An Introduction to William Reagan and His Story
Today, we’re delving into the life of William Reagan, an innovative entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, and co-founder of Kingdom Marketing. With a background in strategic branding and a passion for storytelling, William has been instrumental in helping businesses find their unique voice and build a genuine online presence. His mission goes beyond business, as he aspires to scale Kingdom Marketing to generate significant funds for charitable causes and support the Kingdom of God. Known for his humor, joy, and commitment to fostering strong relationships, William’s story is a testament to resilience, both in business and life.
This episode focuses on a chapter in his life that not only shaped him but also reflects the deep challenges that many veterans face. William’s journey from a small-town upbringing to life in the military, and the realities of war, offers valuable insights and lessons for all of us. We invite you to listen closely, as his experiences may hold the answers you need today.
A West Texas Childhood and the Call to Adventure
Born in the early 1980s, William’s upbringing in Sweetwater, West Texas, was idyllic. Picture a scene straight out of a nostalgic film—bicycles, Friday night football games, and a close-knit community of 10,000 people where everything seemed simple and serene. His childhood was filled with adventure, fueled by the heroes of his time—Indiana Jones and Luke Skywalker. Raised on these stories of exploration, William developed a desire for his own great adventure. He knew there was more to life beyond Sweetwater.
Despite the simplicity of small-town life, William’s future seemed uncertain academically. After high school, without the grades to attend a major university, the natural next step for many of his friends was community college. But William felt a pull toward something radically different.
Joining the Air Force
In a bold decision, William enlisted in the military, joining the U.S. Air Force. His first day of basic training was August 20, 2001—just three weeks before the world would be forever changed by the events of September 11th. Reflecting on that day, William describes the surreal moment when, during training, a drill instructor ran towards them—something entirely out of the ordinary. The trainees were ushered into a room where a television, something they hadn’t seen in weeks, played the news live. They watched in shock as the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded.
At that moment, the weight of William’s commitment hit him. He had signed up for a six-year term, initially promised the potential of being stationed in places like Hawaii. But with the country suddenly at war, his expectations shifted from tropical dreams to the harsh realities of military life.
The Realities of War
After basic training, William found himself swept up in the war effort. Over the next few years, he served in several high-risk regions, including Jordan, Djibouti, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, he completed three tours in Iraq during 2003, 2004, and 2005—some of the most active and dangerous years of the Iraqi war.
Coming from a small town, William admits he was unprepared for the magnitude of what was happening around him. Like many of his fellow servicemen and women, he struggled to process the violence and loss in real-time. Over time, what started as fear and adrenaline became numbness. Daily mortar fire became part of life, especially during his second tour in Al Asad, Iraq, where mortar attacks occurred three to five times a day.
William recalls the process vividly: each mortar attack would begin with the sound of a boom. The first explosion indicated that more were on the way—typically five in total. The sound of the second explosion would signal whether it was closer or further away. Soldiers had to be attuned to these subtle differences to determine whether they needed to seek shelter in designated sand-covered bunkers, designed to absorb the shrapnel.
At first, these experiences were terrifying, fueling an adrenaline rush that helped soldiers survive. But as the months dragged on, the danger became mundane. William explains that soldiers quickly learned that fear was counterproductive. Fear clouded judgment and threatened to break the mechanical processes necessary for survival. Over time, they became desensitized, treating the life-threatening situation as if it were a routine, similar to getting a cup of coffee.
Living with the Constant Threat of Danger
William shares the emotional toll that such an environment took on him and his comrades. There was an unspoken understanding among them—each day, they faced the possibility of death. The same people they ate, worked, and laughed with could be gone in an instant. This constant threat led many, including William, to regress inward, creating emotional walls as a form of self-protection.
Soldiers began sleeping in their body armor, despite the sweltering heat and the discomfort it caused. This armor, weighing about 45 pounds, was essential for survival, yet made it almost impossible to sleep comfortably on the thin cots provided. But sleep, or the lack thereof, wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was learning to continue after watching others die, knowing that each day you might not return to your tent.
A Descent into Numbing and Darkness
As the numbing of drugs intensified, William found himself not only using more but also experimenting with various combinations to achieve the same euphoric high he had initially experienced. The more he used, the more he needed to replicate that feeling, leading him deeper into a spiral of self-destruction. What started with "just trying a little bit" became a dangerous cocktail of substances.
One fateful night, William's reckless pursuit of pleasure nearly cost him his life. He describes the moment when his body collapsed, unable to handle the toxic mixture he had ingested. Lying on the floor, he was unsure of what was happening—whether his heart was stopping, or if he was even still alive. What he did know, however, was that a profound spiritual death was occurring within him.
In this moment of physical collapse, William was thrust into utter darkness. It was not just the absence of light, but a complete void, a place where nothing existed. He was engulfed by this darkness, unable to see or comprehend anything. It was as though reality itself was splitting open before him.
Suddenly, in this disorienting vision, William experienced what he describes as reality "cracking" open like an accordion. Through the gaps in this fractured reality, he could faintly make out his apartment. But in other parts of this split vision, something entirely different emerged—an unsettling and profound experience that was more spiritual than physical.
The Psychological Toll of War
As William recounts his journey, it's clear that his experiences in the military played a significant role in shaping his downward spiral. Like many veterans, the trauma he endured during his service had fractured not only his mind but also his soul. He described how the flesh indulged in everything it wanted—seeking maximum pleasure through substances—while his psyche was left in pieces.
This fracturing left William confused about who he was. The external forces, whether it be the trauma from war, the drugs, or the lifestyle he had adopted, succeeded in utterly confusing his sense of identity. He had lost his moral compass and no longer knew right from wrong. His perception of reality had become distorted, making it difficult for him to understand who he truly was.
The Role of God in the Chaos
Despite having a strong upbringing in a loving home where his parents exemplified the fruits of the Spirit, William’s relationship with God had been virtually non-existent during this period of his life. While he could recognize the values instilled in him by his parents, he did not carry a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus was merely a cultural figure, a character in a story he didn’t believe was real.
In fact, during his darkest moments, William openly declared to others that he did not believe in God. While he wasn’t sure if he truly believed this deep down, he expressed it outwardly, rejecting the validity of the Bible and dismissing the supernatural as mere fairy tales.
This is a common experience among those who have witnessed the horrors of war. Many veterans return home disillusioned, unable to reconcile the idea of a loving, all-powerful God with the atrocities they have seen. For William, it felt as though if God did exist, He certainly didn’t care about him or his suffering. The loss of friends and the horrors of combat left him questioning how a caring Father could allow such devastation to occur.
Escaping the Pain through Hedonism
As William delved deeper into his hedonistic lifestyle, it became clear that his actions were a direct response to the internal turmoil he was experiencing. The constant partying, substance abuse, and reckless behavior were all attempts to numb the pain he was running from. Surrounding himself with others in this lifestyle made him feel somewhat normal, masking his post-traumatic stress through the facade of fun and excess.
However, William’s detachment from others revealed the sociopathic tendencies that were emerging. He used people to accompany him in his indulgence but had no concern for their well-being. His interactions were purely self-serving, an attempt to avoid confronting the reality of his brokenness.
Arrests and Confrontations
Throughout this tumultuous period, William’s behavior inevitably caught up with him. He was arrested three times—twice while still in the military and once during college. His first two arrests, for reckless endangerment and driving under the influence, occurred while stationed in New Jersey. The third arrest came after a public altercation while intoxicated in college. His frequent run-ins with the law were a direct result of his uncontrollable anger and willingness to confront anyone who crossed his path.
Despite these confrontations with authority, William's self-destructive behavior continued. He showed no regard for the consequences of his actions or the people he hurt along the way. Those who found themselves in his path were simply the unfortunate recipients of his unresolved anger and pain.
