The Hand of God: How Faith Built Flora Auto Sales from the Ground Up

The Unseen Hand: A Leap of Faith and Divine Timing

Brad's entry into Flora Auto Sales wasn't a calculated career move but a divine invitation. Starting part-time in 2000 or 2001, he was asked to be the sales guy for brothers Greg and Derek Flora, who preferred not to deal with the public. With no prior sales experience, Brad took on the challenge. The business, specializing in selling and repairing wrecked cars, quickly boomed, selling 40-50 cars a week.

In 2004, the brothers offered Brad a full-time position. Despite the opportunity, Brad felt an inexplicable unease, a 'God's prompting' that it wasn't the right time. He declined, much to his own surprise and theirs. Almost a year later, the offer resurfaced. This time, the timing was impeccable: Brad's factory job was slowing down, and layoffs were imminent. It was, as Brad describes, 'the hand of God,' perfectly orchestrating his transition into full-time work with Flora Auto Sales in July 2005.

The Gravel Story: A Handshake, a Test, and Miraculous Provision

Years later, in 2012, Greg Flora wanted to sell his half of the business. Brad, the only non-family member, was offered the opportunity to buy him out. After much prayer and consideration, Brad took the leap, becoming a partner with Derek in 2013. This transition necessitated a new location, as their original setup was at Greg's home shop.

The search for a new property was fraught with challenges. They needed a specific zoning for a salvage yard, which was difficult to obtain in Elkhart County. As the January 1, 2013, deadline loomed, a man named Pudgy Golf approached Brad. Pudgy, a complete stranger, insisted Brad should buy his business in Leesburg, a former sawmill with the perfect zoning. Brad initially dismissed him, but Pudgy's persistence led to a meeting with Brad and Derek.

The property was rough, needing extensive work, and the asking price was beyond their means. They made an offer, which Pudgy declined. Weeks later, Pudgy called Brad, asking if he was still interested. Brad reiterated their financial limitations. Pudgy then invited them to meet again, and to their astonishment, he accepted their original, lower offer. He explained he had 'done some checking' and wanted to sell to someone with a good reputation for 'honesty and integrity.'

What followed was an extraordinary act of trust. With no paperwork, just a handshake, Pudgy allowed them to begin working on the property immediately. Weeks before the official closing, Pudgy revealed he had received another offer for $100,000 more. He then posed a question: 'What do you guys want to do?' Brad and Derek, without hesitation, affirmed their commitment to the original deal. Pudgy, honoring his word, proceeded with their agreement. This moment, Brad reflects, was either a test of their hunger for money or a divine test of their faith, solidifying a bond of trust that transcended financial gain.

Another remarkable instance of divine provision came in the form of gravel. Their new property was a dirt field, desperately needing stone. Brad noticed power line construction crews laying down massive amounts of stone across farmers' fields. He inquired about acquiring the leftover stone and was told it would be free if he was within a certain mileage. After preparing a section of his yard, Brad received a call out of the blue, and over the next few months, received 300 triaxial loads of free gravel, a provision that would have cost a fortune otherwise. Brad unequivocally attributes this to 'a God thing.'

Kingdom-Focused Living in a Fallen World

Brad's faith isn't confined to Sunday services; it's the bedrock of his daily operations. Integrity, defined as 'doing the right thing when nobody's looking,' is paramount. He instills in his team the importance of going the extra mile, especially for vulnerable customers like single mothers or the elderly. Their mission extends beyond sales; it's about genuinely helping people, treating them with the same care and respect they would desire for themselves.

Brad fosters a culture of value and input among his employees, recognizing that each person feels valued differently. He actively seeks their opinions, emphasizing collaboration over authoritarian leadership. This servant leadership, modeled by biblical figures like Joseph and David, is a cornerstone of his approach.

His business philosophy is clear: 'We're not in business to make a bunch of money. We're in business to grow God's Kingdom.' While acknowledging the necessity of profitability for a legitimate business, Brad emphasizes that their ultimate purpose is to be a conduit for God's work. This manifests in their generosity, supporting missions and other organizations. Brad sees his business as his 'five loaves and two fish,' a humble offering that God can multiply for His purposes.

Beyond financial giving, Brad and his team actively engage in hands-on service. They've traveled to disaster zones, like Alabama after the Tuscaloosa tornado, to assist with storm cleanup. Brad recounts a powerful experience where, after being told by FEMA they were 'two days ahead of schedule,' his team encountered a homeowner overwhelmed by fallen trees. They offered to clear his yard for free, asking only for referrals. This act of selfless service led to a connection with a local deacon who was also the head of the volunteer fire department, opening doors for them to serve countless others in need. Brad emphasizes that his team's dedication at Flora Auto Sales enables these acts of service, allowing him to be 'the hands on the ground.'

Invite God In: Advice for Christian Leaders

Brad's encouragement to other Christian business leaders is simple yet profound: 'Seek God in everything you do.' He challenges the notion of compartmentalizing faith, questioning if one's Sunday beliefs truly impact their Monday-through-Friday actions. He urges leaders to 'invite God into what you're doing,' recognizing that God desires to be an active participant in every aspect of their lives.

He cautions against the tendency to take back the 'steering wheel' when things are going well, reminding leaders that God's presence is just as vital in prosperity as in adversity. Brad shares an analogy of a man falling from a roof, saved by a nail, only to fall further when he dismisses God's intervention. He highlights that often, the most significant growth and 'polishing of rough edges' occur during difficult times, when trust in God is paramount.

For 'shakers and movers,' the challenge is often patience and stillness, to 'just wait, just listen to me.' Brad's journey with Flora Auto Sales is a living testament to 'Kingdom-focused living in a fallen world,' demonstrating that when God is invited into the mundane and the monumental, the results are nothing short of miraculous.