What did I do with a degree in Philosophy?

Jim Stein, President, Material Assistance Providers (MAP), Entrepreneur, & Computer Analyst

“I’ve always believed that we do more in the world by what we do, not what we say.”

That has been Jim’s motto throughout his life— from seminary, to the business world, and now as he guides a fledgling non-profit organization to meet the growing furniture distribution needs in central Ohio.

In high school, Jim attended Holy Spirit Seminary in Toledo, Ohio. Holy Spirit was a preparatory high school for young men interested in exploring the spiritual life; it has since closed.

“I would encourage young men to go to Catholic High School and College. It takes a pretty mature individual to know for sure that God is calling him, so you need time to figure that out.”

Jim then attended St. Meinrad, a Benedictine college/seminary, in Indiana. He majored in Philosophy and minored in computer science. St. Meinrad runs Abbey Press and Jim had the opportunity to work with computers while studying there.

After his sophomore year in college, Jim interned at St. Peter’s parish in Mansfield, Ohio. He enjoyed parish life, but began to believe that perhaps God was not calling him to the priesthood.

“If you are truly receiving the call to religious life, I believe that call will continue; it won’t go away.”

After graduating from St. Meinrad with a degree in Philosophy, Jim did leave seminary.

“Philosophy majors are good thinkers, decision-makers, and problem solvers –so job opportunities are there.”

Jim began working as a computer analyst for a small company in Mansfield before moving to Columbus to work with Xerox and a major accounting firm.

Jim then joined Franklin International – an adhesives manufacturing company where he worked for nine years in all areas – management, customer service, credit/financing, warehousing, and computers.

Jim and a partner took advantage of an opportunity to purchase the transportation division of Franklin International, Franklin Distribution. Jim and his partner grew this small, startup trucking company to a successful organization of 200 people over an 11-year period. It is now known as FST Logistics.

Jim then sold his interest in FST Logistics in 2002 and began considering a shift into a leadership role in a non-profit organization.

“My management style is to promote, encourage, and take good care of employees—almost in a family sense. When the business grew and it required a tougher, grittier manager, that wasn’t for me. Caring for people with high integrity, developing people’s careers, and leading by example describe my management style. I am sure my high school and college seminary experience influenced that.”

Jim joined MAP Furniture Bank as President in 2004. Jim believes that seminary and his spirituality continue to mold his “people-first” management style.

Jim has no regrets about attending seminary and receiving a degree in Philosophy. He has even contemplated pursuing the permanent diaconate someday.

What is the one thing Jim discovered in seminary that continues to influence his life?

“I began to understand that people are made in the image and likeness of God. I look at people and look for what is God-like in each of them. Some people have more God-like traits than others, but everyone has at least one trait. I can always find that even in people who are not spiritual.”