Mathew Bradbury • Disciple Maker
Turning Clients Into Family Through Business
In this story from the KC Underground Network, Breanna Wiebe talks with Mathew Bradbury, founder of Thrive in Place, about building a business that is intentionally designed for disciple-making.
“We want to turn clients into friends—and friends into family.” — Mathew Bradbury
Thrive in Place exists to help people age in place—providing specialized home modifications, accessibility renovations, and general repairs that allow individuals to remain safely in their homes. But for Mathew and his wife Kerry, the business is more than a service model. It’s a bridge for relationships, pastoral care, and gospel presence.
One particular family became especially meaningful. After receiving a call from an occupational therapist about a man recovering from a debilitating stroke, Mathew stepped in to help make significant modifications to the home before the gentleman returned from rehab. Just 36 hours after committing to the project, Mathew’s own father passed away. In the middle of grief, God gave him what he calls a “joyful burden” to serve this family with deep love and care.
Over time, contractor-client interactions turned into shared meals, prayer, tears, and trust. When the family needed more work done, the son told Mathew: “You’re more family now than a contractor anyway.”
What began as a ramp, an elevator, and home repairs became prayer in the living room, hugs in the garden, and spiritual conversations with a husband who is spiritually hungry.
Mathew’s story reflects a core KC Underground conviction: business can be mission. Clear invoices and excellent work matter—but so do presence, prayer, and pastoral care. Thrive in Place isn’t just fixing homes; it’s building spiritual family.
Are you walking with people, planting the gospel, or seeing new life emerge in your context? Your story can strengthen and inspire the wider KC Underground family.
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