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Believer, Bulldog, Coach: An Entrepreneur's Journey of Purpose, Perseverance, and Loving People
Believer, Bulldog, Coach by Steve Smithwick is an inspiring guide to achieving success without sacrificing your principles. As the founder of Master Wall, Inc., Steve shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar business rooted in faith, perseverance, and integrity.
With a blend of personal stories and practical advice, Steve invites readers to see the power of resilience in the face of adversity. From navigating financial uncertainty to leading with a servant’s heart, he demonstrates how values-driven leadership can create meaningful, lasting impact in both business and life. Through lessons learned from decades of challenges and triumphs, he offers actionable strategies for building strong relationships, overcoming setbacks, and staying true to your purpose.
This book speaks to entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking inspiration to persevere through life’s obstacles. Whether you’re at a crossroads or simply looking to lead with greater conviction, Believer, Bulldog, Coach delivers the encouragement and tools to help you succeed.
For those who believe in faith-driven growth and unshakable determination, this book is a testament to what’s possible when you never give up.
With a blend of personal stories and practical advice, Steve invites readers to see the power of resilience in the face of adversity. From navigating financial uncertainty to leading with a servant’s heart, he demonstrates how values-driven leadership can create meaningful, lasting impact in both business and life. Through lessons learned from decades of challenges and triumphs, he offers actionable strategies for building strong relationships, overcoming setbacks, and staying true to your purpose.
This book speaks to entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking inspiration to persevere through life’s obstacles. Whether you’re at a crossroads or simply looking to lead with greater conviction, Believer, Bulldog, Coach delivers the encouragement and tools to help you succeed.
For those who believe in faith-driven growth and unshakable determination, this book is a testament to what’s possible when you never give up.
- GenresBusiness
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
12 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 30, 2025
Book Review: Believer, Bulldog, Coach: An Entrepreneur’s Journey of Purpose, Perseverance, and Loving People by Steve Smithwick
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.25/5)
Steve Smithwick’s Believer, Bulldog, Coach offers a refreshing take on entrepreneurial success that prioritizes character alongside achievement. This memoir-meets-leadership-guide stands apart from typical business books with its heartfelt emphasis on values-driven growth. As founder of Master Wall, Inc., Smithwick takes readers from his modest beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar business without compromising his principles.
What makes this book particularly compelling is Smithwick’s three-part framework for success: the Believer (faith), the Bulldog (perseverance), and the Coach (mentorship). His vulnerable storytelling - like describing prayer-filled nights worrying about payroll - creates an authentic connection with readers. The chapter on servant leadership resonated deeply, especially his insight that profit without purpose is just math. As someone who has navigated business challenges, I found his perspective both comforting and motivating.
While the faith-based approach provides a strong moral foundation, some readers might prefer more secular framing of these principles. The transitions between personal stories and practical advice could be smoother at times. A more structured organization by business lifecycle stages might improve readability without losing the book’s raw authenticity.
Notable Strengths:
-Authentic, vulnerable storytelling from real business challenges
-Practical framework balancing faith, grit and mentorship
-Strong emphasis on ethical decision-making
-Actionable advice for values-driven leadership
Areas for Growth:
-Could benefit from more case studies demonstrating business impact
-Might appeal to broader audience with slightly more neutral framing
-Structure could better highlight practical applications
Summary Takeaways:
- Where faith, grit and mentorship collide to create extraordinary impact
- Proof you can build an empire without losing your soul
- The entrepreneur’s guide to winning at business and life
- For leaders who measure success in transformed lives, not just transactions
Personal Reflection:
Reading Smithwick’s account of losing a major client yet choosing integrity over shortcuts reminded me of my own defining business moments. His perspective that “sometimes losing the battle wins the war for your character” gave me new appreciation for past challenges I’d viewed as failures. The book’s emphasis on mentoring others has already influenced how I approach leadership in my own work.
Final Assessment:
This book earns its 4.25-star rating through its unique blend of personal inspiration and practical business wisdom. While the structure could be tightened in places, its authentic voice and values-driven approach make it stand out in the crowded field of entrepreneurial literature. It’s rare to find a business book that moves you emotionally while providing concrete guidance - this one delivers both.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for providing a review copy. In an era of “move fast and break things” startup culture, this thoughtful approach to principled entrepreneurship is particularly valuable.
