In this episode Alex Melvin, third-generation owner and CEO of Rural King, joins the hosts for a candid conversation that begins with a backyard chicken story and grows into a deep discussion about faith, leadership, and stewardship.
Alex shares his personal journey to Christ — a life-changing moment in 2018 while reading Luke 12 — and how that relationship reshaped his priorities, marriage, and struggles with addiction and comparison. He explains how learning to wait for God’s peace changed the way he makes decisions.
The conversation covers concrete ways faith shaped the business: the RK Cares foundation, a company-wide chaplaincy program, the Harvest of Hope concert, renewed focus on associates and community, and thoughtful growth plans (including stores coming to the South). Alex also lays out Rural King’s six areas of differentiation: price, product categories, merchandising, brand, customer experience (popcorn, live chicks, dogs in stores), and services.
Practical advice for leaders: avoid comparison, seek wise counsel, learn to hear God’s timing, and distinguish true risk from fear-driven risk. The episode closes with a short prayer and encouragement for leaders who want to steward their business for eternal impact.
