How do you build a company that can thrive without its founder at the center of everything?

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner sits down with Wes Legg, President of Founders Advisors, for an inside look at the 13-year leadership journey that helped transform Founders from a founder-dependent business into an organization built to last for generations.

Wes shares how he joined Founders at a pivotal moment when Duane was approaching burnout and the business needed more than additional production, it needed a stronger foundation. Together, they unpack what it took to build the right team, establish systems, clarify values, and create a structure capable of carrying the vision far beyond any one leader.

This conversation offers a practical look at succession from both sides: the founder learning to release control and the next-generation leader learning to carry the mission forward. Whether you're building your first leadership team or already thinking about who will lead after you, this episode will challenge you to start preparing now because the strongest companies aren't simply built to succeed today. They're built to flourish long after the founder steps aside. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.

Abide and Lead Resources:

• Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences

• The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/

• Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow

• Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast

Follow along on Socials:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner sits down with Pastor Mark Pettus, Lead Pastor of Church of the Highlands, for a conversation about faith, business, leadership, and the power of living an integrated life.

Duane and Pastor Mark unpack a relationship built over decades and explore why business leaders aren't simply called to serve God on Sundays. Their workplace, relationships, influence, and leadership can become some of their greatest opportunities for ministry.

Pastor Mark also takes listeners behind the scenes of his transition into leading Church of the Highlands sharing how years of relationship, shared values, intentional preparation, and ultimately God's timing helped prepare him to step into the role.

Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, pastor, or marketplace leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder that ministry isn't limited to a platform or a church building. When we're planted in the local church, abiding in Christ, and willing to use what God has given us to serve others, our everyday work can become a platform for eternal impact. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.

Abide and Lead Resources:

• Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences

• The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/

• Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow

• Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast

Follow along on Socials:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this final installment of the Impact CEO Summer Stories Series, Duane Donner shares the next chapter of the Founders Advisors story and why true leadership isn't measured by what you build, but by what continues long after you're gone.

After decades of building a successful company, Duane opens up about the difficult but rewarding journey of transitioning from founder to steward, empowering the next generation of leaders, and creating a business designed to carry its mission for generations.

This conversation is an honest look at leadership, legacy, and learning to let go so others can flourish. Whether you're leading a business, ministry, or family, this episode will challenge you to think differently about success, stewardship, and the legacy you're building for future generations. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.

Abide and Lead Resources:

• Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences

• The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/

• Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow

• Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast

Follow along on Socials:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead