Welcome to another episode of A Good Pour! Today, I have the privilege of speaking with Andrew Finney, a longtime business leader and staple in the Gallatin community. Andrew has an inspiring story of entrepreneurship, faith, and leadership. His work today focuses on helping Christian CEOs and owners build businesses that serve a greater purpose, especially through his role as Chairman for C12, a peer advisory and business coaching group for Christian business owners.
Andrew’s Journey: From Pharmacy to Leadership
Andrew’s journey has been one of evolution and discovery. Initially trained as a pharmacist, Andrew found his passion for small business and leadership early on. His experience with Perkins Drugs and Gift Shop in Gallatin truly shaped his business outlook. Andrew’s vision was to expand Perkins into a small chain, but as market conditions changed, so did his direction. Through years of receiving business coaching himself, he came to the realization that stepping away from Perkins would allow him to focus on something even greater.
Leaving behind a business that had been such a staple in Gallatin wasn’t easy, but it was the right choice. It opened the door for Andrew to dive into his role at C12, helping other business leaders build strong, purpose-driven companies. Today, he serves as Chairman for the Middle Tennessee franchise, which spans from Cookeville to Clarksville. C12 helps Christian CEOs and business owners lead with integrity and purpose, something Andrew is passionate about.
The Power of Leadership and Giving Back
As a leader, Andrew believes that investing in people is the best way to create lasting change. His philosophy revolves around empowering others. In his own words, “You’re not the smartest person in the room—you’re the leader. Your best move is to get people who are smarter than you on your team, equip them, and let them lead while you cheer them on.” This mindset has not only helped Andrew succeed in business but also allows him to uplift others.
Throughout his career, he’s always focused on building relationships, offering guidance, and staying true to his faith. Andrew shared a valuable lesson about leadership: “You’ll never do better as a leader than to invest in your people.” It’s about building a team you trust and investing in their growth, which in turn helps the business grow.
Andrew also highlights the importance of being a mentor and having a strong support system. He credits his success to the “council of advisers” he’s surrounded himself with—mentors who have walked the path before him and provide valuable insight along the way. This relational investment has made a significant impact on both his personal and professional life.
The Role of Faith in Business
Faith has always been at the center of Andrew’s work. As a person of faith, he views his work through the lens of service to others. He’s intentional about using his position to pour out goodness, both through his leadership and his commitment to serving the community. He often uses the Golden Rule—treat others the way you want to be treated—as a guiding principle in his personal and business relationships.
Andrew’s work with C12 continues to help him fulfill this mission, providing mentorship to others while building strong businesses that serve the greater good. His faith, combined with his passion for leadership and giving back, fuels his drive to help other Christian business owners build companies that are not only financially successful but also leave a lasting, positive impact on the community.
Leading with Purpose: Business Lessons and Insights
Andrew has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to leadership and entrepreneurship. He credits much of his leadership development to listening to podcasts and reading leadership books, including works by Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel. Andrew believes that leadership isn’t just about running a business—it’s about shaping the culture and people within it.
One of the most valuable lessons Andrew shares is the importance of being grounded in your faith, especially as you approach critical decisions in life. In his role at C12, he leads Christian business owners and CEOs to navigate these decisions with integrity, wisdom, and faith. He encourages leaders to stay true to their values and build businesses that reflect their beliefs.
Giving Back to the Community
For Andrew, leadership isn’t just about making money; it’s about serving people and giving back. He’s passionate about community engagement and creating businesses that contribute to the wellbeing of Gallatin and Middle Tennessee. He’s involved in various community initiatives and works to ensure that his businesses, as well as the businesses he helps guide, are a force for good in the community.
Through C12 and his personal efforts, Andrew is committed to helping others build businesses that have a lasting, positive impact. As he puts it, “If your primary focus is the financial outcome, it’s going to be empty. But if you invest in relationships and invest in people, the financial success will follow.”
The Importance of Family and Personal Life
Above all, Andrew values family. He is intentional about balancing his professional and personal life, ensuring that his family comes first. He credits his wife, who has homeschooled their three boys for 13 years, for being his greatest support system. Their commitment to creating meaningful family experiences and nurturing their children’s growth is a reflection of the values that Andrew holds dear in both his personal and professional life.
Andrew’s family-centric approach to life and business serves as a reminder of the importance of balance, self-care, and staying grounded in what truly matters.
Conclusion: The Impact of Good Work
Andrew Finney’s story is a testament to the power of leadership, faith, and service. He has poured into his businesses, his community, and his family, creating a ripple effect of goodness that will continue for years to come. Through his work at C12 and his personal journey, Andrew teaches us that true success comes not from financial gains alone, but from the relationships we build, the people we uplift, and the positive impact we have on the world around us.
Thank you, Andrew, for sharing your story and wisdom with us. Your example of good work and service is truly inspiring, and we can all learn from your approach to leadership, faith, and community involvement.