At the age of 30, after being raised in a Christian home, Steve realized his relationship with Christ was not real and true.  Once he realized his need for Christ, Steve surrendered everything in his life to Him and thankfully has never gotten over it.  Steve has served the local church in various lay capacities including several Bible study group start-ups and was instrumental in a local church plant. A native of Rocky Mount, NC, Steve earned his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 1990 and his MBA from Liberty University in 2007.  He was a contributing author of Essentials of International Business (Satterlee, 2006) and has obtained many professional certifications in the insurance and financial services industry over the past 20 years.  Steve served the insurance industry for 18 years in various sales and service capacities with Equitable Life and NC Farm Bureau, and managed all aspects of claims service in eastern NC for Erie Insurance.  Steve also pursued his entrepreneurial spirit during the 1990’s by providing various services to local jewelry stores in eastern North Carolina. More recently, Steve and his family lived in China for three years where he primarily worked with Chinese business owners to bridge relationships with U.S. counterparts.  While in China, he explored much of Chinese culture and language all while studying the business practices of Chinese companies. His experience in China gave Steve a unique opportunity to lead and disciple Chinese believers in their walk with Jesus Christ. Many years ago, God placed a desire in Steve’s heart to combine excellent business and marketplace ministry knowing the impact that the marketplace can have in expanding God’s Kingdom.  With Steve’s varied educational past and experience in both business and ministry, he has much to bring to the table in helping C12 members, Build Great Businesses for a Greater Purpose. Steve and his wife, Beth, have been happily married for 16 years.  They have been blessed with three sons and two daughters.  Beth is a full-time mother and homemaker and enjoys homeschooling their children.