From Ministry to Real Estate: Lessons From a Career Pivot with John Ray Perkins

He spent over two decades as a full-time Catholic minister. Then four kids, a tight bank account, and a global pandemic forced a pivot that would reshape everything.In this episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA and Managing Partner at FA Mergers, sit down with John Ray Perkins, a top-producing Realtor with Keller Williams Realty of Acadiana in Lafayette, Louisiana. After 20+ years in youth and parish ministry at St. Peter's in Carencro and St. Pius X, John Ray launched a real estate side hustle in late 2019 — just months before COVID redrew the map. Six years in, he's running a growing team and rebuilding his business as a system, not a job.This is a story about identity, calling, provision, and the shift from operator to owner — told through the lens of a guy who walked it.🎯 What We Cover:Why he left full-time ministry after 20+ years — and the surrender moment that opened the doorHustling through financial pressure with four kids and "more month than money"How COVID reshuffled both careers in the same six monthsThe Costco conversation that became a six-year client relationshipSelling a service in a relationship-driven market without leading with religionThe mindset class that rewired how he thinks, talks, and parents"You have a high-paying job — not a business" — the wake-up call from his coachBuilding systems, processes, and models so the business runs without the operatorHow he vets seller motivation before taking a listingWhy he changes coaches when he hits a plateau — and how to find the right oneQuality Time Remaining: the framework Jude uses with founders weighing an exitWhy the best businesses to sell are the ones that don't need to sell🤝 Connect with John Ray Perkins: 🌐 https://johnrayperkins.kw.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyheyitsjohnray/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/user/johnrayperkins🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcastCurious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.comDisclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.Let's Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/To Contact Us, Please Visit:https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/