Purpose Before Profit: Adam Feuerstein Of The Forge On The Benefits Of Running A Purpose-Driven Business
An Interview With Chad Silverstein
The first thing you need is a clear understanding of your purpose. That means knowing why you’re here, why God created you, and how your business can emulate that to benefit others. Remember that purpose isn’t self-serving; it’s always about serving others. For example, at The Forge, our purpose is to help men discover their sovereignty and become better leaders, protectors, and providers. This purpose guides everything we do, as it should for you. It’s crucial, because aligning your business with your true purpose makes it resilient, even in the face of challenges. Purpose-driven businesses are inherently riskier than profit-driven ones, but when you’re aligned with what you’re meant to do, you’ll be better equipped to navigate those risks.
In today’s competitive business landscape, the race for profits often takes center stage. However, there are some leaders who also prioritize a mission-driven purpose. They use their business to make a positive social impact and recognize that success isn’t only about making money. In this interview series, we are talking with some of these distinct leaders and I had the pleasure of interviewing Adam Feuerstein.
Adam Feuerstein is the founder of The Forge, a movement to empower men and help them embrace their masculine identity in a positive and authentic way.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Absolutely, and thanks for having me! My name is Adam Feuerstein, and I’m from Littleton, Colorado — a place that’s just outside Denver’s metro area, and where I still call home.
I grew up in a close-knit family, with parents who met in junior high school and have been together ever since. They have been a steady source of inspiration for me. I’m the oldest of three, with a younger brother and sister who both live nearby.
My professional journey started pretty hands-on. I began as an apprentice electrician, and by my early twenties, I had worked my way up to being a production manager. In 2003, I decided to take a risk and start my own electrical business. It was a steep learning curve and, unfortunately, after four years, the business went under. That was a tough pill to swallow, but it turned out to be a pivotal moment for me.
Not long after, two friends I’d previously worked with approached me. They had started their own telecommunications company and had also picked up a struggling electrical business. They asked me to step in and figure out what was going wrong. The situation was pretty dire — we were losing money every week, and the outlook was bleak. But we dug in, worked hard, and managed to turn things around. I eventually bought a 25% stake in the company for $8,500 — a small investment that, with time and effort, paid off in a big way.
By 2021, I had purchased the remaining 75% and the company had become highly profitable, and I sold it for millions of dollars. The timing was fortunate, as the pandemic had created unique market conditions, especially for successful, essential businesses like ours. This sale marked the end of my journey in that industry, and the beginning of something new.
During my time with the company, I met Michelle, who we brought on as CFO. From there, our professional relationship quickly grew into something more, and we got married. Michelle is a powerhouse — she founded and ran a national accounting and finance firm for 15 years before selling it. After we both exited our businesses, we took some time to travel and reflect, getting to know ourselves outside the intense demands of our previous careers.
It was during this period that I found my true purpose: helping men achieve personal, masculine sovereignty. In today’s divided world, Michelle and I believe that empowering men to become better leaders, protectors, and providers is essential. We focus on guiding men to make decisions based on the counsel of those they trust and their faith, fostering a sense of sovereignty that we believe is key to healing and uniting our communities.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
This is a tricky question — so many incredible things have happened along the way! Truly, I believe that God’s hand has been on this business from day one, giving us the guidance we need because we are aligned with our purpose. For the first time in my life, I feel completely in sync with what I’m meant to do.
I suppose one of the most profound experiences I’ve had occurred while I was recording a podcast episode with someone I’ve known, on and off, for about 15 years. The episode was supposed to be about finding purpose in life — a topic we’re both deeply passionate about. However, things took an unexpected and powerful turn.
This gentleman, who had never spoken publicly about this before, shared that he had been brutally raped with a pipe wrench while serving in the U.S. military. Up until that moment, he had only confided part of this story to his brother and a small portion to his wife. But on that day, on our platform, he chose to reveal the full extent of his trauma.
This wasn’t something I had anticipated. The podcast, which is usually pretty structured and well-organized, became a site of raw, authentic truth.
