Opportunity

Description: Christian Durant, a student at Leland University, worked his way through college at a local retailer, Stearns and Company. Though he studied history at Leland, he completed a minor in business and upon graduation moved into the management training program at Stearns and Company. Years later, serving as a store manager, Christian marries Leigh Whitfield and is approached by an old friend, Scott Pierce, with an opportunity to join him in a start-up manufacturing business. Christian and Leigh join their friends--Scott and his wife, Carol--as they learn more than they thought imaginable about starting and managing a business. Then tragedy strikes. Scott is killed in a mysterious accident, the business suffers setbacks, and friendships are stressed to the point of breaking. Christian faces a crisis, professionally and personally, and seeks answers that lead him ultimately to a newfound faith and peace. Christian and Leigh weigh the possibilities of selling their interest in the business and starting over. Meanwhile, the investigation into the death of Scott Pierce uncovers surprises that no one expected . . . Opportunity is a textbook introducing free enterprise and business principles in story form, complete with the suspense and intrigue of a novel. This ""novel text"" integrates a survey of business disciplines with a biblical worldview. In enlightening ways the book explores the integration of faith and ethics. As the story engages readers, it also teaches principles of free enterprise and business. Endorsements: ""Nothing short of brilliant. David Whitlock has creatively put together a fascinating introductory textbook for college and university business students. In this well written work students will be introduced to all aspects of the business world . . . This exciting pedagogical tool enables students to grasp the big picture, while wrestling with matters of faith, ethical issues, and accountability challenges. . . . I heartily commend it and trust it will find the wide audience it deserves."" --David Dockery, President, Union University; Chairman of the Board of Directors, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities ""I recommend Opportunity to anyone involved in the study of business. I am also interested in making this book available to all of our entry and mid-level managers."" --Mr. Kelly Baker, Executive Vice President of Sales, Teters Floral Products, Inc. ""David Whitlock has applied a unique approach to writing an introductory business text with a faith-based message. Students receive the advantage of two books for the price of one--a textbook and a novel. This is truly a novel approach to learning business and free enterprise in America."" --Robert Masters Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kansas Board of Regents ""Dr. David Whitlock is passionate about the life that God has given him through the Lord Jesus Christ. That passion is very evident in his book, Opportunity: Introducing Free Enterprise and Business. This introduction to business textbook communicates basic business principles. . . . The most striking dimension of the book is the author's unapologetic presentation from a biblical Christian worldview. . . . It is my privilege and honor to recommend this book to those who desire to present business from a faith-based perspective."" --Gordon Dutile Provost, Southwest Baptist University ""I like the approach. Opportunity departs from the same old dull-as-dishwater encyclopedic presentation style. The writing is generally lively and moves the reader along to the next subject."" --Shawn Ritenour Associate Professor of Economics, Grove City