Entrepreneurial Giving

by Chad Ruyle

As a leader, I believe in giving back and serving others. I have realized over time that you must look at your strengths and figure out how you can take advantage of them to serve your community. I have been through many ups and downs as a business owner and entrepreneur. I can now identify how to maximize my talents and what I have to offer. For me, that consists of mentoring the up-and-coming, investing in education and assisting other entrepreneurs.

Chad Ruyle, BBA ‘00
President, Co-Founder; Fundloans.com 
San Diego, California

It is essential for me to mentor the future of my industry. As you grow in your field, you develop skills and experience challenges that help you make the right decisions to be successful. Leaders are called to pass that knowledge along to help others grow. I’m involved with Junior Achievement (JA), a nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people to succeed. Through JA’s entrepreneurship program, high school students prepare business plans which they present in a Shark Tank-style pitch. Through this, I can provide constructive feedback to the students so they can better establish their business models. As a leader, it is vital for me to encourage others as they start and grow their business.

I am passionate about education, and as an entrepreneurial leader, I want to help in any way I can. Over the past few years, I have taught and spoken at various universities, including Baylor. I have a strong affinity for Baylor as an alumnus. I love what the University is doing from a holistic standpoint with students, as it is a place for nurturing faith and encouraging entrepreneurial endeavors. Recently, I have spent time with both the Oso Launch program and the Baylor Angel Network, engaging with and supporting the students involved. Leaders should strive to further educational opportunities when possible.

I believe a good leader will assist those around them, providing the resources needed to succeed. As an entrepreneur, I understand the challenges to getting financing, not just for potential businesses but for a home as well. Many entrepreneurs have difficulty finding home loans due to their self-employed status. I co-founded Fundloans.com to address this very problem. Our niche is providing residential mortgages to people who are self-employed where banks aren’t able to assist. Homeownership is one of the most significant decisions people make. There is satisfaction in providing people with an opportunity to make that purchase.

To be a leader, you must be a servant first. Some people want to quickly get to a position of management where they believe leadership is just delegating. But the most influential leaders are those who come alongside others and work with them to help them grow. If you want to be a leader or even start your own business, find your strengths, take courageous risks and serve others to the best of your abilities.

Baylor Business Review, Spring 2023