Courageous Stewards

In this episode of Courageous Stewards, the hosts dig into the often-overlooked power of small beginnings. They unpack why God doesn’t wait for us to have every resource, every skill, or every detail figured out before He moves. Instead, He blesses our willingness to start, even when our beginnings feel tiny, imperfect, or uncertain.From stewarding our time, money, and abilities, to taking the first faithful step toward the vision God has placed on our hearts, this conversation reminds us that impact doesn’t begin with abundance—it begins with obedience. As we move, God multiplies. As we act, He equips. As we steward what’s in our hands today, He prepares us for what’s ahead.This episode is a call to courageous action: start where you are, with what you have, and trust God to grow it into more than you imagined.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

Faith doesn’t remove the pressure—it reshapes your response to it.In the world of investing, entrepreneurship, and family leadership, the weight of a decision can feel like an immovable force. But what if the goal isn't to escape the heat, but to be forged by it?In this episode, we’re breaking down a practical, faith-driven framework for making high-stakes moves when the clock is ticking and the stakes are high. We move past the "wait and see" and dive into a proactive rhythm of leadership:Pause: Even 10 seconds can reset your mind.Pray: Stepping out of the noise to find clarity.Values Over Emotions: Anchoring your "yes" inwhat lasts, not what you feel.Seek Wise Counsel: Why the best leaders never fly solo.Act with Confidence: Moving forward with the peace thatsurpasses the market’s volatility.Whether you’re managing a portfolio, a pivot, or ahousehold, learn how to turn pressure into a catalyst for growth.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the Courageous Stewards sit down with financial advisor, Jacob Black, known for his deep commitment to relationships, integrity, and God‑honoring leadership. Jacob shares practical financial wisdom every Christian man needs — from building a long‑term plan to stewarding resources with clarity and conviction. But this conversation goes deeper than money. Together, they unpack what it means to be a man of integrity, to work hard without losing your soul, and to lead your family with purpose in a culture that constantly pulls you off mission.Guest: Jacob Black, Financial Advisor, Foguth Financial GroupEmail: [email protected] In: www.linkedin.com/in/jrblack99Instagram: @jrblack99Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

The scale is broken. It’s time to stop weighing your life and start living it. We’ve all been told that “work-life balance” is the goal – a perfect 50/50 split where everything stays in its lane. But life isn’t static, and trying to force it into equal parts only leads to burnout and a sense of constant failure. Work-Life Harmony, Not Balance is an episode for high achievers, parents, and professionals who are ready to ditch the guilt of the “perfect split” and find a rhythm that actually works. Hosts Jake and Sean explore how to integrate your career, your passions, and your personal life into a cohesive, beautiful soundtrack rather than a tug-of-war.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

In this powerful episode, the Courageous Stewards sit downwith hometown friend and former MLB pitcher Jonathan Niese. From getting drafted right out of high school to pitching in the World Series, Jon shares the highs, lows, and defining moments that shaped him as a man. After injuries ended his baseball career, he returned home to Ohio andbuilt a new life—launching a hunting preserve and deer farm rooted in stewardship, family, and faith. This is real talk about identity, resilience, and what it truly means to steward your time, talents, and resources in a world full of distractions.Guest: Jon NieseOwner & Hunting Guide at Double Play Hunting Preserve Major League White Tails [email protected]:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

What does it look like to steward your resources—and yourhome—for a higher purpose?In this episode of Courageous Stewards, we sit down with Jacob and Tori Hope Petersen, a couple whose lives are a masterclass in intentionality. Most know Tori as a powerhouse Christian speaker and the best-selling author of “Fostered” and “Breaking the Patterns that Break You”, but today, we pull back the curtain on the Petersens' everyday life as real estate investors and kingdom-minded parents.In this episode, we dive into:How Jacob and Tori transitioned into the world of real estate, balancing a portfolio of long and short-term rentals, along with a growing ministry and family. Jacob shares the highs and lows of his various house projects and what it’s really like to maintain a growing real estate business. Tori gives us an exclusive look into her ministry, upcoming book andthe heart behind her next conference, designed to inspire women to be overcomers.Whether you’re an aspiring real estate mogul, a fan of Tori’s writing, or a parent looking for inspiration on how to lead a family with courage, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about the "walls" you build and the people you invite inside them.Guests: Jacob and Tori Hope Petersenhttps://www.torihopepetersen.comHosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

Courage isn’t just for the workplace or the community – it’s found in the daily rhythms of marriage and parenthood. Join us for a special spouse episode where we share the unfiltered timeline of our lives together. We’re discussing the growth from a couple to a family, playing a quick-fire round of “Would You Rather,” and identifying the specific superpowers that make us better together than we ever were apart. Spouses: Corinne Skiver and Tina TracyHosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

