The 323 Podcast

Selling Is Serving: Scott Willingham on Other-Centered Sales and Faith at Work

Mon, 18 May 2026 09:23:53 -0600

Scott Willingham is back. He is the founder and CEO of Wake Effect, a Las Cruces-based consulting firm specializing in sales training and talent optimization.

In this follow-up conversation, we went deep on ASLAN, the sales methodology Scott uses with his clients, and why he chose it. The core idea is simple and countercultural: selling is serving. We talked about what it actually takes to be other-centered in a sales context, why most salespeople default to self, and how the principles ASLAN teaches align with what Scripture already tells us about how to treat people.

If you have ever thought of sales as something you are not wired for, or if you have been in sales long enough to feel the tension between hitting your numbers and doing right by people, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Scott on LinkedIn or visit wakeeffect.co to learn more about his work with Aslan and the Predictive Index.

Listen to more episodes at 323podcast.com.

The 323 Podcast is Sponsored by C12 Borderplex.

Learn how C12 helps Christian CEOs build great businesses for a greater purpose at C12Borderplex.com.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c12-borderplex/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C12Borderplex

The Wake You Leave: Scott Willingham on People, Purpose, and Leading Well

Mon, 11 May 2026 06:35:24 -0600

Scott Willingham spent more than 20 years leading in sales organizations, running training programs for 500-person teams, and navigating the faith questions that come with corporate success, before stepping out to found Wake Effect, his Las Cruces-based consulting firm. He is one of a handful of ASLAN certified partners in the country and the only one who also partners with Predictive Index, bringing a rare combination of behavioral science and sales methodology to the leaders and teams he serves.

Scott and Tiffany talk about the spiritual discipline of dependence, what the Gallup data actually tells us about the American workforce, and why understanding how your people are wired is one of the most strategic investments a leader can make. He also shares the story behind the name Wake Effect, and why every leader should be asking what kind of wake they are leaving behind them.

Connect with Scott on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/scott-willingham or visit his website at wakeeffect.co.

Listen to more episodes at 323podcast.com.

The 323 Podcast is Sponsored by C12 Borderplex.

Learn how C12 helps Christian CEOs build great businesses for a greater purpose at C12Borderplex.com.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c12-borderplex

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/c12borderplex

No Margin, No Mission: Jonathan Lopez on Money, Purpose, and Proactive Planning

Fri, 01 May 2026 15:10:18 -0600

Jonathan Lopez is a founding partner at Truvize Financial, an El Paso-based advisory firm he built alongside Drew Harris. He and Drew are known for meeting clients where they are, not just with numbers and strategies, but with honest conversations about why money matters and what it is ultimately for.

In this return visit to the 323 Podcast, Jonathan talks through the psychology of money, the danger of purely reactive financial management, and how business owners can become intentional stewards of what God has placed in their hands. He shares a powerful two-question exercise he uses with every new client to reveal their true financial motivations, unpacks what 'enough' actually looks like when you define it on your own terms, and connects the dots between proactive tax planning and the freedom to be generous with your employees, your community, and beyond.

If you have ever felt like your finances were running you instead of the other way around, this conversation is worth your full attention.

Connect with Jonathan and the Truvize team at https://www.truvize.com

Listen to more episodes at https://323podcast.com

The 323 Podcast is Sponsored by C12 Borderplex.

Learn how C12 helps Christian CEOs build great businesses for a greater purpose at https://C12Borderplex.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c12-borderplex

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C12Borderplex

Called to Connect: Joe Loya on Faith, Boldness, and Serving Others

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:54:55 -0600

Joe Loya is back on the 323 Podcast. A Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and 11-year sobriety milestone holder, Joe is the founder of Breaking the Curse LLC in Las Cruces — and one of the most openly bold voices for his faith you will find in the Borderplex.

In this conversation, Joe and Tiffany pick up where they left off, talking about what it means to steward a spiritual gift of connection, how to set healthy boundaries when everyone needs something from you, and why investing in your communication skills is an act of obedience. Joe also shares how Toastmasters helped him move from knowing he was called to be vocal to actually showing up that way in front of people.

Connect with Joe at https://www.breakingthecursellc.com or find him on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at @joe.rudy.loya.

