How an Online Degree in Business Administration Shaped the Gills’ Marketplace Ministry

Jon (BS 23) and Keri (BS 14) Gill have what many would call American success stories. They started in the restaurant industry and moved up the ranks. As they worked, they took classes at Ivy Tech before earning online business bachelor’s degrees through Grace. Now, in corporate leadership roles at thriving organizations, the Gills have been rewarded for their hard work.

The motivation behind their work sets Jon and Keri apart from the average success tales. They see the marketplace as a ministry. They’re not after their own glory; they’re intent on bringing glory to Christ.

Keri, of Bristol, Indiana, got her start at McDonald’s. She worked her way up to general manager, but she knew it wasn’t a forever job. She enrolled at Ivy Tech and earned a degree in accounting. At the end of her program, a Grace representative shared a discount opportunity for Ivy Tech graduates. Keri was interested, so she began her online degree in business administration at Grace. 

“My Grace degree helped me get into HR,” said Keri. “My courses paired biblical principles with manager styles to equip us to share Jesus with people. If you maintain your integrity, people are naturally drawn to you and ask you questions. It’s a great avenue to start a conversation.”

After completing her degree, Keri worked for Interra Credit Union and then for Utilimaster. During that time, she earned her MBA before she began her favorite job yet: director of HR operations at the Boys and Girls Club of America in Atlanta. In her role, she oversees HR technology, compensation analysis, data reporting, and analytics.

Like Keri, Jon entered the workforce immediately after high school. He worked as a general manager at Arby’s in Mishawaka, Indiana, before transitioning to district manager in Fort Wayne. After less than two years in a training role, he returned to Northern Indiana to serve as the regional director of operations for 47 Arby’s restaurants. As he advanced in his career, he knew a bachelor’s degree in business would serve him well. Nearly a decade after Keri completed her degree at Grace, Jon didn’t waste time in the search.

“To watch her have an experience at Grace that aligns with our values and core beliefs was inspiring and made Grace College the obvious choice,” Jon said. 

After completing his online degree in business administration, Jon transitioned from field operations to corporate support at Inspire Brands headquarters in Atlanta. Three promotions later, Jon oversees the strategic direction and operational performance across 1,000+ company-operated Arby’s restaurants as senior vice president of operations. 

“In my role, I have an opportunity to connect with team members and managers from across the United States,” said Jon. “They all have different stories, and being able to connect with them and model Christlike behavior helps me stay grounded in what’s important.”

Fun Facts: 

• Jon and Keri attend Woodstock City Church in Woodstock, Georgia. 
• In their free time, they enjoy spending time with their grandkids, traveling, and cheering on Notre Dame football. 
• In 2015, they began a five-year challenge to run a mile in every state to raise awareness for epilepsy. They accomplished their goal in 2019, logging miles in iconic places such as Route 66, the Alamo, and the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  

Learn more about earning an online degree in business administration!