Mike Made Jesus the CEO of His Detroit-Based Business
"We were having a great year in 2008. Our sales were up 20%, and we had just negotiated with two other businesses to join our team.
Office Express (OEX) in Troy, Michigan is a full-service office solutions provider offering a wide range of products and services - from quality office supplies and furniture to custom interior design and space planning - so businesses can outfit and optimize their workplaces efficiently and professionally.
Then, in late 2008, as we all know, the economy fell apart, and by the end of 2009 I wasn’t sure we could stay in business. We were having trouble meeting our financial obligations. I cut my salary down to minimum wage. I had one child in college and another just starting. All of a sudden, I was drowning in debt.
I was discussing my situation in a small men’s group that we had just started, and
one of the guys suggested that I enthrone my business to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I had faith and figured I had nothing to lose. I called John La Vasco, and he quickly made time to come out and oversee the ceremony. I invited many people to join us - people from our church, customers, and all of our employees. Honestly, it was a little uncomfortable displaying my faith in front of that many people and affirming that Jesus would be the CEO of our company. I was deeply moved by how many people showed up. It turned out to be a real blessing to have so many people praying for and supporting the business.
Slowly, things began to turn around. Our main supplier gave us extra time to pay our bills, which allowed us to get caught up with smaller suppliers. After a while, we were able to chip away at some of the debt as well. Little by little, people started coming back to work, and we noticed the business had changed in the process. We began selling more office furniture as people moved into smaller spaces and found they could afford new items because of their savings on rent.
I renewed my consecration every year, not necessarily with a big crowd of people, but with our employees. It was voluntary for them to come, and many of them were not Catholic, but I know they respected the values that Christianity has. We were able to pay off our debt and the business recovered. Several years later, I did a consecration to Jesus through Mary. Between these two consecrations, some significant changes came about in my business, which really began to thrive, and eventually led to the sale of the business to two key employees. Nine years later, I still work there and they share the same values. Jeff and Anna have had their business consecrated twice as well.
I highly encourage everyone to consecrate your business to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus. Doing this Is not a guarantee of success financially, but if you take the consecration seriously, I firmly believe that you will lead a better, happier life directed by the Holy Spirit."
Mike Carr
Current Owners of Office Express: Anna Sinagra and Jeffrey Eusebio
