In the fifth part of the Purpose Summit series on Stories From the River, host Charlie Malouf interviews Mark Whitacre live from the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum gear shop. Mark Whitacre, who is notable for his involvement in a high-profile FBI price-fixing case that later inspired the movie "The Informant!" starring Matt Damon, shares his journey of wearing a wire for the FBI for three years to expose corporate malfeasance at his former company. Whitacre details the impact of his wife Ginger, whose faith and insistence on turning himself in to the FBI played a pivotal role in his decision to cooperate. Despite the initial promise of a six-month plea deal, Whitacre ended up serving eight and a half years in federal prison due to his own prideful actions and refusal to sign the agreement initially.
Whitacre's story evolves into one of redemption and faith, highlighting his transformation during his time in prison, where he was significantly influenced by Chuck Colson and Ian Howes. After being released, Whitacre rebuilt his career and currently serves as Vice President of Culture and Care at Coca-Cola Consolidated, a company he had stolen from 35 years ago. He now champions a faith-driven corporate culture, overseeing chaplain programs, prayer groups, and bible studies in the company's numerous plant sites. The episode underscores themes of forgiveness, purpose, salvation, transformation, and redemption, as Whitacre shares his journey from corporate executive and FBI informant to a leader fostering workplace culture and care.
Episode links and resources:
Coca-Cola Consolidated Website - cokeconsolidated.com
Christian Business Men’s Connection Website: Christian Business Men's Connection - cbmc.com
The Movie: “The Informant” - www.imdb.com/title/tt1130080/
Book 1: Mark Whitacre Against All Odds: How ''The Informant'' and his Family Turned Defeat into Triumph - www.amazon.com/Mark-Whitacre-...
Book 2: Surprised by Faith: A Scientist Shares His Personal, Life-Changing Discoveries About God, The Bible and Personal Fulfillment by Dr. Don Bierle - www.amazon.com/Surprised-Fait...
Book 3:The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus - www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/031034...
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Why Mark is involved with the Purpose Summit
01:33 Mark's story
04:30 Turning himself in
08:00 Wearing a wire and prison
10:32 Companies looking after Mark's family
10:50 Current position
12:00 Conclusion
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