Listen to more episodes at https://323podcast.com

The 323 Podcast is Sponsored by C12 Borderplex. Learn how C12 helps Christian CEOs build great businesses for a greater purpose at https://C12Borderplex.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c12-borderplex

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C12Borderplex

Grounded in Faith, Brewed with Love by El Paso business owners Marcus Juarez & Madison Arrieta

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0600

Marcus Juarez and Madison Arrieta are the engaged co-founders of Blessed Beans Coffee Co., a faith-driven mobile coffee trailer based in El Paso. They launched in the fall of 2025 with a simple mission — grounded in faith, brewed with love — and rooted their business in Psalm 34:8.

In this conversation, we talk about what it actually looks like to start a business with faith at the center from day one: the hard early days of failing inspections and broken water pumps, the discipline of making everything from scratch, how they handle running a business together while one of them works full-time, and the unexpected moments of ministry happening right there at the trailer window. If you've ever wondered what it looks like for a young entrepreneur to treat their business as an act of worship, this one's for you.

Connect with Marcus and Madison at https://www.instagram.com/blessedbeanscoffeeco/
https://www.tiktok.com/@blessedbeanscoffee

https://www.facebook.com/p/Blessed-Beans-Coffee-Co-61578077246748/

Listen to more episodes at https://323podcast.com

The 323 Podcast is Sponsored by C12 Borderplex.

Learn how C12 helps Christian CEOs build great businesses for a greater purpose at https://C12Borderplex.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c12-borderplex

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C12Borderplex

Unashamed and Uncompromising: Cynthia Horton on Faith, Leadership, and Living with Purpose

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0600

Cynthia D. Horton is the founder of Shift to Grow, a leadership development firm based in El Paso, and a woman whose faith shows up in everything she does, from her work with nonprofits and corporations to fostering over 50 kids and helping bring a 10,000-piece international art collection to the Borderplex. In this conversation, Cynthia talks about what it actually looks like to work as unto the Lord, why she believes leadership is a privilege, and how God has connected her to people and opportunities she never could have planned. She also shares the story behind the El Paso International Museum of Art's Window to the World collection, and why a border city like ours is exactly the right home for it. Connect with Cynthia at shifttogrow.com or on LinkedIn, and learn more about the museum at internationalmuseumofart.org

Listen to more episodes at 323podcast.com

The 323 Podcast is Sponsored by:

C12 Borderplex. Learn how C12 helps Christian CEOs build great businesses for a greater purpose at C12Borderplex.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c12-borderplex

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C12Borderplex

What It Takes to Build Something Real: Abraham Abner on Business and Faith

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0600

Abraham Abner, co-founder of Artifex Leather, joins the 323 Podcast to share how a family business in precious metals led to building a growing exotic leather brand from the ground up. What started with watch straps on eBay has grown into a handcrafted business producing alligator, ostrich, and python belts right in El Paso.

In this episode, Abraham talks about working alongside family, building trust online, and creating a brand that values people over products. He also shares his personal journey back to faith, what it means to lead with intention, and how integrating faith into business shapes the way he serves his team, customers, and community.

This conversation explores entrepreneurship, identity, and honoring God through both craftsmanship and leadership.

Connect with Artifex Leather:
Website: ArtifexLeather.com
Instagram: @artifexleather

What If Healing Is More Than Physical? Monica Garza on Faith, Calling, and Starting in a Pandemic

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0600

A car accident at 12 years old changed the direction of Monica Garza’s life in a way she didn’t fully understand at the time. Years later, that moment would lead her to a calling rooted in healing, faith, and service.

In this episode, Monica shares how she walked away from her path, only to feel God call her back, right in the middle of the pandemic. When everything said “wait,” she moved forward and built 180 Massage Therapy from the ground up.

This conversation explores what real healing looks like beyond the physical, how faith shapes leadership, and why sometimes the most uncertain seasons are where God moves the clearest.

