The StoryField

Meet Blessed Matai.   He loves getting punched in the face. Be careful if you try though because he is a blackbelt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Stephenville locals will recognize Blessed as the owner and coach of Makhuwa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym serving over 100 kids/adults.    He was born and raised in Maputo, Mozambique, Africa and first came to America with a small bag and $500 to play college basket...

Meet Lee Ellis.  Founder and owner of at least four (4) companies in Fort Worth; including one of the largest real estate brokerages in Tarrant County. Lee joined us for a short mini-cast covering one of the most helpful things they ever did in their 20+ years of business.    If a business owner gets this correct, then everything will change.  So, what is it? Thank you Lee for making time to teach...

Meet John Strappazon aka “Strap”.   Strap grew up on the wrong side of the tracks outside of Chicago but found himself living with a friend’s family attending college 1,200 miles away. He knew nothing about the gospel or faith; he had no interest at all in the Bible, but his life changed one Sunday morning when he heard from God “ If you give your life to me, you will find what you are looking for...

Meet Marlon Woods.   Marlon has more followers on Instagram ( 80,000 followers) than Stephenville’s population. Marlon’s name may sound familiar to you if you’ve ever heard of Les Mills International.  In fact, you can stream Marlon and let him lead you through some Body Combat and Body Pump through Les Mill’s massive online streaming workouts. We covered a lot of ground during the interview inclu...

Meet Darrel – our guest on The StoryField Podcast. He should not be alive right now – except for a miracle.  This is what Darrel heard from God immediately after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer: “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.   Psalm 118:17” Tune in today to hear his incredible story which included founding Southside City Church (Fort Worth) whi...

The StoryField w/ Jeremy Davis. Jeremy Davis apparently needs the desert seasons.  He is a 3rd generation pastor’s kid but after an early divorce in his family he became far enough away from God he became “unchurched”.   In college, the Lord found him; plugged him into a “random TV church” as he says jokingly where the pastor gave his weekly message on a screen.   Later, he became the Fort Worth c...

Ross is a partner with Hotchkiss Insurance but there is way more to the story of his life. In fact, one episode did not do it justice.  When trying to explain in writing what his life story is to date – “a series of pivotal moments” and “crushed identities” and “God’s goodness” is what comes to mind. Ross Conner joined us for an authentic episode where we discussed many topics including- Divorce o...

The Company of the Rock House:  ·      Has 500 employees;  ·      Is in 8 locations across Texas; and ·      Has provided life skills needs and training to adults with intellectual disabilities in Texas for over 40 years. Rock House all began in 1978 when a letter came across Brad’s desk.  Tune in today to see how the Rock House grew from humble beginnings in Stephenville to daily serving almost 5...

He wakes up each day ready to “Attack the Day” but that wasn’t always the case... Savion is the owner/founder of SDUB Fitness – Stephenville, Texas as well as – A fitness motivator Motivational speaker Author of – SDUB, the real meaning Join us today to hear how Savion went from growing up in a fatherless home (raised by a superhero mom) to playing football at TSU to starting SDUB Fitness in a Gar...

“ You look horrible. ”    As an act of concern, two people told Don that exact phrase in one day.   Within the next week Don was diagnosed with leukemia and had already begun receiving his first chemo treatment. The former golf course superintendent of one of America’s best golf courses- the Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas -- discusses his journey leading to working his dream job and the...

On May 27, 1987, he was busted by the DEA.  Life changed forever on that day for Barney. “By the time I was 16, I was already dealing drugs.” This is how Barney’s story began and he found himself in a California prison at age 21. Listen in today to hear how we went from prison to Director of Campus Development – a major role with Gateway Church – one of America’s largest and most influential churc...

His dad’s life was dramatically changed at a tee ball practice when a stranger introduced Jesus (and Romans 10:9) into the picture.  The story of the Klimis family is simply incredible. Here are few descriptors: Adultery/Betrayal Drugs/Alcohol Death/Suffering Transformation Life with Jesus Peace Church Complete Restoration Thank you to Jason Klimis (a resident of Tarpon Springs, Florida) for givin...

