Stewardship, Generosity, and the Finish Line: 40 Years of Faithful Business with Alan Barnhart

What does it look like to build a company worth hundreds of millions of dollars—and then give it away? Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Alan Barnhart, co-founder of Barnhart Crane & Rigging, for a conversation 40 years in the making. Alan shares the convictions forged early in marriage and business that led him and his wife Katherine to cap their lifestyle, transfer 99% of their company to a ministry trust, and give away over $21 million in a single year—all while insisting they've been the real beneficiaries.

This episode is a masterclass in stewardship theology, collaborative giving, and the dangerous beauty of holding everything with an open hand.

Key Topics:

The two biblical convictions that shaped every financial decision Alan and Katherine ever made
Why Alan set a lifestyle cap before his company ever took off—and how that decision protected his marriage, his family, and his faith
How Barnhart Crane & Rigging went from 10 employees and $1.5M in revenue to 1,000+ employees and $400M+ in revenue—and what Alan attributes it to
Why Alan believes giving away money strategically is harder than making it—and why collaboration is the only answer
The moment Alan and his brother decided to give away 99% of a company worth hundreds of millions of dollars
What Alan tells every entrepreneur who asks "What's the number?"
The stewardship of your story: why Alan and Katherine kept quiet for 15 years—and what finally changed

Notable Quotes:

"God is the owner, you are the steward. Ask him what he wants you to do." — Alan Barnhart

"We have been the beneficiaries of this, not the givers." — Alan Barnhart

"It was right and good and legally brought us into a position where we already were spiritually." — Katherine Barnhart

Episode 366: He Built a $400M Company… Then Gave It Away | Alan Barnhart | FDE Podcast Ep. 366

Faith Driven Entrepreneur

Episode 366: He Built a $400M Company… Then Gave It Away | Alan Barnhart | FDE Podcast Ep. 366