Who We are
About Doug Meadows
Hi, Im Doug Meadows, President & Founder of NTB International. Below is a glimpse into how this ministry was birthed, shaped by years of experiences, challenges, and God’s guidance.
A Foundation in Faith and Business
I was born and raised in Michigan. My parents were not churchgoers, but my first introduction to church came through a bus ministry that visited our neighborhood. Later, new neighbors invited me to their church, where I was introduced to the love of Jesus Christ—and I couldn’t resist. What started as a religious practice has transformed into a deep, personal relationship with Christ.
My grandfather was a jeweler, running what we call a Trade Shop—a fancy term for wholesale jewelry repair. Local retail jewelers sent him rings to be resized or repaired, diamonds to be set, and chains to be soldered. He started his business in 1926, and in the 60s, my dad and uncle took over. I was apprenticed as a bench jeweler in the 70s.
My grandfather was a jeweler, running what we call a Trade Shop—a fancy term for wholesale jewelry repair. Local retail jewelers sent him rings to be resized or repaired, diamonds to be set, and chains to be soldered. He started his business in 1926, and in the 60s, my dad and uncle took over. I was apprenticed as a bench jeweler in the 70s.
In the 80s, at 23 years old, I left the cold Michigan winters for Georgia and went into business with a friend. We begged, borrowed, and scraped together enough money to buy a jewelry store in a major Atlanta mall. But within two years, we successfully ran it into bankruptcy. I was naive, thinking that just because I was a Christian, I would be blessed financially beyond my dreams—until I read Business by the Book by Larry Burkett. That book ignited in me a hunger to understand Ministry in the Marketplace, leading me on an unexpected journey.
The South Pacific: Boats, Engines & Business Opportunities
Several years ago, I traveled to Fiji with Life School International to teach biblical principles. While I was there, I developed a deep friendship with Koli, his wife Ruci (Ruthie), and their son Mini.
I watched Koli teach Mini how to drive a boat—just as I had taught my own son to drive a car. The commands were the same: “Stop.” “Turn.” “Look out!” The only difference was the setting.
One issue kept arising: the boat we used to travel between islands constantly had engine trouble.
As I looked around, I noticed that every fisherman and boat owner had the same 40-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine. But when those engines broke down, repairs were difficult to find. It seemed so simple—there were young men like Mini who needed work, and there was a huge demand for small engine repair.
I began to think:
- What if we trained young men in engine repair?
- What if we gave them the business skills to sustain their work?
- What if we helped launch small businesses based on biblical principles?
I saw the same potential for small businesses in villages—egg farming, honey production, and other trades that could support families. It wasn’t just about money; it was about equipping people with knowledge, skills, and the permission to dream.
Africa: Cameras, Cell Phones & Business Dreams
Shortly after my time in Fiji, I found myself in Kenya, once again working with local children. My interpreter, Charles, became a close friend. Before leaving, we gave him a simple 35mm point-and-shoot camera.
That small gift changed his life. He became a photographer, taking pictures of birthdays, graduations, weddings, and special events. Soon, he was asking for a better camera. Since I had switched to digital, I sent him my old high-quality 35mm camera, along with extra batteries and film.
But then, something unexpected happened. Instead of asking for more cameras or advertising, Charles told me he needed two things: a cell phone and a bicycle.
- He had no way for customers to contact him.
- He had no way to get to his photography jobs.
Needless to say, he now has a cell phone and a bicycle. But he needed more than tools—he needed business training, biblical wisdom, and the skills to build a sustainable career.
That conversation led me to ask him a bigger question: “What’s your dream?”
His answer? An internet café.
He saw an opportunity to create a business that would employ others and meet a growing community need. This was the kind of thinking I wanted to encourage—not just survival, but sustainable growth.
NTB International Begins
As my passion for equipping entrepreneurs grew, I shared my vision with my pastor. In the spring of 2007, he gave me the launch I needed. We invited a pastor from Zimbabwe to stay with us, and together, we brainstormed business ideas that could work in a developing country.
The result was The Epworth Project—a plan to establish a small cooking oil business. We worked through the logistics, and by 2009, we were ready to launch in Zimbabwe.
A New Vision: Business Training in Africa
Determined to refine this model, I turned my focus to micro-lending and business education. I organized a conference in Kenya, hoping to teach entrepreneurship and planning. But when I arrived, everyone handed me the same generic business plan.
It became clear—they didn’t need just money. They needed real training on how to start and run a business.
Another realization hit me: most of them were simply trying to feed their families today. Long-term planning was a luxury they couldn’t afford.
Then, I met Gary Shotton, founder of Business Mission Trips. I traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to learn from him, and we organized a trip to Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya. We conducted business seminars and visited local businesses.
While in Zambia, we hosted a Women’s Business Conference, where I led a jewelry-making workshop. About six months later, missionary Dawn Close took a handful of teenage girls from the slums and—using the tools we had provided—helped them start a jewelry-making business. Today, their work is sold around the world!
These experiences shaped my understanding:
- Sustainable change requires both business training and a marketable trade—woodworking, metalwork, carpentry, plumbing, baking, tailoring, crafts, agriculture, or computers.
- I needed to partner with an orphanage to build a three-year business development program that would equip young people with practical skills.
Where We Are Now
Final Thoughts
From jewelry repair in Michigan to small boat engines in Fiji… from a photographer in Kenya to a vocational training center in Uganda… my journey has been one of learning, growing, and following God’s call to equip others through business.
What are we out to cause . . . .
Self-sustaining community of business owners making a difference in God’s kingdom through themselves, their business, their families, their church & their communities such that community leaders are taking notice
I don’t believe in just giving money—I believe in giving people the tools, skills, and biblical foundation to build something lasting.
If this mission resonates with you, I invite you to be part of it. Whether through prayer, partnership, or participation, we can make a difference together.
Office Hours
We can't wait to meet you!Monday – Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Contact Information
Want to chat? Get in Touch!info@ntbinternational.org
(404) 695-2886
3605 Sandy Plains Rd #260
Marietta, Georgia 30066