Navigating the Current: Faith, Leadership, and the Entrepreneurial Journey

In the dynamic world of business, where trends shift and challenges emerge, anchoring oneself to an unwavering foundation is paramount. For Kiley Butler, owner of ProductionOne, an audio-visual company specializing in everything from live events to immersive experiences, that foundation is his faith. His journey, marked by both exhilarating highs and challenging lows, offers profound insights into integrating deeply held values with the demands of the marketplace.

Kiley's path to entrepreneurship wasn't a conventional one. He and his wife, both theology graduates, initially started ProductionOne in 2002 as a ministry. This unique beginning laid the groundwork for a business deeply rooted in faith, where every decision, from hiring to client selection, is informed by biblical principles. “My theology, my faith walk, informs everything that I do,” Kiley shares. “It informs who I hire, the clients that I take, that I don’t take, that it informs the kind of, not just the kind of company that I’m trying to build, but also the kind of man that I want to be.” This commitment to personal and professional integrity, even at 53, highlights a continuous journey of growth and transformation.

Integrating Faith into Business Practices

Integrating faith values into business practices in today's marketplace is not without its hurdles. Kiley acknowledges the “careful balancing act” required when navigating cultural trends that diverge from his faith. In an industry often intertwined with entertainment, the challenge lies in being “salt and light” – excellent in service, loving and kind in demeanor, yet firm in conviction. “Some of the things that our culture…is running headlong toward [are] antithetical to our faith,” he explains. This often means making tough decisions, even “hugging a cactus,” to maintain alignment with core values without compromising the company’s mission or its people.

Indeed, the most difficult decisions Kiley has faced invariably revolve around people. The painful process of letting go of employees, even when necessary, is a testament to his deep care for his team. He echoes the adage, “hire slowly and fire quickly,” admitting that his loyalty often makes this difficult. He recalls having to shut down an entire division earlier this year due to economic difficulties and underperformance, a decision that, despite its necessity, was emotionally taxing. “Being a business owner, most…people in general will look at business owners and say, they’re just person here. They don’t care about people. All they care about is making a buck. Well, that’s just, that’s not true.” For Kiley, the investment in people and relationships is paramount, far outweighing the transient nature of money or equipment. This people-centric approach, while challenging, is what allows him to “sleep at night.”

Biblical Principles as Guiding Foundations

Among the biblical principles that serve as Kiley’s foundational guideposts, Psalm 37:4 stands out: “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you desires at heart.” He interprets this to mean that as one delights in God’s presence, their desires align with His. As an entrepreneur, Kiley describes himself as an “idea factory,” a “chaos on wheels” – unafraid of risk. This scripture grounds him, ensuring that his ambitious ideas remain within God’s will, preventing him from “running off on some rail spur that’s headed to some crazy land.”

Lessons Learned and Humility on the Journey

Reflecting on his journey, Kiley offers wisdom to his 21-year-old self, acknowledging a “critical lack of patience” and “humility” in his younger years. His advice: “Do a lot more planning and wait on the Lord. Wait on the Lord to open doors and make things happen. And don’t run around like a chicken with your head cut off.” He emphasizes the importance of listening to God’s voice and being led, rather than impulsively chasing every idea. He candidly admits, “I’m not some saint…I’m not somebody that’s got it all figured out.” This humility underscores the continuous learning and reliance on God’s guidance throughout his career.

Advice for Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs

For believers seeking to authentically integrate their faith into their professional lives, Kiley’s practical advice is direct: “Buckle up.” He highlights the reality of a “post-Christian culture” where being a Christian in business, especially when serving those opposed to faith, will be challenging. He encourages embracing the mission to be “salt and light,” even when it means navigating “spicy moments” with employees who don’t share his beliefs. He stresses that while there will be moments of triumph, there will also be days when “the mountain’s on top of you.”

His ultimate counsel: “Don’t go it alone.” He likens a business to a boat, not an island, emphasizing the necessity of surrounding oneself with a supportive network of godly men and women who can offer advice, prayer, and protection, especially when facing difficult situations. This community, like the Kingdom Factor peer advisory groups, provides the essential support needed to navigate the entrepreneurial journey with faith and resilience.

The Power of Faith in Business

Kiley Butler's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith in business. It’s a call to courageous leadership, authentic living, and unwavering reliance on God’s guidance, even in the face of adversity. His journey reminds us that true success is not just about profit, but about purpose, people, and the profound impact of living out one’s faith in every facet of life.