We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robert Lederhilger. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robert below.

Alright, Robert thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The story behind launching Kingdom Business Builders starts with what some might call a “download from God.” I vividly remember the moment when the idea was given to me—it felt less like my idea and more like divine intuition. I quickly grabbed a pen and wrote down everything as it came to me, making sure no details were lost. That initial spark was the foundation, and from there, it became about turning this vision into something concrete.

The idea came at a time when I was already running my technology company, SOLUENCY, which provides web development, web hosting, NFC Smart Business Cards, and AI solutions for businesses. Through SOLUENCY, I’ve spent a lot of time networking, meeting other professionals, and finding ways to give back to the community. I’ve always felt a responsibility to do more for others, and that led me to start a Bible Study group at my local church for small business owners and professionals. The energy and connections in that group became a key inspiration for Kingdom Business Builders.

The way I approached Kingdom Business Builders was very different from launching a for-profit business like SOLUENCY. With SOLUENCY, I had already been through the process of business ideation, planning, and execution multiple times. However, starting a nonprofit was new territory for me.

Knowing that clarity is key in any venture, I decided to focus on creating a strong online presence first. Using my technical background, I developed the website and business directory for Kingdom Business Builders before we formally launched. I wanted to show, not just tell, people what the organization was about. I wanted a tool that allowed others to instantly understand the mission and vision while also serving as a functional platform to connect small businesses.

The next steps were about building the institutional structure of a nonprofit. I reached out to LegalAid of Manasota in February 2024 to explore the process of launching a nonprofit. They informed me that connecting with a pro bono attorney through their services could take time, and they recommended I contact SCORE in the meantime—a suggestion that turned out to be pivotal.

Through SCORE, I met Lloyd Nurick, an incredible mentor with over 40 years of experience launching and growing nonprofits. Lloyd helped me craft a business plan and brought structure to my vision. His guidance was invaluable—he asked the right questions, helped me map out the steps, and shared his experiences to prepare me for potential challenges. Those months of groundwork with SCORE provided me with the confidence and roadmap I needed.

By May 2024, LegalAid connected me with a talented pro bono attorney. Because of the foundation I had already built with Lloyd, I was able to hand over all the preparation and documents for the attorney to refine and formalize. Together, we navigated the process of filing for the 501(c)(3) application with the IRS, and Kingdom Business Builders was officially on track to become operational.

What makes Kingdom Business Builders so meaningful to me is how it evolved from the Bible study at church. Our weekly meetings are modeled after those gatherings—offering people a space to connect, grow, and support each other, both personally and professionally.

Through this process, I’ve realized how much patience, persistence, and a clear purpose matter. Building a nonprofit is not like building a for-profit business, but ultimately, the principles of listening, seeking guidance, and taking action are universal. I’m grateful for the many people and moments that helped this idea become a reality, and I’m even more excited about the impact Kingdom Business Builders will make as we continue to grow.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always believed that entrepreneurship is an incredible tool to solve problems and create lasting impact, and my personal and professional journeys reflect that belief.

I got my start as an entrepreneur very early in life. I launched my first businesses as a pre-teen and teenager, driven by curiosity, creativity, and a desire to build something meaningful. Those early experiences taught me the value of persistence, resourcefulness, and the importance of serving others. Looking back, they laid the groundwork for where I am today.

At 19, my entrepreneurial path took a significant turn when I ventured into the world of technology. It was 1999, and I had just launched my first ecommerce business. Little did I know that this would spark a lifelong passion for tech. Managing that business introduced me to the inner workings of websites and web hosting infrastructure—two areas that would later become foundational in my career. The opportunity to blend creativity with cutting-edge technology changed my perspective entirely and shaped my dedication to using tech for good.

Fast forward to 2021, I founded SOLUENCY, a business designed to provide innovative digital solutions. By then, I had built a strong background in web technologies, and launching SOLUENCY was a natural progression of the work I had already been doing in the tech and entrepreneurial space.

