Faith @ Work
“My mission is to be there for people in life’s toughest moments. And sometimes, it’s insurance,” Thomas Waters of State Farm says. Waters has served Alabamians through State Farm Insurance since 1991. He strives to make each client feel seen and valued through every interaction. “You only get one chance to serve people during their toughest moments,” he says. Waters believes that the value of a personal relationship has been highlighted since the COVID-19 pandemic began. “A personal relationship is second to none,” he adds. His goal is to draw people to the office by making them feel valued and seen. Waters seeks to reach people and change lives for the better through his business. During a discernment Bible study he went through in his 30’s, Waters decided he wanted to use his business as more than just a way to make a living. He wanted to use his business as a ministry and be a light in the city.
Reaching the Community. Waters strives to use what he is passionate about to reach those around him. As a graduate of Birmingham Southern College (BSC), Waters is passionate about music. He is currently a part of a southern gospel quartet called Meet Southern Harmony. The members all met during their years at BSC when they sang in the choir together. “Our whole goal is to communicate the grace of God to our audience,” Waters says. As a business owner, Waters sponsors Jazz in the Park. Over the last several years, he has connected with people by enjoying life through jazz music. “I’ve discovered that music is one of the few things that erases all the biases and gives a solid thing to rally around and enjoy no matter your race or social status,” Waters says, adding, “To me, it’s kind of a spiritual thing to see a crowd of folks that have seemingly little in common other than the music coming together.”
An avid cyclist, Waters also sponsors Hammies in Hoover as an avenue to draw families together. On November 14, 2021, families are invited to join this bike ride and spend quality time together. “We hope that by supporting it, that we can aid in growing this event to continue creating a sense of community and an opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors,” Waters says. Hammies in Hoover will take place at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. The trail is designed for all skill levels and promises to be a fun day for the whole family. Learn more at www.thehammies.com. Waters also uses his passion for cycling each year to ride toward a world free of Multiple Sclerosis during the annual Bike MS: Tour de Beach. In the five years since he began participating in this fundraising event, Waters and his team have raised nearly $60,000!
Giving Back. Waters served on the board at The Foundry and during that time learned about the Changed Lives Christian Center (CLCC). Since 2014, Waters and his team have served a meal every single third Tuesday each month. Waters’ business pays for, cooks, and serves the meals. “We estimate that since 2014, we have served over 7,000 meals.” If you are interested in learning how you can partner with CLCC, visit www.cl-cc.org.
A Word to Fellow Business Owners. When asked what encouragement he would give to other business owners who are considering using their business as a ministry, Waters responded, “Don’t be afraid. The rewards can be exponential.” He adds, “That doesn’t necessarily mean financial. But the sense of worth it brings you… it gives you a sense of purpose beyond the business.” He adds that when this happens, the people you serve feel the difference. “This is where tremendous satisfaction occurs as a business owner.”
To learn more about Thomas Waters State Farm, visit www.ThomasWaters.com or call 205-879-1988.
-Melissa Armstrong
