Squad Leaders Then, Kingdom Builders Today

Molly (Pangborn) ’00 and Nick Pastermack ’99 first met on the cheerleading squad at Taylor University. However, these college sweethearts had no idea they were stepping into a lifelong partnership that would shape their personal and professional lives. 

“We led the cheerleading squad for a couple years,” Nick said. “It taught us how to work together in leadership roles, and that set the tone for how we’ve lived ever since.” 

What started with building community on the cheer team grew into marriage, family, and eventually, a portfolio of businesses spread across multiple states. More than 25 years later, the Pastermacks have returned to Taylor as Entrepreneurs in Residence for the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE). 

Building Businesses While Building Community 

After leaving Taylor, the Pastermacks embraced an entrepreneurial lifestyle. Over the years, they have launched and owned more than two dozen businesses across industries from real estate to restaurants. Today, they oversee 12 active companies, including Kilwins Ice Cream shops, Juice n  Java coffeehouse, property management firms, and Renoja health wellness studios. 

But for the Pastermacks, business has never just been about profit. Their ventures served as a form of marketplace ministry—spaces where employees and communities can experience Kingdom impact. 

“We don’t see a divide between the sacred and the secular,” Nick said. “If you love Jesus, you’re in full-time ministry. You can get a paycheck from anywhere, but your calling is still to love God and love people, and business is one way we get to do that.” 

That perspective has shaped how they structure their companies. Many of their managers are also now partial owners, giving the couple both financial stake and spiritual influence in their communities. The Pastermacks host regular retreats and prayer calls with their business partners, blending accountability with relational and spiritual care.  

A Return to Upland 

As empty nesters with two college-aged children, Molly and Nick weren’t looking to move back to Indiana. They had built a home in Florida, surrounded by water and palm trees. However, when Taylor invited them to consider teaching and mentoring students in the CIE, they sensed God’s nudge. 

“At first, we said, ‘No way. We’re not leaving Florida,’” Molly said. “But the Lord tugged on our hearts. We realized this was a chance to give back to a place that gave us so much.” 

The couple now co-teach Transformational Entrepreneurship and Founder’s Fellowship, both upper level courses that equip students to think creatively and lead with impact. Molly serves as Professor, and Nick frequently guest lectures, sharing his business expertise alongside his wife in the classroom. 

“There’s so much joy in giving,” Molly said. “We haven’t regretted this decision for a moment. God has been so good to bring us back here.” 

Where Entrepreneurship Meets Ministry 

For the Pastermacks, faith and business are inseparable. From their earliest ventures, they viewed entrepreneurship as more than strategy or sales. They see each business as an opportunity to disciple, encourage, and invest in people. 

This shared conviction also drives their teaching at Taylor. They remind students that marketplace leadership is ministry and that listening to the Holy Spirit is key. For Molly and Nick, the mission is clear. Business is not a separate, “secular” space but a platform for eternal impact.   

“Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love me?’” Nick reflected. “When Peter said yes, He replied, ‘Then feed my sheep.’ If you love Jesus, you’re in full-time ministry whether you’re leading a church, running a company, or teaching in a classroom.”