Home schooled and says "My excavator is my prayer closet" | Derek Smith

Derek Smith launched a construction business at 15, rented backhoes as his “ride home,” and now leads 75 people doing road work across Ohio. We talk real growth (reinvesting, delegating, leaving your hometown market), why he says business owners are pastors in the marketplace, and how he keeps Jesus at the center—yes, his excavator is his prayer closet. We also dig into suffering → growth, integrity vs. “fake it,” paying generously, choosing no Saturdays, and a gospel invitation to close.