In this powerful episode of Ashes to Apex, host Joshua Belland sits down with longtime friend, serial entrepreneur, and worship leader Joe Orsak for a raw and heartfelt conversation about purpose, perseverance, and staying grounded in faith. From launching businesses as a child to weathering catastrophic losses, Joe shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, revealing the hard-won lessons that shaped his identity and mission.

Joe opens up about taking over his late mother’s security company, losing nearly everything during the pandemic, and building a multi-million dollar credit business—all while pursuing a deeper calling to teach, protect, and lead. With wisdom forged through adversity and a passion rooted in faith, Joe offers valuable insight for entrepreneurs navigating seasons of uncertainty.

Whether you’re grinding through your next pivot or questioning your path, this episode is a reminder that your "why" is your anchor—and your greatest asset.

Episode Highlights:

🎤 Joe’s early start in entrepreneurship: First business at 10, first employee at 13

📚 Balancing business with calling: Why teaching and leadership ultimately shaped his path

💼 The story behind taking over his mom’s security company, 24/7 Security & Investigations

💔 Losing his largest client and rebuilding during the 2020 pandemic

💡 “If you can’t step away, you didn’t build a business—you built a job.”

🔥 The danger of perfectionism in entrepreneurship vs. speed-to-market

🙏 How Joe’s faith and sense of purpose sustained him through crisis

💸 Losing an $800k opportunity—and finding peace anyway

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How entrepreneurship impacted his family and marriage

🥋 Martial arts, self-discipline, and Joe’s lifelong fight against bullies

💬 Advice for entrepreneurs in crisis: Start with your why and seek God first

🧠 Mindset shift: “We only control one thing—our response.”

✝️ Using business as a vehicle for creating kingdom-minded environments

📈 Lessons in leadership, letting go, and preparing for growth

🔁 When to stay the course, when to pivot, and how to discern the difference

Listen now to hear how Joe turned pain into purpose, crisis into clarity, and built a business legacy rooted in faith.