In this powerful episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman sits down with Cheri Garcia, founder of Cornbread Hustle, a staffing agency that has placed nearly 3,000 people with criminal records into jobs over the past decade.Cheri shares her remarkable journey from selling drugs (including becoming her father's meth dealer as a teenager) to getting sober, founding a multi-million-dollar company, and helping thousands of formerly incarcerated individuals find meaningful employment and rebuild their lives.Key Highlights:Cheri's early entrepreneurial ventures and her descent into drug addiction and dealingHow hitting rock bottom (living out of her car, multiple arrests) led to her eventual path to sobrietyThe unexpected pivot during COVID that transformed her business from struggling to multi-million dollar successWhy achievement and control can be more dangerous addictions than drugs or alcoholThe transformative impact of employment stability on former inmates' livesPractical insights for employers considering second-chance hiringHow Cheri's painful experiences equipped her to connect authentically with others in their brokennessQuotable Moments:"I was pouring into other people while filling myself back up with alcohol... I was broken.""Control is worse than drugs or alcohol because the triggers are more. The triggers are anything from needing to pee while you're in the middle of talking to somebody at a networking event... It's all day, every day.""One in four adults have a criminal record. That's over 70 million people... and only 5% of HR managers say they actively choose people with criminal records as part of their talent pool."Watch the full episode on YouTube or continue to stream audio on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman interviews social media expert Nils Smith about why entrepreneurs often resist social media and how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing content creation and engagement strategies.Nils shares his journey from youth pastor using AOL Instant Messenger to reach teens, to pioneering online church, to becoming a social media consultant for high-profile ministries.Learn why entrepreneurs struggle with social media, how to balance authentic humility with strategic promotion, and which platforms are most effective for different business types.This conversation explores how AI is transforming the social media landscape - making it more accessible and efficient for entrepreneurs who previously avoided these platforms. Discover how tools like ChatGPT can serve as personalized marketing consultants and content creators for your business without compromising your values.[Chapters]00:00 Introduction and plants in video backgrounds01:25 Why entrepreneurs hate social media04:52 Authenticity vs. polished content09:26 Nils' journey into social media19:28 The importance of audience targeting24:00 First 20 seconds rule in content35:55 Best platforms for different businesses42:19 How AI is revolutionizing social media strategy47:03 A Christian approach to technology and AI

In this DEBUT VIDEO EPISODE of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman interviews Jack Hooper, founder and CEO of Take Command Health. Jack shares his extraordinary journey from tracking terrorist financing for the CIA to revolutionizing health insurance after a personal healthcare crisis when his wife unexpectedly became pregnant with twins during business school.Jack reveals how his mission to create transparency in healthcare costs led to building a company that empowers both employers and employees with a new model of health insurance. The conversation explores the broken incentive structures in traditional health insurance, leadership challenges in a secular workplace, and wrestling with the tension between business success and kingdom values.This episode unpacks how faith guides entrepreneurial decisions, setting personal financial boundaries as a founder, and recognizing the seasons of leadership. A powerful conversation on building redemptive business models that truly put people first.[Chapters]00:00 Introduction02:07 Jack's CIA background and counterterrorism work07:55 Unexpected life change and the path to healthcare15:50 The broken insurance system and Take Command's solution24:19 Mission-driven approach to business31:50 Wrestling with founder identity and financial boundaries40:15 Seasons of leadership and letting go► SUBSCRIBE for more Faith Driven Entrepreneur content: [Link Channel URL]► Visit https://faithdrivenentrepreneur.org for resources, community, and more#FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #JackHooper

Dave Blanchard, co-founder of Praxis, shares insights on faith-driven entrepreneurship and its cultural significance. He discusses the unique journey of naming Praxis, inspired by prayer and personal experiences. The conversation shifts to the evolving perception of entrepreneurs and the role of programs like Y Combinator in normalizing this path. Blanchard emphasizes the church's potential as a creative hub, the need for authentic storytelling, and the importance of mentorship in overcoming challenges faced by Christian entrepreneurs.

Lloyd Reeb, a long-time leader of the Halftime Institute and co-author of "From Success to Significance," joins to share his transformative insights on building a life with 100X impact. He discusses the evolution of the Halftime message, emphasizing the importance of infusing meaning into business success. Lloyd dives into the power of freedom to pursue one's calling and the four types of leverage that can amplify impact. He also addresses how leaders can pause for reflection, ensuring their aspirations align with their core values.

Nona Jones, a leader in corporate America and ministry, shares her inspiring journey from overcoming a traumatic childhood to empowering high-capacity women of faith. She discusses how rejection can be a transformative gift, fueling personal growth and purpose. The conversation delves into the importance of faith over fear in entrepreneurship and addresses the detrimental effects of comparison. Nona emphasizes the need for emotional well-being in business and concludes with the power of gratitude in overcoming anxiety and trusting God’s faithfulness.

Tom Patterson, the founder of Tommy John, shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to creating a successful men's underwear brand. He discusses the challenges of launching his business during a recession and the invaluable lessons learned from early failures. Faith and resilience play key roles in his entrepreneurial path. Tom emphasizes the importance of alignment in values with his wife, creating a strong partnership that enriches both their business and personal lives. The conversation highlights risk-taking, patience, and the necessity of community support in entrepreneurship.

Lara Casey Isaacson, entrepreneur and leader of the Faith Driven Students initiative, shares her mission to empower young entrepreneurs through faith. She highlights the significance of pruning for growth and the role of storytelling in shaping youth. The discussion emphasizes the changing landscape of entrepreneurship, with Generation Z seeking purpose in their endeavors. Lara also stresses the importance of parental guidance and community support in nurturing faith-driven aspirations, aiming to equip the next generation with the tools to navigate their paths.

Chip Ingram, an experienced pastor and teacher, joins to discuss the evolving relationship between the church and entrepreneurship. He highlights the shift in church dynamics post-COVID and the necessity to redefine traditional measures of success. Ingram points out that 91% of entrepreneurs feel a sense of purpose in their work, emphasizing the need for pastors to better engage with these individuals. The conversation also touches on practical ways for collaboration and the importance of long-term commitment in both ministries and businesses.

Dr. Lisa Strohman, a clinical psychologist and author focusing on online child safety, joins Wes Lyons, a venture capitalist combating human trafficking. They discuss how the pornography industry targets children through digital platforms, emphasizing the dire need for awareness and education. Wes introduces a unique economic approach to fighting trafficking, using technology to disrupt traffickers' business models. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by AI and deepfakes, highlighting the importance of collaboration to create effective solutions.