The Generosity NOW Podcast

The Generosity NOW Podcast

By Eric MostBusinessReligion & SpiritualityChristianityInvesting
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The Generosity NOW Podcast episodes

  • The Power of Complex Asset Gifting: Increasing Charitable Impact with Pete Gazlay
    On this episode, Eric and Laurie are joined by Pete Gazlay. Pete shares his journey of faith, entrepreneurship, and generosity. He grew up in a middle-class family and came to know Jesus at the age of 17. Pete and his wife Linda started a commercial cleaning business called Total Facility Care, which grew over the years. In 2020, they went through a Journey of Generosity that transformed their perspective on business and stewardship. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, their business thrived and they were able to give bonuses to their employees.
     
     Pete Gazlay and his wife Linda share their journey of entrepreneurship, selling their business, and embracing generosity. They experienced financial success but felt a calling to give back and make a greater impact. They learned about complex asset gifting and decided to gift a portion of their business to increase their charitable impact. This decision allowed them to give away more money than they had ever given before. They also involved their family in the giving journey, gifting each of their children and grandchildren a significant amount of money to donate to kingdom-oriented causes.
     
    Pete and Linda have also been involved in mission trips to Guatemala and Tanzania, where they witnessed the need for the Gospel and the joy of serving others. They encourage other Christians to embrace generosity and stewardship, emphasizing the importance of giving not just financially but also with their time and resources.
     
    Takeaways
    • Faith and prayer played a significant role in Pete and Linda's journey of entrepreneurship and generosity.
  • The Journey of Generosity experience had a transformative impact on their perspective on business and stewardship.
  • Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, their business thrived and they were able to give bonuses to their employees.
  • Implementing significant price increases with their clients was a bold move that was well-received. Entrepreneurs can experience financial success but still feel a calling to give back and make a greater impact.
  • Complex asset gifting can be a powerful way to increase charitable impact and give away more money than ever before.
  • Involving family in the giving journey can be a meaningful and transformative experience.
  • Mission trips provide opportunities to witness the need for the Gospel and serve others, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of stewardship.
    • Quotables

     

    "God was working on me over a number of months. And in one day after school, it was it was the day. And so we went down in the basement into a classroom. And, you know, my teacher and Linda and one of our friends prayed for me and I I gave my life to Jesus."

    "We got down on our knees and are living in... It's like, okay, God, this company is really yours. Like we, we give it to you."

    "We became experts in COVID decontaminations and, um, we did hundreds of them over the next few months."

    "We'd seen our revenue was going up, you know, massively. We'd been able to give big increases to our team with a promise for what that looked like over the next couple of years."

    "The stress of caring for almost 150 families as employees and as an employer led us to the decision to sell."

    "The complex asset gift allowed us to give away more money over the next few years than we had given in our entire adult lives."

    52 min
  • Being Part of God's Story Through Generosity; With Cody and Kealan Hobelmann

    On this episode, Eric and Laurie are joined by Cody and Kealan Hobelmann. They discuss the concept of setting a financial finish line and the impact it can have on one's life. They share their personal stories of faith, generosity, and stewardship, and how these principles have shaped their financial decisions. The conversation also touches on the importance of inviting others into these conversations and the role of faith in financial planning. Kealan and Cody talk about how their experiences have influenced their work as financial advisors and their desire to help others align their finances with their values. The conversation explores the concept of setting a financial finish line and the impact it can have on one's life. They discuss the Finish Line podcast and the diverse stories of generosity shared by their guests. They also introduce the Sprint program, which is designed to encourage group conversations around the core foundations of generosity. The guests highlight the importance of individual expressions of generosity and the unique callings that God has placed on each person. They emphasize the need for customizable approaches to generosity and stewardship. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the broader story of God's work in the world and the opportunity for individuals to be part of it through generosity.

    About Cody and Kealan

    CODY HOBELMANN

    Cody and his wife Stephanie live and work in Maryland. Cody is a financial planner and Stephanie is an elementary school teacher.