However, my most heartfelt venture began in 2024 with the founding of Kingdom Business Builders. This nonprofit embodies my deepest values and mission to empower ethical entrepreneurship and support individuals who may have been overlooked or underestimated by society.

At Kingdom Business Builders, we’re fostering an ethical marketplace and creating opportunities for those impacted by the justice system. Our vision is twofold—first, we bring together entrepreneurs and professionals to form a trusted network where integrity and faith guide success. Members benefit from weekly meetings that blend devotionals and business strategy, a directory listing to connect with consumers, and trust-building tools like our business trust seals. Second, and perhaps closest to my heart, we dedicate membership dues to providing resources for individuals—like felons—who face immense challenges re-entering the workforce. By helping them launch their own businesses, we not only empower these individuals but also invest in their ability to rebuild their lives.

Kingdom Business Builders feels deeply personal to me because it combines everything I am passionate about—entrepreneurship, community, technology, and a commitment to second chances. It’s like a Chamber of Commerce with a mission rooted in compassion and integrity, or a BBB (Better Business Bureau) designed to create trust for businesses while giving back.

What sets us apart is our emphasis on community-oriented solutions with a higher purpose. We build pathways for entrepreneurs to grow with integrity, provide second chances to people who may have made mistakes in life, and cultivate a space for faith-driven collaboration.

If there’s one key message I want readers to take away, it’s this—we all have the power to make a difference through our work. Whether it’s offering an innovative service, solving a problem others have ignored, or uplifting those who need a second chance, the impact we make matters. At Kingdom Business Builders, we’re creating that impact one entrepreneur at a time, and I couldn’t be prouder of the community we’re building together.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story! I encourage anyone who shares a similar vision for ethical and impactful entrepreneurship to connect with us. Together, we can build a better marketplace and empower others to thrive.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has undoubtedly been networking and building relationships. When I founded SOLUENCY and later launched Kingdom Business Builders, I quickly realized that referrals are rooted in genuine connections. I’ve invested a great deal of time in fostering authentic, meaningful relationships with people in my community and professional circles.

It’s this trust and bond that sparks referrals—these aren’t just transactions but relationships that align with shared values and goals. For me, the key has always been to approach networking with a mindset of service. By focusing on helping others, whether that’s through advice, resources, or connections, I’ve found that opportunities flow naturally.

Referrals inherently cut down on the effort needed to close a sale because they come with a built-in level of trust and credibility. When someone is referred to you, they’ve often already heard about your expertise, reliability, or success stories from a trusted source. This means they are typically more prepared and willing to move forward, as the connection has already eased any initial doubts or skepticism. Instead of spending time proving your value, you can focus on understanding their specific needs and providing tailored solutions, accelerating the overall sales process.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

If I could sum it up in one phrase, it would be “leading with love.” This philosophy has been pivotal in how I manage my team and foster high morale. Leadership isn’t just about achieving results; it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to grow.

Practically, this might look like celebrating wins—both big and small—providing constructive feedback with kindness, or simply making time to listen. When team members feel genuinely cared for, they’re more motivated, engaged, and aligned with the mission we’re working toward.

Another critical aspect of leadership is understanding that people follow leaders when they believe in the mission. A clear, inspiring mission gives purpose to the work and unites the team under a shared goal. However, fostering this connection goes beyond the mission itself—it taps into the innate human need to feel loved and appreciated. When team members sense genuine care and acknowledgment from their leader, they feel a deeper connection to both the team and the purpose.

Equally important is the concept of grace in leadership. Mistakes are inevitable, both on the part of team members and the leader. Showing grace means responding with understanding, patience, and forgiveness, rather than focusing solely on imperfections. This approach not only builds a culture of psychological safety but also encourages personal growth and resilience within the team. By leading with grace, love, and a clear mission, leaders can inspire loyalty, trust, and exceptional collaboration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kingdombusiness.builders/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlederhilger/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KingdomBusinessBuilders941/videos
• Other: https://kingdomsmartcards.com/@Rob

Image Credits

Robert W. Lederhilger III