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

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner sits down with B.J. Davis, co-founder of Grit Land Company and one of the founding members of the Abide & Lead community, for a deeply personal conversation about failure, redemption, and discovering your true identity in Christ.

B.J. shares the incredible story of growing up in a strong Christian home, drifting from his faith, chasing success, and ultimately losing everything during the 2008 housing collapse. At rock bottom, with his marriage failing, his business gone, and nowhere to turn, God met him in a life-changing way.

But this isn't just a story about salvation. It's about the years that followed as B.J. learned the difference between simply believing in God's grace and truly abiding in Christ every day. This is an honest conversation about grace, discipleship, and second chances. Whether you're leading a business, rebuilding after failure, or simply longing for a deeper walk with God, B.J.'s story is a powerful reminder that God isn't finished with your story yet. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.

Episode Resources:

• Grit Land Company: https://gritlandco.com/

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

How do you build a business that lasts long after you're gone?

In this special installment of the Impact CEO Summer Stories Series, Duane Donner continues sharing the story behind Founders Advisors and the leadership lessons that transformed his business from a founder-dependent company into an organization built for long-term impact.

Picking up after the 2008 financial crisis, Dwayne reflects on the season that led him to burnout and the pivotal decision to hire a leader who would eventually help build the systems, culture, and team that allowed the company to scale beyond himself. Along the way, he shares why leadership isn't about holding on to control, but empowering others to flourish.

Whether you're leading a startup, growing a mature company, or thinking about your long-term legacy, this conversation offers practical wisdom on building a business that can thrive for generations while staying rooted in God's purpose.

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

What does it take to build a business that thrives for generations—not just financially, but spiritually?

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner welcomes Price Hightower, founder and CEO of Tower Homes, for a rich conversation about leadership, legacy, succession, and the power of surrounding yourself with wise counsel.

From launching his business at just 27 years old with little experience and no income, to leading a thriving real estate company for more than three decades, Price shares the leadership lessons that have shaped his journey and why humility, mentorship, and dependence on God have been the foundation of it all.

Price shares lessons from over 30 years of entrepreneurship, navigating crisis, developing future leaders, and creating a culture of generosity and stewardship. A practical and encouraging conversation for leaders who want to build businesses and legacies that endure. Whether you're an entrepreneur, CEO, or leader preparing for your next season, this conversation offers practical wisdom on building a company that outlives you while remaining faithful to God's calling. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.

Episode Resources:

• Tower Homes: https://www.towerhomes.com/

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

What happens when your biggest failure becomes the doorway to your greatest purpose?

In this special installment of the Impact CEO Summer Stories Series, Duane Donner shares one of the most pivotal chapters of his life, how the collapse of a business dream, a season of personal brokenness, and an unexpected encounter with God completely changed the trajectory of his future.

After walking away from a struggling business and searching for stability, Dwayne found himself asking deeper questions about purpose, identity, and what success really means. What followed was a life-changing journey of faith, surrender, and discovering that ministry isn't limited to a church platform, it can happen through business, leadership, and everyday influence.

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, ministry leader, or someone searching for purpose, this conversation will encourage you to trust God with your story and embrace the calling He has uniquely prepared for you. 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 Drew Hiss, founder of Acumen Impact and co-author of The Guidebook for Business Ownership. Together, they explore the intersection of faith, entrepreneurship, leadership, and legacy, and why the business platform may be one of the most powerful ministry opportunities available today.

Drew shares his journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, including a season of financial crisis that ultimately became a turning point of surrender. What followed was a profound lesson in trusting God with business, leadership, and life.

If you're navigating growth, leadership challenges, succession planning, or simply wondering how to integrate your faith more intentionally into your business, this episode will encourage and equip you to lead with greater purpose and impact. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.

Episode Resources:

• Acumen Impact: https://acumenimpact.com/

• The Guidebook for Business Ownership: https://www.amazon.com/Sharpen-Guidebook-Ownership-Adventures-Leadership/dp/0578566621

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