May 5, 2026
In this deeply moving episode of Gary’s Gulch, host Gary Pinkerton sits down with entrepreneur, podcast host, and author Matthew Efird to explore the intersection of faith, family, and business.
Matthew shares the origin story behind his podcast Pillars of Purpose and the philosophy that drives his work: success is not one-dimensional—it’s built at the intersection of purpose across life’s most important pillars.
The conversation takes a powerful turn as Matthew opens up about the loss of his son Noah due to Trisomy 13, and how that experience reshaped his faith, his family dynamics, and the way he builds and operates businesses. From that pain emerged a mission: to serve others through storytelling, community, and tangible support—leading to his book Even Though We Will and a foundation that supports families navigating similar loss.
This episode is a masterclass in resilient leadership, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and what it truly means to build a life—not just a business—that matters.
Connect with Gary Pinkerton
gpinkerton@paradigmlife.net
faith-driven entrepreneurship purpose-driven life grief and resilience child loss trisomy 13 leadership mindset business systems family values Christian entrepreneurship emotional resilience legacy building podcasting entrepreneurship franchise systems service-based business grief support
00:00–01:30 – Introduction to Matthew Efird and the Pillars of Purpose philosophy
01:30–03:30 – Defining success through faith, family, and business
03:30–05:30 – Building a “board of advisors” for life decisions
05:30–07:30 – Launching the podcast and expanding impact through conversations
07:30–10:00 – The story of Noah: diagnosis, life, and loss
10:00–12:00 – Processing grief through faith and purpose
12:00–14:00 – Writing the book and supporting grieving families
14:00–16:00 – Creating systems in business to allow space for life’s realities
16:00–18:30 – Building businesses with the end in mind
18:30–20:30 – Mentorship, franchising, and helping others grow businesses
20:30–22:30 – Leadership, sales, and serving through value
22:30–24:30 – Creating meaningful customer experiences beyond transactions
24:30–27:00 – Working “on” vs. “in” the business—and the role of faith
27:00–30:00 – Viewing business as a form of ministry
30:00–33:00 – Final reflections and where to connect with Matthew