Who We Are
Staff & Leadership Core
Focused Living Staff
Staff and Core Couples Christmas Dinner 2023
Core Couples Retreat 2023
Core Couples Retreat 2022
Core Meeting 2022
Core Christmas 2021
Core Retreat 2020
Core Retreat 2019
Core Retreat 2018
Core Christmas Gathering 2017
Core Meeting 2017
Core Retreat 2015
Core Members At Doug Shales Funeral Oct 2013
Core Couples Retreat 2013
Core Brothers
David Abbott
David is married to Kim and they have two adult children, Bryan and Mary Ellen Grigsby, as well as one grandson, Riley Grigsby. David is a general contractor and owner of Community Builders & Developers since 1988. David is also a coach for Ben Lippen softball which he started in 2010. He is a FCA board member and "Character Coach". David and Kim are members of Shandon Baptist Church.
John Busch
John was first invited by a brother to attend the Chapin forum in 2013. Raised in the church, he says his eyes were finally opened while going through a rough patch in 2004. Aviation has been the biggest part of his professional life but he also spent time as an entrepreneur. He is the founder of EnGenCore, LLC and co-founded Selah Genomics, Inc., both biotech companies. John went to College of Charleston for undergrad and completed an International MBA from USC. He served in the SC Air National Guard as an F-16 mission commander and instructor pilot; was commander of the 169th OSF and a graduate of the USAF Air War College. Currently he serves on The College of Charleston Board of Trustees and on the Advisory Board of the Challenger Learning Center of Richland County School District One.
Creig Dupuis
Creig and his wife Amelia live in Chapin, SC. They have four grown children. Crieg considers himself a product of Focused Living and has been involved since the early years in the 90’s. He hosts one of the weekly men’s forums and is having a blast being an elder in his local church. Creig loves investing himself into the younger generation of Christian leaders. He has worked in the area of general dentistry for over 30 years.
Tyler Priester
Tyler and his wife, Lindsey have been married since 2011 and live in Columbia, SC. They have two children, Gardner and Tap, that keep them busy. He is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley and graduate of the University of South Carolina. Whether it's hunting, fishing, or playing with his kids, Tyler loves the outdoors. He attends the downtown forum and disciples men in Grip.
Chris Shull
Chris and his wife Cyndi have been married since 2003 and live in Blythewood, SC. They have two adult children; son Haydn and daughter Ryan who attends the College of Charleston. He is a life-long entrepreneur and currently runs a life insurance agency. He was first introduced to the Focused Living forums and later GRIP discipleship by his friend and business partner Mr. William “Tank” Black. It is because of his friendship with Tank that he learned the importance of relationships in every area of life. Chris is passionate about international mission work where he has been actively working alongside missionaries and pastors in Nicaragua since 2011. Chris and his wife Cyndi enjoy traveling, dining out and ”doing life” together in their free time. He attends the downtown forum and disciples men in GRIP.
Advisory Brothers
Dr. Perry Bowers
Perry and his beautiful bride, Janet, have been married since 1975 and live in Columbia, SC. They have two married daughters both married to awesome son-in-laws, and 6 beautiful grandchildren. He received his undergraduate degree from University of Maryland ('go Terps!), his Masters from Western Baptist Seminary, a Doctorate of ministry from Columbia International University, and is an ordained PCA (Presbyterian Church of America) pastor. He is addicted to mountain biking, an aging animal in his kayak, loves reading, and on occasion you will find him trying to shoot his IQ on the front nine. He is a hopeless romantic, hand holding hugging husband, and a certifiably warped 'Far Side' freak.
Rob Buck
Rob and Betsy live in Columbia, SC and have four grown children, three adopted "in-law" kids and seven grandchildren. They have been married since 1982 and enjoy spending time with grandkids, walking, and anything outside. Rob is the president of Alpha Training and Services, a software training and services company. He is an elder at Columbia Crossroads Church. He holds a computer science degree from the University of South Carolina. He is a writer and a member of Word Weavers international. Rob enjoys chicken farming. He also loves playing disc golf at Buck Forest, the 18 hole back yard course he built with his son.
Derek Gowdy
This die hard Carolina Gamecock fan (Moore School MBA '95) has been happily married to Phyllis since 1987. They live on Lake Wateree in Camden, SC. He has been involved with FLM since 1995 hosting a forum, discipling men in GRIP, leading 20+ international missions adventures, and is now a member of the advisory team. Derek spends his days working within his consulting firm focusing primarily in private equity markets along with his involvement in 4WW, a non-profit which shows the love of Christ by providing hot meals to those with a need. He enjoys weight lifting and spending time on the water.
Bud Wilson
Bud Wilson has been involved with FLM for over 20 years as a "SALT guy" and then a Core Member and a Forum attender and remains an advisory brother. David Andes invited him to a SALT (now GRIP Discipleship) semester and the rest is history. He has always felt called to discipling men, so when he came into contact with FLM there was an immediate fellowship. Bud is the husband of Kate and father of 3 daughters and a son and a happy grandfather of 4 grandchildren so far. He loves Jesus and His Word and is committed to helping men go deeper with Jesus through His Word.
Jeb Shore
Jeb has known Perry since 1978 when Perry was a youth pastor and Jeb was an awkward middle school student. Jeb was involved in the beginning of Focused Living while he was living in Columbia in the early 90's. In fact, Jeb met his wife, the former Laurie Antablin, while they were working at WOLO-TV (aka ABC Columbia). Perry was the best man in their wedding. Jeb graduated from Eastern College and Fuller Theological Seminary. He served in two large churches in the Philadelphia area and considers it an honor to encourage people in their journeys with Jesus. Jeb enjoys watching college basketball, traveling and playing with his two daughters. They currently live in the Philadelphia area. Jeb continues to connect with Perry, David and the Focused Living men and is always up for doing a Hans and Frans skit with Perry.