About the Podcast The podcast 'Foundation Hangout' hosted by Pastor Brian features guests Mark and Keri Blanton discussing their small business, 'Microscope Solutions,' and the role of faith in overcoming business challenges. The episode emphasizes the importance of relying on God for peace and success, especially during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Takeaways (00:00) The speaker reflects on the importance of faith and reliance on God, emphasizing that hard work alone isn't enough for success in small business.(01:06) Pastor Brian introduces guests Mark and Keri Blanton, who discuss their business 'Microscope Solutions,' which involves servicing, repairing, and selling microscopes.(01:39) The episode features scripture from Philippians 4:7 and Romans 8:34-37, highlighting God's peace and love amidst struggles.(03:26) Mark and Keri recount their experience of taking a risk by investing in a dealership, which led to unexpected restrictions and unmet sales goals.(06:13) Keri shares her feelings of loss regarding her role as a stay-at-home mom while trying to support the business financially.(07:42) Mark emphasizes the importance of leaning on Philippians 4:7 for peace during their struggles, highlighting the need for emotional and mental refreshment.(08:57) The speaker describes the struggle of relying on hard work alone for success in small business, highlighting that true success comes from a relationship with God rather than personal abilities or talents.(09:38) They stress the importance of prioritizing their relationship with God over business concerns, acknowledging that while the business was a gift, their spiritual connection must come first.(10:23) The speaker shares that many have asked how they manage challenges, attributing their resilience to God, which they describe as a peace that cannot be explained.(11:09) They discuss the discomfort and pain of facing trials, but emphasize that after the storm passes, one can see the valuable lessons learned and the restoration of relationships with God and family.(12:12) The true miracle was not financial restoration but the strengthening of their faith and relationships, learning from failures, and becoming stronger individuals.(12:40) They acknowledge the inherent risks of being self-employed, where there is no safety net, and how this situation forced them to rely on God for guidance and favor.(13:44) The speaker recalls a period of rebuilding their business after a setback, which was encouraging and reaffirmed their capabilities as salespeople.(14:45) They mention a new agreement with another dealer that allowed them to thrive despite previous challenges, attributing their success to the trust placed in them by the new partner.(15:34) The conversation shifts to the importance of prioritizing God, which they believe led to positive changes in their business.(15:46) They reflect on the challenges posed by COVID-19, which severely impacted their business operations and income.(16:27) The speaker describes the devastating effects of the pandemic on their business, noting a significant drop in revenue and the need to seek government assistance.(17:14) They recount personal sacrifices made during this time, including withdrawing from retirement savings to manage bills, while expressing faith that God had prepared them for these challenges.(17:53) The speaker expresses that the challenges faced during the pandemic were emotionally painful, particularly for small businesses. They highlight the character and hard work of small business owners, contrasting their struggles with the profits of large corporations that remained open.(18:24) The speaker questions the logic behind allowing big box stores to operate while small businesses were forced to close, emphasizing their frustration with the lack of opportunity to adapt to restrictions.(19:03) They reflect on the heartbreak of witnessing multi-generational businesses shut down after years of hard work and sacrifice, attributing their survival to divine grace and expressing gratitude for the lessons learned during tough times.(20:25) The speaker emphasizes their sense of obligation to manage their business responsibly, viewing it as a means to bless others rather than the center of their lives. They prioritize family and faith over business success.(21:04) They share how they pray for sales that enable them to help others, recounting a tradition of giving gifts to strangers during Christmas, which brought joy to their children.(21:48) The speaker describes the challenges of operating during COVID, noting that it was just them managing the business initially. However, they mention improvements post-COVID and the addition of their son Ryan to the team.(22:36) Ryan, who has been learning the business since childhood, has become proficient in handling microscopes and is now capable of managing significant tasks independently, earning positive feedback from customers.(24:20) The speaker ...
