From $1,200 to $8 Billion: Building a Business with Christian Values w/Tom Hoban

Tom Hoban, Chairman of the Coast Group of Companies, shares his remarkable journey from sleeping in his car to building an $8 billion real estate management empire. He demonstrates how faith-driven business principles and servant leadership can create lasting impact.

 Starting with just $1,200, a plunger, and a pickup truck, Tom and his brother built Coast Property Management through persistence, ethical sales practices, and a commitment to serving others. His approach to business combines competitive drive with Christian values, showing how faith can guide successful business practices.

Key Takeaways

1. Sales as Service: Approach sales as serving others by providing solutions they need
2. Ethical Competition: Win without compromising values or cutting corners
3. Donor Relations: Understanding and meeting different expectations at various giving levels

Topics Covered

• Building a business from scratch
• Faith-driven entrepreneurship
• Ethical sales practices
• Team dynamics and communication
• Donor/investor relationships
• Legacy building

Notable Quotes

• "If you win and you cheat to win, it doesn't work. It doesn't feel right."
• "Love the sinner, hate the sin - that's how you run every business."

Leadership Lesson 

Success in business comes from viewing sales as service and maintaining strong ethical standards while pursuing aggressive growth. Tom demonstrates how combining competitive drive with Christian values creates sustainable success.

Faith and Service Insights 

Tom's approach shows how faith can inform every aspect of business operations, from sales strategy to team dynamics, creating a culture where both profit and purpose thrive together.

Featured Resources

• Coast Group of Companies
• CEP Multifamily - Real Estate Investment Platform
• Notre Dame Business School's Faith & Business Program
• Donor Pyramid Model for Nonprofit Fundraising

About Tom Hoban: 

Tom Hoban is the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Coast Group of Companies, a diversified real estate management and investment firm managing over $8 billion in assets. Starting with just $1,200 in 1987, Tom and his brother built their company on a foundation of Christian values and servant leadership. A Notre Dame graduate, Tom combines competitive drive with ethical business practices, demonstrating how faith-driven principles can create extraordinary success. Through their family office, the Hobans aim to positively impact one million lives through business, investment, and philanthropic work. Tom serves on numerous boards, including The University of Portland and Washington State University, while actively mentoring the next generation of faith-driven business leaders.

MEET YOUR HOST: TAMARA M. JACKSON

Tamara M. Jackson, author of "Unlocking Christian Leadership" and Founder of Beaconship, has dedicated over two decades to empowering Christian leaders to make a deep impact on the world. Her vision for The Beacon Show stems from her unwavering belief that every Christian leader has the potential to become a beacon of guidance, hope, and inspiration. Through this podcast, Tamara aims to bridge the gap between spiritual goals and the practical realities of leadership, equipping leaders with the wisdom and strategies to navigate their paths with integrity, purpose, and a heart aligned with Christ's teachings. Join Tamara on this transformative journ