What happens when you build a business with mission before money? In this episode, Mike sits down with Scott Gates, co-founder and CEO of Awake Window & Door, to share how he grew a luxury window and door company from $0 to $30 million in sales—by hiring men and women that most businesses wouldn’t even consider: the formerly incarcerated.

Scott reveals how God laid a mission on his heart, why he walked away from corporate success to start over, and the incredible impact of second-chance employment. From the struggles of leaving a comfortable CEO role, to the risks of starting a business built around ex-convicts, to the joy of watching lives redeemed through work and dignity—this story is proof that entrepreneurship can be one of the most powerful tools for Kingdom impact.

If you’ve ever wondered how faith and business can collide to change lives, this episode will challenge you to rethink what success really means.

🔑 Key Topics

Why Scott left a thriving corporate career to start over from scratch

How a $30M business was built by giving second chances

The connection between foster care, prison, and broken systems

Why soup kitchens and handouts aren’t enough—and why sustainable work is the answer

How mission-driven businesses attract the best talent

Why the marketplace—not just the church—is the greatest place for ministry

📲 Connect with Mike Thakur

Instagram: @realmikethakur

Website: MikeThakur.com

📲 Connect with Scott Gates

Website: awakewdc.com

Instagram: @awakewdc