Connect with Monica:
Website: www.180massagetherapy.com
Facebook: 180 Massage Therapy
Instagram: @180_massage_therapy

From Scalpels to Scripture: Erik Rayo on Trading Medicine for Business as a Ministry

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0700

Erik Rayo, owner of Christian Outlets, shares how a season of profound loss and loneliness led him to faith in 2020, and set him on an unexpected path from aspiring neurosurgeon to Christian business owner and minister. Erik opens up about growing up without a father figure, losing his grandfather, and being on his own as a teenager when his mother was deported to Juarez. He talks about how God met him in that isolation, how a pastor's willingness to show up on a random weekday changed his life, and how his calling to be a "fisher of men" ultimately shaped his vision for Christian Outlets.

Erik shares how the store, both online and at its brick-and-mortar location in East El Paso, is more than a retail shop. It's a gathering place, a ministry hub, and a space where the Christian community can come together across church lines. He talks about partnering with local Christian makers and vendors, the challenges of navigating permits and business logistics, and why showing love even to difficult people has been one of his greatest tools in business.

Christian Outlets is located at 9640 Montwood Drive, Suite F300, El Paso, TX. You can find them on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook at @ChristianOutlets, or visit ChristianOutlets.com.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that for some of us, faith isn't just something we bring to work — it is the work.

Closed Doors and Open Hands: Jackie Kille on Trusting God in Business

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0700

Jackie (Jacqueline) Kille, founder and president of Rosewood Title, shares how a layoff became the catalyst for launching her own title company in a competitive, male-dominated industry. From funding challenges to last-minute provision, Jackie reflects on the lessons God taught her about humility, trust, and surrender. She also shares how she’s building a culture rooted in integrity, flexibility, and servant leadership while serving families across El Paso.

Rosewood Title is located at 2531 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX. To connect with Jackie or learn more, you can reach her at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570572656991

This episode is a powerful reminder that when we let go of control and trust God fully, He is faithful in every season of business and life.

Bold Faith in a Digital World: Chris Pizarro on Marketing and Mission

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Chris Pizarro, founder of Be Light Marketing, shares his journey from real estate to building a thriving marketing agency rooted in Matthew 5:16. He opens up about mental health, staying humble in an ego-driven industry, and leading as a young entrepreneur with conviction. A powerful conversation about faith, purpose, and building something that reflects Christ.

Serving with Integrity: Paulina Longenbaugh on Faith, Real Estate, and Leading with Heart

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0700

Paulina Longenbaugh, a commercial and residential realtor with Cornerstone Realty in El Paso, joins the 323 Podcast to share her journey into real estate and the faith that guides her work. Paulina talks about trust, service, and humility in a fast-paced industry, how her faith was shaped at a young age, and why community and integrity matter deeply in leadership. This conversation explores serving clients well, balancing business and family life, and honoring God through everyday work decisions.

Leading with Presence: Kris Yagel on Faith, Humility, and Restoring Teams

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0700

Kris Yagel, interim CEO of El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank and founder of Diligent Plans, joins the 323 Podcast to share his journey from military service to servant leadership. Chris talks about faith, brokenness, and restoration, and why real leadership is rooted in presence, humility, and caring for people first. This episode explores leading through transition, rebuilding culture, and honoring God in the quiet, unseen work of leadership.

Part 2 of True Stewardship: Jonathan Lopez and Drew Harris on Faith, Finance, and Leading Business Well

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0700

Jonathan Lopez and Drew Harris, co-owners of True Vise Financial, join the 323 Podcast to talk about faith, leadership, and wise stewardship. As business owners themselves, they share why proactive financial planning matters, how faith shapes their decisions, and what it looks like to lead with integrity in a high-pressure world. This conversation explores true financial advice versus sales, serving business owners well, and using resources in a way that honors God and supports a lasting legacy.

Part 1 of True Stewardship: Jonathan Lopez and Drew Harris on Faith, Finance, and Leading Business Well

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0700

Building ClearView: Marisela and Russell Harper on Faith, Family, and Leading with Care

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 03:56:47 -0700

Marisela and Russell Harper, co-owners of Clearview Realty, share how faith shapes the way they lead their business, their team, and their family. As a husband-and-wife team leading more than 200 agents in El Paso, they talk about building a values-driven culture rooted in clarity, integrity, and care. This conversation covers prayer at work, loving your people well, raising the next generation of leaders, and honoring God in everyday decisions.

