Unwavering Integrity: Dave Cheatham on Faith, Business, and Doing the Right Thing

In a world where the lines between personal conviction and professional conduct often blur, Dave Cheatham, co-founder of Velocity Retail Group, stands as a testament to unwavering integrity. With over 40 years in the real estate business, Cheatham has built a career marked by both significant success and a steadfast commitment to his faith. His journey offers profound insights for Christian business leaders navigating the complexities of the marketplace.

Cheatham's career began after graduating from Biola, leading him to work for the largest real estate company in the world for 22 years. In 2005, he was recruited by Roger Staubach to run the Western United States. When Staubach decided to sell the company, Cheatham and his partner, whom he hired years prior, co-founded Velocity Retail Group. Their partnership, built on friendship and complementary skills, specializes in retail real estate, handling everything from leasing shopping centers to developing ground-up projects for major retailers like Lowe's, Chase, and Sprouts.

Faith as the Foundation of Leadership

For Cheatham, integrating faith into his daily leadership is not an option but a necessity. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong testimony, which means consistently doing things the right way. "People hold you to a higher standard," he explains, acknowledging that this can sometimes lead to being taken advantage of. However, for Cheatham, maintaining his word and upholding his integrity is paramount. "I don't want somebody saying I didn't do what I said I was going to do."

This commitment to integrity was powerfully tested during the 2008 recession. Cheatham recounts a situation where a client proposed a deal that would have generated millions of dollars but involved unethical practices. While 39 out of 40 similar companies agreed to the terms, Cheatham's firm refused to participate unless the client disclosed their involvement to their owners. This decision, though seemingly difficult at the time, proved to be a pivotal moment. The situation later escalated into a nationally recognized lawsuit, and those who compromised their ethics faced severe reputational damage. Cheatham's company, however, emerged unscathed, reinforcing the long-term value of doing the right thing, even when it's the harder path.

Perseverance Through Adversity

The economic downturn of 2008 also brought personal challenges for Cheatham. A six-year lawsuit with his former partners tested his resolve. During this period, his faith became his anchor. "It literally felt like we were going through the trials like Joseph," he reflects. This season taught him a profound lesson in reliance on God. "I guess that time probably taught me more than ever that God was in control, because a lot of time earlier I thought I was in control." The catastrophic economy served as a stark reminder that all blessings come from God.

Advice for Christian Business Leaders: No Separation of Faith and Business

Cheatham's most fervent advice to other Christian business leaders is clear: "You can't separate your faith from business." He expresses frustration with the notion that business is merely transactional and devoid of personal ethics. He also cautions against those who overtly proclaim their faith while failing to live by its principles. "If you're not going to walk in your faith, don't ever let anyone know that you're a believer. And if you're a believer, then let your light shine and do the right thing."

He acknowledges that as a Christian, one will be judged by a higher standard, making it even more crucial to live authentically. Cheatham admits to his own imperfections, recognizing times when he hasn't been "God-honoring" in his actions. As a driven individual, he's learned the importance of understanding that not everyone shares the same drive or talent, and pushing people beyond their capacity can be counterproductive. His focus now is on working with "champions" rather than trying to "rehab" those who are complacent.

Dave Cheatham's journey is a powerful reminder that true success in business, particularly for a person of faith, is not just about financial gain, but about building a legacy of integrity, consistency, and a life that genuinely testifies to one's beliefs. His story challenges leaders to embrace their faith not as a separate compartment, but as the guiding principle in every aspect of their professional lives.