Faith Driven Investor

On today’s podcast we have the joy and privilege to hear from an investor and entrepreneur team that met via the Faith Driven Marketplace. Investor Tom Lernihan was moved by the mission and simple solution of the company Pureflow founded and led by Jared Fulks and Collin Wenrich. After traveling around the world to Uganda, Collin had a revelation as his calling zipped past him on the road in the form of a motorcycle… also known as a boda. Anyone who has visited this part of the world knows that motorcycles are the one primary way to get around. In fact, being a “Boda Boda” driver is one of the fastest growing occupations in East Africa–home to more than 1 million motorcycle drivers. However, after further research, Collin discovered that less than 20% of all these drivers actually own their motorcycles. And so began Pureflow. After investing a few thousand dollars of his own money and striking up a deal with only 6 boda boda drivers, Collin went pedal to the metal. Since launching Pureflow and partnering with Tom, Pureflow has grown to more than 100 drivers and counting. Together Collin, Jared and Tom share why they do and how they continue to grow without outscaling their culture, purpose and impact.

Neil Holzapfel started investing in public companies in Africa and the Middle East. And yet, his heart was for more. He co-founded Raise the Children, a non-profit unlocking the potential of South African orphans to become servant leaders by investing in high quality secondary education and mentorship. Neil joins us today to talk about investing and creating from a place of pain, his journey as an investor and why he and his wife are so passionate about education and mentorship. 

John Coleman is Managing Partner of Sovereign’s Capital. He is also a frequent writer and public speaker, with a recurring series of articles at Forbes and HBR. John previously published two books. His third book, “The HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose”, was published in January of 2022. John is going to be co-hosting the Faith Driven Investor Podcast. Before he does, we wanted to sit down with him and talk more about what it takes to craft your purpose.

Johan du Preez’s career is defined by ambitious initiatives and big results. He says,“Capital always has an agenda. Whether by design or default, explicit or subtle, positive or negative, the application of capital facilitates and drives a bigger agenda.” Find out how this philosophy guides him to invest in partnerships that benefit the Kingdom, not just the marketplace. 

Robert Netzly is a globally recognized authority in the Biblically Responsible Investing movement and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book "Biblically Responsible Investing". He is the Founder and CEO of Inspire Investing, a leading innovator in providing low cost, high impact, biblically responsible investing solutions to institutions, advisors, and investors. Robert is a frequent contributor on FOX Business, Bloomberg, New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, The Christian Post and other major global media for his thought leadership in the faith-based, environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing marketplace. Today, Robert joins us to talk about key aspects of Biblically responsible investing, what it means to be an active and engaged shareholder, and how your faith is reflected in the way we shepherd our capital.

David Ridley knows a thing or two about real estate investing. Not only did he found and lead Invesco Real Estate for 27 years, but he also helped grow it into one of the largest and most diversified real estate investment firms in the world. And while the numbers are staggering, what is most impressive about David was his steadfast leadership. Learn more about building a resilient team in a world of constant disruption, what it takes to be salt and light in a big company, and what hope we have for the future.

David McAlvany is the CEO of the McAlvany Financial Companies – International Collectors Associates and McAlvany Wealth Management. He is a featured speaker on national television and radio programs including CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business News, and Bloomberg where he analyzes major events and their impact on the global economy and financial markets. David shares his story, discusses the importance of precious metals and reserves, and explains how Faith Driven Investors should think about these assets.

HOPE International was founded in Ukraine 25 years ago. Since then, they’ve invested in the dreams of thousands of Ukrainian entrepreneurs and farmers. They’ve seen families work their way out of poverty and lives changed by the Gospel. HOPE International President and CEO, Peter Greer, joins us today to invite the global community of Faith Driven Entrepreneurs and Investors to take action in a real, meaningful, and lasting way.

Patrick Fisher founded Creation Investments in 2007, leaving JPMorgan with a vision to find profitable solutions to difficult social and environmental challenges. As President and Chairman of the Board of Creation Investments Social Ventures Fund I, Patrick oversees a $32 million private equity investment fund that invests in microfinance and social ventures. This focus supports international development, poverty eradication, and wealth creation.

Tom Darden is founder and CEO of Cherokee, a private equity fund which focuses on financial, environmental, and social returns for investors and communities. Cherokee has raised over $2.2 billion in five institutional private equity funds, and invested this capital in the acquisition, cleanup, development, and sale of approximately 550 environmentally contaminated real estate assets in the US, Europe and Canada. Since the 1980’s Tom has invested in over 100 companies using a “no exit” philosophy. Tom shares more about the benefits of investing for the long haul.