To witness his strength, his willingness to be vulnerable, and his decision to share this deeply painful experience on our platform was life-changing for me. It was a moment that underscored the significance, power, and importance of the work we’re doing at The Forge. That experience set the precedent for how we view our mission and reinforced the impact we aim to have moving forward.
We often learn the most from our mistakes. Can you share one that you made that turned out to be one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned?
At The Forge, we approach things with a deep sense of purpose and humility. It’s not that we haven’t made mistakes — we certainly have — but our mindset has always been about embracing the process rather than trying to control the outcome. This has brought us a level of comfort that allows us to take risks, make decisions, and move forward without fear.
One mistake that stands out — if you can call it that — happened early on. It was when we first started networking and conducting podcasts and other interviews. At first, we were so eager to practice and refine our approach that we accepted nearly everyone who wanted to join us! It meant we were spread far too thin, and our message started to lose its focus as a result. For a short while, we became somewhat rudderless in what we were trying to communicate.
In hindsight, though, this turned out to be a huge lesson in staying humble and aligned with our purpose. It taught us the importance of being selective and intentional about who we bring into our space. And, ironically, our openness and willingness to engage even with people who weren’t perfectly aligned, led to one of our most powerful moments — the story I shared earlier.
Had we been rigid in our messaging and approach, we might have missed out on that moment. Worse, he might not have ever been given the platform to share that story in his humble, honest, and bold way. This experience reinforced that sometimes, what might seem like a mistake in the moment can actually pave the way for something incredibly meaningful.
Another positive outcome from this lesson was that we decided to create a short documentary film, bringing in professional crews to ensure that we honored his story, along with another veteran who shared an equally compelling experience. These stories aren’t about seeking damages or making a spectacle — they’re about allowing victims to be heard.
So, really, that’s a reminder for us to always remain open, humble, and aligned with our purpose, even when things don’t go as planned.
As a successful leader, it’s clear that you uphold strong core values. I’m curious what are the most important principles you firmly stand by and refuse to compromise on. Can you share a few of them and explain why they hold such significance for you in your work and life?
One of our core values, as simple as it may sound, is this: We’re here to help people. At The Forge, helping others comes first, and profitability comes second. This is a significant shift for both Michelle and me — before The Forge, we spent our entire professional lives chasing profitability.
Making the decision to prioritize service to others over profit was incredibly liberating and empowering, and it’s formed the foundation of everything we do. And, by focusing on helping others, we’ve found a deeper sense of purpose that transcends financial gain.
There’s another core principle that we pride ourselves on upholding, which we call the “total sum game”. In other words, we strive to engage in every interaction, whether it’s a financial transaction, a conversation, or a membership, in a way that ensures everyone involved gains far more value than what they give.
In a typical zero-sum game, one person’s gain is another’s loss. We reject that notion entirely. Our standard is to deliver at least 500% value in every deal — meaning if someone invests $100 with us, we aim to provide $500 worth of value in return. This ensures that, even if parts of that value don’t directly serve the person, they still walk away feeling like they received something incredible.
The significance of these values has been clear to us from early on. I’ll never forget the first live event we hosted. The very first gentleman to walk through the door had arrived nearly 30 minutes early. Later, he shared with me that he had been sitting in his car, trying to talk himself into coming in because, at that moment, he was planning his suicide. It was being at that event, hearing our message, and seeing the community that inspired him to choose life.
These sorts of experiences teach us a profound lesson: that the work we are doing is serious. It’s not a game, a joke, or a pastime. It’s something we must be all in for, every single day.
This is not a side hustle for us. My wife and I don’t have day jobs, and we don’t just do this on weekends. This is our life, 24/7, and we are fully committed to it. Our values are not just words — they are the driving force behind everything we do, and they shape every decision we make.
What inspired you to start a purpose-driven business rather than a traditional for-profit enterprise? Can you share a personal story or experience that led you to prioritize social impact in your business?
Starting a purpose-driven business wasn’t something I had always planned or even considered. Like many people, I spent most of my career focused on building traditional profit-focused enterprises. I was driven by the pursuit of success, measured largely in financial terms. But, after years in the grind — especially after turning around and selling my last company — I began to realize that something was missing. The financial success was there, but I wasn’t feeling fulfilled.
