Last Wednesday, I found myself walking into a room full of strangers in Austin, Texas. I didn’t know a soul in person. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was there to honor a man I had never met face to face—John Ruhlin.

We had developed a virtual friendship over the past year and a half. We'd messaged, traded stories, and planned to record a podcast together in August. But life had other plans. John passed away suddenly on August 4th, just days before I was set to fly to St. Louis to meet him. I never got to shake his hand. But I already knew his heart.

John lived by one radical idea: that relationships can take you places marketing can’t™. And he didn’t just say it—he embodied it. Through his book Gift•ology, his work, and his way of living, he left a legacy of generosity that continues to ripple outward.

So when I was invited by Mike Dawid—John’s neighbor and one of his best friends—I booked a flight without hesitation. Sharlia from the Gift•ology team made it official and graciously gave me a seat at the main table. There I sat with John’s wife Lindsay Ruhlin, Justin Donald, Jesse Flocken, Nick Najjar, and their amazing wives. (My wife Brittany couldn’t be there, but I know she would’ve loved every moment of it.)

As I looked around the room, I was surrounded by generosity and warmth. These people weren’t just there for a book launch. They were there to carry a legacy forward.

But what I’ll never forget was watching John’s daughters, especially Reagan—so strong, composed, and present. The entire event was a masterclass in what happens when someone truly lives a life of purpose. It wasn’t a funeral. It wasn’t a marketing event. It was a movement fueled by love.

Throughout the day, they held both silent and live auctions. Coaching packages, experiences, products—all generously donated. Then two auctioneers stepped up to auction off a vintage Kiko Auctions hat. Rusty and Gene Kiko, from Canton, Ohio.

That name stopped me in my tracks.

See, I come from a farming family in Stark County, Ohio. The Kiko name was sacred in our circles. My grandpa, my uncles, my cousins—they all knew and worked with the Kikos. My cousin John worked there his whole life. My Uncle Dale put all the signs in for over a decade. That name was part of my family’s story.

So there I was, in Austin, hearing the Kikos auction off a $20 hat that felt like a time capsule from my childhood. I felt my grandpa’s presence so strongly. I knew he would’ve been proud of me. I raised my hand and bought the hat—for $1,000. And I had them autograph it. Sacred. Full circle. No coincidence.

Then came the auction for five special copies of Beyond Giftology, John’s final book, each signed by Lindsay and the Ruhlin girls.

That’s when Adam Stock stood up and said he would match the sale of every book, up to $25,000 total—$5,000 per book.

People started raising their hands. One, two, I bought the third book, then four. And then there was a pause and a stillness in the room. Adam got back up and came to the front of the stage and grabbed the mic and said two things, “Remember what John would always say…give til it hurts? And… What’s the cost of an idea that can change your life?

That’s when I raised my hand again.

I didn’t need another book. But I knew I needed to give. Because John always challenged us to give until it hurt. I couldn’t imagine the pain his wife and daughters are in as they navigate life without John. It was the least I could do. John has inspired me so much and his legacy even more.

Meeting Lindsay and seeing her love for John, his legacy, and her faith in Jesus was a sight to be seen. She is a strong well spoken woman who gave a powerful message to the audience. She shook everyone's hand and gave hugs at the end of the night and I have a feeling it won’t be long before the Ruhlin women are making boss moves in the radical generosity department. 

Now, I own two copies of Beyond Giftology—both signed by the people who mattered most to John. One will stay in my family forever. The other? I’m going to give it away. Maybe to someone who needs to learn what true generosity looks like. Or maybe to someone building a legacy of their own.

And here’s the part that gives me chills:

John Ruhlin was born on March 16th. 3/16.

And if you knew anything about John, you know he loved Jesus. So tell me it's a coincidence that the man who taught the world how to give like Christ was born on John 3:16? You can’t make this stuff up.

To honor John’s birthday, I released a special tribute podcast on March 16th. It’s a mix of some older clips, voice notes, and a powerful segment from my interview with Cameron Herold—someone John loved and admired.

Please take some time and listen to it here.
It’s my way of saying thank you to a man whose legacy touched me deeply.

And if you want to help me carry this legacy forward:
Buy two copies of Beyond Giftology. Keep one. Give the other away.
Because someone in your life needs this book. And generosity has a funny way of multiplying when we give it away.

Thank you, John. For everything.
I’ll keep giving until it hurts. And I’ll never forget you.