What happens when you build a successful business—then lose it all? In this raw and honest conversation, Kelly Olcott shares the hard lessons behind his journey from Marine to millionaire contractor, to bankrupt entrepreneur, and finally to building again with more purpose than ever before. It’s not just about money—it’s about legacy, leadership, and learning the difference between chasing success and building something that lasts. If you’ve ever hit a wall in business or life, this episode is for you.

Duane continues his conversation with Thomas and shares how he integrates Christian faith and servant leadership into his company’s culture and operations. He discusses the challenges of maintaining spiritual focus in a high-pressure business environment and the importance of mentorship, daily spiritual habits, and generosity. Duane introduces “Abide and Lead,” a ministry initiative helping business owners connect faith with leadership, and the Impact CEO podcast, aimed at CEOs seeking to make a Kingdom impact through their businesses.

Entrepreneur Duane Donner shares his journey from growing up in Louisiana to founding Founders Advisors, an investment banking firm. He discusses his early career, military service, and first entrepreneurial venture, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned. Duane details his spiritual transformation and how faith now guides his approach to business. The conversation explores best practices for selling a business, the importance of early planning, and how Founders Advisors helps owners maximize value. He also introduces tools and resources for business readiness, emphasizing the impact of trusted advisors and strategic preparation.

Thomas and Blake continue their conversation about Blake's journey from real estate rentals to business acquisitions, particularly in equipment rentals. Blake shares insights on building a diverse real estate portfolio, reinvesting cash flow, and transitioning from a hustler to a CEO mindset through coaching. They talk about faith-driven leadership, financial literacy for children, and strategies like the “golden handoff” for scaling real estate teams. Thomas and Blake share insights on balancing business growth with family priorities, teaching kids about money, and the importance of aligning business decisions with personal values and long-term goals.

In this episode, Birmingham real estate investor and agent Blake Schultz shares his journey from his first flip—marked by costly mistakes—to building a diverse real estate portfolio. Blake discusses lessons learned from rental properties, navigating HOA challenges, and partnering with his father. The conversation covers multifamily deals, the value of strong teams, and strategies for long-term success, providing practical advice for both new and experienced real estate professionals.

Thomas shares Jeremy’s real-life journey using infinite banking to buy a car and grow his wealth. Over five years, he avoided bank loans, increased his policy’s cash value, and gained full ownership of the car. The episode highlights how infinite banking can help achieve financial goals and how to use this alternative wealth-building strategy.

Thomas interviews Chris, a Regional Vice President at Ameritas, about the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) and Ameritas's support for it through whole life insurance products. Chris shares insights from his 19 years at Ameritas, discussing company culture, employee development, and the importance of relationships in insurance. Their conversation covers how technology is changing the industry, the value of comprehensive financial planning, challenges in client education, and advice for new agents. Chris also highlights the benefits of IBC for business owners and families, and Ameritas's commitment to agent support and diversity.

Thomas shares a strategy for business owners to gain tax deductions and build generational wealth by paying their children for legitimate work and investing these funds in whole life insurance policies to grow cash value tax-free. This approach not only reduces business taxes but also teaches children financial literacy and money management.

Thomas interviews Chris, a Regional Vice President at Ameritas, about the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) and Ameritas's support for it through whole life insurance products. Chris shares insights from his 19 years at Ameritas, discussing company culture, employee development, and the importance of relationships in insurance. Their conversation covers how technology is changing the industry, the value of comprehensive financial planning, challenges in client education, and advice for new agents. Chris also highlights the benefits of IBC for business owners and families, and Ameritas's commitment to agent support and diversity.

Thomas explores the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) as a powerful alternative to traditional savings and investment vehicles. He explains how IBC, beyond just life insurance, allows individuals to grow their money tax-free, access funds anytime, and protect wealth from creditors. By comparing IBC to conventional accounts like savings, CDs, and retirement plans, the episode highlights IBC’s advantages—guaranteed returns, liquidity, and uninterrupted compounding. Listeners are encouraged to rethink their financial strategies, take control of their savings, and consider becoming their own banker for greater financial freedom.