In this episode of The Value Race Podcast, I open up about a powerful lesson I recently revisited with my mentor, Arthur Hughes (who’s still serving a life sentence in Florida).

You’ve probably heard the advice: “Don’t look back, only focus on the future.” But here’s the truth: that’s not just bad advice, it’s unbiblical.

The last two years in business have been some of the hardest I’ve faced. After six years of steady growth: landing the city job, launching Redemption Auto Sales, marrying my wife, scaling to 20 cars a month—I hit a wall. Team members left, momentum stalled, and doubt crept in.

That’s when Arthur reminded me of something deeply Biblical: God commanded the Israelites to build monuments (physical reminders of His faithfulness) so future generations could look back and remember.

Looking back at my own story, I went from a prison cell with one pair of beat-up shoes and 3,650 days to count, to building businesses, building a marriage, and living free. The monuments are everywhere, if I choose to see them.

Here’s what I share in this episode:

• Why your hardest seasons may be preparation for your next breakthrough
• How “grinding” seasons shape your leadership and character
• Why gratitude for where you’ve been gives you strength for where you’re going
• How to identify the “monuments” in your own life

Whether you’re starting out in your parents’ house, pushing through a career pivot, or scaling a business, this episode will remind you not to forget where you came from, and why that matters for where you’re headed.

The Value Race Podcast: Where the journey is the destination, and the person who adds the most value wins.