GEORGE BARLOW Why Not?

written by BRAD (BT) IRWIN, '96

George Barlow, Jr., (’87/’03) is head of global franchise development for Business Network International, which has 10,800 chapters worldwide (and is likely familiar to many readers of this magazine). This role involves working with business owners around the world, including Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Go back to the 1980s, however, and nobody–including George himself–imagined this future for him. Growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana, Barlow cared little for academics. He barely made it through high school and had zero interest in going to college until former coach Michael Light convinced him to run track for Michigan Christian College. He thought, “Why not? I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

George admits he didn’t apply himself to classwork in college much more than he had in high school, but he did find two things at MCC that gave him fresh fire.

First, he met Tonya Meyer (’88), the MCC classmate who became his wife of 32 years and counting.

Second, he found a deeper and truer devotion to Jesus Christ through his friendships and participation in the Christian community at MCC.

George amazed even himself when he earned an associates degree in 1987. A year later, he moved back to Indianapolis, where he took a job at the local newspaper. That’s where he found his gift for sales. Promotions and job offers followed. Throughout the next 15 years, his career and family blossomed, taking him to Utah, Southern California and Texas.

While living and working in Utah, George heard about the bachelor’s degrees offered at his alma mater. He thought, “Why not finish what I started?"

In 2003, George walked across the stage to receive his Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Since then, he has completed a Master of Management degree from the University of Phoenix.

"Coming back to RC to complete my degree was one of the best decisions I could have made. It not only opened doors for me professionally, it also brought back many good memories of my spiritual experience," said George.

Nineteen years later, George continues to excel in his career. Austin, Texas is the home base from which he works to bring networking and professional development to tens of thousands of small business owners around the world.

More importantly, however, is his faith and family. George preaches at local churches and serves as an elder at his home congregation. He is proud of his two adult sons and overjoyed by his first grandchild who was born in Dec. 2022.

It is not hard for him to see how his time at Rochester contributed to his life and work. “Looking back at my time at Michigan Christian College, it was life-changing and something I will cherish for the rest of my days,” says George.