In this heartfelt episode, the hosts sit down withfamily—one host’s first cousins and their incredible story of going from two biological children to fostering and eventually adopting six more. They open up about the joys, challenges, and daily realities of raising a beautifully blended family built on faith, resilience, and intentional love. They alsoshare how their local coffee shop grew into multiple community hubs where people feel seen, known, and welcomed. From parenting to entrepreneurship to legacy,this conversation is a reminder that stewardship begins at home and ripples outward for generations. Guests: Adam and Alyssa TracyOwners of Cabin Fever Coffee & Cabin Fever Marketplace, Defiance OhioHosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

Most people see a construction site as just wood and nails,but for our guest, it’s a mission field for second-chance hiring. After his own life was shattered by prison and addiction, he found a new blueprint through a local church and a commitment to recovery.Today, his company doesn't just renovate homes—it helps torebuild people.Join us as we discuss his miraculous transformation, thechallenges of starting over, and the power of providing a career path to those who once felt they had no future.Guest: Jeff BeamR&R Handyman ServiceHosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the hosts sit down with a seasoned real estate investor with over 20 years of battle-tested experience. He breaks down creative financing strategies - Subject-to, seller financing and more - while weaving in the faith principles that shaped his journey. With humor, wisdom and a prosperity mindset rooted in God's Word, he challenges listeners to stop waiting for opportunity and start working for it.Guest: Mike PaschallAuthor of "Starting Broke: How a Normal Guy Got Rich in Real Estate, & You Can Too!"Amazon book link: https://a.co/d/03Y1zuUO Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

Small‑town multifamily investing can be one of the most stable, cash‑flow‑rich strategies out there — but only if you know what to look for. In today’s Courageous Stewards episode, we break down the 5 essential considerations every investor must evaluate before buying in a small town.Whether you’re developing your buy box, analyzing your first duplex, or expanding your long‑term rental portfolio, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to invest wisely.1️⃣ Market Durability, Not Market Size — What keeps the town alive, and how to spot durable rental markets 2️⃣ Property Condition — CAPEX, deferred maintenance, and the realities of older buildings 3️⃣ Tenant Quality & Community Dynamics — Why relationships matter more in small towns 4️⃣ Rental Demand & Rent Ceiling — How to determine true rent potential 5️⃣ Exit Strategy — Understanding liquidity and long‑term holds in rural marketsThis is a practical, faith‑rooted conversation about stewardship, wisdom, and building a portfolio that lasts.👉 If you’re investing in small‑town America, this episode is your blueprint. 👉 Like, subscribe, and drop your market in the comments.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Aaron and Kelly Hopson—local real estate investors and faith-driven entrepreneurs whose story is nothing short of transformational. Early in their marriage, the Hopsons faced overwhelming financial strain, deep relational conflict, and the painful reality of being on the brink of divorce. But instead of giving up, they made a courageous decision: fight for their family at all costs. With the support of their church community and godly mentors, Aaron and Kelly rebuilt their marriage from the inside out. Today, they operate a thriving family-run business portfolio that includes long‑term rentals, a dry cleaner, laundromats, gyms, and their newest venture—a faith-based coaching, consulting, and retreat center designed to help others experience the same restoration they found. Their story is raw, redemptive, and a reminder that when faith leads, legacy follows.Aaron and Kelly Hopson, founders of Wellspring Legacy Groupwww.wellspringlegacygroup.comHosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

Jason Demland, founder of Demland Wealth and a Certified Kingdom Advisor®, joins us to discuss his unconventional path through various industries before finding his calling.Jason didn't always know he’d be advising others on their financial legacies. After years of testing his talents in music, agriculture, and sales, he realized that true success wasn't just about skill—it was about stewardship. Now, Jason helps clients navigate the balance between working hard and being content.We explore why work is fundamentally good, the power of contentment, and how viewing wealth through a lens of stewardship changes everything from how we give to how we live.Listen now and learn how to align your finances with a life of generosity, purpose, and true contentment.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

Most teenagers are looking for a summer job; our guest built an empire. In this episode, we break down how a 19 year old went from zero to $10,000 a month simply knocking on doors and offering pressure washing and window cleaning services. But the hustle didn't stop at the driveway. We dive into the exact transition from small time operator to a six-figure business!Guest: Kaleb ClarkAquawash LLChttps://www.aquawashllc.org Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Courageous Stewards Podcast, we sit down with a man whose life is a testament to the fact that your origin story does not have to be your final chapter. Growing up in a home shadowed by the heavy weight of parental disability and the chaos of drug addiction, John faced an uphill battle from day one. To the world, he was an underdog with every reason to fail. But God had a different blueprint. Join us as he shares a look at his thriving roofing, siding and pole barn business - not just as a career, but as a platform for stewardship. This isn't just a success story about shingles and siding; it's a conversation in what happens when we stop listening to our circumstances and start listening to our Creator. If you've ever felt like your past disqualifies you from a bright future, this conversation will remind you that when God calls, He also equips.Guest: John DerbyHosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