The turning point came during a period of reflection after Michelle and I had sold our companies. We took some time off to travel and reconnect with ourselves, away from the relentless pace of our previous lives. This was when I began to question what I really wanted to do with my life. This time, I wanted to create something that went beyond just making money — something that would have a lasting, positive impact on others.
One personal experience that deeply influenced this shift was a conversation I had with a man I met around this time. He was struggling with many of the same issues I had faced — namely, feeling unfulfilled despite outward success. As we talked, I started to realize that what he needed wasn’t advice on how to make more money or grow a business; he needed guidance on finding purpose and meaning in his life. That conversation stayed with me and became the seed for what would eventually become The Forge.
Can you help articulate a few of the benefits of leading a purpose-driven business rather than a standard “plain vanilla” business?
There are many benefits to leading a purpose-driven business, especially in the post-COVID world. We’re currently witnessing a significant shift — not just in America, but across the world — toward purpose-driven action. The pandemic took away our ability to connect with one another, and in its wake, people have become more motivated to find deeper meaning and serve others.
For my wife and I, business is the mechanism through which we channel our desire to serve and make a lasting impact. Having been entrepreneurs for nearly our entire adult lives, we understand how to use business as a tool for positive change. But for us, it’s not just about running a successful company; it’s about using that platform to truly impact American culture — and eventually, the global human family.
One of the greatest benefits of a purpose-driven business is its ability to foster healing and transformation. We don’t claim to have a step-by-step formula that will solve all problems, but we do focus on helping people discover their own purpose, humility, and truth. In our view, these are the pathways to love and healing.
We’ve chosen to focus on men because we believe that when one man is positively affected, he can then influence his family, his community, and everyone around him. This ripple effect can lead to broader social change, as one person’s transformation inspires many others.
Leading a purpose-driven business allows us to serve on a deeper level. It’s not just about making someone’s day better; it’s about contributing to their journey of self-discovery and healing. While we are a for-profit corporation, we firmly place profit second. Our primary goal is to serve and heal, and we believe that that’s the true essence of a purpose-driven business.
In today’s world, where people are searching for connection and meaning, this approach makes perfect sense. By dedicating our mission to the service of others, we’re not just running an enterprise — we’re contributing to the healing of humans across the globe.
How has your company’s mission or purpose affected its overall success? Can you explain the methods or metrics you use to evaluate the impact of this purpose-driven strategy on your organization?
The success of our company is deeply rooted in our mission, which is to bridge divides and foster connections through the pursuit of personal and collective sovereignty. A powerful example of how this mission drives our success happened just recently, when I spoke at a Men’s Summit in Parker, Colorado — a conservative town just outside Denver. The event was held in a theater, and the audience included local leaders, including the mayor, and many deeply conservative individuals.
My goal was to connect with these men on a deeper emotional level, to challenge them to open up and think beyond the typical divisions that often define our interactions — especially in today’s polarized political climate. I deliberately shook things up by starting my talk with a provocative statement: “Fuck guns. I don’t like guns. I hate guns. I don’t want them in my house, and I don’t want them around my children.”
This wasn’t just about making a statement. It was about creating a moment of tension, and then guiding the audience through that tension to a place of understanding and connection. I asked them to sit with their reactions — whether they were angry or enthusiastic — and to be aware of how those emotions might shape their judgment of me.
As I walked them through the broader divisions in our country, I emphasized that just because someone disagrees with you on one issue, it doesn’t mean they’re your enemy. I also added that you don’t even have to compromise to see the world this way.
Towards the end of my talk, I posed a question: “What if I’m not what you think I am? What if I don’t think in every way that you assume I do, just because I differ on this one topic? What if I have a message that could help bridge the gap between us?”
I then delivered that message: “Thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t have the choice.” This simple phrase acknowledged the importance of the Second Amendment and the rights it protects, while also emphasizing gratitude and mutual respect. The impact was immediate and profound. The men in the audience were drawn to us, eager to learn more, share their thoughts, and engage in further conversations. They offered their business cards, emails, and even invitations for coffee, lunch, and other activities.