In many ways, these individuals became the "punching bags" for William’s suppressed emotions, the outpouring of the volcanic rage that had been building inside him for so long. Yet, even in the aftermath of these incidents, William felt no remorse or empathy for the people he hurt—he was too consumed by his own suffering to care.
Searching for Answers
While William was lost in the chaos of his life, the seeds of faith planted by his parents were still there, albeit buried deep beneath his pain. Even though he openly denied God during this time, there were moments where he couldn't escape the reality of the spiritual void he felt. The darkness he encountered in his near-death experience was a stark reminder of the emptiness that had consumed his soul.
It was clear that despite his attempts to numb the pain, the questions about life, purpose, and God still lingered in the back of his mind.
A Glimpse into the Abyss: Vision of Darkness and Despair
In this next harrowing experience, I found myself engulfed in what felt like a prison of darkness. The vision was so intense, it was as though I could physically feel the cold, unrelenting bars of an obsidian cell encasing me. Surrounding me was an overwhelming presence of mockery, a cacophony of laughter, which seemed to originate from an entire arena full of unseen entities, ridiculing me. The oppressive atmosphere pressed down on me, and I couldn't escape this dark mental and spiritual state.
I eventually woke up, drenched in sweat, with my heart racing uncontrollably. My body felt heavy, as if I were barely clinging to life. Every attempt to stand up was thwarted by the weakness that gripped me. After several failed attempts to rise, I was left lying on the floor for the rest of the night, feeling utterly defeated, drained of any energy. The next morning, I reflected on the torment I had endured, wondering what doors of perception I had opened. What had I just put myself through?
The Persistence of the Flesh
Despite the horrifying experience I went through, my flesh wasn’t deterred. It continued to crave the same indulgences. Over the next week, I fell back into the same patterns, though I avoided the potent cocktail of substances that had dragged me to what felt like the gates of hell. In spite of what I had experienced, I was still bound by my physical desires and addictions. This ongoing struggle exemplified the battle between spirit and flesh, where even the most traumatic events weren’t enough to shake me from my reliance on the things that were destroying me.
A Vision of Divine Glory: The Train and the Rolling Sky
One night, however, something different happened. A vision came to me in a dream—something beyond my understanding and unlike anything I had ever experienced before.
In the dream, I was on the campus of Texas A&M, walking around familiar areas. A train track runs through the middle of the campus, and hearing the train pass by is a normal occurrence. As I entered a classroom, I heard the distinct sound of the train. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but soon I noticed that the sound wasn’t fading as it normally would. Instead, it grew louder and louder, as if the train were stuck in place.
The noise began to affect the people around me. Everyone looked at each other, confused. We all noticed that the train noise wasn’t just unusual—it was unearthly. Then, the sky began to change. A great crackling thunder reverberated through the air, unlike anything I had ever heard before. The sound was deeper, more powerful, and resonated at a level beyond the normal range of hearing.
As I looked up, I saw a seam of light tear through the sky, stretching from horizon to horizon. The seam began to roll backward, revealing something beyond the clouds, something divine. It was as if reality itself was being peeled away, exposing a beautiful, golden burning beneath the surface. This vision filled the entire sky, a sight too glorious to be fully described.
The Blinding Light and Rising Fear
Through the seam in the sky, an intense white light burst forth. The brightness was awe-inspiring, and it felt like beams of pure glory were shining through the heavens. I looked around and realized that I wasn’t the only one who was terrified. Everyone was looking up in fear and confusion, unable to comprehend what was happening.
As the light grew stronger, the noise intensified—a combination of the train sound and what could only be described as a chorus of voices, or perhaps a presence about to make itself known. The sound was deafening, and the brightness was blinding, filling the entire scene with an overwhelming sense of awe.
Then, I saw something remarkable happening to the people around me. In their fear and amazement, they began to change...
