The Surthrivalist Podcast with Zach Wise

How Christian Entrepreneurs Build for Generations | Brenton Riling | Ep. 11

What kind of business are you building?
One that cashes out quickly, or one that could still bless people long after you’re gone?
In this episode, Zach sits down with Brenton Riling, founder of Appalachia Digital and the Reformed Business Alliance, for a real conversation about building with conviction, courage, and a long horizon. They talk about risk, theology, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and what it looks like to build what they call a “cathedral business”—something sturdy enough to serve your family, your community, and the glory of God for generations.
In this episode, Zach and Brenton talk through:
Why short-term thinking keeps a lot of Christians from building lasting businesses
How Brenton’s entrepreneurial failures shaped the way he leads today
What Appalachia Digital actually does for contractors and service-based businesses
The vision behind the Reformed Business Alliance and why Christian entrepreneurs need a stronger network
How theology shapes the way we think about risk, wealth, work, and legacy
Why mentorship matters for young entrepreneurs
The danger of chasing “safe” when safety is often an illusion
What it means to build with your children’s children in mind
Why business can be a tool for stewardship, service, and long-term kingdom impact
Zach’s idea of building a “cathedral business” that outlives the founder 
Resources:
Appalachia Digital: https://www.appalachiadigital.com/
Enter Code for 20% OFF: SURTHRIVAL
Reformed Business Alliance: https://reformedbusinessalliance.com/
God’s Plan for Victory by R. J. Rushdoony 
Schedule a free 15-minute chat with Zach - https://calendly.com/surthrival/chat-with-zach
Apply to be coached on The Surthrivalist Podcast - https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast
 
Connect with The Surthrivalist:
Website: https://smallbizsurthrival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallbizsurthrival
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zjwise
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrival

Can You Leave—And Win? | James Winters | Ep. 10

After 23 years of building and running his company, James Winters has reached a new crossroads.
His business, focused on stove installation, chimney cleaning, and home services, has grown through hard work, strong values, and a loyal team. But like many founders, James has discovered a difficult reality: when the owner carries everything, the business can’t truly run without him.
In this real-time coaching conversation, Zach Wise sits down with James to tackle a question many entrepreneurs quietly wrestle with:
How do you build a business that thrives—even when you’re not there?
Together, they unpack the systems, leadership habits, and mindset shifts required to move from being the center of the business to building a team that owns the mission alongside you.
 Resources:
Book: The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran & Michael Lennington
Concepts discussed:
Scorecard accountability
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Delegation and leadership development
Stress-testing systems through intentional time away
 
Schedule a free 15-minute chat with Zach - https://calendly.com/surthrival/chat-with-zach
Apply to be coached on The Surthrivalist Podcast - https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast
 
Connect with The Surthrivalist:
Website: https://smallbizsurthrival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallbizsurthrival
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zjwise
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrival

Build Legacy, Not Just Income | John Byrd | Ep. 9

If you’ve ever looked at your business and thought, “I’d rather build this with my family than with strangers,” this conversation is for you.
In this real-time coaching session, Zach Wise sits down with John Byrd, a Christian business owner and homeschooling dad, to talk through what it actually looks like to invite your kids into meaningful work, without crushing them or turning your home into a pressure cooker.
Together, they wrestle with the tension every intentional parent-preneur feels: how do you train your kids for responsibility, skill, and maturity while protecting relationship and joy? The answer isn’t doing more, it’s starting smaller, on purpose, with clarity and vision.
What They Talk Through:
Why family-integrated businesses can build deeper ownership than traditional teams
How work can function as discipleship, not just productivity
Identifying each child’s natural interests and wiring—and leveraging them wisely
Creating clear role definitions so kids know what “good work” looks like
When (and how) to start paying your kids for real value
Teaching financial literacy, budgeting, and responsibility in a safe environment
Treating the home and business as a training ground, not a pressure cooker
 
Resources:
Canva – used to introduce kids to simple design and creative workhttps://www.canva.com
QuickBooks – teaching bookkeeping and financial literacyhttps://quickbooks.intuit.com
Udemy – skill-based training courseshttps://www.udemy.com
Coursera – structured learning and professional developmenthttps://www.coursera.org
Unsung Hero – referenced as an example of faith, family, and perseverancehttps://unsunghero.movie
Schedule a free 15-minute chat with Zach - https://calendly.com/surthrival/chat-with-zach
Apply to be coached on The Surthrivalist Podcast - https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast
 
Connect with The Surthrivalist:
Website: https://smallbizsurthrival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallbizsurthrival
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zjwise
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrival
 

“Build Systems, Not Just Software”: A coaching conversation on growing without burning out with Joel Lonbeck | Ep. 8

