Conversations with Buddy

Matt and Anna Maceira’s story is one of radical redemption and relentless grace. Once trapped in the darkness of drug addiction and homelessness, they experienced firsthand the pain, chaos, and hopelessness that come from a life separated from God. But through it all, God never stopped pursuing them. His grace broke through the chains of addiction and despair, bringing freedom, healing, and restoration. Today, Matt and Anna are not only clean and sober—they are saved, sanctified, and walking in the purpose God always had for them. Their story is a living testimony that no one is too far gone for the love of Jesus Christ. 🙏

2 Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul wrote these words near the end of his life, confident in where he was going. His faith had been tested, but he remained steadfast. Like Paul, Matt and Anna have fought many battles and continue to run their race with endurance. The question for all of us becomes—when our time comes, will we be able to say the same? How do we, as believers, keep the faith and finish strong? For Matt and Anna, the answer lies in daily surrender—staying close to Jesus, walking in truth, and remembering that every victory is evidence of God’s faithfulness, not human strength.

Many people today believe they are too far gone—that God could never forgive them or use them. But that is one of the enemy’s greatest lies. Matt and Anna are living proof that God never forgets His children. Even in their darkest moments, when they felt unworthy and unseen, God was there—pursuing, protecting, and preparing them for the ministry they now lead. Through Be Bold Street Ministry, they share the gospel with people who are still lost, still hurting, still believing the lie that they’re beyond redemption. Their message is simple yet powerful: “You are not forgotten. You are loved. And you can be free.”

When Paul said he was being “poured out like a drink offering,” he was describing a life fully spent for the glory of God. That verse resonates deeply with Matt and Anna. They have given their lives to be poured out in service—feeding the hungry, praying for the broken, and declaring the name of Jesus across the Willamette Valley and around the world. They don’t claim to have a perfect marriage, but they have a great one, built on faith, grace, and intentional time together. They live as “Hope Dealers,” choosing every day to be bold in their faith and to live out the Great Commission: “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,” (Mark 12:29, Matthew 28:19).

The vision of Be Bold Street Ministry is clear: to reach the world, one soul at a time. Whether on the streets of Oregon or wherever God takes them, Matt and Anna bring the message of freedom and hope through Jesus Christ. They know spiritual warfare is real, but they stand anchored in God’s promises—especially in Galatians 5:22, which reminds us of the fruit of the Spirit, and 1 Corinthians 13, which calls us to love above all. When asked what keeps them committed, their answer is always the same: We were rescued for a purpose. Their lives now proclaim that purpose—to follow the One who saved them, to love boldly, and to never stop sharing the truth that Jesus still changes everything.

To learn more about or connect with Matt and Anna, reach out through Facebook, Instagram or go to their website at: https://www.beboldstreetministries.org/

#Jesusfollower #disciple #1Corinthians13 #rescuedforapurpose #HopeDealer
#BeBoldStreetMinistry
#conversationwithbuddy

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For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

_ _ _

About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates.

I’m honored to sit down with my long-time friend, Matt Williams.  In this episode, we talk about success and failure, and what it truly means to walk with God in Christ.

Matt shares what life was like growing up with his incredible parents, Terry and Debby, who modeled love, hard work, and perseverance.  Learning how to raise his kids with humility and love… to embrace his failures as lessons, and to truly live for Christ!
 
Aren’t you glad we’re not defined by our past? 

Matt and I have both lived enough life to know that we all have stories—some we’d like to rewrite and others that show just how faithful God really is. 🙏

Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith”. That’s exactly what Matt has and is learning to do—through triumphs, trials, and everything in between.

Matt has had his share of ups and downs—times of success and moments of failure, but the lesson is that God is always good! God does allow pain in our lives to keep us humble and to continue to seek Him as Lord and Savior! 

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”  Gal. 2:20

This verse is a great reminder that life is a journey from striving to surrender, from self-effort to Spirit-led living.

#Jesusfollower #disciple #realestate
#conversationwithbuddy

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For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

_ _ _

About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates.

Nelson joins Conversations with Buddy to talk life and marriage and share a story that’s both rugged and redemptive. Growing up in Scio, Oregon, Nelson’s early life looked like something out of a storybook — a three-story log cabin on five acres. But when his parents divorced, everything changed. He and his siblings found themselves without a home, living in tents on a friend’s property before settling into a run-down single-wide trailer in Marion, Oregon. Those early struggles shaped Nelson’s resilience and faith, even when life didn’t make sense.

