August 10, 2025
By Dr. Cindy H. Carr
When I look back on that first year of running our business, one word rises to the
surface—sacrifice. So many people dream of owning their own business, of being their own boss, and of living “the American dream.” But what most people don’t see are the long days, late nights, and quiet seasons of preparation that God uses to get you ready for that kind of calling.
Before Dubby and I ever stepped out on our own, God was shaping our character through
years of working for others. He was teaching us about diligence, humility, and
stewardship—the qualities He knew we would need long before we ever knew we’d need
them.
The Foundation of Hard Work
Dubby’s career started very young, and he worked all the way through school. He learned
early the importance of showing up, being dependable, and doing things right the first time. When he graduated, he began working with his father, who was a contractor for Verizon. Later, Dubby took a part-time position at a local telecommunications company where his dad also worked. It was there that he began learning the ins and outs of low-voltage communications.
His dad pushed him relentlessly—sometimes a little louder than Dubby preferred!—to
study in his off hours, to learn the trade, and to master every skill. Those lessons weren’t
always easy. There were heated conversations in the truck on the way home and more than one spirited debate around the dinner table. But that push toward excellence became the foundation of Dubby’s professional life.
By the time he became unemployed in 1993, he had already become one of the leading low-voltage tele-communication experts in our region. More importantly, he had built a reputation for integrity and excellence—the kind of reputation that opened doors and built trust. When he started walking around town to see who might need help, people said yes because they already knew his character.
Working for Others Prepares You for More
My own journey was different but just as formative. When Dubby launched the business, I
was still in full-time ministry. Within a few months, though, I transitioned back into the
business world—returning in April of 1993 to a company where I had once worked in sales.
But by that summer, our small business had started to grow, and Dubby really needed help.
We were still working out of our home, raising two babies, and trying to make ends meet. I
had mentioned earlier the sacrifice that comes with building a business—and this was one of those defining moments.
Dubby loved to bass fish, and he owned a bass boat that he absolutely treasured. We didn’t have much in savings, and we were still very much living day-to-day. So I told him, “If you’ll sell your bass boat and put that money in the bank so I know we can take care of our babies, I’ll quit my job and come work with you.”
And he did. He sold the boat, put the money in the bank, and that act of faith and
partnership became the moment I officially joined The Telephone Man, Inc. That sacrifice symbolized what starting a business really looks like—putting family first, trusting God completely, and being willing to let go of something you love in order to build something lasting.
Faithfulness Before Promotion
There’s a scripture that perfectly captures that truth: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
That verse was, and still is, one of our guiding principles. It reminds us that our real “Boss”
isn’t the person who signs the paycheck—it’s the Lord Himself. When you work with that mindset, no task is beneath you, and no opportunity is wasted. God sees faithfulness, even in the smallest assignments, and He uses those seasons to prepare you for greater responsibility.
The Takeaway
If you dream of one day owning your own business—or leading in any capacity—remember this: how you serve today determines what God can trust you with tomorrow.
Learn all you can. Let mentors push you. Embrace the uncomfortable growth. And hen the
time comes, and God gently nudges you out of the boat, you’ll realize that every hard
lesson—and every sacrifice—was preparing you for the moment you’d need to walk on
water.
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