A Transformative Encounter with God
The story continues with a powerful experience of love and transformation. As I looked at the individual in front of me, I felt an overwhelming feeling of love. It was a unique kind of love, a love for someone merely for existing and for not being me. It felt incredible and deeply fulfilling. The feeling was so overwhelming that I couldn’t stop basking in it.
Then, my attention shifted to the book in my hands, and suddenly, everything began to change. It wasn’t the double helix I was staring at anymore, but rather, I sensed God lifting the weight of all my trauma, abuse, narcissism, and hedonism. It was as if the burden I had been carrying for years was suddenly gone. For the first time, I could see clearly—I caught a glimpse of the beauty of God’s design and a glimpse of myself as He intended. This clarity was accompanied by an immense feeling of love and joy.
The Moment of Breakthrough
This emotional and spiritual breakthrough brought me to tears, and I had to excuse myself from the classroom. In the hallway, I broke down crying, overwhelmed by two recurring questions: “What is happening to me?” and “Are you real?” These questions were constantly on my mind, and my brain was firing off thoughts in ways I had never experienced before. The second question, "Are you real?" became an obsession, driving me to seek answers that I couldn't yet explain.
In my pursuit of the truth, I found myself at a Barnes & Noble, unable to afford the books, but nevertheless eager to learn. I began reading Christian apologetics without fully understanding the significance of what I was absorbing. I knew C.S. Lewis as the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, but soon discovered he had written extensively on Christian apologetics. His works, along with those of George MacDonald and G.K. Chesterton, became the foundation of my search for answers.
A Revelation in Chapter Five
The turning point came as I read chapter five of Miracles by C.S. Lewis. In this chapter, Lewis addresses the limitations of naturalism and materialism, and something about his argument resonated deeply with me. After reading that chapter, I looked up from the book and verbally declared, “I believe.” I wasn’t speaking loudly, but I knew in my heart that I believed everything that was happening to me was from God. I believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and in that moment, I made a commitment: Whatever God wanted me to do, I would do; whatever He wanted me to say, I would say; wherever He wanted me to go, I would go. I just knew I couldn’t lose this newfound feeling or return to my old ways.
A Second Chance at Life
I realized that God was extending a second chance at life to me. Despite what people may say about others being unable to change, I knew that radical transformation was possible. God had activated something within me, allowing for a dramatic change in my life. Although I wasn’t completely cured of all my psychological scars, particularly those from war, God provided a path to healing. This path included therapy, which helped repair my mind, but my soul was entirely renewed. My desires shifted dramatically, and I no longer craved the things that once dominated my life.
A New Addiction: The Body of Christ
As I moved away from drugs, alcohol, and other destructive behaviors, I became consumed with a desire to be in the presence of God’s people. I started attending church regularly and connected with brothers and sisters in Christ who genuinely cared for me. These relationships became my new addiction, replacing the toxic behaviors I once relied on. The lack of judgment within the church community gave me the freedom to grow in my faith and develop a strong relationship with Jesus.
God’s Transformative Power
As I reflect on this period of my life, I’m reminded of how quickly God can transform someone. His ability to change a person’s desires and habits is not just theory—it’s real, and I’ve experienced it firsthand. If He can do it for me, He can do it for anyone. God does not show favoritism; anyone who seeks Him, knocks on His door, and desires to know the truth will find it. God is willing and able to transform lives if we are willing to surrender to His will.
Discovering My Calling
After my spiritual awakening, everything in my life changed. I no longer needed to explain every detail of what was happening to me—I simply accepted it as God’s work. My role was to steward the talents He had given me, as we are reminded in 2 Peter 1. When we live in Christ and allow His qualities to grow within us, we will not stumble, for we are assured in Him. This new understanding of discernment guided me as I began to navigate life with a renewed sense of purpose.