As one of five kids and homeschooled until high school, Nelson’s transition into public school was one of his hardest challenges. But it was through life’s bumps and bruises — both physical and spiritual — that he began to understand who God really is. Though he grew up in a Christian home and always believed in God, it wasn’t until age 30, after reading Frank Turek’s I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, that Nelson’s faith became concrete and personal.

A thrill-seeker by nature, Nelson poured his energy into extreme sports like BMX and snowboarding, collecting more than his share of injuries along the way — from concussions and fractures to a blown-out knee. These days, his passion is disc golf, though even that hasn’t been injury-free! But beyond the competition, Nelson finds joy in the simple, grounding moments — especially cooking for his family. He’s the chef of the house, preparing 90% of their meals with creativity and love.

In this episode, we dig deep into themes like self-reflection, forgiveness, leaving the nest, and what it really means to live courageously. Nelson’s story is one of grace, grit, and gratitude — a reminder that God often uses the hardest chapters to reveal His greatest work. From living in tents to standing firm in faith, Nelson’s life is a living picture of what it means to walk in God’s purpose.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
~ Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV)

#conversationswithbuddy #faithandresilience
#graceinthejourney #Godshandiwork
#courageousfaith

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For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

_ _ _

About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates.

Terry is a man whose life has been defined by faith, family, and a deep love for the game of basketball!  Being married to Debby for 52 years and having the opportunity to raise 3 kids, Matt, Joel and Allison, has been and is a huge blessing from the Lord!!! 🙏🙏🙏

Known throughout the Keizer and Salem communities, Terry’s passion for God and the church has shaped everything he’s done — from the way he’s coached teams to the way he’s led his family. 

For more than 46 years, Terry poured his heart into coaching, impacting athletes at every level — from youth in the Keizer Youth Basketball Association (KYBA) to college players at Western Baptist (now Corban University). His leadership on and off the court reflected his core belief that purpose always trumps circumstance, and that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).

Over the years, Terry has been honored with several awards that reflect both his skill and his character — including being named Keizer’s First Citizen, receiving the Beacon Award from the Salem-Keizer School District, earning Corban’s Golden Alumni Award, and being named National Coach of the Year twice by the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). But for Terry, the true reward isn’t in trophies or titles; it’s in seeing the young men and women he’s coached grow into leaders, parents, and people of faith. Some of his favorite memories come from championship seasons at Western Baptist, not just for the victories, but for the spiritual and personal growth that happened along the way.

Over the past 20+ years, Terry has faced multiple health challenges, yet his joy and faith have only grown deeper. Many who know him marvel at how he continues to radiate peace and purpose despite the struggles. His strength comes from a steadfast trust in God’s promises — knowing that even in weakness, God’s grace is sufficient. 

His spiritual gifts of exhortation and compassion shine through in every conversation, every encouragement, and every prayer he offers for others.

As Terry reflects on his life, he measures his legacy not in wins and losses, but in love and faithfulness. He hopes to be remembered as a godly husband, father, and grandfather who lived for Christ and poured into others with mercy and joy. 

His story is a testimony to Romans 3:23 — that while we all fall short, God’s grace redeems and restores. Whether coaching, mentoring, or simply walking through life’s challenges, Terry’s defining moments all point back to the same truth: God’s grace and mercy are all that we have! 🙏

Thank you, Coach, for being on the podcast! 🙌

#Jesusfollower #disciple #servant #coach #familyman #conversationswithbuddy
_ _ _

For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

_ _ _

About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates.

Fausto is a young man who embodies the principle of making the effort. He lives with intentionality — choosing every day to show up, serve others, and grow into the person God designed him to be. He understands that true freedom begins when we “let go of the leash” — the need to control, to hold onto pride, or to live by fear. In letting go, he makes space for faith to lead. 

His life is marked by compassion and awareness — always making a difference for that one, always looking for those whom God places in his path. When he says, “I see you,” he means it. His presence reminds people they are known, valued, and loved.

Fausto lives with the conviction that mentoring never ends — it simply evolves. As the seasons of life change, so do the questions. He sees mentorship not as a duty, but as a calling — to guide others in discovering who they are, who God says they are, and who God has called them to be. Through his own journey, he’s learned that pride is the silent killer of relationships. To love deeply is to surrender the self, to listen more than you speak, and to forgive more than you’re comfortable with.