This response, to me, was a clear indicator of our success. It highlighted that our mission — to foster connection and understanding, even in the face of deep-seated differences — resonates powerfully with people. The relief in their eyes and words was palpable; they were relieved to find that it’s possible to hold firm beliefs and still connect with others on a human level.
In terms of evaluating the impact of our purpose-driven strategy, we measure success not just by traditional metrics like revenue or growth, but by the depth of engagement and the quality of relationships we build. The true measure of our success is seen in moments like these — when people who might ordinarily see us as adversaries are instead drawn to us, eager to understand and connect. This tells us that our message is doing much more than just being heard. It’s also making a meaningful difference, and that’s a success we’re incredibly proud of.
Can you share a pivotal moment when you realized that leading your purpose-driven company was actually making a significant impact? Can you share a specific example or story that deeply resonated with you personally?
One of the most pivotal moments for me happened during one of our recent live events. As part of our work at The Forge, we host in-person gatherings alongside our weekly podcasts, which we produce entirely in-house. Over time, I’ve noticed that getting men to connect and bond during these gatherings has been a challenge. In the beginning, the atmosphere was often cold, and it was clear that there was a barrier preventing deeper connections.
This is something I’ve been acutely aware of from the start, and I’ve worked hard to chip away at the atmosphere with each event. It’s certainly been worth the effort! Recently, at our 17th live event, we did an eye-gazing exercise. It’s a simple but powerful exercise and, by the end of it, something truly remarkable had occurred.
At the end of the gathering, every single person came up to me, hugged me, and told me that they loved me. And it didn’t stop there! They also told each other that they loved one another. This wasn’t something I expected to happen — these are traditional, masculine, in a group discussing masculine topics. While we do focus a lot on emotional intelligence, it’s not typically a touchy-feely environment. So, to see these men break through that barrier and express such deep affection was unbelievably profound.
That moment resonated with me deeply, because it’s a clear sign of the scale of the impact we’re making. It showed me that, while we may not have mastered everything, we are absolutely on the right path. The fact that these men felt comfortable enough to express love for each other — something that is often difficult in traditional masculine settings — was a powerful indicator that our work is truly resonating and making a difference.
This experience reaffirmed the importance of what we’re doing at The Forge. It gave me confidence that we are indeed helping to foster the emotional intelligence and connection that these men, and society at large, so desperately need.
Have you ever faced a situation where your commitment to your purpose and creating a positive social impact clashed with the profitability in your business? Have you ever been challenged by anyone on your team or have to make a tough decision that had a significant impact on finances? If so, how did you address and reconcile this conflict?
Absolutely, and this is something we face regularly. Almost everything we do has a significant financial impact and, more often than not, that impact is not on the side of profitability — at least not immediately. A prime example is the time we decided to create short films and documentaries. These projects were entirely self-financed and, to this day, we haven’t seen a single penny of revenue from them.
But here’s the thing: we weren’t thinking about profitability when we made those films. Our focus was on honoring the men who had the courage to share their deeply personal, often painful stories with us, on camera, for the world to see. These films were about capturing and preserving those stories in a way that could resonate with and impact others. We wanted to put their messages in a bottle, so to speak, to share them with the masses.
Given that our approach is always purpose first and profit second, we didn’t dwell on the tens of thousands of dollars we were losing. The decision to invest heavily in these films, without any guarantee of a financial return, was driven purely by our belief in the power of the stories that were told and the importance of getting them out there.
As for how we reconcile these situations, we put up the money first and commit fully to our message. We trust that if we remain true to our purpose, the right outcomes will follow — financial or otherwise. We’ll soon release those videos and see what happens. But honestly, the outcome isn’t something we try to control. We pray that these films reach the right people and make a difference. If that eventually leads to financial benefits, we’ll be extremely grateful. If it doesn’t, we’ll continue to move forward, focusing on the next thing that allows us to serve others.
In essence, we’ve learned to accept that financial profitability may not always align with our purpose in the short term. But in the long term, we believe that by staying true to our mission, we’ll create something far more valuable — both for the people we serve and for ourselves.
What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs who wish to start a purpose-driven business?
