Pillars of Purpose

#139 Ala Sahu - Why Small Business Owners Who Ignore AI Will Get Passed Up

Business owners are hearing about AI everywhere… but what does it actually mean for everyday entrepreneurs? In this episode of Market Mavericks, Matthew sits down with Ala Sahu to break down AI in a practical, understandable way for small business owners, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs. Ala explains the “4 Levels of AI,” the difference between tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity, and why AI should be viewed as a tool for efficiency — not a magic solution. They also dive into: -How AI can help small businesses grow faster -Why entrepreneurs who ignore AI risk getting passed up -The dangers of blindly trusting AI -How to start using AI in your everyday life -Real examples for plumbers, marketers, and business owners -The future of AI agents and AGI Whether you’re brand new to AI or already experimenting with it, this episode will help you understand how to use it wisely, practically, and strategically. Connect with Ala Sahu: www.A1MKTG.com If this episode encouraged you, share it with another entrepreneur or business owner who needs to hear it. -- You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

#138 Jay Conner | How to Fund Real Estate Deals Without Banks (Private Money Strategy Explained)

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d invest in real estate… but I don’t have the money,” this episode will shift your perspective. In this conversation, Jay Conner breaks down how he went from relying on banks… to raising over $2 million in private money in just 90 days — without pitching, chasing, or begging for funds. We talk about: -What “private money” actually is (and how it’s different from hard money) -How to fund deals without using your own cash -The mindset shift from asking → teaching -How to protect investors and reduce risk -Why most people fail in real estate (and how to avoid it) -Simple, practical steps to get your first deal funded This episode isn’t just about real estate — it’s about stewardship, wisdom, and building something sustainable with what God has already placed in your hands. If you’re a beginner, side hustler, or entrepreneur looking for a smarter way to grow… this one’s for you. 🎁 Jay also shares free resources, scripts, and training opportunities at the end — don’t miss it. - You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

#137 Stop Just Protecting Your Kids — Start Equipping Them | David Poindexter

Most dads want to protect their kids. But what if that’s not enough? In this episode, David Poindexter shares a powerful shift in mindset that could change how you lead your family forever: stop just protecting your kids… and start equipping them. After 40 years of marriage, raising four daughters, and working with families for decades, David breaks down what actually builds strong, confident, faith-rooted children. This conversation dives into: -Why protecting your kids isn’t the ultimate goal -How to build a family culture (not just follow a checklist) -Practical ways to equip your kids for real life -Breaking generational cycles and becoming the dad you never had -The role of faith, humility, and intentional leadership in parenting You’ll also hear simple but powerful examples—from teaching responsibility to creating lifelong connection around the table—that any parent can apply today. If you’re a dad (or want to be one) who feels the weight of leading your family well… this episode will challenge and encourage you. 🎧 Whether you're raising toddlers or preparing for the empty nest—this is a conversation that will stick with you. -- You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

#136 Aaron Chapman - From Rock Bottom to Redemption: A $5.5M Loss, Faith, and Starting Over

What do you do when everything falls apart? In this powerful episode, Aaron Chapman shares a story that will challenge how you see failure, faith, and forgiveness. From working in mines and oil fields… to building a successful mortgage career… to losing over $5.5 million, his health, and even his memory after a devastating motorcycle accident. Aaron’s journey is one of the most raw and honest stories of resilience you’ll hear. But what makes this story different? 👉 He chose not to sue the person who caused the accident. 👉 He rebuilt his life from negative net worth. 👉 He found purpose through faith, relationships, and relentless action. This episode is for anyone: -Going through a difficult season -Trying to rebuild after loss -Searching for purpose in pain -Wanting to grow in faith and leadership You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of: -Why adversity can shape your greatest growth -What true forgiveness really looks like -How faith works when life doesn’t make sense -Why there are no shortcuts to success 📘 Aaron’s book: Redneckonomics — a raw, unfiltered look at life, business, and personal growth. Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/0iYLYFpG If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today. -- You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

#135 David Schnurman - The Family Vision That Led Us to Move Abroad (And Changed Everything)

What if one simple family decision could change everything? In this episode of the Pillars of Purpose Podcast, Matthew sits down with David Schnurman, author of 11 Suitcases, to unpack the bold decision that took his family from routine life in New York to living abroad in Barcelona. But this isn’t just a travel story. It’s about vision, faith, and choosing to step out of comfort—even when it’s messy. From creating a family vision in 2015… To saying yes to opportunities (and learning when not to)… To navigating chaos, COVID lockdowns, and culture shock… David shares how this journey reshaped his identity as a father, husband, and leader. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: -How to create a powerful family vision that actually leads to action -Why “saying yes” can unlock growth—but also requires balance -What really happens when you move abroad (the real, not Instagram version) -How shared experiences build deeper family connection -Why stepping outside your comfort zone builds confidence in your kids This conversation is a reminder: You don’t need to move across the world… But you do need to live with intention. 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: What vision is guiding your family? -- You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