Growth, Grace & Prosperity with Stewart Heath

In this powerful and inspiring episode, former NFL quarterback and entrepreneur BJ Coleman shares how his life has been shaped by pivotal moments—both on and off the field. From being recruited by legendary coaches at the University of Tennessee to transitioning through professional football and eventually stepping into the world of behavioral healthcare, BJ's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and rhythm.
BJ opens up about identity, adversity, and the mindset shift required when pivoting out of high-stakes environments like pro sports into civilian life and business. Learn how he’s now using that same discipline and drive to build Pivotal Health Partners, a firm focused on helping struggling healthcare facilities find stability and success.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
The "pivot moments" that redefined BJ's purpose
What it really means to fall from grace and rebuild
Why leadership, rhythm, and urgency matter in business
How BJ brings NFL-level discipline into behavioral health
His investing approach—from real estate to raising cattle
------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or professional in the Tennessee Valley area? Do you have a story of success and growth to share? We want to hear from you! Apply at GrowthGraceProsperity.com/GUEST

What happens when a self-described “business guy” ends up running one of the largest law firms in Middle Tennessee? In this episode, Stewart Heath sits down with John Bowers, Chief Executive Officer of Thompson Burton, to explore his unique path from supply chain to law firm leadership.
Why Should You Listen?John shares candid stories about career setbacks, defining choices, and the importance of integrity in leadership. From getting laid off right after his honeymoon to becoming a non-lawyer CEO, John’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance and purposeful growth.
Key Takeaways:
How a temp job in accounts payable launched a 25-year law firm career
The value of telling the truth—even when it costs you
What it’s like being a business leader in a room full of lawyers
Why mentorship and professional associations matter more than ever
 
------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or professional in the Tennessee Valley area? Do you have a story of success and growth to share? We want to hear from you! Apply at GrowthGraceProsperity.com/GUEST

This week on the Growth, Grace & Prosperity Podcast, Stewart Heath sits down with Greg Priode, Managing Partner at GANI Consulting, for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and navigating unexpected career pivots.
Greg shares how his journey from a marketing student unsure of his fit in the corporate world led him into the world of product management—and eventually to founding his own consulting firm. From early internships to major corporate gigs at J&J and Wells Fargo, Greg's path was shaped by flexibility, curiosity, and a desire to lead and develop people.
In this episode, Greg opens up about the bumps in the road, like launching a passion project that didn’t pan out but ultimately opened doors to his next big move. He also discusses how personal and professional resilience, especially in a double-entrepreneur household, has been key to managing the ups and downs of business ownership.
Key Takeaways:
How a college internship helped Greg find his long-term calling
The transition from big corporate life to entrepreneurial agility
Why flexibility is the most underrated trait in leadership
The importance of consumer behavior research—even via Minecraft
Navigating business and marriage in a household with two entrepreneurs
 
------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or professional in the Tennessee Valley area? Do you have a story of success and growth to share? We want to hear from you! Apply at GrowthGraceProsperity.com/GUEST

In this episode, Stewart Heath sits down with Douglas Jones, Chief Operating Officer at WinnCompanies, for a rich and honest discussion on career pivots, personal growth, and leadership in real estate. Doug reflects on his unexpected journey from aspiring brand manager to becoming a leading figure in military housing — a shift sparked by a memorable job interview gone wrong and a few bold career moves.
Doug shares candid stories of early missteps, what he learned from gut-check moments, and how embracing change shaped his career. He also walks us through navigating the complexities of military housing regulations, including the fallout from Congressional scrutiny in 2018, and what it takes to lead effectively in a highly regulated, mission-driven space.
We also get a look into Doug's approach to personal finance, his thoughts on long-term investing, and the advice he would give to anyone looking to follow in his footsteps: plan, adapt, and never panic.
Key Takeaways:
Lessons from early career misfires and bold transitions
Inside look at the military housing industry and federal oversight
Why strong teams and real-time data are essential to effective leadership
Doug’s personal investment strategy and long-term planning philosophy
Timeless advice for professionals: Plan your work. Work your plan. Don’t panic—adjust.
------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or professional in the Tennessee Valley area? Do you have a story of success and growth to share? We want to hear from you! Apply at GrowthGraceProsperity.com/GUEST

In this episode of the Growth, Grace & Prosperity Podcast, host Stewart Heath, CPA sits down with Candy Messer, an experienced entrepreneur and financial expert, to discuss her journey into business ownership, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she helps businesses thrive.
Candy shares how she unexpectedly became a business owner, starting with a single bookkeeping client and growing into a successful company offering payroll, compliance, and operational efficiency services. She opens up about the challenges she’s faced, from setting the right pricing to managing staff and maintaining trust in a remote work environment.
Tune in to hear Candy’s insights on:
The pivotal moment that led her to start her own business
How she overcame self-doubt and learned to charge her worth
Lessons from hiring and managing a remote team
The importance of balancing business logic with a generous heart
Why operational efficiency is key to long-term success
Candy also shares how she stays on top of industry trends, her strategies for scaling her business, and her newest endeavor—helping business owners create companies that run without them.
 
