Investing in People: How Do You Guide a Small Business Ethically?

Creating a respectful and productive workplace is a balancing act. Momentum Makers, a time-tested, faith-based curriculum, cuts through the tension to get everyone on the same page.

When a team is divided, the work suffers. Character clashes and unrealistic expectations diminish company morale. Knowing how to deliver criticism respectfully—without causing offense—can be a struggle for employees at every level, from upper management to the newest hire.

“I want to wake up knowing that I’m doing the best job I can,” said Steven Boxley, owner of Boxley’s Services.

Early on, Boxley learned that hard work reaps rewards. When a team’s principles, ethics, and values align, it becomes a goal-oriented workforce better positioned to provide improved service, increase customer retention, and translate those efforts into higher profits for a small business.

As a second-generation small business owner and entrepreneur, Boxley balances the daily challenge of generating revenue with building character within the community. He serves as an Associate Minister at Albany’s Macedonia Baptist Church and the United Church of Saratoga.

Boxley strives to lead with integrity. More than a year ago, he teamed up with local leadership coaches—retired Saratoga Springs Police Chief and founder of Noble Cause Training and Development, Greg Veitch, and U.S. Navy veteran Jesse Davidson, owner of Duty First Leadership. Together, with the guidance of attorney Joel Roberts, they are bringing Momentum Makers to the Capital District.

Building Momentum

Momentum Makers was created 25 years ago by Kevin and Carol Hinman as a nonprofit, faith-based, character-building curriculum. In 2013, it was revised into a tool for shaping workplace culture at Towne Bank’s educational branch, Towne University, in Suffolk County, Virginia. Today, it has evolved into a resource for businesses, educational institutions, community-based groups, and law enforcement training programs.

Momentum Makers’ eight-module Professional Skills Series is taught by certified trainers, each of whom completes a 16-hour instructional course. By breaking the curriculum into approachable skill sets, the Momentum Makers team fosters professional development in ethics, team management, and communication skills.

Throughout the process, Momentum Makers helps answer questions and resolve conflicts. It addresses public speaking and self-assessment skills and follows up group workshop sessions with one-on-one mentoring calls.

“It gets everybody on the same page. When you have a business, you want to take care of that business and invest in it, but you might not know how. Projecting a professional image—and the other decision-making skills we teach—might not always be top of mind. You’re probably more focused on the bottom line or dealing with a crisis. However, building these skills benefits employees significantly. This approach is tried, true, and tested,” said Momentum Makers trainer Greg Veitch.

Beyond the Paycheck: Principles That Drive Motivation

The goal-oriented Momentum Makers Professional Skills Series provides certified trainers who build a framework of principles for businesses through seminars, assessments, writing reflections, and group discussions.

The program presents self-evaluation techniques, including the DISC Personality Type assessment, which categorizes behavior into Dominant, Influencer, Steady, and Conscientious character classifications. Materials emphasize respect for authority while maintaining individual dignity and a personal set of values, presented in a flexible, needs-based timeline that aligns with an organization’s goals.

“We’re sensitive to the fact that not everyone has time to devote a half-day to one topic. We adapt to fit into leadership groups,” said Boxley, who prioritizes cultivating local relationships while working within businesses’ budgets. Momentum Makers’ flexible framework is customizable and applicable to organizations willing to invest in their people “across the board,” said Veitch.

“We want to respect the job that everyone has to do and be fair with time and expectations. As business owners, we want to create a work-life balance for our teams while also ensuring the work gets done,” said Boxley. “The way we compete in the world today is by giving staff the opportunity to define best practices and be motivated by more than just a paycheck.”

Playing the Game

Navigating the winds of change takes refined skills and a clear aim. To garner motivation, invest in, and empower today’s workforce for a stronger tomorrow. Make momentum work for you.

“The point of retirement is to wake up and do what you want to do. Why not try to create that same feeling in the office today?” asks Boxley.

Learn new skills—and how to pass along the ones you’ve already developed—beginning with a FREE Momentum Makers consultation.

To learn more and register for the next complimentary Momentum Makers Virtual Open House on March 20, 2025, at 12 PM, visit https://momentum-makers.com.