I’m Randy Gunderson—a father, business professional, and someone who believes many of the most important lessons in life are the ones we’re rarely taught in school.

I didn’t write Built on Purpose because I have life completely figured out. I wrote it because I don’t.

Like most people, I’ve learned some lessons through good decisions and others through mistakes, failures, hard seasons, work, relationships, and simply living life.

Over the years, I kept coming back to one question:

What do I wish someone had sat down and taught me when I was 16?

How money really works. How to build credit without letting debt control you. How to choose a career. How to prepare for independence. How to make wise decisions. How to learn from failure. How to build healthy relationships. And, most importantly, how faith in God fits into all of it.

That question eventually became Built on Purpose.

My goal isn’t to tell young people exactly how they should live their lives. Much of what I share is my own opinion and perspective, shaped by my experiences and Christian faith. My goal is to give them practical information, principles to think about, questions to ask, and a foundation they can build on.

I believe life can be hard and that things aren’t simply handed to you. But I also believe that when you put God first, work hard, make wise decisions, take responsibility, and learn from failure, you can build a great life.

And I believe there’s an even bigger reason to build it.

To serve others.

Financial stability, knowledge, success, influence, and independence shouldn’t only improve our own lives. They give us a greater ability to help our families, serve our communities, support people in need, encourage others, and make a difference wherever God places us.

That’s ultimately what Built on Purpose is about:

Build a great life. Then use it to serve others.