When I look at the landscape of businesses today, I see an incredible opportunity for Christians to lead with faith and work, purpose, and values. Unfortunately, I also see countless stories of faith-driven companies losing their culture and mission after a transition. This is why I founded Tree and Leaf Partners—to protect the Kingdom culture in businesses and ensure they continue making a positive impact for generations by integrating faith and work.
Below, I share my journey, insights, and vision for how we can steward our businesses well, even in times of transition. Watch the video below for a deeper dive into my conversation with Jim and Martha Brangenberg in their podcast called iWork4Him.
Integrating Faith and Work in Business
Integrating faith and work is not just a concept; it’s a daily practice for many. Companies that prioritize faith and work create environments where employees feel supported and motivated to live out their beliefs. This leads to a stronger culture and more impactful business practices.
As Christians, we’re called to be stewards, not just owners. Stewardship doesn’t end when we step away from a business—it continues in the legacy we leave behind. Over the years, I’ve seen too many faith-driven businesses sold to the highest bidder, only for their culture to be stripped away. Employees leave, the mission fades, and the company becomes unrecognizable.
That’s where Tree and Leaf Partners comes in. We acquire purpose-driven businesses with strong foundations and help them grow while preserving their faith and work culture. Our approach is different—we take a long-term view, aiming to hold and grow these businesses sustainably rather than flipping them for a quick profit.
What Kingdom Culture Means
Kingdom culture in business is about reflecting God’s values in everything we do. This includes how we treat employees, serve customers, and interact with the community. A company with Kingdom culture doesn’t just focus on profit—it’s driven by purpose, impact, and faith and work.
When a business transition happens, preserving that culture requires intentionality. This is why I prioritize acquiring businesses that:
- Solve a Real Problem: Purpose-driven companies, especially in industries like healthcare and education, align with our vision of integrating faith and work.
- Have Growth Potential: With my background at IBM, I bring expertise in leveraging technology to enhance customer and employee experiences in an environment that values faith and work.
- Are Built on Strong Foundations: Companies with solid teams and a history of success provide the groundwork for sustainable growth.
A Redemptive Framework for Business
At Tree and Leaf Partners, we use the Redemptive Business Framework to guide our work. This approach, developed by Praxis Labs, challenges leaders to think beyond ethics and focus on transforming the world through their businesses. It’s about servant leadership—prioritizing the needs of employees, customers, and the community above personal gain, and integrating faith and work into every decision.
An Inspiring Example
One of my favorite stories comes from Walker Lumber in Nashville. When its new owners, Scott and Ray, took over, they didn’t just maintain the company’s strong culture—they built on it. They partnered with a halfway house to employ recovering addicts, helping these individuals reintegrate into society. This kind of impact is only possible when businesses are intentional about preserving their values and integrating faith and work into their operations.
A Call to Action for Business Owners
If you’re a faith-driven business owner considering a transition, I encourage you to think about the legacy you want to leave behind. Selling to someone who shares your values can have a greater Kingdom impact than simply maximizing your sale price. Stewardship means ensuring your company continues to honor God and integrate faith and work, even after you step away.
If you’re ready to take the next step—or if you have a Kingdom business success story to share—I’d love to hear from you. Visit Tree and Leaf Partners to learn more about how we can work together to preserve your business’s mission and culture.
Full Podcast Transcript
Jim Brenberg: Welcome to I Work for Him, the voice of collaboration for the faith and work movement. We’re your hosts, Jim and Martha Brenberg, and today, we have an exciting conversation about preserving Kingdom culture in business transitions. Our guest is Andy Galpin, who is deeply passionate about ensuring that businesses maintain their Kingdom values even after an ownership change. Andy, welcome to the show!
Andy Galpin: Thank you, Jim and Martha. It’s a pleasure to be here and to discuss this important topic.
Martha Brenberg: Before we dive into your work, tell us a little about your faith journey. How did you come to know Jesus?
Andy Galpin: I grew up in the UK and was raised in a Christian household, but my faith truly became personal when I was 12. I was at a Christian conference called New Wine, and during a prayer session, I felt an overwhelming call to step forward. That moment changed everything—I realized not only how much I had gotten wrong in life but also how much God loved me despite it. From that day on, my faith became my own, and it shaped my path in business and leadership.
Jim Brenberg: That’s an incredible testimony. Now, let’s talk about what you’re passionate about—preserving Kingdom culture in business transitions. You’ve seen firsthand how selling to the highest bidder can erode years of intentional culture-building. Why do you think this happens so often?
Andy Galpin: Many business owners spend decades shaping a company with Kingdom values, focusing on people, purpose, and impact. But when it comes time to sell, the focus shifts entirely to financial return. The highest bidder wins, and within months, the company’s culture is lost. Employees leave, customers feel the shift, and what was once a thriving Kingdom business turns into just another profit-driven entity. Owners often regret these decisions, realizing too late that they were stewards, not just owners.
Martha Brenberg: That’s a powerful perspective. Tell us about TreeLeaf Partners and how your approach is different.
Andy Galpin: At TreeLeaf Partners, we focus on long-term stewardship rather than short-term financial gain. Unlike private equity firms that operate on short-term cycles, we aim for permanent ownership with a Kingdom-driven mission. I personally step in to run these businesses, ensuring they continue to thrive under the same values they were founded on.
We look for businesses that are:
Purpose-Driven – Companies solving real-world problems in sectors like education and healthcare.
Opportunities for Value Addition – Businesses where we can enhance operations through technology and leadership.
Strong Foundations – Organizations with a solid team and culture ready for long-term growth.
Jim Brenberg: Do you have an example of a business that successfully maintained its Kingdom culture after a transition?
Andy Galpin: Absolutely! Walker Lumber, a 75-year-old company in Nashville, was acquired by Scott and Ray. Instead of stripping away the company’s culture, they enhanced it by partnering with a halfway house to employ recovering addicts. This move didn’t just preserve the existing culture—it expanded its Kingdom impact.
Martha Brenberg: What advice do you have for business owners who are considering selling but want to ensure their Kingdom culture is preserved?
Andy Galpin: First, shift your mindset from ownership to stewardship. Your responsibility doesn’t end when you sell—it extends to who you entrust your business to. Ask yourself: Am I prioritizing profit, or am I ensuring a lasting legacy?
Second, be intentional about finding buyers who align with your values. There are firms like TreeLeaf Partners that focus on preserving culture, and we need more of these models in the market.
Jim Brenberg: Andy, this has been an enlightening conversation. Where can our listeners learn more about your work?
Andy Galpin: Listeners can visit TreeLeafPartners.com to learn more about how we approach business stewardship. And for a deeper dive into our conversation and more valuable insights, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode on YouTube here.
Martha Brenberg: Andy, thanks for joining us today!
Andy Galpin: My pleasure. Thanks for having me!
Jim Brenberg: You’ve been listening to I Work for Him. Remember, your workplace is your mission field, and ultimately, I work for Him!