    After a number of years managing various types of wealth professionally, Cody has had plenty of opportunities to consider the impact that money has on us, and how to manage it wisely. He and Stephanie chose a finish line for their spending in 2020 and have been giving away everything over that line since.

    After exploring how to best steward any excess that God blesses him with, Cody along with Kealan founded Compound Impact, a nonprofit real estate fund that purchases and rehabs homes and rents them exclusively to incoming refugee families. Every dollar generated by each home is given away to organizations that are advancing the gospel in hard-to-reach places.

    KEALAN HOBELMANN

    Kealan is a resident physician in Pennsylvania. He and his wonderful wife Alison are parents to four beautiful girls.

    Kealan and Alison set a finish line for their spending around 2016 and have been giving everything over that line away since then. And they’ve learned a lot along the way. You can read about their other passion at www.fosteringphilly.com.

    Read more about this interview at generositynow.org

     

    49 min
  • Next-generation impact investing; with Molly Bolthouse Cipiti and Parker Samelson
    In this episode, Parker Samelson and Molly Cipiti join Eric and Laurie for a discussion on next-gen involvement in philanthropy and investing. They also share their backgrounds, faith journeys, and the impact of generosity in their lives. The conversation highlights the unique characteristics of the Zillennial generation and their interest in impact investing. They discuss the shift towards project-based giving and the potential for nonprofits to adapt to this changing landscape. The survey results reveal a high level of next-gen involvement and expectations of receiving early inheritances, indicating the ongoing wealth transfer. The conversation explores the influence of the next generation in financial decision-making and the importance of giving them agency. It also delves into the dynamics of healthy and unhealthy family relationships with money. The podcast Ascendance is highlighted as a resource for young adults navigating their own legacy. The discussion emphasizes the need for open dialogue and respect for different opinions. The role of impact investing and the importance of community and support are also explored. The conversation concludes with a focus on gaining an international perspective and the value of learning and growing together.
     
    About our guests
     
    Parker Samelson co founded Ivywild Capital with Daniel after finding success as part of a general partnership developing a storage facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Previously, Parker worked at his family's company Contrarian Holdings and worked as a real estate broker.  Parker received a double major from Wheaton College in Business and Bible.
     
    Molly Bolthouse Cipiti does a lot of different things but at the core of it all she loves to execute strategically and create meaningful connections that bring about human flourishing and beauty. 
     
     
    Takeaways
    • The Zillennial generation is interested in impact investing and co-giving, seeking both financial and social returns.
  • Nonprofits may need to shift their approach to attract the generosity of the younger generation, focusing on special programs and different seasons of giving.
  • Impact investing offers an opportunity for sustainable solutions to social problems, reducing the need for repeated solicitations.
  • Next-gen individuals are highly involved in their families' philanthropy and investing, with many expecting to receive early inheritances.
  • The great wealth transfer is already happening, with young adults making significant decisions about the economy, investing, and philanthropy. The next generation is increasingly involved in financial decision-making, and it is important to give them agency and a voice.
  • Family relationships with money can range from healthy to unhealthy, and it is crucial to understand the dynamics and address any issues.
  • The Ascendance podcast is a valuable resource for young adults navigating their own legacy.
  • Respecting different opinions and fostering open dialogue is essential when involving the next generation in financial matters.
  • Impact investing can be a powerful tool for creating positive change, and finding community and support is crucial for personal and collective growth.
    • 51 min
  • Solutions Series: Impact Foundation With Aimee Minnich
    In this episode, Eric and Laurie interview Aimee Minnich, co-founder and general counsel for the Impact Foundation. They discuss Aimee's journey and career arc, the success of the Impact Foundation, investment opportunities and success stories, challenges and lessons learned, and the principle of gleaning. They also explore who the typical impact investor is, the entry point for investments, and how to get connected with the Impact Foundation.
     