Recommended For:
-Entrepreneurs facing ethical dilemmas
-Business leaders seeking to integrate values and success
-Mentors looking for frameworks to develop talent
-Anyone who believes companies should make a positive impact
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.25/5)
Steve Smithwick’s Believer, Bulldog, Coach offers a refreshing take on entrepreneurial success that prioritizes character alongside achievement. This memoir-meets-leadership-guide stands apart from typical business books with its heartfelt emphasis on values-driven growth. As founder of Master Wall, Inc., Smithwick takes readers from his modest beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar business without compromising his principles.
What makes this book particularly compelling is Smithwick’s three-part framework for success: the Believer (faith), the Bulldog (perseverance), and the Coach (mentorship). His vulnerable storytelling - like describing prayer-filled nights worrying about payroll - creates an authentic connection with readers. The chapter on servant leadership resonated deeply, especially his insight that profit without purpose is just math. As someone who has navigated business challenges, I found his perspective both comforting and motivating.
While the faith-based approach provides a strong moral foundation, some readers might prefer more secular framing of these principles. The transitions between personal stories and practical advice could be smoother at times. A more structured organization by business lifecycle stages might improve readability without losing the book’s raw authenticity.
Notable Strengths:
-Authentic, vulnerable storytelling from real business challenges
-Practical framework balancing faith, grit and mentorship
-Strong emphasis on ethical decision-making
-Actionable advice for values-driven leadership
Areas for Growth:
-Could benefit from more case studies demonstrating business impact
-Might appeal to broader audience with slightly more neutral framing
-Structure could better highlight practical applications
Summary Takeaways:
- Where faith, grit and mentorship collide to create extraordinary impact
- Proof you can build an empire without losing your soul
- The entrepreneur’s guide to winning at business and life
- For leaders who measure success in transformed lives, not just transactions
Personal Reflection:
Reading Smithwick’s account of losing a major client yet choosing integrity over shortcuts reminded me of my own defining business moments. His perspective that “sometimes losing the battle wins the war for your character” gave me new appreciation for past challenges I’d viewed as failures. The book’s emphasis on mentoring others has already influenced how I approach leadership in my own work.
Final Assessment:
This book earns its 4.25-star rating through its unique blend of personal inspiration and practical business wisdom. While the structure could be tightened in places, its authentic voice and values-driven approach make it stand out in the crowded field of entrepreneurial literature. It’s rare to find a business book that moves you emotionally while providing concrete guidance - this one delivers both.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for providing a review copy. In an era of “move fast and break things” startup culture, this thoughtful approach to principled entrepreneurship is particularly valuable.
Recommended For:
-Entrepreneurs facing ethical dilemmas
-Business leaders seeking to integrate values and success
-Mentors looking for frameworks to develop talent
-Anyone who believes companies should make a positive impact
September 15, 2025
Awesome book.
Believer Bulldog Coach is an eloquent memoir emphasizing faith, resilience, and leadership in sport and in life. It highlights Smithwick's development as a coach, and the many obstacles and challenges he overcame in spite of losing his father at an early age. The chief theme is resilience, standing firm when faced with adversity and having faith in your abilities. Smithwick uses the bulldog analogy; it demonstrates the ability to persist in overcoming the barriers in front of them. The main theme of the book is belief - belief in ourselves, belief in a positive future, and belief in being a mentor. It is genuinely authentic and sincere, and offers the reader absolutely priceless lessons for athletes, coaches, and anyone attempting to lead with integrity. Smithwick's animated storytelling encourages all readers to take action while being authentic to their beliefs and vision.
Believer Bulldog Coach is an eloquent memoir emphasizing faith, resilience, and leadership in sport and in life. It highlights Smithwick's development as a coach, and the many obstacles and challenges he overcame in spite of losing his father at an early age. The chief theme is resilience, standing firm when faced with adversity and having faith in your abilities. Smithwick uses the bulldog analogy; it demonstrates the ability to persist in overcoming the barriers in front of them. The main theme of the book is belief - belief in ourselves, belief in a positive future, and belief in being a mentor. It is genuinely authentic and sincere, and offers the reader absolutely priceless lessons for athletes, coaches, and anyone attempting to lead with integrity. Smithwick's animated storytelling encourages all readers to take action while being authentic to their beliefs and vision.
