Episode 333 - The Walmart Architect's Secret to Kingdom Currency | Raymond Harris
In this profound episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman sits down with Raymond Harris, a distinguished architect, executive producer, and venture capitalist who founded one of the largest architectural firms specializing in corporate architecture. Raymond shares his remarkable journey from questioning whether he missed his calling to building an 8,000-project portfolio with Walmart while revolutionizing his understanding of wealth, stewardship, and Kingdom impact.From giving away his entire wedding gift with only $600 in the bank to developing the concept of "Kingdom currency," Raymond's story challenges conventional thinking about success, generosity, and the true purpose of business.Key Highlights:Raymond's journey from pre-med to architecture and his bold request to become a partner at age 27Building a firm that completed 8,000 projects for Walmart over 37 yearsThe transformative realization: "I was really created not to be an architect, but to be a steward of his kingdom. Architecture was just the economic engine to do that."Why practicing generosity early matters: "If you're not generous when you don't have anything, you're certainly not gonna be generous when you have a lot"The concept of "Kingdom currency" - converting earthly assets into eternal impactInnovative approaches to inheritance: giving to children when they need it most, not when they're in their 60sThe danger of achievement as an addiction and the importance of authentic brokennessWhy donor-advised funds can become "storage warehouses" if not deployed strategicallyQuotable Moments:"Did I miss the turn by not going into ministry? And I didn't want to. I wanted to be an architect... about 25 years after running a firm, the Lord said, no, you never missed the turn. You've always been on the right road. You've been trying to drive the car by looking in the mirror, look through the windshield.""Why does he entrust wealth to people? But he gave it to us. So that we could steward it into his kingdom to take care of those that can't take care of himself.""If we think that we can keep hold of earthly money and make more money on earth and then give away more money and that's really pleasing to God, I think he's more interested in us giving early so that he can compound what is really his money anyway.""I call it kingdom currency. What is kingdom currency? Kingdom currency in my thinking is wealth and assets on this earth that will transfer into the next kingdom, which is eternity."Watch the full episode on YouTube or continue to stream audio on your favorite podcast platform.
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