Chris Widener, motivational speaker hall-of-famer mentored by Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn & John Maxwell, shares his journey to impacting lives - this show is about believing in yourself.

Chris Widener's 10 Close The Deal Mindset Success Quotes:

1. "Be a voice, not an echo."
2. "If this is the lowest point of your life, I can’t imagine how great your highest point will be."
   (What his wife Denise told him when he was at rock bottom.)
3. "When someone successful says, ‘I believe in you,’ it’s like they’re loaning you belief in yourself."
4. "I couldn’t be Zig Ziglar or Jim Rohn- I had to become the best version of Chris Widener."
5. "People don’t have a political problem - we have a spiritual problem."
6. "Your personal life and relationships will always impact your business performance."
7. "Some people undermine themselves because they don’t think they deserve success."
8. "The turning point in my life came when someone told me, 'God has a purpose for your life.'"
9. "Treating people with kindness and integrity isn’t just ethical—it’s a winning business strategy."
10. "You can build an empire without losing your soul."

Learn more about Chris Widener:

https://chriswidener.com/

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Mentorship, Redemption & Revival: Chris Widener’s Journey on the Close The Deal Podcast

In this episode of the Close The Deal podcast, host Ewell Smith welcomes bestselling author, speaker, and faith-based entrepreneur Chris Widener for a deep, raw, and inspiring conversation. From humble beginnings and personal hardship to rubbing shoulders with Zig Ziglar and Jim Rohn, Chris’s journey is one of resilience, mentorship, and belief.

Chattanooga Eats and Conversation Starters

Every episode begins with a bit of flavor—literally. Chris shares his favorite restaurants in Chattanooga, a town he admits doesn't rival his former home of Scottsdale in culinary diversity but still offers a few gems. Among them are the steakhouse at the Reed House Hotel, Tacoria Halco for high-end Mexican, Main Street Market, a small Italian spot called Bacino, and his top pick, Sidetrack, known for its almond-encrusted red snapper. It’s a fun opening that reminds us how food connects people—and how every good conversation starts over a good meal.

Overcoming Loss and Finding Purpose

Chris shares a powerful and emotional story about losing his father at just four years old. His dad was a successful architect in Seattle, earning $90,000 in 1969—yet only left behind a $30,000 life insurance policy. What followed was years of instability: 28 different homes, 11 schools, and two stints living with relatives. By the sixth grade, Chris was using drugs. He was making money at the horse track and living without direction.

But something unexpected changed his path: a job as a ball boy for the Seattle Supersonics. It gave him a window into excellence, work ethic, and mentorship that would begin to shift his mindset.

The $24,000 Flower Pot Deal at Age 14

One of the most fascinating stories in the episode is Chris’s flower pot hustle at 14. A co-worker of his mother’s gave him the opportunity to sell a new self-watering flower pot. Chris surprised everyone by landing a purchase order for 24,000 units from a regional chain, earning $1 per pot.

But the man who gave him the opportunity got scared and backed out of the deal, unable to handle the idea of success. Chris uses this story to illustrate a deeper truth: many people subconsciously sabotage themselves because they don’t believe they’re worthy of success. It’s a vivid example of why belief—both in yourself and from others—is so powerful.

The Power of Someone Saying ‘I Believe in You’

Chris shares several stories about the impact of mentorship throughout his life, from a youth pastor who introduced him to faith and purpose, to a senior executive at Mars Candy who began sending him monthly checks to support his dream of planting a church. Chris had never asked for help, yet this man saw something in him and simply said, “I believe in you.”

That moment stuck with him—and shaped how he supports others today. Later, Chris would work with personal development legends like Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, and John Maxwell. These icons poured into him, helping shape his voice and encouraging him to be his authentic self—not a copy, but the best version of Chris Widener.

From Pulpit to Platform: A Life Built on Service

After years in ministry, Chris transitioned into speaking, coaching, and writing full time. Whether planting churches or writing bestselling books, he’s always been driven by one goal: helping people become who they were meant to be.

One piece of advice he gives often is this: “Be a voice, not an echo.” Don’t just repeat what others say. Do the inner work to discover your own truth. That mindset helped him stand out in a sea of speakers, finding success by being uniquely himself.

The Coming American Revival: A Spiritual Solution to a Divided Nation

As the conversation progresses, Chris and Ewell dig into the spiritual state of America. Chris shares the motivation behind his newest book, The Coming American Revival. He believes that America doesn’t have a political problem—it has a spiritual one.

Chris makes the case that if we followed timeless principles—love your neighbor, be honest, show patience, treat others with dignity—we could radically transform our homes, communities, and institutions. Revival, he says, starts not in Washington, but in the hearts of everyday people choosing to live with purpose, character, and faith.

Business with Kindness and Integrity

The episode also explores how successful businesses can be both profitable and principled. Chris contrasts toxic leadership styles like those of Gordon Ramsay or Steve Jobs with companies like Chick-fil-A and Dick’s Drive-In in Seattle, who treat employees well and operate with integrity.

He praises Chick-fil-A for closing on Sundays and still outperforming competitors, and Dick’s Drive-In for offering above-market pay and college tuition to staff. These stories underscore a simple truth: treating people well is not just good ethics—it’s good business.

Closing Thoughts from Chris Widener

Chris ends the episode with a reminder that who you are matters more than what you do. His best advice: “Be a voice, not an echo.” Discover your purpose, lean into your uniqueness, and live a life of service. Whether you're in business, ministry, or still figuring things out, the way you treat others—and yourself—makes all the difference.

Want to Connect with Chris?

Chris offers coaching for entrepreneurs and leaders, especially those who want to build businesses with faith and purpose at the core.

Email: chris@chriswidner.com
Website: www.ChrisWidner.com



Final Word from Ewell Smith

If you're just starting out, don’t wait for mentorship to find you—go out and seek it. Be intentional. Put yourself around people of character and wisdom. The earlier you do this, the faster your future comes forward.