Faith-Driven Leaders - Get To Know Nick Stromwall
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Episode Description
Welcome to the On The Rise Podcast! In this episode, Jeremy Dyer sits down with Kris Benson, Partner at Blue Line Ventures and former Chief Investment Officer at Reliant Real Estate Management, to explore how long-term tailwinds drive outsized investment success. Kris shares his journey from sales and medical devices into institutional real estate, self storage, and now private equity focused on acquiring niche B2B service businesses. The conversation breaks down why small business M and A is one of the most compelling opportunities today, how institutional capital really evaluates deals, and why alignment matters more than headlines. Kris also offers a thoughtful perspective on asset class cycles, operator selection, and how investors should think about diversification beyond Wall Street. This episode is a must-listen for investors seeking durable wealth through Main Street opportunities.
Summary
Tip #1: Leadership Is Formed Through Trials
“Our experiences and trials help produce the fruit of who God designed us to be.”
Nick explains that faith driven leadership is shaped, not scripted. The challenges you walk through refine your character and clarify your calling.
Tip #2: Faith Is Not Performance
“I thought my positive account just had to outweigh my negative account.”
Nick shares the pivotal moment in college when he realized Christianity is not about moral bookkeeping but about what Jesus accomplished on his behalf.
Tip #3: Grace Rewrites Identity
“It wasn’t about what I brought to God. It was about what Jesus did for me.”
Understanding grace shifted Nick’s identity from striving to secure approval to living from acceptance.
Tip #4: Entrepreneurship and Calling Can Coexist
Before ministry, Nick built a computer consulting business in college. Later, real estate became another expression of stewardship rather than self ambition.
Tip #5: Passive Income Can Fuel Purpose
“Multiply their money so they can multiply their impact.”
Nick explains how commercial real estate created margin for generosity, missions, nonprofit support, and long term legacy planning.
Tip #6: Leverage Expands Influence
Transitioning from small residential properties to commercial syndications introduced scalability, operational leverage, and broader community impact.
Tip #7: Community Magnifies Vision
Through his involvement with Rise48 Equity, Nick now engages with thousands of investors who share a vision for stewardship and impact.
Tip #8: Impact Starts Small
“Sometimes we overthink impact.”
Nick closes by reminding listeners that faithfulness is not limited to large scale initiatives. Loving your neighbor in simple ways reflects kingdom leadership.
Resources and Links
Website
Rise48equity.com
Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickstromwall/
