About Me

What Sets Me Apart

My unique background as a pastor and teacher has shaped my ability to connect deeply with people and provide practical, actionable strategies. Clients often say my mix of analytical thinking, strategic vision, and relational skills makes me more than just a coach—I'm a partner in their success.

My core strengths, as defined by the CliftonStrengths survey, include:

• Strategic: I excel at identifying the best path forward amidst complexity.
• Relator: I value genuine connections and prioritize meaningful relationships.
• Analytical: I dig deep to uncover root causes and create sound solutions.
• Ideation: I bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to familiar challenges.
• Maximizer: I focus on transforming strengths into excellence.

Beyond Business

When I’m not coaching or speaking, you’ll find me embracing #TheExitLifestyle—riding motorcycles, camping with my wife Kristie, and savoring the simple joys of life. We’ve been married for nearly 30 years and have two adult children who inspire us daily. My faith as a follower of Jesus Christ is central to my life, shaping how I approach relationships, business, and giving back.

As a coach and mentor, I believe business ownership isn’t the goal—it’s the tool. My mission is to help entrepreneurs build businesses that fuel their dreams, not consume their lives.

Client Success Stories

Don’t just take my word for it. See what others have to say by exploring testimonial videos from entrepreneurs who’ve worked with me to reclaim their time and scale their businesses profitably.

Looking for results? Here’s what my clients achieve:

• Reduce active work hours by 50% within 12 months
• Increase business valuations by 30-50%
• Achieve sustainable growth while living life on their terms

What’s Next?

Ready to take the first step? Sign up for my free training to discover how to boost your business value by 30-50% while reclaiming your time.

Why I Do It

Owning a business shouldn’t feel like a life sentence—it should give you the freedom to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. I believe that business ownership is not the ultimate goal; it’s a tool to create financial stability, support your family, and pursue your passions outside of work.

But too many entrepreneurs find themselves trapped, working harder than ever with little to show for it in their personal lives. I’ve been there, and that’s why I’ve made it my mission to change the narrative.

My passion is helping business owners design businesses that work for them—not the other way around. Through my coaching and programs, I’ve helped founders reclaim over 50% of their time, allowing them to focus on what matters most: strategic growth, family, and living life on their terms.

If you’re ready to stop running in circles and start building a business that supports your lifestyle, let’s make it happen. The freedom you’ve been searching for is closer than you think.

My Story

I grew up in the small town of White House, Tennessee, as the oldest son of two loving parents. My life has been shaped by faith, family, and a deep desire to make an impact. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Kristie, for nearly 30 years—we met on a blind date when I was just 16 years old. Together, we’ve raised two amazing adult children who inspire us every day.

From Pastor to Teacher to Entrepreneur

For 13 years, I served as a pastor, guiding and mentoring people in their spiritual journeys. In 2007, I transitioned into teaching 8th-grade American history, a role that allowed me to share my passion for learning and leadership. But in 2010, when budget cuts left me without a teaching contract, I found myself at a crossroads.

Necessity drove me to take a leap of faith, and I launched my first business. What started as a step into the unknown became the foundation for a multi-million-dollar enterprise. That company quickly rose to become the top LED retrofitting company in North America, thanks to my ability to combine sales expertise with the relational and teaching skills I developed in my previous careers.

Building a Legacy of Success

As the founder of that company, I was honored to see our work recognized by Inc. magazine twice as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America and by Entrepreneur magazine as a top entrepreneurial company. We received numerous awards, including Small Business of the Year and Best in Business from the Nashville Business Journal, and I was named a "Rising Star" by the Tennessee Small Business Development Center in 2014.

But success in business wasn’t the end of the story—it was just the beginning. I realized my true passion was helping other entrepreneurs achieve the freedom and fulfillment I had discovered. Over the years, I’ve leveraged my unique blend of pastoral care, teaching, and entrepreneurial success to coach business owners on how to scale their businesses while reclaiming their time and lives.

Coaching, Podcasting, and Mentoring

In 2020, I founded TRJD Enterprises, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to teaching entrepreneurs how to exit their businesses without selling them. The following year, I launched The Exiter Club, an exclusive mastermind program for select entrepreneurs who want to embrace #TheExitLifestyle.

As the host of the nationally syndicated podcast, The Root of All Success, I’ve interviewed top entrepreneurs from around the globe to uncover the strategies and mindsets behind their success. It’s a platform where I share actionable insights to inspire and empower others to build thriving businesses.

Investing in the Next Generation

Today, I own and operate five companies, but my greatest passion lies in investing in people. I believe that the only thing that moves from this world to the next is people, and I strive to make that investment count. That’s why I started the Professional Entrepreneur Apprenticeship Program (PEAP), a competitive mentorship program for young men aged 21-29. PEAP offers world-class, hands-on education in entrepreneurship, equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools they need to succeed.

Why I Share My Story

My journey from pastor to teacher to accidental entrepreneur is proof that life’s biggest challenges can lead to its greatest opportunities. I’m passionate about helping others discover that same freedom and fulfillment in their own lives. If you’re ready to take control of your business and design a life you love, I’d love to guide you on that journey.