Joel was standing at the top of a 95ft high power line pole when two major life decisions where clarified:  “ I do not think I want to do this job anymore ” and “ I am leaving California ”   25 years later we caught up with Joel – the owner and operator of three businesses in South Fork, Colorado:  ·      8200 Mountain Sports ·      Mountain Man Rafting  ·      Switchback Liquors in South Fork, Co...

Meet Adam Feriend.  Many Parker County residents know Adam from his countless volunteer roles including the WISD school board.   Adam is an owner/COO of the 60mm+ construction company named JRJ Construction Inc. but started out his post-college degree with plans on singing Opera professionally.    He has navigated the death of all the owners of JRJ soon after he joined and walked through the 2008/...

People’s lives are being completely transformed once they discover the answer to this question.   The problem of discovering the truth about yourself is that we believe so many lies about ourselves which create false identities.    Today’s guest walks us through this discovery process.   Norris Williams and his wife have been missionaries since 1983.  He has also: ·      played professional footba...

You will really enjoy today’s guest if you are a client or friend of The Allen Firm, PC. We were honored to be able to interview Scott Allen.  He is the founder of our almost 50-year old law firm. ( Our 50th Anniversary is June, 2022 ). Scott has practiced law for over 50 years and has literally seen everything. He has had thousands of clients over the years and it all started with his uncle askin...

Jenifer’s 6-Word Memoir is “ She lived a life that mattered .”  What is yours? Today’s conversation is fascinating with topics ranging from: the tragic loss of her mother and how to help people who have been through such loss. taking a leap of faith and moving to Washington D.C. without a job and then becoming a speechwriter for Former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and volunteering with the Republi...

Today’s episode will encourage and challenge you – in a good way.  Christian is unbelievably courageous in his following the voice of the Lord which led him into a few wild adventures we discuss in this episode. He was diagnosed with some serious medical conditions but refused to accept that “label” because in Christ, he is healed and perfect – that is his identity; that is how he was made.  He ne...

In his own words, Jake Freels grew up in “the best world you could grow up in”.   He grew up surrounded with wonderful family and friends; they were active in ministry and in the community – life was literally perfect…. until Jake’s world was instantly changed at age 9.    Late one evening a young man decided to end his life by driving his car without headlights into oncoming traffic.  He was driv...

There is a high probability you already know Jahmicah; have had some great conversations with him; and have noticed the recent national recognition of him and his local outdoor gear shop named SlimPickins Outfitters (SPO). The amazing thing about SPO is that it is the first Black-owned gear shop in America!  Right here in small-town Stephenville! Jahmicah came to Tarleton State University to be a...

Most people from these parts know Kevin Kolb.   He played 7 years as an NFL Quarterback – for the Eagles, Cardinals, and Bills.  Someone once told him -- “ You are not going to make it in the NFL ”.  Kevin grew up as a coach’s kid living in the gym.  He came to Stephenville as a freshman; played under Art Briles; and received some playing time on the varsity team in their route to win State that y...

Meet Jeremy.   Jeremy is a former church planter and pastor.  Now, he is an Edward Jones advisor in Lakeway, Texas.    The amazing thing is that his transition from ministry to business was on purpose and he is still an active and healthy member of the church he planted and left.  Listen today to Jeremy’s amazing life story.  His adventure includes - ·      Growing up in a broken home and meeting...

How many countries have you traveled to in your life? Well- meet Nathan.  He is 21 years old and has traveled to 40 countries already and he is heading to Romania to open up a coffee shop and rock-climbing gym. Nathan was a professional climber in high school and first left the country at age 15.  (We can’t accuse his parents of being helicopter parents!)   On top of that, he has –  ·      spent 6...

Les McKeown is a best-selling author and a true expert in organizational growth and leadership.  Here is why this can be confidently stated: He started 42 companies by the time he was 35 years old. He co-created an incubation consulting company which launched hundreds of businesses with thousands of employees peaking at 13 offices in 7 different countries.  He has over 25 years of global business...

What if we told you this was the location of a very successful country store bringing unbelievably great coffee, tea, craft beer, and food to a town of approximately 200 people.   Would you believe us? What if we said the owner first came to Texas from Louisiana in a covered wagon!   Would you believe us? We couldn’t make this stuff up if we tried.  It is all true.  In this episode of The StoryFie...