I started each day by asking Jesus, “What do you want me to do today? Who do you want me to speak to?” This daily practice of seeking God’s direction became a natural part of my life. As I remained faithful in small things, God continued to bless me with more opportunities. Soon after graduating from college, I landed an incredible job at Johnson & Johnson as a medical device representative in orthopedics, despite graduating with a GPA of only 2.1. This job relocated me to Houston, where I immediately sought out a church community.
Meeting My Future Wife
Within a year of moving to Houston, I met my future wife, Melissa, at church. She was a wonderful Christian woman, and from our very first date, I was open about my past. I told her everything about my former life, not trying to hide anything. We still laugh about it today, but that transparency laid a strong foundation for our relationship.
Stewardship and the Parable of the Talents: A Kingdom Perspective
One of the most profound illustrations of Christian stewardship is found in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. Here, Jesus uses this story to explain how we are entrusted with gifts, resources, and opportunities in our lives—things we are meant to steward well, not for our own glory, but for God's kingdom.
What is Stewardship?
A steward is someone placed in charge of managing something on behalf of another. In the past, households would appoint stewards to manage specific activities or tasks. These stewards were responsible for ensuring that their master's resources were handled properly and productively. Importantly, the steward didn't assume this role independently; they were invited into this responsibility by the master. The master granted them authority over certain areas and expected them to manage them wisely.
This is the essence of stewardship in the Christian life. We are stewards over the gifts, talents, and opportunities God has given us. We didn’t choose these things for ourselves; they were entrusted to us by God. Our responsibility is to use them to glorify Him and expand His kingdom.
The Parable of the Talents: Matthew 25
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, a story where a master entrusts three of his servants with varying amounts of talents (a form of currency at the time). To one, he gives five talents, to another two, and to the third servant, he gives one talent—each according to their ability. The master leaves, and upon his return, expects an account of how his servants managed what they were given.
The Faithful Stewards
The two servants who received five and two talents, respectively, immediately went out and used what they were givento generate more. They didn't delay; the text emphasizes that they immediately took action. Their faithful stewardship resulted in a doubling of what they had been given. The five talents became ten, and the two talents became four.
This growth represents the fruit of faithful stewardship. Whether in life or in business, effective stewardship often leads to multiplication. We see this in modern examples too—when people take care of what they are given and work diligently, it often grows and increases, much like scaling a business.
The Wicked Steward
The third servant, however, was fearful. He saw the master as a harsh man and was afraid to take any risks. Instead of working with the talent, he buried it in the ground and did nothing. Upon the master’s return, this servant was reprimanded for his inaction. The master labeled him wicked, lazy, and slothful, saying that he should have at least invested the talent to earn interest.
The rebuke here is clear: God expects us to do something with what we’ve been given. Even if we're afraid, even if we feel inadequate, we should take steps to use our talents, resources, and opportunities to serve God’s kingdom. Doing nothing is not an option.
In fact, the master goes so far as to suggest that if the servant didn’t know what to do on his own, he should have partnered with others who did. The expectation is that even if we aren’t sure how to steward our talents, we can connect with the right people to help us.
A Call to Faithful Stewardship
As Christians, we are called to actively seek opportunities to use our talents for God’s kingdom. We shouldn't wait for the perfect moment or for opportunities to come to us. Instead, we should be opportunists for the kingdom of God, always looking for ways to invest in His work.
The parable of the talents is a convicting passage, not just for those who are new to the faith, but even for those already walking with Christ. It challenges us to reflect on how we are using the gifts God has given us. Are we building our own kingdoms here on earth, or are we building God’s kingdom?
Personal Conviction: From Building My Own Kingdom to Building God's Kingdom
For many years, I found myself focusing on building my own career and success. It wasn’t until I revisited Matthew 25that I realized much of what I was doing was aimed at building the "kingdom of William" rather than the kingdom of God. This conviction prompted me to reevaluate my priorities, to consider how I could use my talents, time, and resources for the purpose of advancing God’s kingdom, not my own.