    About Aimee
     

    Aimee Minnich serves as Chief Impact Officer and General Counsel of Impact Foundation. Prior to founding Impact Foundation, she served as President and General Counsel for the National Christian Foundation, Heartland, where she designed and implemented the foundation’s Missional Investing Program to allow the investment of donor-advised funds in social impact companies. A recovering attorney, Aimee earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law with honors and a BA in Philosophy, summa cum laude, from Rockhurst University. In addition to “The Profitable Charity,” she's published a boring law article and a study of the metaphysics of salvation.

    Aimee and her husband Marshall live with their three adorable and high-energy kids and sweet old dog in Kansas city. Aimee loves serving on the boards of two local nonprofits that seek to make the city an even better place.

     
    Takeaways
    • The Impact Foundation seeks to facilitate the ability to invest charitable capital for economic, social, and spiritual transformation.
  • Investing with charitable and private capital allows individuals to make a positive impact while potentially receiving financial returns.
  • Impact investments can be made in a variety of industries and locations worldwide.
  • The principle of gleaning encourages investors to consider factors beyond financial returns, such as creating access, excellence, and transformation.
  • The Impact Foundation welcomes a diverse range of investors, including non-accredited individuals and groups. Effective communication is crucial for building trust and rapport in relationships.

    • Connect with Aimee

    Website: Impact Foundation

     

    39 min
  • Solutions Series: TrustBridge Global with Paul Bolte

    In this episode of the Generosity Now podcast, Eric and Laurie interview Paul Bolte from TrustBridge Global. They discuss the challenges of international giving and how TrustBridge Global provides a solution for donors who want to give to charities outside of the US. Paul shares his personal journey of faith and the importance of generosity and stewardship in his life. He also explains the process and timeline for giving through TrustBridge Global and highlights success stories of organizations that have been supported through their platform.

     

    About Paul Bolte

    Paul brings to TrustBridge his entrepreneurial background, strong networking, people, systems, and number skills. For the 11 years prior to joining TrustBridge, he was the Founder, President & CEO of Bartercard USA and CEO of Bartercard New Zealand. He has led teams of over 150 people and client bases over 20,000. Paul is a past Chairman of the Global Board of Directors for the International Reciprocal Trade Association.  

    About TrustBridge Global

    Generous communities.

    TrustBridge inspires local leaders to create donor-advised fund foundations in their own country whose mission is to mobilize resources by inspiring generosity.  These Network Members serve business owners and families in their local communities, nurturing their journey of generosity, creating community and collaboration around giving and mission-related investing, and growing the volume of giving.

    Global network.

    We then network these foundations together to create a global charitable platform to facilitate fast, efficient, and easy giving and mission-related investing – locally or anywhere around the world.  By radically lowering the cost, time and hassles of cross-border grant making, more resources will flow to the areas of the world that need it most.

    Learn more: https://www.trustbridgeglobal.com/

    36 min
  • Solutions Series: Community Impact Fund with Mike Scheid
    In this episode, Eric and Laurie interview Mike Scheid, the Executive Director of the Community Impact Fund. The Community Impact Fund offers impact loans to individuals and families in need, providing a lifeline for those struggling to make ends meet. Mike shares his personal journey and how it has shaped his passion for helping others. He explains the motivation behind the Community Impact Fund and how it has evolved from providing grants to offering loans. Mike also discusses the loan application process, repayment schedule, and the impact the fund has had on people's lives. He highlights the importance of working with employers and shares success stories of individuals who have been helped by the fund. Mike concludes by discussing the future of the Community Impact Fund and its potential to expand to other sectors, such as housing owners.
     
    About Mike

    Mike is a passionate leader focused on “doing good by doing well” in business. Before joining CIF in January of 2021, he owned Share Good Foods, which was successfully sold, and led the development of SGF, a Do Good Things social enterprise. He also worked to drive impact and growth through his leadership at Swoovy®, a platform fueling volunteerism, social connections, and a wraparound support system for nonprofits.

    Miscellaneous Facts:

    • Colorado Native
  • Avid Outdoorsman who loves to camp, hike, ski, fly fish
  • Married to his wife of over 25 year who he met as a freshman in HS, She was a senior and not interested.
  • Father to three girls
  • On the Board of B:CIVIC a Colorado Nonprofit working to help further business as a force for good.

