Pete Ochs. His simple, two-syllable name is a fascinating juxtaposition to a not-so-simple lifestyle. After growing up on a farm and learning how to work hard and be diligent, he started his career in commercial banking. After almost a decade of work in commercial banking, he opened his own investment firm, which became remarkably successful. After seeing how financially successful the firm had become, he and his wife reflected on their upbringings in households with generous parents and wanted to continue that legacy of generosity.
This is where the Seat King story begins. Ochs’ investment banking firm was in the process of acquiring a seat making business when Pete felt a sense of responsibility to give back. What’s so special about some seat making company? The inmates of a prison in Kansas are the workers that put together the seats in a manufacturing facility inside of their prison. Inmates typically make 45 cents a day doing typical prison work, but Pete pays them above Kansas minimum wage, which is $7.25. That means he pays over what is already sixteen times the average wage for these men. Once a week, Pete or some other leader within the business gives the men a life lesson, with the teaching subjects ranging from how to be a good father to life skills like managing finances and saving. Pete will even goes to church with these inmates. Overall, he lets his motivation for serving Christ through being generous with his time, money, and resources burn a bright light that leads people to Christ and Christ-like behavior.
At a time in American history when the free market and capitalism is under attack, stories like Pete Ochs’ need to be told more and more. Adam Smith touted three principles that each individual needs to strive for: prudence, justice, and benevolence. Mr. Ochs exemplifies all three in the way that he practices business, his Gospel focus being what holds it all together. Business, like any man-made institution, can be exploited and turned into something evil. But when upright men and women create and lead businesses the way they ought to– with a servant’s heart, with a generous spirit, with a genuine love for people simply because they are people– they are one of the most effective ways to make the world a place that’s just a little bit more like heaven than Earth. Fellow Christians, I implore you: be one of those people. Christ’s kingdom is coming now, and let’s act like it through business.
https://impactfoundation.org/blog/redemptive-business
This story is seriously motivating! I love that although Pete did not have to choose a sacrificial life, he did so anyways due to Christ’s call on his life. Furthermore, he inspires others to live this same Christ-like, sacrificial lifestyle by setting an incredible example.
This is such an awesome story. It is so awesome to see someone tap into the prison ministry and make a difference in the lives of those men. Giving them something to work towards and providing them with mentoring relationships and life lessons is such an incredible way to make a difference and have an impact.
Thanks for sharing this story Zach! I like how at the end you are able to contrast the potential for evil in the business world with the ability to do business with a servant’s heart, generous spirit, and a genuine love for people. I think that those three things are so important in our walk as followers of Christ. Great post!