About
LEAD Diligently
Helping Faith-Driven Leaders Grow
Without Compromise
You want to grow your company?
But not at the expense of your values.
You're a business owner or executive with real responsibility, real dreams, and a real calling. You know what it’s like to shoulder the weight of leadership and wonder if you're doing it the right way—by your team, by your family, and by the God you serve.
You don’t want quick fixes or surface-level systems. You want to build something meaningful. Something lasting. Something that reflects your faith and fuels your future.
That’s where we come in. We’re not the hero of this story. You are.
En LEAD Diligently, guiamos a líderes cristianos como vos a construir empresas saludables y escalables que honren a Dios y sirvan a las personas. Ya sea que estés atrapado en la complejidad, enfrentando decisiones difíciles o simplemente cansado de ir solo, te ayudamos a encontrar claridad, generar impulso y liderar con convicción.
We start where others don’t: with your calling.
From there, we develop strategy, systems, and leadership tools that align your values with your growth goals—so you're not constantly choosing between your faith and your future.
Why We Exist
LEAD Diligently was founded in 2018 after a handful of business owners reached out and said, “I want to grow my company, but I don’t want to lose who I am in the process.” Paul Harstrom had spent decades in executive leadership—building teams, scaling companies, and turning chaos into clarity. But this was different. These leaders didn’t just need a consultant. They needed a trusted guide who could help them lead with wisdom, integrity, and impact. That was the start.
Today, we serve clients across the country in industries like construction, legal, manufacturing, landscaping, engineering, insurance, and more. From 7-person teams to 400+ employee organizations, our approach is tailored, strategic, and always anchored in Biblical truth.
Why We Exist
We've built clear paths forward—each designed to meet you where you are and grow with you.
Private Advisory Services
Whether you're just getting your bearings or scaling toward legacy-level impact, our advisory programs provide personalized guidance:
- Foundation: Creating the clarity that builds confidence through Biblical wisdom applied to business fundamentals.
- Momentum: Building on this foundation to transform leadership practices, team dynamics, and operational execution.
- Legacy: Developing comprehensive strategies for succession planning and/or 2X business growth that leaves a lasting Kingdom impact.
MasterMind Groups
For leaders seeking community alongside guidance, our MasterMind offerings provide structured transformation environments:
- LD MasterMind | Cornerstone™: For business owners and executives seeking to integrate faith with business excellence in the company of like-minded peers.
- LD MasterMind | Forge™: For business owners and executives looking to invest in developing their company's promising leaders for increased capacity and responsibility.
Each approach integrates proven frameworks, leadership coaching, Biblical wisdom, and the kind of strategic alignment most leaders only wish they had.
We don't offer cookie-cutter solutions. We build long-term partnerships.
So when you face your next challenge, you're not facing it alone.
Meet Your Guides
Paul Harstrom
Founder | CEO | Value Accelerator
After leading a $18M-to-$140M+ business transformation in the printing industry and holding executive roles across multiple sectors, Paul started LEAD Diligently with one mission: help Christian leaders scale their businesses without losing their soul in the process.
He’s known for asking the hard questions with warmth, making sense out of chaos, and helping owners unlock growth through values-driven clarity.
He’s a husband, father of three, and a firm believer that your personal life and professional success don’t have to compete—they can strengthen each other.
Lives in Louisville. Fueled by faith, strategy, and family adventures.
Paul Harstrom
Founder - CEO Value Accelerator
Rob Gassman
President | Senior Advisor | Financial Growth Expert
Rob brings four decades of executive leadership across logistics, construction, distribution, and M&A strategy. He’s the steady hand at the table—helping owners cut through complexity, make high-stakes decisions, and grow without burning out.
What does Rob love most? Helping leaders lead better. He’s guided dozens of companies through scaling, acquisition, and transformation—always with wisdom, humility, and a deep sense of purpose.
Lives in Louisville with his wife of 40+ years. Proud grandpa. Longtime member of Southeast Christian Church.
Rob Gassman
President | Senior Advisor | Financial Growth Expert
Henry Sohl
Business + Sales Strategy Advisor
Henry has done it all—turnarounds, launches, expansions, and exits. With 40+ years of experience in industries like tech, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare, he helps leaders see around corners and act with confidence.
Known for his transparency and humility, Henry builds trust fast and isn’t afraid to share hard-won lessons. His coaching style is grounded, relational, and razor-sharp.
Favorite quote: “Success comes from good judgment. Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.”
Happily married 41+ years. Lives in Louisville. Active in men’s ministry at Southeast Christian.
Henry Sohl
Business + Sales Strategy Advisor
Jerry Nichter
Faith-in-Work Coach | Advisor | Culture & Leadership Guide
Jerry helps Christian business leaders connect what they believe with how they lead—so faith isn’t just personal, it’s practical. With 30+ years of experience in both ministry and business, he serves as a trusted coach to owners and teams navigating the intersection of faith, leadership, and workplace culture.
Known for his calm presence and deep wisdom, Jerry creates safe space for honest conversations, helping leaders align their decisions with their calling. From executive coaching to team dynamics, he guides others toward growth that’s not just strategic—but spiritual.
Based in Louisville. Longtime pastor, husband, father, and grandpa who’s passionate about helping leaders live and lead with eternal impact.
Jerry Nichter
Faith-in-Work Coach | Advisor | Culture & Leadership Guide
What’s Next for You?
If you’re feeling stuck, tired of juggling competing priorities, or just ready to lead with more peace and purpose—we’d love to talk.
Let’s take one step toward clarity together.