    • Previous Roles:

    EVP, Social Impact & Partnerships at Swoovy

    Director of Technology at Cherry Hills Christian Schools

    VP Operations at Rewind Technology

    Owner and VP of Do Good things at Share Good Foods

     
    Takeaways
    • The Community Impact Fund offers impact loans to individuals and families in need, providing a lifeline for those struggling to make ends meet.
  • The fund started as a way to bring families together over the holidays and provide food, but it evolved to focus on financial wellness and offering loans.
  • Loans are provided at 0% interest and with no fees, allowing individuals to repay the loan without additional financial burden.
  • The Community Impact Fund works with employers to offer the loan program as an employee benefit, leveraging the trust and relationship between employers and employees.

    • Learn More

    https://communityimpactfund.org/

     

    36 min
  • Solutions Series: Helping Hands with Shannon Hawkins Morris
    In this episode, Eric and Laurie interview Shannon Hawkins Morris, Vice President of Helping Hands. They discuss the history and purpose of Helping Hands, a ministry that provides financial assistance to individuals and families in need. Shannon shares examples of projects they have supported, such as providing shoes for children in low-income schools and helping pastors with medical expenses. They also discuss the Corporate Assistance Program, which allows businesses to set up giving funds for their employees and community. The episode highlights the importance of due diligence and the peace of mind it provides to givers.
     
    About Shannon Hawkins Morris
     
    Shannon has a life-long dream to serve at an organization with a humanitarian mission! As Vice President at Helping Hands, a registered 501c3 charity organization dedicated to God’s calling to serve others. Helping Hands has the privilege of providing direct assistance to qualified individuals in need and charities, both locally and internationally. Shannon has a passion for people and strives every day to make a positive difference in the world by connecting with and serving others.
     
    Episode Takeaways
    • Helping Hands is a ministry that provides financial assistance to individuals and families in need.
    • They qualify projects through a due diligence process to ensure that the funds go to true needy situations.
  • Helping Hands supports a wide range of projects, including providing shoes for children in low-income schools and helping pastors with medical expenses.
  • The Corporate Assistance Program allows businesses to set up giving funds for their employees and community.
    • 29 min
  • Solutions Series: Complex Asset Giving with Jeff Waldron
    In this week's  episode of the Generosity Now podcast, Eric and Laurie interview Jeff Waldron, a complex gift attorney with the National Christian Foundation (NCF). They discuss the power of asset-based giving and the various tools available for charitable giving. Jeff shares his personal journey of generosity and stewardship and how it led him to join NCF. They explore the benefits of giving from assets and provide examples of how it can have a greater Kingdom impact. The conversation emphasizes the importance of educating and inspiring givers to consider asset-based giving strategies. The episode concludes with final thoughts and advice for listeners.
    Takeaways
    • Asset-based giving provides a powerful way to make a greater Kingdom impact with charitable giving.
  • Educating and inspiring givers about the possibilities of asset-based giving is crucial.

  • Giving a portion of an asset can be a beneficial strategy for givers.

  • Considerations such as debt ratio and cash availability should be taken into account when deciding between cash and asset giving.

  • Asset-based giving can exponentially increase the amount that can be given and have a significant impact.

    • About Jeff

    Jeff Waldron serves as a Gift Planning Attorney with The National Christian Foundation (NCF) where he assists individuals and families to achieve their charitable goals through the gifting of complex assets. Prior to joining NCF, Jeff was a partner in a large Minneapolis law firm. In private practice, Jeff served closely held companies and their owners in the areas of business planning, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, succession planning, tax planning, and wealth preservation. Jeff obtained his law degree from Drake University Law School and an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law.

    50 min
  • The intersection of faith and work: With Ross Chapman and Bob Larkin
    In this episode, Eric and Laurie  interview Ross Chapman and Bob Larkin from Denver Institute for Faith and Work. They discuss the organization's mission to help people connect their faith and work, and the importance of bringing hope and life to their communities through their daily work.
     