Wearing every hat in your business might work for a season—but it won’t get you to the next one.
In this coaching conversation, Zach sits down with Joel Lonbeck, founder of a growing custom software company in Indonesia. Joel has built a strong, loyal development team, but like many founders, he’s caught between being the visionary, the technician, and the leader who wants to be present at home.
Joel comes in asking a simple but weighty question: What should I focus on first?What follows is a practical, clarifying coaching session on leadership priorities, team development, and building systems that free you to lead without burning out.
In this episode, Zach coaches Joel through:
Why training your team can unlock more growth than chasing new clients
How to move from being the “doer” to becoming a discipler of people
Building a clear menu of services that aligns with your strengths and joy
Using firm, loving leadership to shape culture without crushing morale
Creating systems that protect both your business and your family life
Resources:
Revived Thoughts Podcast – Sermons from church history brought to life using modern narration and AI https://revivedthoughts.com
The One Thing by Gary Keller
Schedule a free 15-minute chat with Zach - https://calendly.com/surthrival/chat-with-zach
Apply to be coached on The Surthrivalist Podcast - https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast
 
Connect with The Surthrivalist:
Website: https://smallbizsurthrival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallbizsurthrival
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zjwise
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrival

"What's already working?": A coaching conversation on sustainable marketing with Caleb Price | Ep. 7

Ever feel like every marketer online is shouting something different at you…And it’s leaving you more confused than helped? In this coaching session, Zach sits down with Caleb Price—founder of The Podcast Upload—and cuts through the noise to reveal the simplest path to growth: focus on what God is already blessing.
What unfolds is a clear, practical roadmap for Christian entrepreneurs who are tired of spinning their wheels and ready to move forward with clarity.
What Zach Coaches Caleb Through:
Finding clarity in the noise — how to ignore trendy tactics and focus on channels already producing real fruit
Identifying a realistic growth path — breaking down revenue goals into simple, doable numbers (hello, “64 calls”)
Optimizing what’s working — tightening SEO, messaging, and brand positioning instead of chasing 20 new strategies
Filtering the right clients — how to set healthy boundaries, attract high-fit prospects, and stop wasting time on dead-end calls
Resources Mentioned:
The Podcast Upload: https://thepodcastupload.com
Caleb’s Email: caleb@thepodcastupload.com
Schedule a free 15-minute chat with Zach - https://calendly.com/surthrival/chat-with-zach
Apply to be coached on The Surthrivalist Podcast - https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast
Donald Miller: https://businessmadesimple.com
Connect with The Surthrivalist:
Website: https://smallbizsurthrival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallbizsurthrival
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zjwise
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrival

Think Grey, Lead Boldly - A conversation on decision-making, hiring, and legacy with Derek Maxson | Ep. 6

What do parenting, product development, and personnel decisions all have in common? They’re shaped by how we think—and how long we’re willing to wait before acting.
Zach is joined by long-time mentor and friend Derek Maxson, co-founder of Front Porch and coach to pastors and churches. Together, they revisit the books and ideas that shaped their leadership, discussing everything from hiring practices to humility in marriage.
If you’ve ever struggled with impulsivity, burnout, or big decisions, this episode will help you slow down, zoom out, and move forward with wisdom.
Resources Mentioned:
Books mentioned in this episode:
The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership – Steven Sample (https://amzn.to/475o11u)
Good to Great – Jim Collins (https://amzn.to/4otN1Fw)
The Lean Startup – Eric Ries (https://amzn.to/3Wjb5yT)
The Four Steps to the Epiphany – Steve Blank (https://amzn.to/4nnS7C6)
Halftime – Bob Buford (https://amzn.to/4oclWqA)
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey (https://amzn.to/479ZnNj)
Living Forward – Michael Hyatt & Daniel Harkavy (https://amzn.to/4hvgRqT)
Buy Back Your Time – Dan Martell (https://amzn.to/478BTrR)
The Ideal Team Player – Patrick Lencioni - (https://amzn.to/3Jnqr2f)
Atomic Habits - James Clear (https://amzn.to/3L4f001)
Resources & Links
Learn more about Derek and his pastoral coaching: https://www.revital.church/
Apply to be coached on the podcast: https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast
Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrival
Subscribe to The Surthrivalist Podcast: https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast
Schedule a free 15-minute chat with Zach - https://calendly.com/surthrival/chat-with-zach
Apply to be coached on The Surthrivalist Podcast - https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast
Connect with The Surthrivalist:
Website: https://smallbizsurthrival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallbizsurthrival
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zjwise
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrival

From Remodeling to Real Estate: A coaching conversation on pivoting with purpose with Weslei Costa | Ep. 5