Life has taught Fausto to run the race with endurance and humility, to check the bag and stop carrying the luggage that no longer serves God’s purpose. 

Forgiveness is the key — the choice between whether one walks in peace or drinks the poison of unforgiveness. 

His life mirrors the truth of Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In that stillness, Fausto has found clarity, courage, and the calm strength to live his calling. 

Stop by The REC out in Keizer and say hi to Fausto!

#Jesusfollower #disciple #servanthood
#conversationswithbuddy
_ _ _

For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

_ _ _

About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates.

Gregg is a man who has lived with passion, vision, and a relentless work ethic. From a young age, he dreamed of owning a restaurant, and today that dream has become a reality with Independence Grill. For Gregg, it was never just about cooking food or running a business—it was about creating an atmosphere where people feel welcome, cared for, and valued. He has always believed in visualizing the life he wanted to live, and with determination, he stepped forward to make it happen. In many ways, Gregg is living the dream he once imagined as a child.

But his journey has not been without challenges. Gregg knows firsthand what it means to be “guilty by association,” to face the sting of arrest, and to feel the weight of being called to the carpet by God. Like Paul on the road to Damascus, Gregg encountered moments where he could no longer hide from God’s truth and love. Those moments of conviction became turning points, reminding him that real change starts on the inside. Through prayer, humility, and faith, he renewed his relationship with Christ and found his true purpose. John 3:16 became more than a verse to him—it became the heartbeat of his testimony.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” ~ John 3:16

Gregg is not a man afraid to show emotion. He believes deeply that men do cry, and that real strength is found in honesty, humility, and dependence on God. He often prays, “God, what do you need me to do?” and lets that guide his decisions. His calling now extends beyond his restaurant, as he works with the Be Blac Foundation to inspire others.  He knows that without faith, life has no true purpose, and his desire is to take every opportunity to share that message.

Leadership, to Gregg, is about serving others and seeing value in people. Whether through a kind word, a shared meal, or a heartfelt prayer, he seeks to remind others that God’s grace is real and available to all. His story is a powerful testimony of redemption, resilience, and renewal—a living example that change comes from within, and that with God, even the hardest seasons can be turned into opportunities for growth and purpose.

To connect with Gregg or learn more, go to: https://beblacfoundation.org/

#beblacfoundation #Biblebeliever #Jesusfollower #conversationswithbuddy
_ _ _

For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

_ _ _

About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates.

Tim is a man with a deep passion for both his hobbies and his faith. He has owned Kliever’s Abbey Carpet and Flooring, where he has always found joy in helping families make their homes beautiful.

Outside of work, Tim is well known for raising and showing pigeons—he owns over 250 and travels across the country with them. He also has a love for classic cars, proudly driving a ’69 Camaro and a ’34 Ford, both of which are true showpieces. Family is central to Tim’s story; he has two daughters whom he had the honor of baptizing, and more recently, he celebrated as his grandson was baptized. His heritage also carries unique stories—his father coached legendary athletes Dusty Baker and Mark Spitz.

In this conversation, Tim shared openly about faith, surrender, and transformation. Though he admits he doesn’t naturally like structure, he believes strongly that men need it—and that true change only comes when a man surrenders to God. Tim described how, in an instant, his heart was changed when he gave his life fully to Christ. He’s passionate about finishing well, reminding others that “God’s not done with me yet” and boldly declaring, “Give me Jesus.” He views life as a journey where the “death of man” is necessary for Christ to live through us, a message he carries with conviction.

Whether talking about his pigeons, his cars, or his faith, Tim’s enthusiasm is contagious. He sees life as a work in progress, one where he is continually being shaped by God’s hand. His message is clear: only God can change a man’s heart, and when He does, everything is transformed. Tim’s story is one of passion, surrender, and hope—a man determined to live with purpose and to finish well.

#GivemeJesus #finishwell #faithandfamily #passionandpurpose
#Godsnotdonewithmeyet #conversationswithBuddy

_ _ _

For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

_ _ _

About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates.

Valerie was born and raised in Sequim, Washington, near the breathtaking Olympic Mountains, she has carried that appreciation for God’s creation with her throughout her life. 

Valerie accepted Christ as a child and sensed a call to intercultural ministry while still in high school. That call led her into a dynamic ministry career, with much of the first half spent in and out of China, where she lived out her passion for cultural education and sharing the radical love of Jesus across borders. Her academic journey supported this calling as well, with a B.A. in Church Ministries with a concentration in Intercultural Ministry from Northwest University, an M.A. in TESOL and Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and ultimately a Doctor of Intercultural Studies from Western Seminary.

Outside of ministry, Valerie is just as passionate about her family and the outdoors. She and her husband Nathan, her best friend and fellow adventurer, have been married for 25 years and share a love for hunting, fishing, gardening, and exploring where the mountains meet the sea.

Together they are raising four sons, born between 2005 and 2009, and they enjoy a life centered on faith, family, and adventure. With her larger-than-life dog by her side, Valerie continues to model what it means to be equally yoked, steadfast in faith, and committed to lighting the fire of God’s love in the lives of others.

One of her favorite Scriptures, Psalm 121:1–2, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Her faith has been the steady foundation of her journey, guiding her through both personal and ministry endeavors.

Today, Valerie serves as the Community Outreach Chaplain at the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties. In this role, she invests deeply in building bridges, offering spiritual care, and pointing people to Jesus through presence, listening, and genuine service. She lives out her calling to know, love, and serve Christ, and to help others do the same. Whether in ministry, mentoring, or simply spending time in her community, she remains focused on Christ, living as a testimony to His faithfulness.

#faith #Jesusfollower #YMCA #FaithAndAdventure

#InterculturalMinistry #LightTheFire #FocusedOnChrist #conversationswithBuddy

_ _ _

For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

_ _ _

About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Buddy Puckett -
NMLS #270057 - OR, WA, AZ
Guild Mortgage 
Company NMLS #3274 | Equal Housing Opportunity

On this episode of Conversations with Buddy, I sit down with Rich Duncan, Owner and President of Rich Duncan Construction. Rich’s story is one of grit, community, and an unwavering commitment to building—not just structures, but people and relationships.

Rich has a “find a way” attitude. His journey shows that great projects aren’t just about blueprints and budgets; they’re about people, mentorship, and the relationships built along the way.

Rich shares the incredible experience of being part of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where his team rallied with love and community support to transform lives in a matter of days. That same heart for people extends into his deep involvement in the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Greeters, local politics, and countless community projects. 

For Rich, every project is more than a task to complete—it’s a chance to invest in others, create lasting impact, and build trust that outlives the work itself.

In our conversation, Rich opens up about the value of mentorship and how his own mentors helped shape his leadership. He also dives into the importance of routines, habits, and discipline—whether in business, life, or even his Spartan workouts.

We talk about family, adventure, and his philosophy that “projects are never burdens” when they’re approached with the right heart. Whether it’s a birthday celebration in Mexico, mentoring young leaders, or simply knowing your numbers in business, Rich’s insights are as practical as they are inspiring.

From humble beginnings to leading major projects, Rich reminds us that success comes when you stay committed to relationships, embrace challenges, and keep showing up with passion and purpose.

For more information about Rich or to connect for a Starbucks coffee, reach out to him by going to:  https://richduncanconstruction.com

#faith #RichDuncanConstruction #mentorship #communityengagement #conversationswithBuddy

_ _ _

For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

_ _ _

About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Buddy Puckett -
NMLS #270057 - OR, WA, AZ
Guild Mortgage 
Company NMLS #3274 | Equal Housing Opportunity

What is spiritual strength? Isaiah unpacks the journey he has been on since accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior!

From physical strength to spiritual strength is all about being focused on eternal things rather then just earthly things!

We all get distracted from time to time, so how do we avoid going down an old road that we thought we left?

Isaiah shares what men’s ministry does for him and also the men he is around!  Bible studies, battle groups, mens discipleship and men’s retreats!

Men need to be involved with other men to avoid the traps of this world! To be accountable, to be better husbands and fathers! Men need to show up better!

Reach out to Isaiah and get to know him!
To learn more, go to: https://www.salemlf.org/staff/

1. “He who separates himself seeks

 his own desire, 
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
2. A fool does not delight in understanding,

But only in revealing his own mind.”
Proverbs 18:1-2

#Discipleship #faith #Jesusfollower  #mensdiscipleship #battlegroups #mensretreat #COTH #SalemLeadershipFoundation #conversationswithBuddy

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For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

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About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Buddy Puckett -
NMLS #270057 - OR, WA, AZ
Guild Mortgage 
Company NMLS #3274 | Equal Housing Opportunity