About Steve Smith | Savage Executive

Steve Smith

COO, Rosedale Ministries · Fractional COO/CFO · Host, The Savage Executive Podcast

I help faith-driven leaders build organizations that last—with financial clarity, operational excellence, and wisdom that actually works.

For over 26 years, I've been in the trenches of business and ministry leadership. Fifteen years in sales taught me how to generate revenue. Eleven years running multi-entity operations taught me how to manage complexity. And a near-bankruptcy turnaround taught me what's possible when you combine discipline with wisdom.

Today I run a 160-person organization with multiple P&Ls, commercial real estate operations, and Maryland's largest private Christian school. I also serve a select group of CEOs as their fractional COO/CFO—bringing the same clarity and systems that transformed my organization to theirs.

The Turnaround Story

The defining moment that shaped everything I do today.

The Crisis

Eleven years ago, I was hired into a financial disaster. The organization had $40,000 in the bank with a $46,000 mortgage payment due. Six weeks from bankruptcy. Most people in their right mind would have walked away.

I told them straight: "You can't afford to hire me."

The pastor looked at me and said: "We can't afford NOT to hire you."

"We can't afford NOT to hire you."

The Turnaround

Within six months, we had $500,000 in reserves. Within twelve months, $1 million. Not through gimmicks or shortcuts—through financial discipline, operational clarity, and applying timeless wisdom to modern challenges.

That was eleven years ago. Today: millions in reserves, millions in real estate acquired, and eleven consecutive years operating under budget. Every single year.

$40K→$1M

In 12 Months

Years Under Budget

$15M+

Real Estate Acquired

160+

Employees Led

The Lesson

That experience taught me something I've carried into every engagement since: financial clarity isn't just about numbers. It's about creating the margin and momentum that lets you say yes to the right things. It's about building organizations that don't just survive—they thrive for decades.

Now I help other leaders do the same.

Background & Experience

26 years across sales, operations, and executive leadership.

Current Role

COO/Executive Pastor, Rosedale Ministries
160 full and part-time employees
250+ weekly volunteers
Multiple P&Ls across education, camps, ministry
Maryland's largest private Christian school
Commercial real estate portfolio

Sales Background

15 years in professional sales
Revenue generation and pipeline management
Client relationship building
Quota achievement and business development
Understanding both sides: revenue AND operations

Financial Track Record

Turnaround from $40K to $1M in 12 months
11 consecutive years under budget
Multi-million dollar reserve building
$15M+ in real estate acquisitions
Sophisticated tenant negotiations (Home Depot, First Home Mortgage)

Content & Teaching

Host, The Savage Executive Podcast
Author, Stories That Shape Business
Speaker on leadership, finance, and stewardship
Deep study of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes applied to business

My Approach

I don't do theory. Everything I teach, I practice daily running a complex organization. And I believe ancient wisdom—particularly from Proverbs—provides the clearest operating system for modern leadership.

Practitioner, not theorist I run a 160-person organization. I face the same pressures you do.
Partner, not consultant I don't analyze and leave. I stay in your corner month after month.
Clarity over complexity The goal is simplicity on the other side of complexity.
Biblical wisdom, naturally applied Not preachy. Not forced. Just ancient wisdom that works.

Wisdom That Guides My Work

Proverbs 27:23

"Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds."

Proverbs 21:5

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."

Proverbs 11:14

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

The Podcast

Weekly conversations on leadership, operations, and wisdom for executives.

Listen Now

Where I share leadership insights and connect with executives.

Connect

Email

For direct inquiries about working together.

[email protected]

Let's Talk

Whether you're running a business, leading a ministry, or navigating a major transition—I'd love to hear what you're building.

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