How Hard Work, Mentors and Faith Changed Everything for a Homeless Teen

Send us a text What does it take to rewrite a story that started with homelessness, instability, and a 0.3 GPA? We sit down with Eric Jones, a nationally licensed mortgage broker and founder of The Jones Group, to trace the choices, mentors, and mindset shifts that turned rock bottom into a mission to help families and veterans build a stable future through homeownership. Eric’s journey moves fast—from a shelter in Illinois to a middle class neighborhood shadowed by abuse, from getting kicked out at 18 to graduating with honors, from partying through freshman year to dropping out and finding mentors who demanded more. You’ll hear how “triple the jobs” and “send 20 applications a day” became turning points, why he chose skill stacking over short‑term pay, and how a leap into mortgage sales led to his first six‑figure year. More important, you’ll see how faith reframed his definition of success from income to impact. We go deep on practical playbooks: finding mentors and proving you’re coachable, replacing excuses with volume and consistency, and using business as a tool for stewardship. Eric shares how inviting men to church built a small circle where two were baptized, and how mortgages can restore dignity for first‑time buyers, veterans, and anyone who needs someone to say, “There’s a path forward—and I’ll walk it with you.” If you’re stuck in a story you didn’t choose, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and steps you can take today. Listen now, subscribe for more uncommon stories of growth, and share this episode with someone who needs proof that everything is figureoutable. If it helped you, leave a review and tell us the one habit you’re starting this week. Connect with Eric: The Jones Group | Powered By Barrett Financial Group, LLC  Google: "Jones Lending Group Mortgages" or go to Website: JonesLendingGroup.com The Jones Group is dedicated to serving families, investors, and military veterans by helping them access homeownership, financial stability, and a hopeful future. We provide transparent guidance, education, and support throughout the mortgage process.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericjones.thejonesgroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thejonesgroupmortgage Google Business Page: https://share.google/gvMNx6BYl4cj4gllM Subscribe and tell a friend! Get my book "The Seven Disciplines of Uncommon Freedom" on Amazon! Visit bekandkev.com today to sign up for our email newsletter. Access our Ideal Health Map HERE