Faith and Foundation: Building a Kingdom Business with Devlin Realty

In a world often driven by profit and cutthroat competition, Nathan and April Devlin of Devlin Realty stand as a testament to the power of faith-integrated business. Their journey, marked by unexpected turns and unwavering trust in God, reveals a blueprint for building a thriving enterprise rooted in biblical principles and a profound commitment to serving others.

From Ambulance to Real Estate: A Leap of Faith

Nathan and April's story began not in real estate offices, but on the front lines of emergency medicine. Meeting while working on an ambulance, their collaborative spirit was forged in high-stakes environments. Nathan later transitioned to law enforcement, and April to education, but a pivotal moment in 2017 reshaped their trajectory. Facing significant pay cuts in his public service role, Nathan initially resisted April's suggestion to pursue real estate full-time. "No, that's crazy," he recalls thinking, "I'm not going to give up a guaranteed every two-week paycheck and benefits for a 100% commission job." Yet, after much prayer and a second pay cut, they took the leap. This wasn't a calculated entrepreneurial move; it was a divine nudge. "It felt like a very irresponsible thing to do," Nathan admits, "But at the same time, it felt like the right thing to do as far as we prayed about it and God was making it happen." This decision, born out of necessity and faith, became the cornerstone of Devlin Realty.

The Bible as Their Business Handbook

For Nathan and April, their faith isn't just a personal conviction; it's the bedrock of their business. "The Bible is 100% our employee handbook," April asserts. This translates into a radical commitment to putting people first, always. They believe that financial success naturally follows when they prioritize caring for their clients. "We don't worry about the money part. God takes care of that. He takes care of us. So we just take care of people." This ethos guides every interaction, transforming what could be a transactional process into a relational ministry.

Their approach is deeply relational because real estate, at its core, is about life transitions. Whether it's a couple buying their first home, a growing family needing more space, or individuals navigating the sale of a loved one's property, these moments are deeply personal and often emotional. The Devlins meet clients where they are, offering not just professional expertise but also compassion and understanding. Nathan highlights their evolving trust in God's guidance: "The longer we're in this business, the more we've learned to just go with the flow or from our Christian perspective, follow God where he puts us." This surrender allows them to see their business as a mission field, impacting lives one home at a time.

Navigating Challenges with Unwavering Principles

The real estate industry can be cutthroat, and the Devlins have faced their share of challenges. Nathan, who once taught real estate classes, warns against the temptation to prioritize money over ethics. He recounts instances where competitors might inflate property values to secure a listing, only to later pressure sellers into price reductions. Their response? Honesty and integrity. "We just have to be honest with them and not say like, 'Hey, I think the other guy's lying,' but explain the strategy." They refuse to compromise their values, even if it means losing a potential client. This commitment stems from their "non-negotiables" – biblical principles that guide their decisions. "If you decide before going into this business that being dishonest or not disclosing something you're supposed to is a non-negotiable for you, then it's an easy decision," Nathan explains. This proactive commitment to ethical conduct eliminates the internal struggle when faced with difficult choices.

One practical application of their faith is their unwavering commitment to Sundays as a day of rest and family. "We don't work on Sundays. We go to church on Sunday and Sunday is our family day," April states. Remarkably, they've never lost a client due to this boundary. Instead, clients, even non-believers, often admire their dedication to family and faith, sometimes even adopting similar practices. This quiet witness, demonstrating their priorities without being overtly pushy, speaks volumes.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

Reflecting on their journey, Nathan and April offer profound advice for aspiring Christian entrepreneurs:

Trust God 1000% Always: April emphasizes, "He is your business partner and he always gets the majority vote or the majority say in your business." Even when God says "no" to a seemingly good opportunity, trust His guidance, as it's always for your best.
Embrace Biblical Principles as Your Guide: Nathan stresses the importance of establishing "non-negotiables" based on biblical values. This pre-decision-making process simplifies ethical dilemmas and keeps you aligned with God's will.
Divide and Conquer Based on Strengths: As a married couple working together, they advise dividing tasks based on individual strengths. Nathan excels in negotiations and paperwork, while April handles marketing and aesthetics. This synergy optimizes their efforts and minimizes friction.
Maintain Work-Life Boundaries: While challenging, they strive to keep work and family life separate. Dinner table conversations are reserved for family, not deals. They prioritize intentional time for their marriage and children, modeling healthy boundaries.

Nathan and April Devlin's story is a powerful reminder that business can be a vehicle for ministry. By integrating their faith into every aspect of Devlin Realty, they not only achieve professional success but also transform lives, one relationship and one home at a time.

Connect with Devlin Realty:

Website: http://www.devlinhomesales.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/devlinrealty/about/
Podcast: Coffee and Chaos podcast (available on Spotify, YouTube, Instagram)
Social Media: @DevlinRealty (Facebook and Instagram)