WHO WE ARE

A VISION FOR HOPE

LIFE SURGE IS A MOVEMENT DEDICATED TO KNOWING GOD AND MAKING HIM KNOWN IN THE MARKETPLACE.

Life Surge believes the theology of Sunday morning should be biography on Monday. We are active participants in the greatest story ever told. Life Surge is leading the charge in unleashing a generation of Christian entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders who will influence culture, redefine success, and make Kingdom Impact.

WHO WE ARE

A VISION FOR HOPE

LEARN WHY AND HOW TO CREATE AND MULTIPLY FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR KINGDOM IMPACT.

PURPOSE

To know God and make Him known.


Hosea 6:3

VISION

To see God's Kingdom SURGE worldwide.


John 10:10

MISSION

Inspire, train, and equip others to SURGE their resources and influence for Kingdom Impact.

Isaiah 48:17

OUR MISSION:
INSPIRE, TRANSFORM, AND EQUIP PEOPLE TO SURGE THEIR LIFE GOD'S WAY

OUR MISSION:
INSPIRE, TRANSFORM, AND EQUIP PEOPLE TO SURGE THEIR LIFE GOD'S WAY

INSPIRE


1-DAY INSPIRATIONAL EVENTS

Discover the 4 W's of Kingdom Impact: Worship, Wisdom, Work, and Wealth as you learn to Surge Your Life God's Way.




TRANSFORM


3-DAY TRANSFORMATIONAL CLASSES

Gain the tools needed to grow wealth and a God-centered legacy for generations to come with practical strategies and a new, empowered mindset.

EQUIP


ONGOING ADVANCED TRAINING & MENTORSHIP

Ongoing advanced training enriched by an integrated ecosystem with personalized mentorship, exceptional support, missional community, and tailored services.

We offer additional products and services to equip you on your journey.

No matter where you are on your journey, Life Surge has an experience designed to inspire, transform, and equip you to make

KINGDOM IMPACT.

We offer additional products and services to equip you on your journey.

No matter where you are on your journey, Life Surge has an experience designed to inspire, transform, and equip you to make

KINGDOM IMPACT.

OUR MISSION:
INSPIRE, TRANSFORM, AND EQUIP PEOPLE TO SURGE THEIR LIFE GOD'S WAY

We offer additional products and services to equip you on your journey.

No matter where you are on your journey, Life Surge has an experience designed to inspire, transform, and equip you to make

KINGDOM IMPACT.

LIVE EVENTS


One-day inspirational events held nationwide with a focus on:

WORSHIP • WISDOM •
WORK • WEALTH
for KINGDOM IMPACT

Ticket prices start from $27-$37.

ORIENTATION WORKSHOPS


Introductory classes on Stock Trading and Real Estate Investing to start you on your journey.

Six full days for you and a guest for just $97.

ADVANCED TRAINING


Live training, online modules, coaching, and community to further your education journey.

Support packages and coaching available from $19,000.

WHAT WE DO

Life Surge offers a holistic approach to spiritual growth and practical application.

OUR STORY

Life Surge emerged as a beacon of hope in a world marked by uncertainty. We saw a generation of believers longing for a deeper connection with God and a practical blueprint for living out their faith in the marketplace. With a heart for empowering individuals, we set out to create a community where faith and ambition converge.

OUR STORY

Life Surge emerged as a beacon of hope in a world marked by uncertainty. We saw a generation of believers longing for a deeper connection with God and a practical blueprint for living out their faith in the marketplace. With a heart for empowering individuals, we set out to create a community where faith and ambition converge.

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

We want to lead a global movement of people surging their lives God’s way, by inspiring, transforming and equipping believers to do all that God has called them to do. Years ago, Billy Graham Jr. said, “I believe one of the next great moves of God is going to be through the believers in the workplace.”

Not only do we believe that – we want to be a part of seeing that reality in our lifetime! From live events to digital media and ongoing education and training, we want to impact every sphere of our society with the Power of God and the life-altering truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

LIFE SURGE is passionate about bringing our events to our attendees, LIVE AND IN-PERSON! We believe in the power of a local community that fellowships together, worships together, and encourages each other exactly where they are. By bringing together some of the top Christian speakers, business minds, entrepreneurs, and worship teams, our hope is to create an atmosphere of transformation.

Our mandate is to provide an opportunity for each attendee and believer to experience increase in their personal lives, careers, businesses, wealth, and legacy for the generations to follow. Because of John 10:10, we believe that there are always opportunities to live a better life, and that can happen suddenly and powerfully.

