In the world of entrepreneurship, we often hear stories of incredible growth, triumphs, and groundbreaking successes. But rarely do we get a behind-the-scenes look at the struggles, the hard decisions, and the losses. Today, I’m sharing one of the hardest chapters of my journey as a business owner, husband, and believer—because sometimes, it’s in the darkest valleys that we find our truest strengths.
The Best Month That Led to Our Greatest Test
In March 2020, my gym business had just hit its highest revenue month ever. The team and I were celebrating the success and gearing up for an exciting year. Little did we know that this momentum would come to an abrupt halt. Just days after our team retreat, the first wave of pandemic lockdowns struck.
As an entrepreneur, I had faced challenges before, but nothing like this. What initially seemed like a brief two-week closure turned into a relentless cycle of shutdowns, reopenings, and more shutdowns. Over three years, we found ourselves closing and reopening five times, unable to fully operate and still responsible for overhead expenses. Each closure not only drained our finances but chipped away at the energy and drive of everyone involved.
Counting the True Cost
The financial impact was staggering. Over the course of those years, we lost approximately $1.2 million, as well as my wife Jilisa’s job and her maternity leave. We were suddenly facing a future we hadn’t prepared for, watching as something we’d spent years building was placed in jeopardy. It was an emotional rollercoaster, filled with uncertainty, frustration, and a deep feeling of helplessness.
Opening my business bank account became a painful ritual, where every glance at the dwindling balance seemed to remind me of the heavy reality of what we were losing. As a business owner, it was tough. As a husband and soon-to-be father, it was even harder.
Finding Purpose in Pain: Lessons in Faith and Resilience
Through these challenges, my faith in God became my true anchor. I had always said I trusted God, that He was my hope and security—but those words were put to the test in a way I’d never expected. The journey through financial loss, uncertainty, and even doubt forced me to realize that my identity wasn’t rooted in financial stability or success but in something much deeper.
Faith and entrepreneurship often feel like two different worlds, but I realized during this time that they’re more intertwined than I could have imagined. My faith reminded me that purpose isn’t always about the end result; it’s about the journey. While I had envisioned a certain future for our business, I was learning to let go of that attachment and trust that there was purpose in this new path—even if it looked different than what I’d planned.
Leadership Through Loss: What I Gained Beyond Financial Recovery
One of the biggest lessons I took from this season was the importance of leading from a place of authenticity and vulnerability. As a business and leadership coach, I’d always encouraged others to be resilient, to keep pushing forward. But now, I was faced with the reality of practicing what I preached. I couldn’t hide the challenges from my family or my team. Instead, I opened up about my fears and uncertainties, and in doing so, I discovered that true leadership often comes from being real about where we’re at—even when we don’t have all the answers.
In those moments, I felt a profound shift. I realized that success isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the purpose behind what we’re building. While my initial goals focused on financial achievements, this experience redefined my purpose: to create a business that doesn’t just profit but serves and supports others on a deeper level.
What’s Next: Continuing to Lead with Purpose
Four years after this journey began, we’re still working to rebuild and move forward. We’re not fully out of the woods yet, but there’s a renewed purpose that drives me every day. I’m grateful for the clarity and perspective I’ve gained, for the deepened relationship with my wife and my faith, and for the resilience that I now carry with me.
If there’s one thing I hope to share with other entrepreneurs, it’s this: our toughest times often carry the most valuable lessons. In the world of leadership and entrepreneurship, resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges; it’s about finding meaning and strength in those experiences and letting them shape us into better leaders, spouses, and believers.
Thank you for reading this chapter of my journey. If you’re facing struggles in your own business or personal life, remember—you’re not alone. There’s purpose in every step, even when the path seems dark.
Connect with Me
If you’re an entrepreneur navigating similar challenges and looking to connect with like-minded leaders who prioritize faith, purpose, and growth, I invite you to join our Christian Business Builders group. Together, let’s support one another on this journey of building businesses that serve a greater purpose.
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