They say you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with - but as a Courageous Steward, your circle is about more than just "hanging out." It's about mission, accountability and growth. In this episode, we dive deep into the intentionality behind your inner circle. Whether you are leading a team, building a business, or navigating a personal transition, the people in your "boat" determine how fast and how far you can row. We explore why stewardship starts with your relationships and how to identify the voices that empower you versus those that drain your vision.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

In this essential episode of Courageous Stewards, we challenge the myth of the overnight success and dive deep into the unseen discipline that builds true wealth, impact, and legacy: The Follow-Up. Most people give up after 1 or 2 tries. We show you why that's a profound mistake and why the true opportunity lives between the 5th and 12th touch and the relationship that develops.This episode will rewire your approach from hustle to stewardship, providing you with the mindset and systems to cultivate the relationships that matter most.What You'll Learn to Master:Why the follow-up is a Stewardship Discipline, not a sales tactic.Overcoming the emotional laziness and fear of rejection that prevents most people from being consistent.The critical shift: Moving from simply "checking in" to adding value in every single interaction.How establishing strong systems protects your future self and ensures your best ideas don't fall through the cracks.Stop chasing new leads and start cultivating the fortune you already have. This is the difference between a quick win and a lasting legacy.TUNE IN: Embrace consistency and unlock the compounding power of the follow-up.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

Don't let your first investment become your last. In this essential episode of Courageous Stewards, we tackle the top 5 most common mistakes made by rookie real estate investors. Learn how to ditch emotional buying, stop underestimating your budget (hello, CapEx!), and build the reliable team you need to achieve sustainable cash flow. Tune in to turn potential pitfalls into a foolproof plan.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

Success has almost nothing to do with being the smartest person in the room... so why do we focus on chasing the next 'great idea'?In this eye-opening episode, the hosts of Courageous Stewards reveal the brutal truth they uncovered after studying and talking with high-level entrepreneurs and millionaires. The consistent, surprising finding? Most people don't lose because they lack ideas; they lose because they never take meaningful action on ANY of them.Stop waiting for the "perfect moment" or the "perfect plan." This episode breaks down the 3 powerful, action-oriented traits that every high-level steward has mastered to transform their vision into exponential growth:Speed of Execution: Learn why making fast decisions and adjusting later is the ultimate competitive advantage, and how to conquer 'analysis paralysis.'Proximity to Successful People: Discover how intentionally curating your environment instantly elevates your goals, confidence, and internal standards.Access to Proven Playbooks: Why reinventing the wheel is a fool's errand. Find out how to leverage exact systems and strategies to skip years of painful trial and error.Here’s the truth: If you had the right environment, the right mentors, and the right playbooks, your entire life could look drastically different 12 months from now. Tune in to learn how to stop being an intellectual collector and start becoming a decisive, courageous steward of your future.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

The two best days of our lives are the day we were born, and the day we discover why we are here. Join us on a powerful journey into uncovering the unique gifts and strengths that shape who we are. We provide strategy and actions you can take to discover what you were created to do. Too often, we overlook the talents within us — but when we learn to discover them, direct them with intention, and dedicate our lives to living in alignment with them, everything changes. We’ll explore practical ways to identify your natural strengths, how to channel them into meaningful action, and why dedicating yourself to your gifts creates fulfillment, impact, and legacy. This conversation is about more than self‑improvement — it’s about stewardship of the abilities you’ve been given and using them to build a life of purpose.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we explore the timeless idea that people enter our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Some connections arrive to teach us lessons, others walk with us for a chapter, and a few remain as lifelong anchors. We’ll unpack how to recognize each type of relationship, embrace the value they bring, and release them gracefully when their purpose is fulfilled. We share personal stories of how we have navigated each of these and found that we need to let some relationships go along the way. This conversation will help you see relationships not as accidents, but as intentional parts of your growth and legacy. It’s having a perspective to ask, what is God doing with me right now? What is He showing me? Whether you’re navigating friendships, business partnerships, or family ties, you’ll gain clarity on how to honor each connection for what it truly is. Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected]

With a focus on the people, we dive into the critical connection between property operations and Net Operating Income (NOI) — the metric that ultimately determines the value and performance of your real estate investments. We’ll break down how efficient management, expense control, and revenue optimization directly impact NOI, and why mastering operations is the key to scaling your portfolio. Part of stewarding well is optimizing what is entrusted to us; better NOI, value, and cash flow will allow us to be more generous.From tenant retention strategies to smart expense management, we’ll explore practical steps investors can take to boost NOI without relying solely on market appreciation. Whether you’re managing single‑family rentals or multifamily assets, this episode will show you how operational discipline translates into long‑term wealth and impact.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Skiver | Email: [email protected] is a licensed realtor with Amerimade Realty.