September 11, 2025
Amazing book.
Has it ever happened to you that whenever you see someone successful, you say, "Surely their whole life has been easy, without any ups and downs?" A life of constant success? Well, it's not always like that, and that's what our author wants to tell us today. He was a very successful person, but not always successful. He tells us in a very personal way about those around him, what motivated him to make decisions, and what he achieved. I believe that more than a book that shows us there are no limits, it's a message that anything is possible if we surround ourselves well and have the faith that things will go well for us. And that doing what you love brings many rewards in the future. Without a doubt, this is a book that has a lot of value for me, and I recommend it from beginning to end.
Has it ever happened to you that whenever you see someone successful, you say, "Surely their whole life has been easy, without any ups and downs?" A life of constant success? Well, it's not always like that, and that's what our author wants to tell us today. He was a very successful person, but not always successful. He tells us in a very personal way about those around him, what motivated him to make decisions, and what he achieved. I believe that more than a book that shows us there are no limits, it's a message that anything is possible if we surround ourselves well and have the faith that things will go well for us. And that doing what you love brings many rewards in the future. Without a doubt, this is a book that has a lot of value for me, and I recommend it from beginning to end.
September 12, 2025
Values that transform lives
This book made me reflect deeply on how personal values can guide a person even during the most difficult moments in life. The author does not only speak about business, but also about the importance of staying true to oneself, believing in something greater, and never giving up when things become challenging. I appreciated how he combines his journey as an entrepreneur with his role as a coach and a man of faith. He shows that true success is not always measured by money, but by the positive impact one can have on others. His story reminded me that perseverance, faith, and love for people can truly change everything. This book inspires the reader to do things the right way, according to personal values, not only to grow professionally, but also to help others and live with purpose and meaning.
This book made me reflect deeply on how personal values can guide a person even during the most difficult moments in life. The author does not only speak about business, but also about the importance of staying true to oneself, believing in something greater, and never giving up when things become challenging. I appreciated how he combines his journey as an entrepreneur with his role as a coach and a man of faith. He shows that true success is not always measured by money, but by the positive impact one can have on others. His story reminded me that perseverance, faith, and love for people can truly change everything. This book inspires the reader to do things the right way, according to personal values, not only to grow professionally, but also to help others and live with purpose and meaning.
August 16, 2025
Unconventional but good entrepreneurship and management advice
For those who aren't Christian, the references to God and God's ultimate purpose might not be as useful or to your preference. However, as mentioned in the book, 70 percent of family owned businesses fail and the lessons gleaned from running a successful one that has expanded are useful.
Without being a DEI expert, he shows the values and impact of having a diverse team and training people and how that has led to success, putting into practice good talent development practices and also leading with why. Concise, relevant and with helpful insight, this short book provides some useful business principles and troubleshooting for entrepreneurs and those in charge of teams.
For those who aren't Christian, the references to God and God's ultimate purpose might not be as useful or to your preference. However, as mentioned in the book, 70 percent of family owned businesses fail and the lessons gleaned from running a successful one that has expanded are useful.
Without being a DEI expert, he shows the values and impact of having a diverse team and training people and how that has led to success, putting into practice good talent development practices and also leading with why. Concise, relevant and with helpful insight, this short book provides some useful business principles and troubleshooting for entrepreneurs and those in charge of teams.
September 12, 2025
I highly recommend this impressive book. It is just the book I needed to empower myself and understand a little more, with practical advice on how to achieve the success I have been seeking. It is incredible to read the author's story from his beginnings, when one would think he had little chance of succeeding, to seeing how, through his resilient personality, he managed to build a multimillion-dollar business and achieve everything he ever set out to do. I really like how he mixes real stories from his life with tips and advice that will help you start making the changes you need to get where you want to be. It's a very comprehensive book with a lot of incredible information. What an inspiring story!
