Five Leadership Lessons on Building a Nonprofit
In the latest episode of Signature Required, Tennessee entrepreneur and nonprofit leader Tommy Rhodes shares his incredible journey as the founder and executive director of Barefoot Republic. This Christ-centered camp, based just outside Nashville, brings together children from diverse racial, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, creating a unique environment for personal growth and reconciliation. Tommy’s story of leaving behind a PhD program at Vanderbilt University to follow his calling is not only inspiring but packed with valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the challenges of building a successful nonprofit in Tennessee. Whether you’re an aspiring business owner or a seasoned leader, these five key takeaways from Tommy’s journey will resonate.
1. Follow Your Calling, Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense
Entrepreneurship often requires taking risks, and Tommy’s story is a perfect example of following your gut instinct, even when it doesn’t seem logical. As a PhD student at Vanderbilt, Tommy was on a clear academic and professional path, but something deeper called him toward building a nonprofit. “I felt this emptiness, even though I was achieving success,” Tommy explained. He chose to sell his possessions and launch Barefoot Republic, a camp designed to foster diversity and community among children.
This is a key lesson for entrepreneurs and business leaders: success doesn’t always follow a conventional path. Sometimes, the most impactful business decisions are the ones that take you outside your comfort zone. Tennessee is home to countless entrepreneurs who have followed a similar journey—trusting their vision, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
2. Lead with a Clear Mission Rooted in Values
For any business or nonprofit to thrive, it must be driven by a clear mission. Barefoot Republic’s focus on diversity, unity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything it does. “We wanted to reflect what heaven looks like—every tribe, nation, and tongue coming together,” Tommy shared. This vision guides not only the camp’s programming but also its fundraising and outreach efforts.
In Tennessee’s fast-growing business community, purpose-driven entrepreneurship is key. Whether you're launching a startup in Nashville or leading a nonprofit in Chattanooga, having a mission that’s aligned with your core values is essential. As Tommy’s story shows, a clear and compelling mission isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.
3. Vulnerability Builds Authentic Connection
In today’s world, business leaders and entrepreneurs often feel the pressure to project strength and certainty. But Tommy’s leadership at Barefoot Republic is a testament to the power of vulnerability. He shares openly about his childhood struggles growing up in a low-income, single-parent household and how those experiences shaped his vision for the camp. “I wanted to create an environment where kids could feel safe enough to share,” Tommy explained.
For leaders and entrepreneurs, vulnerability can be a powerful tool. By creating an environment where openness is encouraged, you foster authentic connections with your team, customers, or community. Whether you’re building a business in Tennessee or leading a nonprofit, don’t be afraid to show your human side—it can be one of your greatest leadership assets.
4. Adapt and Innovate to Meet Community Needs
No matter the industry, successful entrepreneurship requires adaptability. Barefoot Republic started as a summer camp, but Tommy quickly realized that to meet the community’s needs—and to make the camp financially sustainable—he had to innovate. “We began offering parent-child weekends, family retreats, and using our facilities as a retreat center,” he said. This shift allowed Barefoot Republic to generate additional revenue while continuing to fulfill its core mission.
Business leaders in Tennessee, especially those in fast-changing markets like Nashville, can learn from this approach. Whether you're running a nonprofit or launching a tech startup, the ability to pivot and explore new opportunities can make the difference between surviving and thriving. Entrepreneurs must remain flexible and creative, always looking for ways to better serve their market.
5. Sustainability Comes from Balancing Mission and Finances
One of the greatest challenges for nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs alike is finding the balance between mission and financial sustainability. Barefoot Republic provides scholarships to 60% of its campers, many of whom come from low-income families. “We’re committed to making this experience accessible to everyone, but that means we have to be smart about our finances,” Tommy explained.
For Tennessee entrepreneurs, particularly those building mission-driven businesses, this is a critical lesson. Financial sustainability doesn’t mean compromising your values; it means being strategic. Tommy’s approach—offering retreat services to subsidize scholarships—is a prime example of how businesses and nonprofits can maintain financial health while staying true to their purpose.
Listen to the Full Episode
Tommy Rhodes’ journey is a powerful example of what it takes to build a successful nonprofit and make an impact. His insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and balancing mission with sustainability provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a difference in Tennessee’s business or nonprofit sectors. To hear more about Tommy’s experiences and how he built Barefoot Republic, listen to the full episode of Signature Required. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, running a small business, or simply looking for leadership inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
