God is My CEO
by Nicole Smith

Over the last 15 years, I have been working in corporate America. During that course of time, I have worked for several companies. Upon graduating from college, I learned that you do not talk about two things in corporate America: 1) religion and 2) politics. Therefore, I was suppressing my beliefs and faith, so I would not offend anyone. I would talk openly about my beliefs and faith to select individuals, until my eyes were opened by David Thompson of Thompson Technologies.

There were three divine appointments with David Thompson that has changed my perspective of the unwritten rule to not talk about religion in corporate America. The first divine appointment was about three years ago while working with technology vendors to staff contract positions in my department. I was invited to the Thompson Technologies annual company picnic. At the picnic, I had the privilege of meeting David Thompson, president and owner of Thompson Technologies. David shared with me how he started Thompson Technologies and how it has grown from a one-person operation to several hundred in less than 10 years. During that conversation, David gave the glory and honor to God for the provisions and success.

The second divine appointment was early 2005 when David was visiting his customers and distributing the book, The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. He was celebrating his ten year anniversary of Thompson Technologies, so he was sowing seeds in the lives of his customers. When I opened the book the following was affixed to every book:

Dear Friend,

On March 15, 2005 we celebrated the ten year anniversary of Thompson Technologies. From the beginning, I dedicated my company to God and promised Him that I would do my very best to follow His lead and always give Him honor and glory for everything He chose to accomplish through me and Thompson Technologies.

My business plan has always been to "Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways, acknowledge Him and He would direct my paths" Proverbs 3:5-6.

On behalf of my wife Lori and I, please accept this token of appreciation as we celebrate this momentous occasion. It is my hope and prayer that God blesses you abundantly and that 2005 is the best year ever for you and your family.

With sincerest thanks and appreciation,

David Thompson

The third divine appointment was later in 2005 when David invited my manager (at the time) and I to lunch. When the food arrived David asked, "Do you mind if I bless the food?" David knew my beliefs and faith, but he did not know about my manager's beliefs and faith.

In 1995, God wanted David to walk down an unfamiliar road. He and his wife Lori prayed and by faith he walked away from a six figure salary to start Thompson Technologies in his unfinished basement. He left the security of a 9-5 with a six salary to no income. He named God his CEO and he promised Him that he will give Him all of the glory. By the end of 1995, the company went from one a person operation to six people in an unfinished basement.

As a female manager in the male dominant industry of Information Technology, I rely heavily on my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Through the three brief appointments with David, I was able to see a strong godly man wear his faith as a Badge of Honor. After those appointments, I purposely chose to wear my faith, as well. David left me with three words of wisdom:

Everyone has to choose to become a believer in Jesus Christ.
Be obedient to wherever God has you. You may not know where you are going, but work hard and to the best of your abilities.
Understand that you are going to make mistakes and fall down. Know that our heavenly Father will discipline you. You will go through growing pains, so you are prepared for the next steps.

Nicole Smith is a speaker and the author of two books, including "Box of Chocolates." She has worked over 13 years as an information technology consultant in process improvement, software quality assurance, project management, business analysis and management. Nicole's amazing personal testimony includes having attended Ohio State University on a basketball scholarship where she earned a bachelor's of business administration degree in management information systems and marketing and then later attending Southwest Missouri State University, earning a master's degree in computer information systems. For more information on Nicole, her book and her life coaching seminars, visit http://www.boxofchocolatesbook.com

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