years to have the front-row seat to healing as people take brave steps along their journey of transformation.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I grew up in a family who were faithful in their religious beliefs and practices.  I knew that God was there and I wanted to know him more.  Through friends in high school and college, I began to realize I hadn’t been taught about a personal relationship with Christ.  From there, I accepted Christ as Lord and Savior and continued to seek him more and abide in him.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

My faith directs the integrity of how we do business from our Board of Directors to our interactions with each client.  In addition, the hiring and selection of staff is intentional in alignment with our guiding faith principles.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

Living Hope Counseling Services champions wholeness because we strongly believe that Christ came to give life and everyone experiences the enemy trying to kill, steal and destroy the fullness of life.  Therefore, we train up the next generation of counselors to meet our clients who seek to know God’s desire for wholeness.

Business Name: DeVol Design Build Remodel, LLC

Contact Name: Jeff DeVol

Business Address:
250 E Kemper Rd
Loveland, Oho 45140

Website: https://www.devoldbr.com

Business Phone: 513-677-0196

Our Team of Home Accessibility, Design, and Remodeling Professionals has served Greater Cincinnati for over 23 years. We specialize in Residential Remodeling: Kitchens – Accessible Bathrooms – Home Additions – Multi-generational Homes – Patios – Porches – Deck Enclosures – Aging in Place – Accessibility & Easy Living – ALS Remodeling – Handicap Remodeling – Veterans 

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

Since I was young, I have always been intrigued with houses and how they work. So, problem-solving on how to make a home work better for a family was a perfect fit.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I was raised Catholic and always had a faith, but was a casual Christian. In 2011 after a very difficult couple of years, I went on the “Walk to Emmaus” retreat. I met God there and it changed my life.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

I like to think I treat my team as people and not just workers. I care about their well-being as people and what is going on in their personal lives. Regarding our clients, we do everything with integrity and make sure we go above and beyond what is expected.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

God put it on my heart over 10 years ago to help people dealing with the disease ALS. We help these people and their families stay in their homes as this horrific disease progresses. It can be very difficult at times, BUT my whole team is very caring with these people and has bought into the mission. We will do anything for these clients.

Business Name: STAR 93.3

Contact Name: Kristen James

Business Address:
Serving Greater Cincinnati and the tri-state area

Website: https://star933.com/

Business Phone: 513-542-9259

The mission of STAR 93.3 is simple: We exist to encourage people into a growing relationship with Jesus through media.

That’s why we share uplifting and encouraging music and positive stories, that can put you in a better mood, keep you connected to God, and even transform your life – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

STAR 93.3 is more than a radio station… we’re a community of people all united by common values, and God is using STAR every day to impact people across the Tri-State.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

My mom’s friend – seriously. Marlene kept telling me to apply for an internship and I did just so she would stop asking me – that was 14 years ago!! I fell totally in love with radio and how God uses us to reach people in such a unique way!

How did you come to faith in Christ?

When I was in middle school my mom found Jesus. I refused to go to church unless my dad did though so that’s how he ended up finding Jesus ha! A few years in a bible church really made me see how much I wanted to do life with God instead of apart from Him. I got baptized at 16 and haven’t looked back!

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

Knowing that God has called me to share His love, joy, peace, and kindness every day greatly affects what I choose to share over the airwaves and how I feel about getting up for work every day. What a huge privilege and blessing it is to encourage people I might never be able to meet on this side of Heaven.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

We love to partner with local churches to expand their reach of ministry. Of course, we support Christian artists and provide our listeners with exciting worship and concerts. We have supported many outreaches over the years including partnerships with Food for the Poor, Heart for Lebanon, Compassion International and many other wonderful organizations.

Business Name: FocalPoint Business Coaching

Contact Name: Jim Diebold

Business Address:
3702 Treadway Trail
Hamilton, Ohio 45011

Website: https://jimdiebold.focalpointcoaching.com/

Business Phone: 513-444-0067

FocalPoint specializes in Business and Executive Coaching as well as training. We lead leaders to optimize their overall business performance and reach their fullest potential. Our mission is to guide leaders to bring forth new possibilities never imagined. In doing so we eliminate uncertainty, stress, and frustration. We want the leader to experience unprecedented results and sustainable success that will stand the test of time.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

I had spent 10 years in a traditional corporate role which led to an opportunity to become a business owner in the same space. I quickly started working 50 hours per week. For the next five years, I strained relationships with my wife and son. I was not in a good place personally.

