Gregg is a man who has lived with passion, vision, and a relentless work ethic. From a young age, he dreamed of owning a restaurant, and today that dream has become a reality with Independence Grill. For Gregg, it was never just about cooking food or running a business—it was about creating an atmosphere where people feel welcome, cared for, and valued. He has always believed in visualizing the life he wanted to live, and with determination, he stepped forward to make it happen. In many ways, Gregg is living the dream he once imagined as a child.

But his journey has not been without challenges. Gregg knows firsthand what it means to be “guilty by association,” to face the sting of arrest, and to feel the weight of being called to the carpet by God. Like Paul on the road to Damascus, Gregg encountered moments where he could no longer hide from God’s truth and love. Those moments of conviction became turning points, reminding him that real change starts on the inside. Through prayer, humility, and faith, he renewed his relationship with Christ and found his true purpose. John 3:16 became more than a verse to him—it became the heartbeat of his testimony.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” ~ John 3:16

Gregg is not a man afraid to show emotion. He believes deeply that men do cry, and that real strength is found in honesty, humility, and dependence on God. He often prays, “God, what do you need me to do?” and lets that guide his decisions. His calling now extends beyond his restaurant, as he works with the Be Blac Foundation to inspire others.  He knows that without faith, life has no true purpose, and his desire is to take every opportunity to share that message.

Leadership, to Gregg, is about serving others and seeing value in people. Whether through a kind word, a shared meal, or a heartfelt prayer, he seeks to remind others that God’s grace is real and available to all. His story is a powerful testimony of redemption, resilience, and renewal—a living example that change comes from within, and that with God, even the hardest seasons can be turned into opportunities for growth and purpose.

To connect with Gregg or learn more, go to: https://beblacfoundation.org/

#beblacfoundation #Biblebeliever #Jesusfollower #conversationswithbuddy
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For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. 

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About Buddy Puckett:
Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,
failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! 

“Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6

Buddy Puckett -
NMLS #270057 - OR, WA, AZ
Guild Mortgage 
Company NMLS #3274 | Equal Housing Opportunity