What if the hardest part of running your business isn’t the clients, the subs, or the cashflow—but your own conviction to keep doing what’s right, even when it costs you?
In this coaching conversation, Zach sits down with high-end contractor and interior designer Weslei Costa to unpack how to lead with agency instead of obligation and build a business that multiplies your values, not just your profits.
Zach coaches Weslei through:
Moving from “I have to” to “I choose to” – shifting from obligation to agency and leading from conviction.
Clarifying the why behind a business model shift – is he escaping difficult clients or pursuing a better spec-home model for profit and family?
Designing a path to a “10 out of 10” business – defining what it would take for the company to run without him.
Building and training a values-aligned team – finding teachable, humble people and creating a plan to grow them instead of hoping for “another me.”
Resources Mentioned:
Apply to be coached on a future episode – Share your story and request a real-time coaching session with Zach. (Link in show notes.)
Book a short clarity chat with Zach – Talk through your current season and next right step. (Link in show notes.)
Scripture referenced:
Colossians 3:23–24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…”
Schedule a free 15-minute chat with Zach - https://calendly.com/surthrival/chat-with-zach
Apply to be coached on The Surthrivalist Podcast - https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast
Connect with The Surthrivalist:
Website: https://smallbizsurthrival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallbizsurthrival
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zjwise
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrival

Balancing Seasons of Business: A coaching conversation on sustainable growth with Joe Brinegar | Ep. 4

What do you do when your business is overflowing with work in one season and nearly silent in another?
That’s the tension Joe Brinegar is navigating. He’s the owner of Ignite Gas Appliance Solutions, a one-man shop serving his California community with propane and gas appliance repair. Known as the go-to guy for fireplaces, water heaters, and cook stoves, Joe faces a familiar challenge: intense winter demand, slow summers, and the question of when—or whether—to hire help.
In this real-time coaching conversation, we talk through:
How to move from emergency-driven work to proactive customer care
The tension of balancing seasonal demand as a solopreneur
Why confidence in your God-given talents is not arrogance, but stewardship
How to explore growth without losing your soul—or your family in the process
If you’ve ever wrestled with seasonality, overwhelm, or the next right step in business, this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and hope rooted in God’s wisdom.
Resources:
Learn more about Joe and Ignite: http://www.ignitegas.net/Book a 15-minute coaching chat with Zach: https://calendly.com/surthrival/chat-with-zachApply to be coached on the podcast: https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcastSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrivalSubscribe to The Surthrivalist Podcast: https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast

From Data Chaos to Clarity: A conversation on AI, sales culture, and leadership with Tony Barnes | Ep. 3

What do you do when your top sales reps are relationally gifted—but leave a mess behind in your CRM?
That’s the tension Tony Barnes is facing. As Head of Sales Operations at 5.11 Tactical, Tony’s trying to drive AI innovation and improve sales forecasting accuracy—but without direct authority over the reps whose data he relies on.
In this real-time coaching conversation, we talk through:
Why bad data is rarely a software problem—it’s a leadership one_
How to inspire behavior change when you’re not “the boss”
The right way to introduce AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT
What great sales leaders can learn from inventory managers (and vice versa)
If you’re trying to lead across silos, improve adoption, or just bring clarity to a chaotic process, this episode will help you lead with confidence and clarity—while staying rooted in what really matters.
Resource:
Learn more about 5.11 Tactical: https://www.511tactical.com/Book a free 15-minute chat with Zach: https://calendly.com/surthrival/chat-with-zachApply to be coached on the podcast: https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcastSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrivalSubscribe to the Podcast: https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast

Stewarding the Story: A coaching conversation on branding, marketing, and calling with Dan Atkins | Ep. 2

How do you handle it when a massive publishing house releases a book with your exact title and character name—after you’ve poured four years into your story?
That’s the challenge Dan Atkins is facing. He’s a high school teacher, former pastor, and first-time author whose debut fantasy novel, The Light Seekers, just wrapped a successful Kickstarter campaign. But now he’s navigating the high-stakes world of self-publishing, branding, and book marketing—all while holding onto the conviction that this story was God-given.
In this real-time coaching conversation, we talk through:
* How to build a grassroots marketing strategy without social media savvy* What to do when your creative work overlaps with someone else’s* The power of word-of-mouth and creating fans who feel like family* How to position your product as a solution, not just a passion project
If you’re building something meaningful and facing uncertainty, this episode will give you both practical strategy and gospel-rooted encouragement.
Resources:
Pre-order Dan’s book: https://gofr.me/lightseeker-seriesApply to be coached on the podcast: https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcastSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrivalhttps://www.youtube.com/@smallbizsurthrivalSubscribe to Podcast: https://smallbizsurthrival.com/podcast