My partner was also miserable. He left and I closed the business. I then spent about 18 months not sure what to do next. What I did know was that I did not want to go back into the corporate space. FocalPoint found me when I was in a place where I had to make a decision.

I became a certified FocalPoint coach because I could partner with owners and leaders, walking hand-in-hand with them, and helping them navigate the same waters I had been in. I could make a greater impact on a person, team, or community in this capacity. More than I ever could in my previous roles.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I grew up in a Christian family. Very dedicated. But I would say I was in the category of not having an actual relationship with Jesus. During the challenging times of owning my previous business, I came across KLOVE and its 30-day challenge. That led to going to a different church. That led to recommitting to Jesus through baptism.

For brevity, I’m leaving out all the times of tears in the car during this transformation. That was especially true during the 18 months I wasn’t really working or earning anything. My story is the epitome of how God can redeem any story. Everything I have gone through has prepared me for what I am doing today. And my family and I are no longer passive Christians.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

I continually lean into the Holy Spirit for guidance. I am less shy about bringing up God/Jesus in conversations. So much of what I hear – challenges in business and personal lives – is answered by the Bible. I am still evolving here, but I provide verses to help with situations more than I ever have.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

We have been a scouting family. The BSA is rooted in Duty to God and being reverent. Even though my son has aged out, I still volunteer in our District.

Beyond that, I don’t know that I champion a specific cause. I am in a group that has partnered with PAUSE for Parents and Women of Alabaster. PAUSE provides respite for families with special needs children. Whether it be to go to church or have a date night. Women of Alabaster helps recover women who have been victims of trafficking. When possible I steer people towards A Child’s Hope International. I have served there a couple of times. The story hurts to hear. The meals we assemble are the one meal that day that the child gets.

Business Name: 5182 Solutions

Contact Name: Mark Urton

Business Address:
3730 Watterson Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45227

Website: https://5182.solutions

Business Phone: 513-400-0554

When it comes to commercial real estate financing, there are countless options available. However, working with 5182 Solutions offers a number of advantages that set us apart from the competition.

Access to a Wide Range of Lenders: As a broker with over 70 lenders in our network, we have access to a wide range of loan programs and financing options. This allows us to find the best loan program for your specific needs and financial situation.

Expertise: With over 40 years of experience in the industry, our father-and-son team has seen it all. We use our knowledge and expertise to guide you through the loan process and help you make informed decisions about your financing options.

At 5182 Solutions, we are committed to providing the highest quality service to our clients. We understand that your real estate financing needs are unique, and we have the experience and resources to help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re purchasing, refinancing, or developing commercial property, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your real estate objectives.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

(Mark) I am a very good networker and I have made contact with over 75 lenders across the country. I can handle just about any size loan for your business.  

(David) He spent 40+ years working in financial institutions and has expertise in helping get loans set and ready to close.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I came to Christ when I was in high school at Landmark Church. Like a lot of high school kids, I thought I had the world at my fingertips. Because I quickly began to realize I could not do it on my own. I needed Jesus to help me get through not just the daily struggles of life but also to celebrate the joys with me.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

Faith changes the way we do business and serve our clients. We want them to feel God’s love and see his miracles through every step of the loan process.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

I’ve been a small business owner for the last few years. And after the pandemic, I had a really hard time finding capital to keep a company that I helped start afloat. So I made contacts with people all over the country and build relationships with them to find the right loan for the right person.

Business Name: Massage Joy

Contact Name: Natalie Matheny

Business Address:
113 East Main Street
Mason, Ohio 45040
Located Inside Salons 117

Website: https://www.massagejoy.net/

Business Phone: 513-464-0745

Massage Joy is a small business comprised of Natalie Matheny and David Reed – both are Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapists and Certified Prenatal massage providers. We also provide relaxation and medical-massage.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

Being an RN for 31 years (Natalie), I feel a calling to help others. Being a massage therapist has allowed me to be impactful in helping clients decrease their pain and through Lymphatic massage, decrease swelling, headaches, and sinusitis issues.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I was raised in church and gave my heart to Jesus when I was nine years old. I love attending and volunteering at church.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

Practicing humility and giving grace to others. Integrity is of utmost importance as well.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

My husband and I volunteer for Building Blocks Ministry at Crossroads church. We are facilitators to couples going through premarital counseling, focusing on a God-centered marriage. This builds into our own marriage as well. We feel beyond blessed to be a part of this ministry.

Business Name: Perfection Pest Control, Inc.

Contact Name: Tim Leatherman

Business Address:
9967 Old Union Rd.
Union, KY 41091

Website: https://www.perfectionpest.com/

Business Phone: 859-525-8560

Perfection Pest Control provides pest and wildlife management services to homes and businesses, including ants, bats, bed bugs, termites, raccoons, mice – any pest that crawls or flies. Licensed in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, Perfection services the entire greater Cincinnati area.

Perfection has been a QualityPro certified company for the past 20 years – one of only 10 in the United States of all the companies. In addition to the 25 years Perfection Pest Control has been in business, I have served the area for over 44 years in pest management.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

In 1979-1980 I was employed in the insulation business, just married, and buying our first home. A recession was coming on, but I had faith. So the day before the closing of our first house, my boss calls me in the office and said we are laying you off. But he had a job lined up for me “killing bugs”. So, I went to closing with no job but full of faith. The industry has been good to me, and I have worked my way up from “killing bugs” to the owner of a 12-employee local operation in business for over 25 years.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

As a military “brat” we traveled the world, but could never find a church to plant ourselves into. When I finally settled into Kentucky with my wife, we began looking for a home church. Eventually, we found Fellowship of Believers and the great pastor Bo Weaver. Great teachings led me to be baptized by Bo. We eventually followed him to The Bridge and were part of the founding members.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

I seek God for guidance for my business. When you ask for guidance, you will be divinely directed in what steps you should take as far as business plans are concerned. 

There have been times in my life and business when I had shaky faith and things didn’t work out. However, there have been times in my life and business when I had unwavering faith, and everything worked out very well. Allowing faith to influence your business decisions means that you do your best and believe in the best.

Practice moral leadership by being a moral leader. Serving in ways that are kind, professional, and moral should be paramount. As a believer, I am aware that not only does God hold me to a higher standard, but I hold myself to one also.

Servant Leadership is not discussed enough in the workplace or in business these days. When you serve people with authenticity, your only motive is to help them. Helping others without expecting anything in return is a Christian principle.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

I have supported many ministries over the years. Perhaps the biggest one is P.E.S.T. Relief International. This organization helps orphaned, abused, and at-risk individuals. Currently, we are working on building a children’s home in Atlanta, Georgia. https://www.pestrelief.org/

Business Name: Christian Family Credit Union

Contact Name: Karen Riel

Business Address:
410 Chamber Drive
Milford, OH 45150

Website: https://www.christianfamilycu.com/

Business Phone: 513-528-1521

Christian Family Credit Union is a non-profit financial cooperative that exists to further the kingdom of God by providing financial solutions to its members.  We operate on sound financial principles and encourage and equip our members to work to better financial stewardship.  Our mission is to glorify God by caring for His people in such a way that they can become better financial stewards.

Since 1939, Christian Family Credit Union has existed to provide personalized financial solutions for both members of faith communities, Christian businesses and churches.  The funds that are on deposit with us, we are able to turn around and lend out to churches and members of the faith community.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

I started out in credit unions because I believe in the philosophy of non-profit financial cooperatives.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I’m so grateful to say that I really don’t remember a day when I didn’t know and love Jesus. I grew up in the church from the time I was a little girl. We were in church every time the doors were open. My mom played the organ, so we were there Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, and Thursday afternoons when my mom would go to practice! My grandparents were missionaries in Puerto Rico and Colombia back in the 1940s and 1950s, and I got to spend a lot of time with them as a child. My grandma took a very active role in teaching me how to love the Lord and helped me to understand that my very life was an offering to Him. I take that very seriously today and know that my daily work and my life can be God-honoring in every way.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

Our faith informs every aspect of the way we do business here at Christian Family!  My team knows the mission of our organization, we recite it before every meeting we have, so it always stays on the forefront of our minds.