My advice is to do everything you can to truly understand your purpose. Take the time to connect deeply with what drives you and how your business can serve as an instrument to bring that purpose into the world. It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of how your business aligns with your core message, and how it can effectively communicate that message to others.
Once you’ve established your purpose, the next challenge is figuring out how to monetize it. This is essential because without the proper financial resources, your message will never reach the audience it’s meant to impact. However, it’s important not to bend out of fear of profit or loss. Stay true to your message and your principles, even when it’s difficult.
The real challenge lies in finding a way to make your purpose-driven business profitable enough to sustain itself while remaining authentic to your mission. This isn’t an easy path to try and take. But, by sticking to your principles and pushing yourself to rise to the occasion, you’ll be able to build something that not only survives but thrives. It’s this consistency and commitment that will ultimately give you the resources and staying power to get your message out to the world.
In essence, start by understanding your purpose and aligning your business with it. Then, challenge yourself to find a financial path that allows you to sustain and develop that purpose, without compromising on your core values.
What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Purpose-Driven Business.” If you can, please share a story or example for each.
- The first thing you need is a clear understanding of your purpose. That means knowing why you’re here, why God created you, and how your business can emulate that to benefit others. Remember that purpose isn’t self-serving; it’s always about serving others. For example, at The Forge, our purpose is to help men discover their sovereignty and become better leaders, protectors, and providers. This purpose guides everything we do, as it should for you. It’s crucial, because aligning your business with your true purpose makes it resilient, even in the face of challenges. Purpose-driven businesses are inherently riskier than profit-driven ones, but when you’re aligned with what you’re meant to do, you’ll be better equipped to navigate those risks.
- Organization is key to sustaining and growing a purpose-driven business. Many people have wonderful ideas and a strong conviction to make a difference. But, without structure, those ideas can’t be executed effectively. Back when we started producing our podcasts and live events, we had to build an organized system to manage everything — from pre-production to post-production, and from event planning to execution. Without that level of organization, even the best intentions can’t sustain you. You need to structure your operations in a way that ensures sustainability and allows for growth.
- You need the loyalty of others — those in your immediate circle, your team, and your supporters. It’s essential to communicate your message clearly and in a way that resonates with others, earning their buy-in and support. For instance, when we decided to create short films and documentaries, it required the unwavering support of our team. They believed in the mission and were willing to work tirelessly, even when the financial return wasn’t immediate. Their loyalty was crucial to bringing those projects to life.
- Absolutely nothing happens without a strong work ethic. In a purpose-driven business, the challenges are even greater than in a traditional for-profit business. My work ethic starts at 40 hours a week, but that’s just the baseline. There have been weeks where I’ve worked as many as 126 hours. And, when we were launching The Forge, it wasn’t uncommon for me to work 80-hour weeks to ensure everything was running smoothly. Success in a purpose-driven business requires a relentless work ethic and a willingness to go above and beyond.
- You have to have the perseverance to stick to your principles and represent your message at all costs. There will be times when your best intentions are met with resistance or disagreement. In a purpose-driven business, where principles guide your actions, you will inevitably face opposition. There was the time I spoke at the Men’s Summit in Parker, Colorado, and I knew my message wouldn’t align with everyone in the room — especially in such a conservative setting. But I stood by my message, and through perseverance, I was able to connect with the audience in a meaningful way. Perseverance is what allows you to stay true to your purpose, even when the path gets tough.
I’m interested in how you instill a strong sense of connection with your team. How do you nurture a culture where everyone feels connected to your mission? Could you share an example or story that showcases how your purpose has positively influenced or motivated people on your team to contribute?
Building a strong connection with your team starts with leadership, but not in the traditional sense of authority or control. True leadership, especially in a purpose-driven business, begins with vulnerability. Vulnerability is a form of humility, which is essential for pursuing truth and integrity — values that are the foundation of any mission-driven company.
