By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
“Money is not sinful or evil. The kingdom of God needs it desperately! Making money is what I do best but it must be made for God’s glory and not mine. As a Christian entrepreneur, my company relies on prayer and inward confirmation by the Holy Spirit before making any decision. I believe God is interested in my business if my business is His business.” ~Robert Norman Edmiston, Evangelical British Billionaire
In the last few weeks, we’ve been profiling a list of some Christian entrepreneurs, otherwise called financial evangelists who used their financial resources to advance the Kingdom of God. This is a continuation.
- Anthony Rossi: founder of Tropicana Fruits and faithful philanthropist
Born on September 13, 1900 in the kingdom of Italy and departing on January 24, 1993 in Bradenton, Florida, Anthony Rossi’s life story is a remarkable blend of entrepreneurial innovation, philanthropic endeavours and a steadfast commitment to his Christian faith.
Renowned for his pioneering contributions, Rossi played a pivotal role in transforming Florida’s school meals through the inclusion of citrus juices—a testament to his dedication to promoting health and well-being within his community. This legacy of positive impact laid the foundation for his journey as a Christian business leader.
Anthony Rossi’s most notable entrepreneurial endeavour was the founding of Tropicana, an endeavour that revolutionised the fruit industry by introducing pasteurised orange juice. This innovation not only elevated Tropicana to a global platform, but also underscored Rossi’s visionary approach to business.
Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Rossi’s faith was a driving force in his life. He played an integral role in the construction of a church and mission in the United States, embodying his commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and providing a space for worship and community engagement.
Rossi’s dedication to his Christian values extended to his philanthropic endeavours. His marriage to Sana Barlow marked the beginning of an enduring partnership that led to the establishment of the Aurora Foundation. This foundation became a vehicle for funding a multitude of Christian activities, further amplifying Rossi’s impact on the spiritual and social fabric of his community.
Anthony Rossi’s journey is a testament to the transformative potential of combining entrepreneurial vision with unwavering faith. His legacy, as the founder of Tropicana and a devoted philanthropist, serves as an enduring example of how a life rooted in purpose, innovation and compassion can leave an indelible mark on the world, fostering positive change and inspiring generations to come.
- Festus Stacy: trailblazing founder of multiple oil companies
Festus Stacy, a prominent figure in the oil industry, held the esteemed positions of former president and founder across several distinguished oil companies. Beyond his business acumen, he stood as an exemplar of compassion and Christian values within the realm of entrepreneurship. His enduring legacy of benevolence continues to illuminate the lives of countless individuals today.
Stacy’s ascent as an oil tycoon was accompanied by an unwavering commitment to his Christian faith, a synergy that defined his leadership approach. This remarkable amalgamation of success and compassion underscores his profound impact. His journey to attaining millionaire status before his 29th year further solidified his standing as one of the nation’s most formidable salespeople, etching his name into the annals of the country’s commercial history.
Remarkably, Stacy’s formal education did not extend to the halls of a university, a fact he playfully acknowledged when jesting with his college-educated business associates. In his characteristic wit, he would jest that he was a “Princeton man”, the unspoken truth being that he attributed his education to the school of life’s experiences.
Stacy’s philanthropic endeavours extended beyond the realm of business. In a poignant demonstration of his compassionate heart, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Critical Care Coronary Unit at the Holy Cross Hospital during the 1970s. This act of generosity underscored his commitment to enhancing the well-being of others, leaving an indelible imprint on the healthcare landscape.
Festus Stacy’s legacy resonates as a testament to the boundless impact an individual can wield when guided by principles of faith and empathy. His narrative not only underscores the intersection of business and benevolence, but also underscores the transformative power of one individual’s unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.
- Hal Taussig: founder of Untours and champion against poverty
Hal Taussig’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to the transformative potential of aligning Christian principles with entrepreneurial endeavours. As the visionary founder of the travel agency Untours, Taussig’s legacy is one of exceptional business success and unwavering dedication to alleviating poverty.
In the mid-1970s, Taussig’s vision took root and Untours blossomed into a thriving and lucrative enterprise. Yet, it is the direction he chose for its profits that truly sets him apart. Demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to humanitarian causes, Taussig and his company channelled their substantial profits, totalling millions, toward uplifting low-income individuals and communities.
