Business Development

It’s Never Been Done

2024-03-28T23:56:35-05:00April 24th, 2024|Tags: , , |

“It’s never been done” is a phrase that may deter some, but for many entrepreneurs, it’s a challenge to be considered. Selling books over the internet seemed foolish to many, but not Jeff Bezos. Building electric vehicles when the world was using gas didn’t deter Elon Musk.   Even in Biblical times, no one had ever built a boat, let alone ...

Purpose and Profit

2024-03-28T23:01:29-05:00April 18th, 2024|Tags: , , |

In a Wall Street Journal editorial, Andy Kessler complains that our younger generations are looking so hard for purpose in their work, that they sometimes overlook the actual work that needs done. His article reminded me of an old adage, “You are so heavenly minded, that you are no earthly good.”  Personally, I believe that God does have a purpose ...

Shrinking the Work Week: Part I

2024-03-22T20:36:36-05:00April 1st, 2024|Tags: , , |

Senator Bernie Sanders recently proposed to change the workweek from 40 hours a week to 32 hours for the same pay. Any hours worked after that would require employers to pay overtime.  Although some data looks favorable for those companies who have shifted to a 4-day workweek, there are other factors that need to be considered.  A shortened work week ...

Rickey Hill’s Calling

2024-03-11T11:23:45-05:00March 21st, 2024|Tags: , , |

In the movie, The Hill, Rickey Hill tries to convince his father that he can glorify God by playing baseball. Rickey’s father, as a pastor, seemed to believe that the only real calling was being a pastor.  Rickey Hill overcame significant bone and spinal cord problems to become a professional baseball player with the Montreal Expos. Sadly, Rickey’s father never ...

A Windy Vocational Path

2024-03-01T21:01:04-06:00March 15th, 2024|Tags: , , |

When I examine my career path, on the surface it seems to be wīndy and disconnected. But in the tapestry of life and with hindsight, I see God’s divine direction.   Moving from CPA to car rental entrepreneur to banking, then consulting, and finally ministry may seem strange, but God had a plan. Today, I primarily minister to small business ...

The Power of Specific Prayers

2024-03-01T20:38:11-06:00March 14th, 2024|Tags: , , |

Former Lt. Colonel Steve Russell’s book, We Got Him, shares about his troop’s relentless pursuit of former Iraqi leader Sadam Hussein. Over time, they became more mystified as to where Hussein was hiding.  Then a prayer warrior from Texas called Steve Russell’s wife. He had a simple directive. “Tell your husband that God knows where Sadam Hussein is hiding. If ...

Uncommon Paths

2024-01-20T09:36:39-06:00February 2nd, 2024|Tags: , , |

A past New American magazine article claimed George Washington Carver, counter to many in the scientific community, believed he could have faith in God and science. Carver also poured his faith into others in uncommon ways.   In 1906, while at Tuskegee, Carver began leading a Bible class on Sunday’s. He would often act out the Bible stories.   When others criticized ...

Unconventional Ways

2024-01-03T13:16:05-06:00January 15th, 2024|Tags: , , |

Martin Luther King Jr. was an unconventional leader. While many, like Malcolm X, promoted revenge and violence, Dr. King voiced a different message.   Dr. King once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Although it took patience and perseverance, Dr. King’s unconventional approach made a difference.   ...

Preparing for Business Cycles: Part I

2023-12-02T10:16:21-06:00December 11th, 2023|Tags: , , |

Every budget process I can recall has projected a revenue increase the following year. Yet, since 1923, America has experienced 15 recessions: approximately one every seven years.   This caused me to reflect on UBN’s history. We began in January 2002. Seven years later the Great Recession hit, resulting in a difficult year financially for UBN.   2016 had some personnel and ...

Small Business Confidence

2023-11-02T20:47:35-05:00November 22nd, 2023|Tags: , , |

The Gallup Organization conducts an annual poll to determine which institutions are esteemed most by the American people. Year after year, the number one esteemed institution is small business.   Even though confidence has dropped to 65% of the population, small business by far still surpasses every other institution’s ranking, even the military.  Hebrews 13:17 teaches, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit ...

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