Born in Mississippi, I was raised in Texas by caring, practical, and fun-loving parents. They were fabulous people; full of wisdom and common sense, who took the time to share their knowledge and love of God with my two sisters, Billie and Bobbie, and me. I truly never appreciated how fortunate I was to have such a family, until I started applying the business and life principles my family taught me. I soon realized others had not received such valuable advice and training. (This knowledge led me to weave Aunt Jimmi letters into The Kingdom Code so I could advise students about money matters and share real-life experiences and life lessons.)
In 1970, I graduated from Texas Tech University with a BS in Education, and in the same year married Johnny Byler. We made our home in Irving, Texas. I taught 4th grade several years in Grand Prairie, and then started and developed my art career. I painted pictures professionally, first selling in parks, malls, and furniture stores. Eventually, I sold paintings in galleries across the western states. It took time to build a business, and I learned “first-hand” how to do it.
We started our family five years later. Kate and John, our two wonderful kids, now work in the family business started by Johnny in 1974. God blessed my children with great mates, Bryan and Kristi, who love the Lord.
I have five precious grandchildren: Brennan, Caden, John, Graham, and MaKenzie. What a joy! My heartbeat is to leave a legacy, not only to my grandchildren, but to children everywhere: a legacy of encouragement and the belief that all of them are fully capable of reaching their dreams – if they are equipped with confidence, fundamental skills, integrity, determination, and the desire to follow God’s teachings.
I retired from painting in 1985 to join Johnny in our business where I started a telemarking division. Again, this experience proved invaluable when I began writing The Kingdom Code.
My husband and I lived “the American dream” of owning our own businesses and watching them grow. With God’s help and guidance, our businesses prospered. It is now our privilege to share what we have freely received.
I am passionate about teaching the principles of money management to young students so they can become debt-free and self-sufficient adults. I believe students should understand what it means to be content, have a strong, positive work ethic, an appreciation for the free enterprise system, a dependency on God, and respect for others. I love Jesus, and want students to understand the power they have if they ask for His help and depend on Him. I believe if you train a child when he is young, his perspective and values are shaped, so it is vitally important to seize every opportunity during these valuable years for teaching students what they need and will use the rest of their lives.