Meet Jon Paul Michaels | CONSULTANT

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jon Paul Michaels and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jon Paul, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Lawson & Murphy in 2015.  We started off doing B2B collections, but have since realized that when you earn the trust of a client who places “COLLECTIONS” with you, the trust you get catapults you in front of most business relationships. I saw an opportunity to utilize these already existing relationships and expand our service offerings. We help business owners now with everything business related. Lines of credit, asset acquisitions and liquidation, consulting, counseling, everything. A business owner only has so much time. Delegating high level problems is vital for their sanity, and those owners respect that we’re a company they already trust and will only ask for money if and when we solve their problem.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

RUNNING A BUSINESS is not for the weary. We have overcome so many obstacles. I’m afraid to say ALL obstacles there have been. I used to be worried about negative things coming my way. In my business, the words “negative” and “stressful” are half the reason we’re in business. A huge problem with debt is not just the damage to the bank account, it’s the pain of being betrayed and having to carry that around. So when I take that stress from my clients, I feel it. Re-training my mind to be able to KNOW negative or stressful things are coming my way and channeling that into POSITIVE growth has been huge and it helps lessen the anxiety!

But what helps me to deal with the stress far more is that I finally figured out at 41 years old what the purpose of my life is. I’m excited about it. I’ll share. First, to develop and grow my relationship with GOD on a 1-on-1 basis, and second, to share that relationship and the details of it with ANYONE who will hear. WHEN I say “anyone”, I mean that unconditionally. My wife is the best person to explain on this – she has to deal with it! When I go to the store, I make friends. I go to the restaurant, they know my name. I try to share GOD with all of those people. Why? It’s not because of my importance; it’s because THEY are important, and when you treat people with respect and try and treat them with dignity, people open up, and you share stories. And God’s glory is always in the story!!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, I don’t really do much where I live. So, if I had a best friend coming to town, we’d probably eat, and drive to the ocean two hours away or to Myrtle Beach to see some shows. I definitely love a good play, or movie, or ESCAPE ROOM, or some activity that is a memorable EXPERIENCE. Maybe we’d follow it up with Japanese Wagyu!!! OK… Despite being on keto, I do like to eat. Whatever we do, I promise GOD will be there, often in our conversations. He always has something planned for us who knock and seek.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God gets the first fruits of everything, including this “shoutout”. Everything that I strive to be is based on what HE wants from me. I am not perfect. I make mistakes. BUT HE knows my heart. I have not always had the best relationship with God, but God has always tried to have the best relationship with me. Years ago, my girlfriend at the time, believed in me enough to go out on a limb to help me start this business. She became my wife (not only because of her helping me) and she is just someone I can’t describe. She is an amazing woman who loves me and supports me through all of the craziness in my life. Running a business, running charity events, raising 5 kids, and on and on. She reminds me when I am down how much I can be used, and how much what I am doing matters. Next, my STEP-father. That’s right! Its unusual to have this type of relationship. When I was young, I rejected my stepdad, but when I became a man and then a step-father myself, I realized all of the sacrifices he made for our family when I was younger. I constantly call him now apologizing for how much I treated him wrong. He also believed in me when the chips were down and helped me start my business. I will always be grateful for that. I like sharing success or just general stories with him because he was there for me when I was in the “dark valley”. Last but not least, MY CHILDREN. ISAIAH, CHRISTIAN, SCOTT, KAYLA, MEAGAN… THEY ARE AMAZING kids, just watching them grow and being part of it.

Website: lawsonmurphy.com

Youtube: https://youtu.be/p1k5FN9utuI