As many individuals look at companies today, many may think that the success of the businesses solely came from hard work, struggle, pain, and luck, but that just isn’t all of it. For example, if you observe Hobby Lobby, you can see how a Christian Man used his faith, resources, and beliefs to guide his mission to creating a full fledged successful Christian business.
From the beginning, David Green and his wife Barba were always loyal to God and ensuring that they were attending Church on a daily basis. David always had a vision of opening a craft store that not only sold physical products, but ultimately showed people the importance of businesses guided by Christian principles. In 1970, David took out a loan for $600 dollars to create miniature picture frames and sell them out of his home. Fast forward two years later, the couple opened their first store in Oklahoma City where they started their business entirely from scratch. At first, Hobby Lobby was a new, small, attractive business that drew in lots of customers and ultimately anyone looking for DIY projects to do on their own and have an experience. Hobby Lobby grew to be extremely successful and for a time, seemed that they would dominate the craft market and ultimately stay in that space for a while.
One key aspect that makes Hobby Lobby different from other businesses is that they are closed on Sunday. For a business, being closed on Sunday can either be a huge downfall or promote your company in general. Thankfully, for Hobby Lobby, this ultimately promoted their business and showed customers/stakeholders that they take their relationship with God very seriously. With other companies such as Chick Fil A being closed on Sundays as well, it really seems that these companies don’t only care about the profits, but ultimately about their religious beliefs instead.
Finally, even though businesses may have great sales quarters or even great years, it doesn’t mean that this sweet victory will last forever. For example, when faced with the hard decision of supporting abortion or supporting the federal governments requirements on birth control medication/procedures, Hobby Lobby ultimately decided to defend their beliefs and fought the federal government. Thankfully, with God watching down on David Green and his company, Hobby Lobby won the case and showed consumers, other businesses that you need to stand up for what you believe in. Hobby Lobby sure is a perfect example of a company that combines business and Christianity
I’ve always admired how Hobby Lobby stuck to its core beliefs when challenged on issues such as abortion. I also did not know that they were closed on Sundays. Their dedication to sticking to their Christian principles is likely a great opportunity to start conversations since to the rest of the world it seems unprofitable to do so.