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Thursday, March 28, 2024

For construction company owner, faith at work mirrors faith in life

Steven Arndorfer says it’s important “never to leave God at the door when doing my job.” Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit
Steven Arndorfer says it’s important “never to leave God at the door when doing my job.” Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit

Steven Arndorfer, 54

Company SMA Construction Inc.
Title Owner
Parish St. John the Baptist, New Brighton
Spouse Rita Anne
Children Luke, Grace, Jacob, Nathaniel
Volunteer activities Cub master Pack 93, Knights of Columbus deputy grand knight council No. 14250, lector, extraordinary minister, baseball coach, St. John the Baptist parish and school volunteer
Education Willmar Junior College 1982, Dunwoody Institute, 1990

What does leading with faith mean to you?

Having a good center in Christ, trusting in him, and then just going about my day, living on those terms.

How do you concretely apply your faith and Catholic values at work?

I do my best to live my faith in a secular world by sharing God’s word when I am able, helping others with their work when needed, giving an ear to those who need it, treating all those I work with fairly, and standing up for the dignity of all people, even those I may disagree with.

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Tell a story about a time when applying your faith at work really made a difference.

I was recently working on a project where the project manager was having anxieties over conflicts. As we worked our way through the project, we would converse about the job, about our faith [and] about what is really important in life. At the end of the project, she shared how calming I was for her because of our conversations. I am certain this was the Holy Spirit working through me.

Who or what has most inspired you to bring your faith to the marketplace?

People early in my career who would share their love for God, without shame, giving me a great example to follow. This has been instrumental in teaching me never to leave God at the door when doing my job.

What achievement at work are you most proud of?

That the people I work for know my mettle, which allows me to sign most all of my contracts with a handshake, not a pen. Trust begets trust.

In what specific ways have you experienced God’s presence in your workplace?

God has always been my protector. I have been saved from electrocution and severe falls, and I am certain he has saved me in many other instances of which I’m not aware. God has a plan for me.

What advice do you have for others who want to lead with faith?

Leading with faith is not so much of a prescribed itinerary, but more of a way you form your core, with the Trinity at its center, and then live your life accordingly. This is not just your faith at work, but your faith in life.

Never be ashamed of your life with Jesus; live his will, whether at home, work or play. Remember, “Deny me on earth, and I will deny you in heaven” (Mt 10:33).

I try to never be afraid to share the word of God — in word or action — with anyone, at anytime. Often, the people who I think will tell me to be quiet and go away are the ones who ask the most questions and want to hear his word the most.

 


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