The College of Business hosted numerous guests over Homecoming weekend at the Faith and Business Symposium. Featured speakers came from all over the country to share their wisdom and advice to current students on how to be the Christians we are called to be in today’s business world.

During the 1 p.m. panel on Friday, three professionals talked about balancing work and family. The speakers included Tom Tabor, VP and co-owner of Data Supplies, Inc., Kenneth Forte, co-owner and president of R & F Communications, Inc., and Ryan Moody, owner of Southern Creek Rustic Furnishings.

The speakers gave advice to the primarily student-filled audience on ways to balance work and family.

Cell phones, email and text are the primary ways of communicating in our world. The speakers shared how they deal with the cell phone issue at home.

“Find out how connected you want to be; it can be overwhelming at times,” Moody said. “One feature I found useful with email, is to ‘star’ or ‘flag’ important emails that need my attention first thing in the morning.”

Tabor has chosen not to have emails sent to his phone because of the anxiety that it would bring. Tabor gave examples of how to include family time while working. “Family is non-negotiable,” Tabor said “It is so important to be at your children’s events, make time for family and Bible study. At work, surround yourself with good people. Take a child with you on business trips. That one-on-one time with your children is vital.”

Forte spoke about how it is crucial to learn all you can about your job. He stated that staying after 4 or 5 p.m. is sometimes necessary, but encouraged the audience to not neglect your life outside of work.

“Your business is like your baby, but at the end of the day, business is not what truly matters,” Moody said. “You have a greater goal and purpose in life.”