When you, as a leader, are willing to be vulnerable, it shows your team that you’re committed to living the values of your organization, even when it’s difficult. They need to know that what you tell them is the absolute truth, even if it doesn’t always reflect well on you. There have been times when I’ve had to walk into a room and say, “I made a few decisions this morning, and they were mistakes. Here’s the outcome.” This sets the tone for the entire team. When they see you pursuing truth and integrity, not only are they more likely to do the same, but they’ll also feel a deeper connection to the mission.
One specific challenge we faced at The Forge was helping the team understand the unique nature of our work. While I’m the one out there delivering the message at events, on podcasts, and during live appearances, their work behind the scenes is just as crucial. It took some time to get everyone to see that even though they’re not the ones on stage, their efforts are what make it possible for me to go out and deliver our message effectively. To do so, I had to share with them my own fears about going out there alone, and how much I rely on the preparation, loyalty, and support from each of them.
Once they understood this, their connection to the mission grew stronger. As a result, they began to see their work not just as tasks, but as essential contributions to our shared calling. It’s a shift that has positively influenced the entire team, motivating them to give their best because they know their work is integral to the success of our purpose. It’s this culture of mutual trust, vulnerability, and commitment to truth that binds us together and drives us forward.
Imagine we’re sitting down together two years from now, looking back at your company’s last 24 months. What specific accomplishments would have to happen for you to be happy with your progress?
Two years from now, to be truly happy with our progress, we’d need to have 100,000 members on our platform. Not only that, but I’d want each of them to be receiving at least 500% value from our services. These numbers aren’t just metrics — they represent the impact we know we can have on the people who need it most.
To achieve this, we need to focus on honing our message and ensuring that it reaches exactly the right audience. If we can attract 100,000 members, it’s a clear indicator that we’ve dialed in our messaging to resonate with those who need it most, and that our community is growing steadily.
There’s a lot of business strategy behind reaching those numbers, but at the core, it’s about staying fully committed to our message. If we stay true to this commitment, not only will we reach our membership goal, but we’re also likely to find that it was easier than we initially thought, and all because we stayed focused on what truly matters.
Looking back after two years, I’d consider that to be a significant accomplishment, knowing that we’ve remained true to our mission while expanding our reach and impact.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
The movement I would inspire — the one that I believe would bring the most good to the most people — is the empowerment of men in the pursuit of masculine sovereignty. Over the past half-century, we’ve seen a significant shrinking of the masculine, creating a void that has forced women to step into roles and responsibilities that were once balanced between the genders.
By empowering men to pursue sovereignty — through humility, truth, and love — they can rediscover their purpose and become the best leaders, providers, and protectors for their families and communities. This isn’t about dominance; it’s about restoring balance. When men embrace their roles with integrity and purpose, we restore equilibrium within the family and, by extension, within society as a whole.
This movement has the potential to reduce conflicts around the world. It will allow women the freedom to fully express their femininity, without being burdened by the void left by shrinking masculinity. Men, in turn, will find renewed purpose, putting down distractions and conveniences, and focusing on what truly matters — strengthening their families, communities and, ultimately, our global human family.
By restoring this balance, we can pave the way for a more harmonious existence, where both men and women can thrive in their natural roles, free from unnecessary conflict and empowered to live with greater purpose and freedom.
How can our readers further follow your work or your company online?
To find out more about The Forge, please visit our website at www.the-forge.life and our Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theforgeofficial/. You can also follow our podcast over at https://www.youtube.com/@theforgepodcastbyadam/featured.
To follow what I’m doing — including my work with The Forge — you can follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamfeuersteinofficial.
This was great. Thanks for taking time for us to learn more about you and your business. We wish you continued success!
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience as the Founder and CEO of multiple companies. He launched Choice Recovery, Inc., a healthcare collection agency, while going to The Ohio State University, His team earned national recognition, twice being ranked as the #1 business to work for in Central Ohio. In 2018, Chad launched [re]start, a career development platform connecting thousands of individuals in collections with meaningful employment opportunities, He sold Choice Recovery on his 25th anniversary and in 2023, sold the majority interest in [re]start so he can focus his transition to Built to Lead as an Executive Leadership Coach. Learn more at www.chadsilverstein.com
Purpose Before Profit: Adam Feuerstein Of The Forge On The Benefits Of Running A Purpose-Driven… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.