I’ve always had a dream: one day, I want to tell my story from the stage. Not for fame. Not for recognition. But because I believe my story—my pain, my addiction, my failures, my redemption—can wake people up to the truth that God still writes comeback stories.
“Just having a story isn’t enough. You need the platform to match it.”
But here’s the truth nobody tells you: speakers get on big stages not just because they survived something, they get there because they built something first. They built a business. A platform. A following. And whether we like it or not, credibility often comes with reach.
I always knew I had the story. I just needed the platform to match it.
The Years That Broke Me… and Built Me
For 19 years, I battled addiction. Every failure, every low, every moment I thought I couldn’t go on, those years left scars, but they also left lessons. Lessons in humility, surrender, and the power of God’s grace.
I nearly lost everything. My health, my relationships, my dignity. But through surrender, obedience, and faith, God restored me. He freed me from the chains I’d carried for nearly two decades.
“I knew my story mattered. I just needed people to hear it.”
Early Speaking Attempts: Learning the Hard Way
In 2018, I thought I was ready. I stepped onto stages, spoke at small events, tried to lead small groups at my church. I was determined. I wanted to share hope.
And I failed, sometimes quietly, sometimes painfully. The groups didn’t stick. Some speaking gigs didn’t go anywhere. I remember the frustration, the self-doubt, the moments of wondering if my dream would ever become reality.
“Nothing is wasted. You’re just not finished.” —God’s whisper in my darkest moments
Every failure, every delay, every detour, looking back, it was preparation.
I Thought It Was The Chris & Sandy Show…
Then, in 2020, Sandy and I launched The Chris & Sandy Show.
We thought, “This is it. This is the door.”
And in many ways, it was.
- Over 600 guests, from Grammy winners to Hall of Famers
- Actors, TV personalities, rising artists
- Built credibility, relationships, and influence
“The show taught me how to connect, communicate, and hold space for others, but it still wasn’t the platform I needed.”
The Pivot: Enter The Customized Ride
Then came the pivot, a world I never imagined: custom and classic cars.
It caught fire.
In just three years:
- Over 550,000 followers
- More than 250 million video views
- A loyal, engaged community
- A platform growing faster than anything we’d ever built
This wasn’t luck. It wasn’t hype. It was momentum. And for the first time, I felt like I had the business piece speakers often build before they ever step on a stage.
“Finally, I had the reach, the credibility, and the influence to match the story burning inside me.”
Seeing the Puzzle Come Together
Looking back, I can finally see it: everything was a puzzle.
- Addiction taught me humility and surrender
- Marriage and family taught me foundation and love
- Early speaking attempts taught me perseverance and timing
- The Chris & Sandy Show taught me connection and storytelling
- The Customized Ride gave me platform, reach, and influence
“Nothing was wasted. Every piece was preparing me for this moment, the moment my story could meet the audience it was meant to reach.”
My Dream Isn’t Just a Dream Anymore
I still want to stand on those stages. I still want to tell my story. But now, I can see it clearly.
I have the story. I have the platform. I have the audience. I have the credibility. I have the tribe. And most importantly, I have the momentum.
“This isn’t about cars. This is about calling.”
To Anyone Waiting for Their Moment
If you’re reading this and feeling behind, discouraged, or frustrated, hear me: your delays are not denial. The pieces of your puzzle are falling into place, even if you can’t see it yet.
“Every season is preparation for the stage you haven’t stepped on… yet.”
Nothing God is shaping in you is wasted. Not the pain. Not the setbacks. Not the detours. Not the false starts.
One Day, the Stage Will Be Mine
When I walk onto that stage, I won’t just be standing there with a story. I’ll be standing on:
- Addiction overcome
- Marriage restored
- God’s grace in motion
- Years of obedience
- Millions reached online
- A platform built piece by piece
“Every piece of the puzzle will be there. Every scar, every lesson, every late-night hustle… it will all line up.”
And when that day comes, I’ll smile. Because I’ll know: every piece was worth it.
“And the best part? This is just the beginning.”