Your Co-Laborer,

Joe Johnson, PhD
Founder and Chief Entrepreneur

"I believe one of the next great moves of God is going to be through the believers in the workplace."

Billy Graham Jr.

OUR CORE VALUES

S

SURGE Obsessed

U

Uniquely Entrepreneurial

R

Results Driven

G

God-Centered

E

Excellent

OUR CORE VALUES

S

SURGE Obsessed

U

Uniquely Entrepreneurial

R

Results Driven

G

God-Centered

E

Excellent

CAREERS

CAREERS

Would you like to be a part of this amazing culture?

Would you like to be a part of this amazing culture?

REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS

REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS

Discover how others have SURGED their life forward.

Life Surge was a great event to attend, it opened my eyes to paths of income and ways to get involved. More importantly, it allowed me to see these paths and how I could learn the attributes to succeed and grow my legacy for my family

Luke V

Aldan

It was an amazing experience! So great to be able to combine our passion for Jesus with our gifts for business. Thank you for what you’re doing for the kingdom

Evelyn R

Bath

Extremely inspiring, motivating, and kingdom focused! Can’t say enough about this event. It was just what I needed to keep pursuing the dreams God put in my heart!

Jaime G

BOYERTOWN

I honestly have no words to explain how truly amazing, moving and life changing it felt being in the presence of so many Godly people who are making such an impact in the kingdom of God. I went there with an open mind and heart looking for some direction and experienced so much more. Truly a life changing event. Thank you all for everything.

Philip B

FREDERICK

I feel humbled that I am not alone in my struggle with my finances but now I am hoping that I can become a miracle for others. I’m inspired to make a difference and feel empowered by the knowledge I am gaining to make an impact and make heaven more full.

Kari M

Lakewood

It was amazing can’t wait to make an impact for the kingdom.

Nedra G

Myrtle Creek

I really enjoyed so much. I will definitely be back

Crystal M

Gastonia

Life Surge has been amazing so far and I am learning a lot and feel better about making money.

Gabrielle G

Denver

Exceptional ratings from our customers

4.6+

4.2+

LIFE SURGE LEADERSHIP

LIFE SURGE LEADERSHIP

Joe Johnson, PhD

Founder and Chief Entrepreneur

Shawn Marcell

President

Aaron Spiropoulos 

Chief Revenue Officer

Bill Bouyoucas

Chief Operating Officer

Matt Maggio

Chief Product Officer

Rob Collins

Chief Marketing Officer

Marie Code

General Counsel

Heidi Boykin

Senior Vice President,
Operations

David Evans

Vice President, Operations

Diane Ewen

Vice President,
Finance

Nina Cherry

Vice President, People

A VISION OF HOPE

The world spins a lot differently today than it used to. This is a time of headlines and deadlines, misconceptions and deceptions. This is a time for fragility in families and false hope in financials. This is a time when religious beliefs are dropping and immoral messaging is rising, plans are stalling, and anxiety is soaring. And because this this is the time we live in today, this … is a time for Life Surge.

 

Life Surge is a company dedicated to inspiring believers to look for – and to follow – the will of God in their world. And to do so with the intent of Surging Their Lives God’s Way. While all this has been the guiding principle since 2019, Life Surge is more – a lot more.

 

Life Surge believes the theology of Sunday morning should be biography on Monday – and all the rest of the week too. Our mission is to help believers learn how they can grow, and multiply, their financial resources and take back territory for Kingdom Impact in God’s Kingdom.

This is the rising up a of a global army of kingdom which recruits entrepreneurs, investors and leaders. All of them ready to take back territory in the nation’s marketplace.  And how does Life Surge achieve its mission? By offering resources, classes, products, services and inspiration, we equip believers with support to discover blessings for their family, their church, their world and for everyone’s future. 

Life Surge, a faith-based educational company, finds passion in helping believers to achieve the mission God spoke into their heart.

 

 

WHAT WE DO

Life Surge is a company dedicated to inspiring, transforming, and equipping people to follow the call of God on their lives. We do this in three ways:

OUR CORE VALUES

We're SURGE Obsessed

OUR CORE VALUES

DECISIONS FOR CHRIST

We see THOUSANDS of people commit their life to Christ through our organization and events.

95%

of our attendees say that Life Surge INSPR

Joe Johnson, PhD

Founder and Chief Entrepreneur

Shawn Marcell

President

Aaron Spiropoulos 

Chief Revenue Officer

Bill Bouyoucas

Chief Operating Officer

Jeremy Nosek

Chief Strategy Officer

Matt Maggio

Chief Product Officer

Rob Collins

Chief Marketing Officer

Marie Code

General Counsel

Heidi Boykin

Senior Vice President, Operations

David Evans

Vice President, Operations

Diane Ewen

Vice President, Finance

Nina Cherry

Vice President, People

JOE JOHNSON

Founder and Chief Entrepreneur

Driven by his mantra “If at first you don’t succeed, try again,” Dr. Joe Johnson, a serial entrepreneur and investor, has spent over 25 years empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. He’s the architect behind Welfont which was lauded by Entrepreneur Magazine for its innovation and growth. But Joe’s true passion lies in fueling Kingdom Impact. His latest venture, LIFE SURGE, is not just any Christian ministry; it’s the fastest-growing in America, poised to reach over 150,000 attendees this year alone. This explosive movement embodies Joe’s commitment to inspiring and equipping individuals to build resources and make a tangible difference in God’s Kingdom on earth. Joe Johnson’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative potential of faith, making him a sought-after speaker and motivator within the Christian community.

SHAWN MARCELL

President

Shawn Marcell, President of LIFE SURGE and former COO, brings a wealth of leadership experience from both pastoral and marketplace settings. With over 26 years in pastoral ministry, he founded non-profits domestically and internationally. Transitioning to the marketplace, Shawn excelled as a Vice President of Sales and later led a commercial real estate firm to become the fastest growing in its sector for two consecutive years. 

Beyond professional achievements, he co-authored “Offspring: Becoming a Family Full of Heritage and Hope” with his wife, Nichole, reflecting their testimony to God’s goodness and restorative power in their 32-year marriage. 

In his role at LIFE SURGE, Shawn’s leadership goes beyond titles. With a heart for people, Shawn aims to bridge the gap between ministry and the marketplace.

AARON SPIROPOULOS

Chief Sales Officer

Aaron Spiropolous is the Chief of Sales at Life Surge, where he leverages over 20 years of dynamic industry experience to drive exceptional growth and forge lasting client relationships. Known for his strategic vision and innovative approach, Aaron leads the Life Surge sales team with expertise, passion, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

 

Aaron’s career is marked by his ability to exceed targets and deliver outstanding results, making him a trusted leader and mentor for the organization. His profound understanding of market trends and customer needs has been instrumental in expanding Life Surge’s market presence and enhancing customer satisfaction.

 

Outside of the workplace, Aaron is an avid boating and diving enthusiast. Whether navigating the open waters or exploring the vibrant marine life beneath the surface, he finds inspiration and rejuvenation through these adventures. His love for the ocean reflects his approach to sales: adventurous, explorative, and always seeking new horizons.

BILL BOUYOUCAS

Chief Operating Officer

With 37 years of operational expertise, Bill leads Life Surge and SurgeU as their COO. Recognized for streamlining processes and fostering growth, he excels in cross-functional collaboration and strategic alignment. Leveraging his military background, Bill advocates for innovation and operational excellence, ensuring smooth execution and customer satisfaction. His dedication to empowering teams and delivering results propels Life Surge and SurgeU towards continued success in a dynamic market landscape.

JEREMY NOSEK

Chief Strategy Officer

Jeremy Nosek serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Life Surge & SurgeU. In this role, he works closely with the C.E.O. and other members of the executive team to drive strategic planning and execution. Jeremy also plays a pivotal role in new growth opportunities, R&D, M&A, and other large-scale strategic initiatives. 

 

Jeremy has spent most of his career in financial services and financial education, working at large financial institutions and small education start-ups in roles ranging from marketing and sales management to President. Early in his career, he received his Registered Representative (Series 7 and Series 63) “stockbroker” licenses, which have since expired. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Penn State University. 

 

Jeremy joined Life Surge in January 2024 and is passionate about equipping Christian entrepreneurs and investors with world-class financial education and skills. 

MATT MAGGIO

Chief Product Officer

With 20 years of experience in the financial education space, Matt leads Life Surge and SurgeU as their Chief Product Officer (CPO). He is a sales and product specialist with a proven track record of success, having worked with startups and established industry leaders both globally and in the US. Recognized for his expertise in implementing systems and processes that increase conversion rates and enhance client satisfaction, Matt is dedicated to driving excellence within the organization. 

With experience in all aspects of the financial education business model—from marketing and sales to product fulfillment—Matt possesses a unique perspective on how these key areas collaborate and enhance each other for optimal outcomes. A professional passion of Matt’s is growing leaders and inspiring them to reach their full potential.

ROB COLLINS

Chief Marketing Officer

Rob Collins is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong track record in the entertainment, media, and hospitality sectors.
 
Prior to his role at Life Surge, Rob held senior marketing positions at Universal Studios, Paramount, Nickelodeon, and Turner Entertainment Networks (tbs, TNT, and Turner Classic Movies). His tenure at these iconic companies honed his skills in crafting compelling marketing campaigns and cultivating brand loyalty.
 
Rob’s leadership was notably demonstrated during his time as the Chief Marketing Officer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, one of the hottest and fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant concepts with more than 1,000 locations in 44 states. His strategic vision and innovative marketing initiatives played a pivotal role in driving customer loyalty and engagement at a time of rapid growth as the company was opening a new location every 3 days.
 
During his tenure as the Chief Marketing Officer at Carmike Cinemas, he launched a new movie dining concept, Ovation Cinemas; re-branded the Sundance Cinemas locations; and led investor and corporate communications during Carmike’s sale to AMC theatres.

MARIE CODE

General Counsel

Marie has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. She is licensed to practice law in the States of Oregon and Florida, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. She is multi-lingual with broad experience in corporate, international, real estate, employment and transactional law, covering a diverse scope of areas including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, syndications, intellectual property, compliance, corporate governance, business structuring, corporate and estate planning and protection, executive management and employee training, asset protection, marketing, and document security.

Marie provides legal counsel to domestic and international clients in fourteen countries. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, provides pro-bono legal services to indigent clients within the community and volunteers her tine assisting various local not for profit organizations. Prior to relocating to Florida, Marie was in-house and General Counsel for the Solid Waste Management Authority and in-house counsel for McDonald’s Corporation in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, serving 13 countries under her jurisdiction. Upon relocating to Florida, Marie held the positions of Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Legacy Education {f/k/a Whitney Information Network, Inc.}, a publicly traded company focused on secondary education in the fields of real estate and stock investing. She supervised and managed all legal matters, legal staff and outside counsel at the company’s corporate headquarters, and ten additional domestic and international offices. She was also instrumental in the implementation of the company’s Quality Assurance and Compliance department, supervision of the company’s domestic and international Human Resources division, and creation of a global in-house training program for employees, independent contractors and vendors.

Marie is currently interim General Counsel for Life Surge and oversees the Legal and Compliance Departments and operates her law firm in Southwest Florida.

HEIDI BOYKIN

Senior Vice President, Operations

Heidi Boykin is the Senior Vice President of Life Surge, ascending from her role of VP of Operations. With 20+ years of experience, she is a results-oriented problem solver and driver. Joining Life Surge in 2020, she’s been an integral part of the organizations unparalleled growth, assisting with the organizations growth from just 3 team members to 120+. Outside work, Heidi enjoys family, outdoors, and sports. Embodying Life Surge’s “we do hard things well” mantra, she’s a dedicated professional and enthusiast.

DAVID EVANS

Vice President, Opertations

As the Vice President of Operations at Life Surge, David Evans brings his background in Information Systems and Operations to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of innovation and efficiency. He previously held positions in the eCommerce and Distribution industries, including selling several startups he owned and operated. David’s current role is fueled by a passion for technology, systems, and processes and a commitment to leveraging these passions to enhance Life Surge’s mission. 

 

Beyond his professional life, David is blessed to be a husband to his wonderful wife, Joanna, and father to three incredible children: Jake, Jade, and Jaxon. These roles fill his life with joy, purpose, and endless adventure. David and his family are deeply integrated into church and community, participating in various programs that aim to enrich their congregation and extend outreach into the wider community. 

 

In his free time, David enjoys fishing, golf, and coaching his kids’ sports teams. Their family shares a deep love for sports, a passion that not only keeps them active and engaged but also teaches valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of striving for excellence in all they do. 

NINA CHERRY

Director, Human Resources

Nina Cherry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Counseling, equipping her with the skills to understand and address various mental health challenges. Furthering her education, Nina Cherry earned an MBA with a focus on Human Resource Management, blending her counseling expertise with a strategic understanding of business and personnel management.

Married to Demetrius Cherry, they are proud parents to four wonderful children: Jaedin, Journie, Elijah, and Bryce. Together, Nina and Demetrius lead Golden Roots Ministries, a marriage ministry devoted to the restoration and enrichment of relationships. Their passion for seeing people restored and thriving is at the heart of their mission.

With several years of extensive experience, Nina has held key roles such as Director of Training, Quality Assurance, and Human Resources. This diverse expertise has equipped Nina with the skills necessary to drive organizational success and foster environments where people can grow and flourish.