A Second-Generation CEO's Story: Faith, Fear, and Finding My Purpose

I am in business today at Wilburn Medical Supply because of my faith. We run Wilburn with the mind of a Business and the heart of a Ministry. That means we are not just here to make a profit, but to do the most good in the world and to see the Kingdom of God come through our work at Wilburn Medical Supply.

With that in mind, I would love to share my story.

I was raised in a Christian home and attended church growing up. That experience shaped my morals and values, but it was not until I truly understood the power of the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in my place that I gave my life to Him.

As the only child of Rick Wilburn, it was always clear that this company could one day become my legacy as second generation. My dad worked incredibly hard to build a business that could provide for future generations and help deliver our family from poverty. So I went on to pursue a degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Appalachian State University, but as a freshman, I remember calling my dad in tears. I told him I could not be part of the business.

At the time, I could not picture myself as a business owner without becoming selfish or consumed by the love of money and success. I feared becoming someone driven by power and profit, and I did not want that to be my future as my faith started becoming the most important part of my life. In my 18-year-old mind, that left only one option. I believed I was meant for ministry!

So, I moved to San Antonio, Texas, where I worked for a women’s ministry for four years. During that time, I saw many young women come to faith. I traveled across the country helping host events with a speaker and author, and I experienced deep spiritual growth. I also witnessed lives being changed, as people were brought from darkness into the light of Christ.

Then in 2019, everything shifted.

I had a powerful encounter with God where He showed me that even a secular business can be used for Kingdom purposes. He used the movie Schindler's List to speak to me. The story of Oskar Schindler, a businessman who saved over 1,200 Jewish people from death during the Holocaust, opened my eyes. I saw that a business could be a vehicle to save lives.

That realization brought me back home. I returned to Wilburn Medical Supply in 2019, partnered with my dad, and stepped into leadership with a new vision. Today, I run this company as my full-time ministry.

Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

My life is ultimately lived to bring glory to Christ. He lived a perfect life in my place and died the death I deserved, and through Him I have been healed eternally. Now, I get to lead this medical supply company that distributes lifesaving products while also sharing the eternally lifesaving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is my mission to run an excellent business, impact our community through the profits we make, and share the hope of Jesus in all that I do and say. This is my story. If you feel led to connect, I would truly love to hear yours or talk further about mine. You can reach me at wusainfo@wilburnmedical.com.