Taussig’s approach to philanthropy is distinctive and deeply impactful. Through the Untours Foundation, he has pioneered a model that empowers individuals by providing them with capital for new businesses and life improvements, transcending mere charity to foster genuine economic empowerment. This approach reflects his belief that sustainable change is best achieved through avenues that promote self-reliance and dignity.
His dedication to this cause has resulted in the dispersal of millions of dollars in loans to small businesses, helping them flourish and thrive. This visionary approach has earned Taussig recognition and accolades, with luminaries like Paul Newman and JFK Jr. acknowledging his exceptional contributions. The distinction of being hailed as the “most generous business in America” serves as a testament to the profound impact of his endeavours.
Hal Taussig’s journey is a shining example of how a committed Christian can wield entrepreneurial success as a tool for meaningful social change. His legacy serves as an inspiration to fellow believers and entrepreneurs, embodying the transformative power of business in making a positive and lasting difference in the lives of those in need.
- David Steward: founder of World-Wide Technologies and exemplary Christian entrepreneur
David Steward’s journey is a remarkable testament to the convergence of faith, business acumen and technological innovation. As the visionary founder and CEO of World-Wide Technologies (WWT), Steward has not only transformed the landscape of information technology but also exemplified the values of a dedicated Christian business leader.
Among the wealthiest black American entrepreneurs, Steward’s impact is indelible. WWT stands as a technological powerhouse, revolutionising the Internet landscape for federal, commercial and telecommunication entities. His visionary leadership has propelled his company to the forefront of the information technology sector, setting new standards of excellence and innovation.
Steward’s resounding success is underscored by his unwavering faith in God, a steadfast commitment to his family and a deep sense of responsibility toward his employees. These guiding principles have shaped his journey and played a pivotal role in shaping his identity as a successful entrepreneur and devoted Christian.
Beyond his impressive achievements in business, Steward’s impact extends to the realm of philanthropy and community service. His legacy is marked by a dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Steward’s faith-driven approach to business has not only propelled his company’s growth, but has also inspired countless individuals to embrace values of integrity, dedication and service.
David Steward’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and faithful believers alike, highlighting the profound influence that a steadfast commitment to Christian principles can have on both personal and professional success. His journey continues to illuminate the path for those who strive to make a meaningful impact in the world of business and beyond.
- Bud Paxson: visionary founder of Home Shopping Club and media pioneer
Bud Paxson, an esteemed American media executive, left an indelible mark on the media landscape until his passing on 9 January 2015. Alongside his business partner Roy Spear, he co-founded the Home Shopping Club, sparking a journey that would redefine the way people shop and connect through media.
Paxson’s foray into media continued to evolve and in 1998, he ventured into the realm of Pax-TV, curating content that reflected his vision for positive and family-friendly programming. By 2012, Paxson’s astute leadership had propelled him to an estimated net worth of US$400million, a testament to his unwavering dedication.
Bud Paxson’s media journey began humbly, starting as a disc jockey and transitioning to a disc salesman. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the formation of Paxson Communications, now known as Ion Media Networks – a venture that encompassed radio stations, billboards and TV stations, predominantly within Florida.
Beyond his media endeavours, Bud Paxson’s life was a testament to his unyielding faith as a born-again Christian. He viewed his pursuits as offerings to God, seeking divine guidance and strength through prayer. This devotion extended to philanthropic efforts, where he generously funded missions, initiatives and co-founded children’s homes – both domestically and internationally.
Bud Paxson’s legacy extends beyond business success, serving as an inspiring example of how faith and visionary leadership can create lasting impact. His pioneering spirit and commitment to values-driven media continue to shape the industry and inspire individuals to intertwine their business endeavours with a higher purpose.
It is our utmost desire that God will empower you to become a Kingdom financier in your field as a Christian entrepreneur. All the best!
About the authors
Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor is a distinguished figure, acclaimed as an Author, Publishing Consultant, Christian Business Coach, and a fervent Financial Evangelist. Nelson is a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.
Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA) is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with extensive experience as a Financial Management Consultant, spanning close to two decades in both the not-for-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them on +233549762233 or [email protected]