September 12, 2025
Reading Believer, Bulldog, Coach felt like hearing from someone who’s been through a lot of pain and tension and refuses to yield. The way the author shares wins and mess-ups made me sit up and consider what I believe about grit, leadership, and caring for people at work.
What hit me hardest and made me think a lot was how much he emphasizes love, not warm fuzzy love, but respect, kindness, and lifting others even when it’s hard. It’s rare to find a business book that cares this much about people, not just profit.
After finishing it, I felt stirred up, I want to build something that lasts and treats people right. If you lead a team, run a business, or just try to make work meaningful, this one’s worth reading.
What hit me hardest and made me think a lot was how much he emphasizes love, not warm fuzzy love, but respect, kindness, and lifting others even when it’s hard. It’s rare to find a business book that cares this much about people, not just profit.
After finishing it, I felt stirred up, I want to build something that lasts and treats people right. If you lead a team, run a business, or just try to make work meaningful, this one’s worth reading.
September 12, 2025
This book came to me at just the right time. As an entrepreneur, I'm always looking for books that don't just talk about business but also convey a human and purposeful approach. Believer, Bulldog, Coach by Steve Smithwick offered me exactly that: a guide that combines inspiration with real-life advice. Steve's experiences made me realise that obstacles are a necessary part of the path and that the most important thing is to remain grounded and lead authentically. This book gave me the confidence and clarity I needed to keep working on my idea. Any business owner who needs a boost of confidence and resolves to keep going forward should read it, in my opinion.
September 13, 2025
Inspiring and worth reading!
This is one of my favorite books on inspiration, empowerment, and self-love, and that’s why today I’d like to recommend it.
This book accompanies and guides us through those moments when we feel like we don’t know how to pursue our dreams, when we think we don’t have the tools to face everyday challenges, or when we simply need a push of inspiration through real stories—like the author’s—to remind us that we can achieve anything we set our minds to and learn how to be there for ourselves along the way.
Without a doubt, this is a life-changing book, perfect for anyone who loves to dream big and achieve great things.
This is one of my favorite books on inspiration, empowerment, and self-love, and that’s why today I’d like to recommend it.
This book accompanies and guides us through those moments when we feel like we don’t know how to pursue our dreams, when we think we don’t have the tools to face everyday challenges, or when we simply need a push of inspiration through real stories—like the author’s—to remind us that we can achieve anything we set our minds to and learn how to be there for ourselves along the way.
Without a doubt, this is a life-changing book, perfect for anyone who loves to dream big and achieve great things.
September 13, 2025
It often happens that today's leaders want to achieve success at all costs, regardless of anything. But is it possible to achieve success without losing one's principles, staying true to one's beliefs without harming others? The answer is yes! Author Smithwick presents this hopeful read, which has helped many leaders achieve success.
Things haven't always been easy for this author, but with perseverance he's overcome all obstacles. That's why he shares all his knowledge in this book, providing tools so all leaders and entrepreneurs can achieve their goals. I certainly recommend this hopeful read.
Things haven't always been easy for this author, but with perseverance he's overcome all obstacles. That's why he shares all his knowledge in this book, providing tools so all leaders and entrepreneurs can achieve their goals. I certainly recommend this hopeful read.
September 22, 2025
I won the audible edition of this book through the #goodreadsgiveaway. However; this was my first time using Goodreads and I accidentally entered for a chance to win an audible copy, instead of a regular, physical copy. Unfortunately, I can't read it unless it's a physical book, so I'm unable to read this book, even though I desperately want to. If you would be so kind to send me a physical copy, I would GREATLY appreciate it and read it as soon as I received it! Then, I would be able to give this book an honest and fair review! The topic interests me greatly, and I would really love to read it! I'm very sorry I made such a big mistake!
August 25, 2025
I would say this book is heavy on the testimonial part which is encouraging. And has some tips throughout. I enjoyed seeing how God moved throughout his life and showing how important it is to lead a team and how to treat them.
“The speed of the boss is the speed of the team”
“Take the place and put one where they add most value”
“Walk the hallways”
“The speed of the boss is the speed of the team”
“Take the place and put one where they add most value”
“Walk the hallways”
July 31, 2025
💯Master Wall, Inc.💯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
This was a really good read! I highly recommend everyone read this!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews