What do you want to be known for? How can you create real experiences to build that?

In this episode, Jeff and Rusty discuss: 

• How God works on us in all areas of our lives.
• Allowing all of your experiences to work for you in any role.
• Owners and donors in your foundation.
• Embedding servant leadership into your culture.

Key Takeaways: 

• God’s kingdom can and will come through your work, no matter what it is you are doing.
• Help your employees understand their work matters in a higher-calling way and are always connected to a higher purpose.
• You have more to give than just writing a check.
• Pay attention to how you serve. But if you do it right, everyone wins. It’s an explosion of goodness.
• Pray for a clear vision, then enlist help.

"Pay attention to how you serve. But if you do it right, everyone wins. It’s an explosion of goodness." —  Rusty Bland

Episode References: 

• Generous Business Owner Podcast - Brandon Barnholt: The Hand of God In Your Life and Business

About Rusty Bland: Rusty Bland is currently the President of the KeHE Cares Foundation for KeHE Distributors, a $9B+ food distribution company based in Naperville, IL. Prior to this role, he served as the Executive Vice President, Culture at KeHE, serving on the senior team and co-leading HR.  As one of KeHE’s longest tenured leaders, Rusty has led KeHE’s effort to institutionalize and perpetuate its unique culture and embed the Company’s mission/vision/values into all aspects of the employee experience at KeHE. Rusty has been with KeHE since November 2004.  

As a certified B-corporation, KeHE considers its business operations to be a platform for doing good in the world.  One of the most unique ways this “goodness” is manifested is through the KeHE Cares Foundation, to which KeHE donates 10% of its profits in order to fund as much impact as possible.  The stewardship of these funds is organized and deployed through the Foundation in 3 primary ways/pillars:  1) Serving and Giving; 2) Impact investing; and 3) the KeHE Leadership Academy.  

Prior to working at KeHE, Rusty was Vice President/COO at Lemstone Christian Stores, a 75-store franchise chain.

He and his wife, Allison, have been married for 35 years and reside in Shoreview, MN.  They have 3 adult children, two sons-in-law, and an amazing granddaughter whom they are endlessly doting on. 

Connect with Rusty Bland:

Website: https://www.kehecares.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustybland

Connect with Jeff Thomas: 

Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/

Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/

Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up

Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw