In a heartwarming display of commitment to his employees and faith-driven resilience, Rick Jackson, the owner of Family Christian Stores, recently unveiled a bold plan to keep the company’s doors open, safeguarding the livelihoods of more than 4,000 dedicated workers. Despite the company’s bankruptcy filing earlier this year, Jackson’s unwavering determination shines as a beacon of hope in these challenging times.
Jackson’s journey with Family Christian Stores began in 2012 when he took the helm and transformed the business into a non-profit organization. Under his leadership, the company’s profits were directed towards Family Christian Ministries, a noble endeavor also supported by its sister company, Giving Films. Unfortunately, the company found itself in dire straits, grappling with an overbearing debt load and a turbulent market environment, ultimately leading to the decision to file for bankruptcy in February.
Speaking candidly about the situation, Jackson shed light on the burden of debt left behind by the previous owners. “The prior ownership had amassed such a staggering debt that when the business began to falter, they had the means to secure their own interests but couldn’t manage the overwhelming debt,” he revealed.
Acknowledging his own optimism in trying to turn the company around, Jackson pointed to the prevailing consumer trends that have been reshaping the retail landscape, such as the rise of online shopping, which has posed a significant challenge to brick-and-mortar establishments worldwide. “We took on this challenge with optimism, but seismic shifts in consumer behavior—people favoring online shopping over physical stores—resulted in a 10 to 20 percent drop in sales, similar to the fate of Borders,” Jackson lamented. Nonetheless, the resolute entrepreneur emphasized that Family Christian Stores was determined to persevere through a “chapter reorganization.”
With candor and a sense of duty, Jackson explained that regardless of the financial cost, the primary goal was to preserve the brand’s legacy, secure the employment of thousands, and fortify the foundation for a prosperous future. “We are prepared to bear the brunt of losing millions ourselves; all we did was extend financial support to the parent company, and that’s gone now without interest. We faced two options—either give up and file for Chapter 7, resulting in immediate closure of all stores, or embark on a 363 sell reorganization, where Family Christian Ministries forms a new entity to acquire assets, clearing outstanding debts and positioning the company for future success.”
He added, “Our objective is clear: to keep our stores open, to sustain the livelihoods of 4,000 dedicated employees, and to support the vendors who rely on us to promote their books and products. This is a cherished brand, and we are committed to ensuring its continuity. Pending the judge’s approval of our plan, we’ll be back on our feet and moving forward within 90 days.”
The resilience displayed by this Christian-based company in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of hope. At a time when societal values seem to be shifting away from traditional foundations, preserving the Christian influence becomes imperative. It is reminiscent of the sentiments expressed by John Cooper, founder and lead singer of the Christian rock band Skillet, who recently cautioned against a concerted effort to undermine the very core of America’s heritage.
“If there’s one thing that’s abundantly clear to me, it’s the existence of a movement seeking to dismantle American society and its fundamental pillars. Yet, this is not just about dismantling America; it’s about eroding the bedrock upon which America was built—Christian civilization. There is a concerted effort to undermine Christianity, to erode the reflection of Christ in our culture, traditions, morality, theology, and way of life. It touches everything we hold dear!” Cooper passionately articulated.
In the midst of these challenging times, Rick Jackson’s unwavering commitment to his employees and the Christian values that underpin his business is a testament to the enduring strength of faith. It is a story of hope and resilience that serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the values that have shaped our society for generations.
