The Unseen Hand: Faith, Risk, and Purpose in the Political Arena

Chad Schnitger, the driving force behind Greystone Public Affairs and the Faith and Freedom Coalition of California, embodies a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering faith in the often-turbulent world of politics. His journey, marked by unexpected turns and divine guidance, offers profound insights into integrating deeply held values with demanding professional pursuits.

From Real Estate to Political Impact: A Journey of Divine Orchestration

Chad’s path to leading a prominent political consulting firm was anything but linear. Starting in real estate, fixing and flipping houses during a recession, he experienced the harsh realities of a business-first mentality when his employer abruptly relocated. This pivotal moment, where he learned “sometimes it’s just business,” left a lasting impression, shaping his commitment to a different approach.

A part-time job knocking on doors for a political campaign, initially taken out of necessity, ignited an unexpected passion. Despite lacking formal political training, Chad’s dedication to understanding local issues and candidates propelled him forward. This meticulous approach, a hallmark of his current operations, led to a candidate’s primary victory and the opportunity to lead larger teams. This was the genesis of Greystone.

From a small operation in 2014 with 66 employees, Greystone has scaled dramatically, managing 68 campaigns across California in 2024 with a personnel team of approximately 850. Greystone Public Affairs is a conservative-leaning political consulting firm specializing in hiring, training, and deploying campaign workers. They are experts in political targeting, messaging, and strategy, emphasizing an “AB5 compliant” payroll process for other campaigns, ensuring adherence to California labor laws. Their recent acquisition of a leading Republican database further solidifies their position.

Beyond Greystone, Chad also leads the Faith and Freedom Coalition of California, a non-profit dedicated to supporting Christian issues and candidates. This dual role underscores his deep commitment to integrating faith into the public square.

Faith as the Cornerstone of Business Leadership

Chad’s faith fundamentally shapes every aspect of his business. While his business partner is not a believer, he grants Chad the autonomy to run Greystone with values that allow him to “sleep at night.” This is a stark contrast to the industry norm, where consultants often prioritize short-term gains over ethical conduct.

Key principles guided by his faith include:

Selective Engagement: Chad only takes on candidates and issues he genuinely agrees with. He has turned down numerous “gun for hire” contracts that don’t align with his values, even declining to work with candidates who don't represent his personal or professional standards.
No Negative Campaigning: Uniquely, Greystone does no negative campaigning. Chad believes it’s ineffective and personally uncomfortable. This commitment to positive engagement sets his firm apart and builds a reputation for integrity.
Integrity and Transparency: Unlike some in the industry who might inflate numbers or cut corners, Greystone is known for its honest metrics. Clients trust that the work promised is delivered, fostering long-term relationships.
Accountability: Chad lives by the principle, “I refuse to be in authority without being under authority.” He intentionally hires former bosses or mentors to hold him accountable, ensuring he treats his team fairly and maintains ethical standards. This is reinforced by requiring his managers to read “Extreme Ownership,” fostering a culture of responsibility.

Chad’s approach is built on principles that allow his team to work with purpose and integrity, setting a high bar in the world of political consulting.

Navigating Challenges in a Secular Marketplace

Integrating faith values into the political arena presents unique challenges. The industry often operates with a “win at all costs” mentality, where ethical lines can blur. Chad’s commitment to integrity, particularly his refusal to engage in negative campaigning, means turning down lucrative opportunities. This “pickiness,” as he calls it, has certainly preceded him, but it has also built a reputation for a firm that stands for something more than just profit.

He acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining a Christian ethos in an environment where others may not share those values. However, his unwavering stance has paradoxically become a competitive advantage, attracting clients who value his firm’s integrity and principled approach.

Faith in the Face of Difficult Decisions

Running Greystone involves significant financial risk. Chad describes the business as a constant cycle of “ramping up and ramping down,” hiring hundreds of employees for short, intense periods and then scaling back. This requires substantial upfront investment, often pushing the company to the brink of bankruptcy before major contracts materialize. He recalls a time when Greystone’s checking account dwindled to less than $3,000 before a crucial payment arrived. In his words, “Every single cycle, you’re just about to go on bankruptcy and then God provides.”

This reliance on faith in the face of financial uncertainty is a testament to his trust in divine provision. It’s in these moments of extreme pressure that his faith provides clarity and the courage to make bold decisions, like taking on a $4 million project with only three months to execute.

Biblical Principles as Foundational Guideposts

While not explicitly stated as direct scriptures, several biblical principles underpin Chad’s business operations:

Integrity and Honesty: Refusing to short-change clients or engage in negative campaigning reflects a commitment to truthfulness and uprightness.
Stewardship: His meticulous training of employees and careful management of resources, even in high-pressure situations, demonstrates responsible stewardship of what has been entrusted to him.
Love and Respect: Treating employees well, providing extensive training, and fostering a positive work environment aligns with the biblical call to love one’s neighbor and treat others with dignity.
Accountability: His proactive pursuit of accountability from mentors and former bosses mirrors the biblical emphasis on wise counsel and humility.
Trust in God’s Provision: His willingness to take significant financial risks, knowing that “God provides,” showcases a deep reliance on divine providence.

These guiding principles form the ethical and spiritual foundation of Greystone’s operations.

Wisdom for His 21-Year-Old Self

If Chad could mentor his 21-year-old self, he would offer a counter-intuitive piece of advice for those considering a career in politics: “Don’t go. Go be a doctor. Go start a business. Go coffee shops. Bring that back.” He believes that real-world experience outside of politics, like his own in real estate, provides invaluable lessons in business and life that are often missing in the political sphere. He laments that many lawmakers lack practical experience in the fields they legislate, highlighting the need for diverse perspectives.

He also emphasizes the importance of going with your gut when hiring, even if it feels harsh. While Christians are inclined to offer second chances, sometimes letting an employee go is best for both parties. He stresses the importance of building a team that reflects company values and trusting your instincts about people.

Essential Principles and Spiritual Truths Understood Later

Reflecting on his journey, Chad wishes he had understood earlier the profound impact of God’s orchestration in his life. He recognizes that every step, from his EMT training to his real estate ventures, prepared him for his current role. He sees how God uniquely qualified him for massive projects, like the one for the country of Israel, by equipping him with diverse experiences.

He also learned the importance of being an “honorable person” in business. While competitors may cut corners, the best way to fight back as a Christian is to “just keep doing a good job, because those guys go away. Ten years later, you’re still here.” This speaks to the long-term value of integrity and perseverance.

Practical Advice for Believers in Business

Chad offers powerful advice for believers seeking to authentically integrate their faith into their professional lives:

Embrace Your Mission Field: Recognize that the marketplace is your mission field. Your actions and values can be a powerful witness, even to those who may use your faith against you.
Seek Community: Business ownership can be a lonely journey. Find groups and mentors who understand your unique challenges as a Christian leader. Share your struggles and seek advice from those who have walked a similar path. This intellectual and spiritual camaraderie is crucial for navigating stress and maintaining perspective.
Prioritize Accountability: Actively seek out individuals who can hold you accountable, both personally and professionally. This humility and willingness to be corrected are vital for growth and ethical leadership.
Do Your Best, Trust God: While you can’t do everything, you can do what you’ve been called to do. Focus on excellence, maintain your integrity, and trust in God’s provision, even when circumstances are challenging. Keep your Bible handy and remember that “everybody deals with” the stresses of business and life.

Chad Schnitger’s story is a compelling testament to the power of faith in the marketplace. He demonstrates that it is possible to build a successful, impactful business while upholding unwavering Christian values, even in the most demanding and controversial of industries. His journey is an inspiration for any leader seeking to honor God in their professional calling.