With our heart for legacy and creating wealth, we focus on the timeless power of the buy-and-hold real estate strategy and why it often outperforms flipping, wholesaling, or short-term plays. While other strategies have their benefits, and each person has different goals, you’ll learn how holding properties creates long-term equity growth, steady cash flow, and tax advantages that compound over time. We’ll explore the stability buy-and-hold offers in uncertain markets, how it builds generational wealth, and why patience often pays bigger dividends than chasing quick wins. Be courageous and steward well! Whether you’re a new investor deciding where to start, or a seasoned pro looking to refine your portfolio, this episode will show you why buy-and-hold remains the cornerstone of sustainable real estate success.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

​Inaction is the greatest risk today. This episode dives into The Stewardship Edge, showing investors, parents, and leaders why simply standing by is no longer an option. Learn how active stewardship, in servant leadership, real estate investing, and intentional parenting, transforms risk into opportunity. Learn how embracing proactive stewardship transforms perceived risk into a powerful, sustainable competitive advantage, ensuring your legacy is defined by positive commitment.The Courageous Stewards podcast is built on our like-minded vision to inspire others to courageously pursue the Lord's calling and steward well in every area of life.Hosts:Jake Tracy | Email: [email protected] Sean Skiver | Email: [email protected]

Leaders and investors, the rules have changed. This podcast offers a sharp look at how the next generation is demanding that we prioritize impact over accumulation. Tune in for practical strategies to realign your leadership and investments with new metrics of success - purpose, sustainability and equity - to thrive in this Generational Reckoning.The Courageous Stewards podcast is built on our like-minded vision to inspire others to courageously pursue the Lord's calling and steward well in every area of life.Contact:[email protected] [email protected]

In Episode 5, we discuss what stewardship is and how to live out stewardship as a lifestyle from the perspectives of leadership, business, family and community. The Courageous Stewards podcast is built on our like-minded vision to inspire others to courageously pursue the Lord's calling and steward well in every area of life.Contact:[email protected] [email protected]

In Episode 4, we dive deep into the courage it takes to launch a business, focusing specifically on the initial hurdles of real estate investing. We'll explore how to overcome the paralyzing fear of the unknown, stop waiting for the "perfect moment," and take the crucial first step- whether it's acquiring your first rental property or simply registering your LLC. Learn practical strategies for building confidence, managing risk, and transforming hesitation into decisive action, proving that the biggest asset in any new venture is the courage to simply begin!The Courageous Stewards podcast is built on our like-minded vision to inspire others to courageously pursue the Lord's calling and steward well in every area of life.Contact:[email protected] [email protected]

In Episode 3, you'll hear the firsthand account of Jake's tumultuous first rental property experience. From numerous complications to a plague of property renovations and tenant issues. Hear the raw, unfiltered truth about Jake transforming an investment dream into reality through sheer grit.The Courageous Stewards podcast is built on our like-minded vision to inspire others to courageously pursue the Lord's calling and steward well in every area of life.

In Episode 2, Sean shares the good and the bad of his first real estate investment deal, and the biggest lessons he learned from it. This is the chronicle of his journey into real estate. Listeners will hear raw truth of what stepping out courageously looks like. It's an honest look at the initial steps, mistakes, and triumphs directly from the source. His story of going from engineer to real estate investor and how willingness to step out boldly into his calling paid off BIG!The Courageous Stewards podcast is built on our like-minded vision to inspire others to courageously pursue the Lord's calling and steward well in every area of life.Sean is a licensed realtor with Amerimade Realty.

In this first episode we share who we are, what our backgrounds are, and how we each stepped away from our careers to follow our callings into entrepreneurship and real estate investing. The Courageous Stewards podcast is built on our like-minded vision to inspire others to courageously pursue the Lord's calling and steward well in every area of life.

Welcome to the Courageous Stewards podcast! This isn’t just another show. It’s a space for motivated individuals who feel called to build something that lasts — in business, in family, in faith. We’re talking legacy, grit, brotherhood, courageous stewardship. The kind that costs something… and changes everything. Each episode, we’ll dive into real conversations — not just theory, but the trenches. The wins, the wounds, and the wisdom that comes from walking it out. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, a parent, or just someone asking, “What am I really here for?” — this is for you. Let’s build what matters.