The model prayer in Matthew reminds us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10, NKJV). This should be our daily focus—asking God what He wants us to do in His kingdom, and then going out to do it faithfully.
Turning Away from a Wasted Life
In the parable, the servant with the one talent squandered what he had been given. He wasted it in fear and inaction, possibly indulging in selfishness or even destructive behaviors. His life produced nothing of value for the kingdom of God.
This story serves as a sobering reminder for all of us: we must not waste the gifts and opportunities God gives us. Whether through fear, laziness, or selfishness, failing to steward our lives well is not an option. Instead, we must be faithful, trusting God to guide us and use what we have for His glory.
Kingdom Marketing: A Response to Matthew 25
Kingdom Marketing was born out of this conviction. Together with my co-founder, we asked ourselves, "What does it look like to create a company that truly invites Jesus into every part of its operations?" From strategic planning to daily decisions, we seek to consult with God and invite Him to lead the way.
This agency is not just about business success—it’s about advancing God’s kingdom. Inspired by the sheep and goats passage in Matthew 25, we see a direct connection between faithful stewardship (the two and five talent individuals) and caring for the least of these. Those who take care of the vulnerable, the hungry, and the thirsty are those who are faithfully stewarding their lives for the kingdom of God.
In the same way, we aim to ensure that our work reflects kingdom values by serving others and caring for those in need. Our goal is to align our business practices with the heart of God and use the resources He gives us to bless others.
Growing the Kingdom Through Stewardship and Service
One of the core values of Kingdom Marketing is stewardship, particularly when it comes to talents. As William shared, their approach to marketing is more than just crafting messages; it's about being responsible stewards of the talents God has entrusted to them. He emphasized that the true essence of their work is growing the Kingdom of God by using these marketing talents for a higher purpose.
This perspective is inspired by the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, where the servants who wisely invested their master's talents were rewarded. For Kingdom Marketing, this parable is a direct reflection of their mission—to use their talents to serve the Kingdom, not just grow a business.
Partnering with Sacred Selections
Before they even secured their first client, Kingdom Marketing made a significant decision: to partner with a charitable foundation. They chose Sacred Selections, a foundation that funds the adoption process for families bringing orphans into Christian homes. With the high costs of adoption—ranging from $35,000 to $40,000 per adoption—Sacred Selections has been able to help over 500 families to date. As a percentage-of-proceeds partner, Kingdom Marketing contributes to this life-changing mission, ensuring that they give back and support families on their journey to adoption.
Missions in India: Expanding the Kingdom
Kingdom Marketing is also actively involved in international missions. William mentioned an upcoming mission trip to India in November, where they will visit a Christian orphanage with about 150 children and support several leper colonies. In a predominantly Hindu country, this Christian foundation has been making a significant impact.
During the mission trip, William and his team plan to get hands-on and serve. As he put it, their goal is to "get our hands dirty" and come back with a greater servant’s heart. This mission trip is a test run, with plans to replicate it twice a year, taking more volunteers along to experience the beauty of serving others in need.
Future Plans: Serving with a Kingdom Heart
For the future, Kingdom Marketing is working on expanding these mission trips. William hopes to take eight people next year, four per trip, as part of their ongoing commitment to serving globally while growing God's Kingdom. Whether through their marketing talents or physical service, Kingdom Marketing is continually finding ways to be effective stewards of God's gifts.
How to Get Involved
For anyone interested in connecting with Kingdom Marketing or learning more about their initiatives, you can visit their website at www.trykingdom.com. You can also reach out directly to William at William@trykingdom.com to explore opportunities, discuss partnerships, or simply have a conversation about where God is leading you.
Whether it’s through marketing, mission work, or charitable partnerships, Kingdom Marketing is a testament to how businesses can make a lasting impact while serving a higher calling. If you're passionate about growing the Kingdom of God, Kingdom Marketing is a platform that’s eager to partner with like-minded individuals and organizations to make a difference in the world.
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