We know that money is a powerful force in our world, so why not use it to build the kingdom?  When members like you and I have money on deposit with Christian Family Credit Union, we can turn around and lend that money out to churches, ministries, and people of faith in our communities.  That’s how we can make a real impact on the world.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

We believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his call to care for the widows and orphans.  Here at Christian Family Credit Union, we support the local food ministry of 33 local churches in the Milford/Miami Township area, Milford Miami Ministries.  We also believe in adoption and support local families who believe in the power of adoption by making affordable adoption loans.

Business Name: Third Generation Restoration

Contact Name: Daniel Read

Business Address:
4452 Winton Road
Cincinnati, OH 45232

Website: https://www.thirdgenerationrestoration.com/

Business Phone: 513-322-2713

We are a Cincinnati home remodeling company that strives for excellence in everything we do. From the customer experience to the product itself, we want quality to be associated with what we do and who we are. We love to take care of our customers, and our workers and believe that God will provide for us as we provide for each other.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

I love the satisfaction of seeing the work of my hands at the end of each day and ultimately at the end of a project. Home remodeling is very tactile and rewarding to see what was accomplished each day. It is also rewarding to see a customer’s space transformed from how it looked beforehand and how a freshly remodeled space serves their needs after the work is completed.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home and have always known the Lord. I was baptized at age 12 in the YMCA swimming pool where our church plant was meeting. I attended Cincinnati Christian University and then worked as a worship minister for 10 years on the east side of Cincinnati.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

I believe that my faith is lived out in everything I say and do. I want my life to be one of integrity and honesty in how I treat my customers and my employees.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

I have a dear friend who works for Standing Stone Ministry which ministers to those in vocational ministry. Since I was in vocational ministry for ten years, I understand what it is like to be in a lead role of a church and not have someone to talk to about difficulties. I love to support him as he supports those leading our flocks.

Business Name: Scheeler Financial Group

Contact Name: Rick Scheeler

Business Address:
9078 Union Centre Blvd
Suite 202
West Chester, OH 45069

Website: http://www.scheelergroup.com

Business Phone: 513-883-6100

We partner primarily with Christians approaching retirement who see themselves as Stewards of what has been entrusted to them. They want to identify what is needed to maintain the lifestyle God has called them to. They want to make an impact in the community for the kingdom as well as give their children advantages to enable them to be all they can be. We do this by taking the time to understand who our clients are, what is important to them, their goals and preferences, and the impact they hope to make in their life. From there we design a financial plan and determine the optimal investment strategies to get them where they want to go. We are then proactive about enhancing and updating the strategies for the changing dynamics of life.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?

I started as an entry-level assistant in my 20s not knowing anything about financial services. However, I believe in doing the work God puts before me as well as I can. I focused on becoming fully licensed and then earned further designations as I love learning and using knowledge to help people. I had the opportunity to work in a home-office setting training other advisors, but my passion is working with clients. I recently reached my 20-year anniversary!

How did you come to faith in Christ?

When I was 25 a number of things converged together – my first child was born, I was studying the amazing engineering of life as a biology major and a number of people challenged me on taking my faith seriously and on my hypocrisy in sin. While this was the foundation, I had a powerful personal experience that changed my direction instantly.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?

Of course, it is critical to honor God through honest transactions and communication.

Yet as a financial advisor, I take a biblical view that God has entrusted each of us as a Steward and will ask for an accounting on our last day. I hope to help my clients find peace of mind and contentment by following biblical money principles that maximize what is done for the kingdom so that we will one day hear, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

We do this through comprehensive and personalized goal setting, financial planning, and investment selection combined with a personal relationship.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?

My vision is to build a community that can sustain 200 people in 100 homes for 6-12 months as they prepare to re-enter society after incarceration, get established in society, and ultimately make their own impact in the community. My ministry specifically serves men with charges that make it particularly difficult for re-entry. We help them pay off fines, get driver’s licenses, etc., and most importantly find work. We partner with ministries working with the men while still incarcerated to both identify possible candidates and increase their possibilities for success once freed. I am passionate about second chances and the grace of God working to transform lives. I principally believe it is “faith working through love” that facilitates their success.