    They also highlight Denver Institute's programs and initiatives, such as their fellowship program and events like Business for the Common Good and Women Working Calling. The conversation emphasizes the need for a compelling vision and purpose for work, and the role of faith in shaping the way people approach their work.
     
    Takeaways
    • Denver Institute for Faith and Work helps people connect their faith and work, bringing hope and life to their communities through their daily work.
  • Denver Institute offers programs and initiatives such as fellowships, events, and resources to equip and support individuals in integrating their faith and work.
  • The intersection of work and faith is an opportunity to bring about positive change and contribute to the flourishing of individuals and society.
  • Denver Institute envisions a future where every person's work brings hope and life to their city, transforming workplaces and communities.

    • About our guests

    Ross Chapman loves helping people see how they can serve God and others in their daily work. Ross has been the CEO of the Denver Institute for Faith & Work since October 2022. Before coming to Denver, he founded and served as the President at For Evansville and the Executive Director of CharlotteONE. Ross earned his Doctorate of Ministry in Faith, Work, Economics and Vocation at Fuller Theological Seminary, a Masters degree from Trinity International University in Chicago, and a Bachelor's degree from Taylor University in Upland, IN.

    Ross lives in Denver, CO with his wife, Candace, and three sons. He's a die hard Colts and Pacers fan and aspiring Denver sports fan.

    Bob Larkin has joined Treatment Technology as its President, responsible for managing all aspects of a chemical distribution business focused on a number of industries including water and wastewater chemicals, pool chemicals, industrial chemicals, specialty polymers, oil & gas chemicals and laundry chemicals.


    Bob serves the Denver Institute for Faith & Work on their Board of Directors. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and minor in Mathematics.

    In his free time, Bob enjoys golf, skiing, snowboarding, and travel. He has the goal of playing every golf course in Colorado. Bob, his wife, Rene and four young children reside in Denver, Colorado.

    Resources Mentioned

    • Denver Institute for Faith & Work
  • The Faith & Work Podcast
  • Teach Us To Pray Podcast
  • Business For The Common Good Event

    •  

    44 min
  • Journey of Generosity: with Dana Wichterman

    On this weeks episode, Eric and Laurie are joined by Impact Investor and International Development Professional, Dana Wichterman. Dana shares her journey of generosity and stewardship, highlighting significant inflection points and the impact of impact investing. She emphasizes the importance of sharing generosity stories and provides helpful resources for those interested in exploring generosity and whole life stewardship.

     

    About Dana

    Dana views all of her treasure, time and talent as gifts from God that are meant to be stewarded towards three ends - for God's glory, the good of others and for our own well-being. The investment of our capital is an expression of our management of God's resources in such a way that one day we hear "well done, good and faithful servant." She aligns her investing and philanthropy with the specific areas God has called her, seeking sustainable impact. Over the past 10 years, she has come to understand that both our charitable capital and our personal capital can have faith-driven impact for spiritual and social good. She increasingly directs a sizable portion of the charitable capital in her family foundation towards impact investing.

    Dana is an international development professional with 20 years at USAID and Department of Commerce. She has years of experience advising nonprofits engaged nationally and globally across many sectors, including micro-finance and private sector engagement. She is active in The Gathering, Generous Giving, Praxis, and Lion's Den. She is an FDE small group facilitator and is on the FDI leadership team launching a citywide network in the DC Metro area to develop a local community of faith driven entrepreneurs and investors. She holds an M.A. in International Affairs from Columbia University. Dana finds joy in helping organizations problem-solve, generating creative and faithful solutions. She loves to create community around ideas, connecting transcendent truth in both relational depth and practical application.

    Resources Mentioned

    NCF Weekly Digest

    Faith Driven Entrepreneur and investor

    The generous giving website

    Journey of Generosity

    42 min

About The Generosity NOW Podcast

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The Generosity Now Podcast is dedicated to inspiring generosity and promoting whole life stewardship among followers of Christ. We share stories of individuals and organizations doing great work in…