From Trials to Triumph: Trapper Jones' Journey of Faith, Mentorship, and Legacy

Joshua "Trapper" Jones, a man whose nickname embodies his unique journey, is a testament to unwavering faith, the power of mentorship, and the profound impact of living a life dedicated to giving back. From trapping moles to building a million dollar bird control business, Trapper's story is one of resilience, spiritual growth, and a deep commitment to family and community.

The Genesis of a Trapper and an Entrepreneur

Josh Jones earned his moniker "Trapper" during his Bible college days. While his peers pursued traditional paths, Josh was out trapping raccoons, coyotes, and muskrats, selling furs to support himself. This early entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a newfound understanding that "Christians actually had fun," marked a turning point in his life. He quickly learned the ropes of mole trapping, recognizing a lucrative opportunity when he saw a client pay handsomely for mole removal. This ignited a passion that would eventually lead to the creation of Spring River Nuisance Wildlife Control in Missouri.

His early business ventures were not without their challenges. Trapper openly shares his struggles with job instability in his youth, admitting to being fired from multiple positions. "I probably went through 20-some jobs in that time frame, which is a lot," he recounts. This period of searching for his calling eventually led him back to his trapping roots, and in 2003, he joined a franchise, A All Animal Control. He quickly became an expert mole trapper, even coaching others on effective trapping and marketing techniques. His first bird netting job in 2004, a project he undertook with his father shortly before his passing, became a poignant memory and a foundational experience, despite being significantly underpriced. "I lost money on the job, but I got to spend with my dad 120 hours. So there's no price to put on that," he reflects.

Navigating Life's Storms: Faith as an Anchor

The path to success was far from smooth. In 2011, Trapper faced a profound personal crisis that threatened his marriage and led to bankruptcy. He candidly shares his struggles with pornography and the pressure he felt as a business owner, husband, and father. "I was choosing the wrong release. And that was pornography," he admits. This period forced him to make a difficult choice: leave his successful business in Missouri and move his family back to Iowa to prioritize his marriage. He describes this as "still the right choice today.  I would still make that same choice." This decision, though costly, ultimately led to the birth of Trappers Wildlife Control in 2015 and, in 2017, Midwest Bird Control, a venture that would eventually secure a $304,000 contract with Amazon in 2020.

Throughout these trials, Trapper's faith remained his anchor. He lives by the principle: If God is not in your business, then why the heck are you in business? He integrates his faith into every aspect of his company, from displaying Psalm 73:26 on his websites to fostering a culture of mentorship among his crew. He acknowledges the constant pressure in a man's life, especially for business owners, and emphasizes the importance of God's presence in alleviating that burden. "If you don't have God lifting it off, it's going to weigh you down to the point where you give up," he states.

Mentorship and Legacy: Investing in the Next Generation

Trapper's commitment to mentorship is evident in his relationships with his employees, many of whom he counseled at Bible camp years ago. He views these relationships as a brotherhood bond, where open communication and mutual respect transcend the typical employer-employee dynamic. "They have the right to tell me when things aren't working right in my life that they see," he explains.

Beyond his business, Trapper is deeply invested in his nonprofit, TripWithDad.com, which focuses on calling out fathers to be intentional with their children. This ministry stems from his own experiences raising two adopted sons and his realization that God had been preparing him for this calling through his own fishing trips with his kids. He passionately advocates for dads to actively engage with their children, regardless of age, emphasizing that it's never too late, Dad. His recent YouTube shorts, addressing the pressures men feel and the importance of fatherhood, have resonated deeply with a broad audience, confirming the need for his message. "This is literally the quote unquote legacy that I leave for my boys," he says, highlighting the eternal impact of his work.

Wisdom for the Journey: Find a Mentor, Prioritize Family

When asked for advice for younger generations, Trapper's counsel is clear and profound: Find somebody that's older, someone that's been through the fire. He encourages seeking out mentors who have navigated life's challenges, even humorously suggesting to "find that guy that has pee stains on the front of his pants" – a seasoned individual with a wealth of life experience to share. He stresses the importance of asking God to bring such individuals into one's life and to be open to their wisdom.

Crucially, Trapper emphasizes the paramount importance of family. He uses the analogy of "boxes" in a man's mind, urging men to keep the "boxes" for their wives and children perpetually open. "Your family is more important than your church. God created the institute of marriage and created the institute of family to be first and foremost in your life. Church is second to that. It's not first," he asserts. He warns against letting even Christian activities overshadow the sacred responsibility of nurturing family relationships.

In his closing thoughts, Trapper shares two powerful words that he believes every man needs to hear: You matter. This simple yet profound message encapsulates his mission to speak to the heart of men, reminding them of their inherent worth and the vital role they play in their families and communities. Trapper Jones' journey is a compelling narrative of how faith, resilience, and a servant's heart can transform personal trials into a powerful platform for leadership, mentorship, and lasting legacy.