The 2008 Market Crisis Took Nearly Everything - A Business Leader’s Story of Starting Over

Sarabeth Stone
1 day ago
5 min read

By Sarabeth Stone

Psalm 107 calls every person to “[G]ive thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!” Surrounded by God’s goodness are people suffering in extreme lack of material need, in darkness, affliction, pride, rebellion, and wandering in the deep. Each group is in great distress, and then “they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their [tight place, anguish, affliction, sorrow].” The bookends of this incredible psalm are the unceasingly good nature of our Heavenly Father and the promise that when we cry out for Him, He answers with deliverance. That deliverance, every time, is Himself. Relationship with the One Who knows us, knows our deepest pains, and is the very way out.

Paul Kirkland and his son Tripp were in the dark, the deep, and the difficult at various times in their lives – even facing a loss of all Paul had built as a successful businessman due to the 2008 financial crisis. Yet God proved faithful when they cried out for His help and wisdom. Tripp and Paul shared some of their business journey at the February South Carolina Christian Consortium luncheon, offering a great deal of inspiration and real-time encouragement for business owners, leaders, and employees.

Retain Resilience Amidst Loss

“Dad was a real estate developer, so the 2008 crash hit our family hard,” shared Tripp. “We lost nearly everything. Dad sat us all down – I was just a kid – and said that we were all going to have to pitch in, selling everything and working to earn income to get us back on our feet.”

When their pastor discovered they were down on their luck, he offered his striping machine to Tripp’s father Paul. The machine had helped fund the pastor’s way through seminary so he thought it could help the family get back on their feet. That machine was the first step to what has become two successful companies owned and operated by the Kirklands: The Striping Experts, an elite pavement repair and patching company in the Upstate, as well as Pavelogic, an inter-state management company that helps pavement maintenance companies boost efficiencies, minimize losses, and protect profitability. In short, the Kirklands turned hardship into profit not just for themselves but for others – striving to help both employees and business leaders maintain success and reduce risk.

For Tripp, this family struggle established early on that God is trustworthy and faithful – no matter how uncertain a situation seems. Second to that pillar of truth, giving became a guiding principle for him in life and business. He emphasized that giving must be the first priority for everyone, whether we are a manager, owner, or employee – because, as he says, “In a life of no guarantees, giving ensures our life isn’t wasted.”

Consider Yourself a Fiduciary

Today, the Kirkland’s companies center on doing things exceedingly well. They foster an elite business model in an industry known for taking shortcuts.

“We consider ourselves fiduciaries,” shared Paul. “We use best practices for our industry and frequently make decisions that are a loss for us financially, simply because it’s the right thing to do for a customer. It’s in our DNA to do things the right way even if it hurts.”

The Kirklands not only maintain high standards for work ethic and output, they are also diligent to follow the law. Neither of their companies hire illegal immigrants, a rarity for their industry, while they do assist some employees with H2B visa applications. They also abide by regulations when it comes to using toxic, environmentally damaging materials. Since 2017, the use of coal tar has been banned in the city of Greenville (following the lead of many other U.S. cities and states), due to its carcinogenic, cancer-causing properties. Even exposure to aerosolized fumes of coal tar and coal tar pitch are known to significantly increase the risk of lung and other respiratory cancers. Unfortunately, most paving and sealant companies in Greenville still use the product despite the ban.

Mentor Employees

The Striping Experts company is always on the lookout for people who bring an honest, hardworking work ethic with them. Managing contracts with such major brands as Ingles and Prisma across 6 states, demand for good employees is high.

“When we are out working, you’ll notice that our trucks are very clean,” continued Paul. “Our employees don’t smoke or vape onsite. As a company we are focused on leaving everything better than we find it.” That includes their own employees. “I am a teacher and a coach at heart,” added Paul. “So it is easy for me to take care of my staff, those who come in and are faithful to work hard and do great work every day.”

Tripp takes after his father when it comes to mentoring employees. He developed a financial literacy program, the principles of which are shared with employees to help them manage their income for long-term financial sustainability and profitability. Tripp’s focus, when he talks about money, success or prosperity, always starts with giving.

“When you give first, you’re building all the muscles to be successful, in business and finance,” explained Tripp. “It also sets a pattern for fruitfulness in your own life, as you get used to living below your means and stewarding what you have.”

The Kirkland’s story demonstrates the good fruit that can come for every person who may face the earth-shattering difficulty of losing everything and having to start over. We cannot become more bitter and selfish on the other side of hardship – be it professional or personal. As the Psalmist David, we can cry out to Father God in our distress, allowing Him to answer, one step at a time, as He carries us through and turns it all for our good. Only the Redeemer’s hands can remold our ugliest losses and most difficult trials into something beautiful and worthwhile. As we walk out His deliverance to the other side, we will look more like Him: leaders, managers, employees – people – who do what is right even when it costs us more, who meaningfully and selflessly serve others, and who give generously first.

Sarabeth Stone is a wife, mother, and freelance writer residing in the Upstate. Her background centers around public affairs and communications work with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit entities, and small and mid-sized organizations from a variety of industries.

Located in the Upstate, The South Carolina Christian Consortium empowers business leaders to view the marketplace as the mission field by providing the network, resources, and biblical foundation to transform work opportunities into ministry. We equip leaders to steward their unique talents as kingdom tools (Matt. 15:14-30; Mark 9:50) and foster connections that boost influence and impact.

Compartmentalized Christianity in business is ineffective—it’s time to unite with resolute purpose and set our faces like flint toward kingdom advancement (Is. 50:7). Your leadership, your organization can be the salt and light that transforms South Carolina.