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BeTempered Episode 47 - Horses, Faith, and Building Dreams: Brian Ballenger's Journey
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What happens when honor matters more than financial security?
In this powerful episode of the BeTempered Podcast, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Brian Ballenger of Whisenhunt Construction and Brighter Path Inc. to unpack a story that challenges conventional definitions of success—rooted not in wealth or accolades, but in integrity, faith, and doing the right thing when it’s hardest.
Brian’s journey begins on a 27-acre farm, where at just ten years old, he took on adult responsibilities caring for livestock while his father worked as a long-haul trucker. These early lessons in discipline and accountability laid the foundation for a man who, years later, would reject the advice of his accountant and attorney to file for bankruptcy—choosing instead to honor every debt, even if it meant selling his family’s dream home.
From the ups and downs of the contracting world to ultimately leading Whisenhunt Construction, Brian’s path has never been easy or straight. His military experience taught him to lead by example, not position—a lesson that carried over into his faith journey and the founding of Brighter Path Inc., an equine therapy nonprofit born from a divine nudge: “You cannot afford to not do this.” Against the odds, Brian followed through—and in doing so, has helped change countless lives through the healing power of horses.
One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes during a recent skydiving experience, when Brian’s instructor told him, “You’re trying to control everything in your life.” That observation unlocked a new perspective on surrender, faith, and letting go.
Through financial hardship, personal sacrifice, and bold obedience, Brian Ballenger’s story is a testament to the strength found in choosing the hard path for the right reasons. This episode will challenge you to reflect: What difficult choices are you avoiding—and what might be waiting on the other side of courage?
Chapters
1. BeTempered Episode 47 - Horses, Faith, and Building Dreams: Brian Ballenger's Journey (00:00:00)
2. Introduction to Brian Ballinger (00:00:51)
3. Childhood on a Small Farm (00:02:03)
4. Military Service and Leadership Lessons (00:10:33)
5. Near Bankruptcy and Choosing Integrity (00:19:06)
6. The Birth of Brighter Path Inc. (00:32:24)
7. Purchasing Wiesenhunt Construction (00:46:29)
8. Defining True Success (00:50:43)
9. Life Lessons from Skydiving (01:08:00)
10. Do the Hard Things First (01:18:43)
56 episodes
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