PEORIA MAGAZINE October 2023

S P O T L I G H T

THE BIBLE AS A BUSINESS MODEL Lighthouse Buick GMC in Morton practices the Golden Rule and moves a few (thousand) vehicles, too

BY STEVE STEIN PHOTOS BY RON JOHNSON

F aith and business can mix. They make it very clear what drives them personally and professionally in a listing of Lighthouse’s “strategic values,” which have a prominent place both at the dealership at 100 W. Jackson St. in the Tazewell County community and on the company’s website. Principles: “The Bible will be our com pass and our guide.” Ethics: “The implementation of Bibli cal principles as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.” So important are those values to the That’s what the owners of Lighthouse Buick GMC in Mor ton firmly believe.

dealership’s owners that they’re list ed ahead of “creating an atmosphere where employees like to come to work,” “exceeding customers’ expectations,” and making a profit. A pocket Bible is placed in the glove box or center con sole of every car sold at Lighthouse. “We believe in the Judeo-Christian Biblical worldview. If you live accord ing to God’s values, good things will happen. They’re like guideposts on a mountain road,” said Bart Rinken berger, who began working at Light house in 1997 and now is one of the dealership’s three minority owners. “We know God will provide us with everything we need to meet our business goals,” Rinkenberger said. “We’re not

perfect people here, but when you do the right things, that builds trust with your customers.” That theme also permeates the busi ness philosophy of brothers Matt and Keith Grimm, who share minority own ership with Rinkenberger, their cousin. “I wouldn’t say our religious beliefs give us an advantage in business, but they do let our customers know how we will treat them,” Matt Grimm said. “We live how Jesus calls us to live. I think people feel that and know they can trust us.” Keith Grimm said Lighthouse custom ers appreciate “knowing we’re always committed to doing the right thing.”

80 OCTOBER 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE