Building a successful business often goes beyond strategy, profit margins, and innovation—it stems from purpose-driven leadership. Leaders like Darrin Teeter, CEO and CTO of Fiber Dynamics, Inc., show how faith, intentionality, and a commitment to serving others can shape a company’s culture and long-term impact. When you, as a leader, foster a meaningful connection with your team and encourage personal growth, you have the power to transform your organization, marketplace, and community.
Grove9 Founder + Chief Brand Strategist Justin Eklund shares from his book, Brand for Impact, the conversation with Darrin.
Justin: “What can a business leader do to make the greatest impact in the marketplace?
Darrin: I think it starts with the leader’s faith and learning [how] to know and trust God’s will. Personally, I do my best to prioritize daily focused time with the Lord. I try to be consistent in studying the Word, pray, and seeking God’s will in everything I do. I’ve learned if it’s not in His will, it’s not going to be successful.
Justin: What are some challenges you have faced, and how have you overcome them?
Darrin: We have had some low points in the business, for sure. I haven’t been a perfect leader. We’ve certainly had times when we were close to bankruptcy due to business decisions, market downturns, even a broken water line in our building that almost proved disastrous. [God] has carried us through and has always been faithful.
I feel like He has given me a tremendous opportunity to serve, but He has also given me a job to do. I want to do the best I can with the talents and opportunities He has given me. I want to help others to dream about how they can do the most with what God has given them. Ultimately, this is God’s company. I’m just glad to be a part of it.
Justin: You mentioned The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly as one of your favorite books. What do you love about that particular book?
Darrin: It’s inspired me to be intentional about helping people discover their purpose and realize their dreams. It talks about meeting people where they are. Sometimes, people get stuck. They end up living paycheck to paycheck, and their dreams fall by the wayside. A Dream Manager might be a coach, a counselor, or a chaplain. They care for people and help them start thinking about the future, setting goals, and getting enthusiastic about achieving them. Most importantly, I hope to encourage them toward the most important purpose and vision, eternal purpose in Christ.
Justin: As a leader, what’s your purpose – your why?
Darrin: To love and serve God with all that I have been given. To fulfill my primary mission: to love and serve others. We seek to do this by building a company culture that cares for their employees first, and in so doing, they care for their customers, vendors, community, and beyond.
People are the only thing of lasting value. My desire is to help others dream what is possible to attain fulfillment, then show them the love of God so that they might achieve it.”
In reflecting on Darrin’s insights, one theme stands out clearly – his commitment to aligning his work with God’s will and encouraging other leaders like you to dream big. His vision serves as a powerful reminder. True success is measured not just in your business outcomes but in meaningful relationships and a purpose-driven legacy.
