From ATM Mishap to IT Triumph: Roland Cousins' Faith-Fueled Leadership Journey

Roland Cousins' journey is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to personal values, even when faced with unexpected turns and tempting shortcuts. From a surprising entry into the IT world to building his own successful company, Cousins1 LLC, Roland's story is a powerful narrative of how faith can anchor a leader through life's most challenging moments.

Unexpected Entry into IT

Roland's foray into IT began unexpectedly. After a decade in social services, he sought a new path. A Craigslist ad led him to BC Tech Pro, where he secured his first IT job with minimal experience, armed only with quick online certifications. His early days involved basic IT support, fixing motherboards and keyboards, which quickly evolved into repairing ATMs. It was during this time that Roland experienced a moment that would forever be etched in his memory: a windy day, a Chase Bank ATM in a tough St. Louis neighborhood, and a cassette of money accidentally spilling out. "Money went everywhere," he recalls, describing it as the "worst day of my workday, ever." Yet, even in this humbling experience, his employers showed concern for his well-being, a testament to his character.

Rising Career and Divine Provision

His career trajectory continued upwards, moving from field tech engineering to a full-time role at Ameren, the largest utility company in the Midwest, while simultaneously building Cousins1 LLC. This rapid ascent, he attributes entirely to divine intervention. "It's amazing how God... even when we backslide, he's still with us, and still provides opportunities," Roland shares. He emphasizes that making God a priority, even amidst struggles, has opened doors he never imagined. His IT career, which began as "just for fun," now sees him earning double what he did in social services, a clear indicator of God's provision and the rewards of diligent work.

Faith-Driven Ethics and Business Choices

Faith played a pivotal role in shaping Roland's business ethics. When starting Cousins1 LLC, he encountered partners who proposed actions that, while not explicitly illegal, went against his moral compass. "If I didn't have faith in my life, I would have agreed to it," he states. This conviction led him to part ways with one individual and earn the respect of another, who, despite not doing business together, acknowledged Roland's integrity.

A particularly striking example involved a proposition for illegal funding through COVID relief programs, a temptation of $75,000 that Roland firmly rejected. "That little check was in my spirit", Roland said. This adherence to his beliefs, even when financially tempting, highlights the strength derived from his faith.

Biblical Principles and Personal Growth

Roland's guiding biblical principle is Luke 6:31: "Treat others how you want to be treated." He elaborates on this, emphasizing the importance of being the "forerunner" and the "Christ-like example," rather than expecting others to reciprocate.

He learned early on not to have high expectations of people, a lesson solidified by his mother's absence at his high school graduation. This taught him to pursue his goals for his own intrinsic motivation, not for external validation. However, his mother did attend his college graduation, a moment of pride and reconciliation.

Family, Hard Work, and Holistic Upbringing

As a father of three (ages 11, 8, and 6), Roland instills the value of hard work. He uses family vacations, like a recent trip to Lake of the Ozarks, as object lessons. "We cannot do this if Daddy doesn't work hard," he tells his children, connecting their enjoyable experiences directly to the effort he puts in.

His wife's homeschooling of their children further allows them to integrate faith and values into their daily lives, ensuring a holistic upbringing.

Lessons on Teamwork and Self-Sufficiency

Looking back at his 21-year-old self, Roland would emphasize the "importance of the power of a team." Growing up, after being put out of his home at 15, he developed an intense self-sufficiency, vowing never to depend on anyone. This experience, while fostering independence, also created a barrier to collaboration. He now recognizes that while self-reliance is valuable, true strength often lies in collective effort and interdependence.

Faith and Business: Final Advice

For those seeking to integrate their Christian faith into their business, Roland offers powerful advice: "Stand on your beliefs, no matter what." He cautions that rejection and persecution are inevitable, but being comfortable with this reality is crucial. He also notes a positive trend: people often prefer to do business with Christians, sensing a greater degree of ethics and character. Roland's own journey, from cleaning toilets after leaving the Army in 2020 to his current success, underscores the humbling yet ultimately rewarding path of faith-driven leadership.

A Journey Marked by Faith

Roland Cousins' story is a compelling narrative of navigating life's complexities with faith as his compass. It's a journey marked by unexpected opportunities, ethical stands, and the continuous pursuit of growth, all while holding fast to the principles that define him as a leader and a man of God.