What happens when success gives you options, but you’re left wondering how to invest the second half of life in what truly lasts—family, faith, and eternal impact? In this episode of Leveraging Success, Jeff Gerhardt sits down with Chadd Hodges, entrepreneur and faith-driven leader, to explore the transition from building businesses to stewarding a legacy centered on marriage, fatherhood, and kingdom work.
Chadd shares his journey from starting and selling a thriving plumbing, HVAC, and electrical business to launching Service Fanatics, a service-oriented company in Southwest Florida aimed at demonstrating Christ’s love through exceptional client care. Jeff and Chadd dive into the challenges of high achievement, including wrestling with scarcity versus abundance of time, envisioning the next three years for family and marriage, and deciding whether to stay rooted in Naples or pursue a simpler life elsewhere. They discuss practical ways to prioritize discipleship in the home, create quality time margins, and seek God’s guidance amid abundant options.
This episode offers thoughtful insights for anyone navigating mid-life transitions, seeking to align success with eternal purpose, and building a family that echoes God’s faithfulness.
In This Episode:
[00:00] Episode Intro & Guest Setup
[01:30] Chadd’s Background: From Biblical Studies to Business Success
[03:45] The Big Question: What Does the Second Half Look Like?
[05:20] Prayer for Wisdom & Numbering Our Days
[07:50] Vision for Marriage & Family in Three Years
[10:15] Parenting Without Control: Tools for Independence & Faith
[12:30] Two Paths: Staying in Naples vs. A Simpler Move
[15:00] International Missions & Showing Kids a Big God
[17:20] Wrestling with Choices: Abundance of Options & Eternal Perspective
[19:40] Prioritizing Family as Primary Ministry
[21:30] Soil Testing: Evaluating Locations for Quality Time
[24:00] Systems for Boundaries & Saying No
[26:15] Fasting, Prayer, & Seeking Clarity
[28:20] Final Encouragements & Closing Prayer
[30:00] Episode Wrap-Up & Key Takeaways
Notable Quotes
“Success is just the beginning—it’s about chasing what lasts forever.” – Jeff Gerhardt
“Teach us to number our days that we would gain a heart of wisdom.” – Chadd Hodges (quoting Psalm 90)
“My number one place of ministry is my family—that’s what I have to focus on.” – Chadds Hodges “
I have dreams for my kids, but I don’t get to control the outcomes. God’s sovereign.” – Chadd Hodges
“Be careful what you ask for—you might just get it. To whom much is given, much is required.” – Jeff Gerhardt
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – Chadd Hodges (quoting James Clear)
Our Guest
Chadd Hodges is a faith-centered entrepreneur, husband to Andrea for 20 years, and father of four, including their recently adopted daughter from Hungary. With a BA in Biblical Studies from Union University and an MBA from Liberty University, Chadd built and sold a successful plumbing, HVAC, and electrical business in 2019. He now leads Service Fanatics, a Southwest Florida company focused on exceptional service as a platform for sharing Christ’s love. Passionate about adoption, foster care, global missions, and discipleship, Chadd is involved in initiatives like Gospel Patrons and the Matthew Six Foundation, emphasizing eternal impact through family and leadership.
Resources & Links
Jeff Gerhardt https://priorityliving.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgerhardt/ https://x.com/jeffgerhardt
Resources
Life Balance Assessment – https://lba.priorityliving.org/
Leveraging Success Podcast- https://www.leveragingsuccesspodcast.com
Hearing God by Dallas Willard – https://a.co/d/3wdO9R6
#LeveragingSuccess #LeveragingSuccessPodcast #Faith #EternalPerspective #FaithOverFear #KingdomImpact #ChristianParenting #FamilyDiscipleship #Fatherhood #GodlyMarriage #Discipleship #ChristianBusiness #KingdomEntrepreneur