------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or professional in the Tennessee Valley area? Do you have a story of success and growth to share? We want to hear from you! Apply at GrowthGraceProsperity.com/GUEST

In this episode of The Growth, Grace & Prosperity Podcast, Stewart Heath sits down with mortgage industry leader Belinda Arender to discuss her journey, challenges, and insights from over three decades in banking and mortgage lending.
Belinda shares how she stumbled into the mortgage business by accident, her move to Nashville to restart her career, and how she successfully navigated the 2008 financial crisis. She also opens up about personal challenges, including her husband’s health journey, and how strategic financial decisions helped her family navigate difficult times.
Stewart and Belinda discuss the current state of the financial markets, interest rate fluctuations, and how mortgage professionals stay ahead in an ever-changing industry. Belinda also gives insight into her investment strategy, why she believes in real estate, and the importance of trusting experts when it comes to financial planning.
Belinda’s key advice? Always bet on yourself.
🔹 How did Belinda get into the mortgage industry?🔹 What major challenge did she face in 2008?🔹 How does she stay informed about the financial markets?🔹 What is her investment strategy, and how does real estate play a role?
 
------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or professional in the Tennessee Valley area? Do you have a story of success and growth to share? We want to hear from you! Apply at GrowthGraceProsperity.com/GUEST

In this episode of the Growth, Grace & Prosperity Podcast, host Stewart Heath, CPA, sits down with Phillip Nappi, a serial entrepreneur with a remarkable journey. Phillip shares his deeply personal story of loss, redemption, and resilience—how he navigated life's challenges to build a successful business while keeping his faith at the center of it all.
Phillip opens up about his early experiences with entrepreneurship, the tragic loss of his parents at a young age, and the life-altering moment that led him to completely reset his path. He discusses his career in the waste management industry, the lessons he learned about business partnerships, and how strategic coaching and continuous learning have shaped his success.
But beyond business, this conversation dives into something even more profound—Phillip’s faith. He shares how his belief in God helped him through difficult times, guided his decision-making, and continues to shape his vision for the future.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
How Phillip’s early exposure to entrepreneurship influenced his career
The defining moment that changed his life forever
The importance of resilience and learning from failures
How faith plays a critical role in business and personal growth
Why strategic coaching is a game-changer for entrepreneurs
The significance of giving back and living with purpose
------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or professional in the Tennessee Valley area? Do you have a story of success and growth to share? We want to hear from you! Apply at GrowthGraceProsperity.com/GUEST

Welcome back to Growth, Grace & Prosperity with Stewart Heath! In this episode, we sit down with Phillip Cordell, a filmmaker and entrepreneur who made the leap from the world of commercial audiovisual tech to creating his own feature film. Phillip shares his journey of perseverance, strategic decision-making, and the unexpected challenges that led him to success.
We talk about:
How Phillip transitioned from working in tech to producing his own film
The importance of proximity and networking in the entertainment industry
The challenges of low-budget filmmaking and how setbacks can lead to better opportunities
His film Clone Cops—a campy, sci-fi throwback that’s gaining a cult following
The business side of indie filmmaking, from funding to distribution
How Phillip invests in other creatives and his latest business venture in aesthetics
If you’re an aspiring filmmaker or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable insights on persistence, adaptability, and making smart investments in your future.

In this episode of Growth, Grace & Prosperity, host Stewart Heath welcomes Cody Smith, Managing Partner at SHR Talent. Cody shares his entrepreneurial journey, from studying accounting to unexpectedly finding his passion in the recruiting industry.
Cody opens up about how the 2007-2008 financial crisis changed his career path, leading him from a CPA firm in Atlanta to starting a business in Nashville. He reflects on the lessons learned—like the challenges of hiring friends, making strategic decisions, and staying focused on his company’s strengths.
Stewart and Cody also dive into the current job market, the talent shortage in finance and accounting, and how companies are navigating hiring challenges. Cody shares insights on leadership, adapting to change, and making smart investments outside of work.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:✔️ How Cody transitioned from accounting to talent recruitment✔️ The ups and downs of entrepreneurship✔️ Key hiring mistakes to avoid✔️ The state of today’s job market✔️ Personal finance and investment strategies
 
------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or professional in the Tennessee Valley area? Do you have a story of success and growth to share? We want to hear from you! Apply at GrowthGraceProsperity.com/GUEST

In this episode of The Growth, Grace & Prosperity Podcast, host Stewart Heath sits down with marketing expert and entrepreneur Jeremy LaDuke, founder of Epic Nine, a marketing group based in East Tennessee. Jeremy shares his journey of building a business, key lessons learned, and the pivotal decision that transformed his company’s approach to client consultations.
Jeremy reveals how charging for consultations not only increased his company’s revenue but also positioned his firm as a trusted authority in the industry. He also discusses the challenges of hiring the right team, the importance of humility in leadership, and how social media marketing can be both a valuable tool and a frustrating investment, depending on how it's used.
Other key topics include:
The importance of pricing your services correctly from the start
The impact of hiring mistakes and lessons learned from them
How entrepreneurs can invest in their businesses and navigate risks
Whether social media marketing is truly effective for small businesses
The role of continuous learning through books, podcasts, and industry news
 
------------------------------------------------------------- Are you a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or professional in the Tennessee Valley area? Do you have a story of success and growth to share? We want to hear from you! Apply at GrowthGraceProsperity.com/GUEST