Hi, I’m Chris Patton.
I am a Christian and I am in the car business. Believe it!
Since 2000, I have been the President/CEO and partner in our family’s group of automobile dealerships. We employ roughly 100 people and represent seven new vehicle franchises. It is a busy job and is often more than I feel I can handle!
At the same time, I am a Christian who is trying my best to accomplish all God has called and commanded me to be and do. If you are like me, this is a tough enough job by itself!
My Content
For many years, I struggled with how to live out my Christian walk in the little time I had left over from my job and family commitments. At one point, I even tried to walk away from the family business. I knew God wanted more than I was able to give Him, but the business took up so much of my time that I was not able to give more.
That’s when I came to the realization that I could do all of the ministry I wanted to do without leaving the business world. I recognized that I could begin doing Christian ministry through the business.
This was a new idea to me so I began researching how others were integrating their Christian faith into their businesses. I began to read the Bible with a new set of eyes. I read a bunch of books and magazine articles about it.
I joined a Christian owners roundtable group call The C12 Group so I could learn first-hand from those in the trenches. I soaked up any and all information I could find to help me with this new effort.
A problem I found was that there were not enough people like me out there writing about what they were doing. I knew there were probably others out there that were looking for the kind of guidance I wanted and I decided I would do my part to help them.
I began this blog in 2011 in an effort to chronicle my journey, share what I have learned (and continue to learn) about integrating my Christian faith into my business, and hopefully help others do the same along the way.
I typically post 2-3 times per week. To make sure you don’t miss my newest posts, you can subscribe via email. It’s quick, easy, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
My Bio
I grew up in the family business. My dad believed in learning the business from the ground up so I have spent every summer since I was 10 years old working in the business.
I started with grounds maintenance and then washing cars. I worked in the Parts department and later as a technician’s assistant in the Service department. I even sold cars over Christmas holidays in high school!
After graduating from the University of Virginia where I majored in Business Management, I came back to the family business to sell cars full time. A year later, at 23 years old, I was working in the Finance Department when I got the opportunity to run my own store.
Since then, I have been a member of multiple automotive roundtable groups, and local business associations. I was a member of The C12 Group for 8 years.
As a result of this blog, I have been invited to speak at conferences such as Corporate Chaplains of America’s 2013 National Training Conference in Orlando, FL and the Automotive Super Conference in Charlotte, NC. I also had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the 2015 Callaway Gardens Easter Sunrise Service.
I have had several articles published in TwoTen Magazine. Our business was also featured in that same magazine. On multiple occasions, I have taught (online) Christians in India about integrating their Christian faith into their businesses.
My Family
I have been married to my wife Kim for over 20 years and I have three children – a son and twin daughters. We live in LaGrange, GA where I grew up.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, shooting, and watching my kids play soccer. I am currently active in my church and serve in leadership there.
You can contact me here, follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or connect on LinkedIn.