Serving People, Solving Problems: Jon Sanders on Businesses That Bless Communities
Fri Feb 06 2026
In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa talks with Jon Sanders—a pastor, coach, firefighter, and serial entrepreneur—about what it means to serve people through business while staying true to your calling.
Jon shares his powerful journey from a full-time firefighter to a multi-business owner, including the founding of Entree Pastors, an initiative that helps pastors build financial freedom by becoming entrepreneurs. He opens up about wrestling with his calling, embracing a multi-passionate identity, and building businesses that meet real community needs.
You’ll hear how Jon went from financial insecurity in ministry to building successful ventures like Dakota Small Jobs and 605 Blinds. He explains why pastors often struggle with money, and how shifting mindset, understanding personal strengths, and building a business with purpose can help them thrive—both in ministry and in life.
Jon also unpacks his MAPS framework, walks through the mindset shifts necessary for pastors to build sustainable income, and casts a compelling vision for future growth through business acquisitions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://grittogrowthpodcast.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.
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In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa talks with Jon Sanders—a pastor, coach, firefighter, and serial entrepreneur—about what it means to serve people through business while staying true to your calling. Jon shares his powerful journey from a full-time firefighter to a multi-business owner, including the founding of Entree Pastors, an initiative that helps pastors build financial freedom by becoming entrepreneurs. He opens up about wrestling with his calling, embracing a multi-passionate identity, and building businesses that meet real community needs. You’ll hear how Jon went from financial insecurity in ministry to building successful ventures like Dakota Small Jobs and 605 Blinds. He explains why pastors often struggle with money, and how shifting mindset, understanding personal strengths, and building a business with purpose can help them thrive—both in ministry and in life. Jon also unpacks his MAPS framework, walks through the mindset shifts necessary for pastors to build sustainable income, and casts a compelling vision for future growth through business acquisitions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://grittogrowthpodcast.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.