Three Generations of Faith and Business: Justin and Luke Lowenfield on Leading Casa with Purpose

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:44:14 -0700

In this episode of the 323 Podcast, we sit down with Luke and Justin Lowenfield of Casa Auto Group to talk about faith, family, and leadership across generations.

Casa began in 1969 with their grandfather, Wally Lowenfield, and today it is being led by the third generation with a deep commitment to service, unity, and putting people first. Luke and Justin share stories about growing up in a family business, learning from strong role models, and leading through seasons of growth while staying rooted in their values.

We talk about servant leadership, building culture across multiple locations, integrating faith at work, and what it really takes for a family business to last beyond three generations. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when faith leads the way, work becomes a form of worship.

Work as Worship: Andy Frecka on Faith, Leadership, and Media

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:57:09 -0700

Andy Frecka’s journey has taken him from Ohio to Russia and now to El Paso, with more than two decades spent as a missionary, entrepreneur, and communicator. As station manager of KELP Radio and host of 915 Talk, Andy shares how God has shaped his calling through ministry, business, and life behind the microphone.

In this episode, Andy reflects on tent making, leadership across cultures, and what it means to live out faith in everyday work. He talks about stepping into responsibility before feeling fully prepared, building community through Christian media, and learning to serve a city with humility and hospitality. This conversation is an honest look at trusting God’s direction and showing up faithfully in the season you are in.

Strength and Calling: Marc Duchene on Faith, Fitness, and Building What Lasts

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 04:38:36 -0700

Marc Duchene has taken a winding path through engineering, logistics, marketing, and entrepreneurship, only to discover how God was preparing him all along. As the founder of Elevate Gym and Elevate Equipment in El Paso, Marc shares how faith, discipline, and resilience shape the way he leads people and builds businesses.

In this conversation, we talk about trusting God’s direction, stepping out of corporate life, leading teams well, and why fitness, faith, and consistency are deeply connected. Marc reflects on problem solving as a calling, servant leadership, and what it takes to stay strong inside and out while carrying responsibility as a business owner, father, and follower of Jesus.

Called to Care: Amy Minijarez on Leading with Compassion in Business

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 03:47:04 -0700

Amy Minijarez reflects on what it means to answer a calling in the workplace. From supporting seniors and families to building a strong team of caregivers, she shares how faith influences her leadership and daily decisions. This episode is a reminder that business can be a powerful way to serve others.

Hope in Hard Seasons: Linda Gonzalez-Hensgen on Faith, Service, and Leading with Kindness

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:02:58 -0700

In this episode, we sit down with Linda Gonzalez-Hensgen, interim executive director of Family Service of El Paso. Linda shares how her long career serving students and families shaped the way she leads today, and how her faith has guided her through seasons of change. She talks about the work of Family Service, the mental health needs of our community, and what it means to support people with kindness and honesty. This warm and thoughtful conversation is a reminder that our work can honor God and bring hope to others.

The Road Ahead: Richie Hatch on Faith-Guided Entrepreneurship and Raising Safer Drivers in El Paso

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:50:19 -0700

Richie Hatch’s path to entrepreneurship has been anything but typical, from Marine Corps deployments to teaching Krav Maga to now launching Jungle Driving School here in El Paso. In this conversation, Richie shares how years spent training people in situational awareness shaped the way he now prepares teens and adults to navigate the roads with confidence. He talks about Jungle’s creative, mission-driven approach to driver education and why reducing accidents isn't just good business, it’s a way to bless the entire Borderplex community.

Richie also opens up about the discernment, setbacks, and spiritual growth that led him into franchising after the closing his self-defense gym during COVID. He reflects on learning to ask God to close doors, embracing the courage required to start again, and leading a company built on trust. For any Christian business owner or leader who’s ever faced uncertainty or felt the pull toward something new, Richie’s story offers a grounded look at faith-guided decision-making, resilience, and calling.

If you’re curious about purpose-driven entrepreneurship, safer roads for our community, or how everyday work becomes an act of worship, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Tiny Boats and a Big Desert: Nick Barr on Building a National Boating Brand in the Borderplex and Leading Remote Teams Well

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:41:54 -0700

Code & Calling: Donny Cannoy on Living an Integrated Life

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:47:00 -0700