AI, Faith, and the Future: Why the Next 18 Months Could Define the Next Decade for Your Business

Oct 22

What if we told you that your business has just 18 months to capitalize on a shift that could redefine your entire industry?

In a world obsessed with artificial intelligence (AI), it's easy to get caught up in buzzwords and fears of machines replacing people. But what if the real story isn’t about replacement at all—but acceleration?

In a recent episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson sat down with Chris Morbitzer, founder of NorthBuilt, to unpack the future of AI, its influence on manufacturing and distribution, and why humanity—yes, emotion, faith, and critical thinking—matters more than ever.

The First AI Moment: From Curiosity to Clarity

Joe opens the episode with a confession most of us can relate to: he first encountered ChatGPT in 2022 and was instantly hooked. Like many, he typed something simple—"What should I have for dinner?"—and was blown away.

Chris’s AI journey started even earlier, working with natural language processing systems before LLMs (large language models) became mainstream. His reaction? A mix of awe and skepticism. “You hit this early peak of fascination,” he explains. “Then you hit the valley of discontent. You realize the limitations—and that’s where most people give up.”

But Chris didn’t give up. He pushed through, learning how to use AI as a strategic tool rather than a shiny distraction.

AI Is Not Intelligence—It’s Leverage

One of the episode’s most resonant themes is that AI isn't actual intelligence. It's not emotional, and it doesn't "think" like humans do.

“AI is like a jet pack,” Chris says. “For those who use it to accelerate their learning and knowledge, it's incredible. But for those using it as a replacement for thinking, it becomes a crutch.”

This mindset shift—from “AI is scary” to “AI is a tool”—is critical. Especially for industries like manufacturing and agriculture, which are traditionally slower to adopt emerging tech. But the opportunity is massive, and time-limited.

The 18-Month Window: Why Small Manufacturers Can Beat the Giants

Chris previews his upcoming talk at the FEMA Convention in Las Vegas, titled:

"The 18-Month Window: Beating Full-Line Manufacturers to AI-Ready Distribution."

The concept is simple but powerful: Small, agile companies have a brief window to implement AI before large corporations catch up. Large organizations move slowly due to bureaucracy and planning cycles. But smaller players? They can move fast, adapt, and capture market share.

“There’s so much low-hanging fruit right now,” Chris emphasizes. “And most businesses aren’t even picking it yet.”

This could include:

Predictive analytics for sales and quoting
Faster CRM workflows
AI-powered lead generation
Data-driven inventory and supply chain optimization

And here’s the kicker: You already have the data. You just need to start using it.

AI ≠ Creativity Replacement

Joe raises a valid concern: Are we getting lazy? Are our brains turning to mush because we rely so heavily on AI?

Emails, social media posts, even casual conversations are being written by tools—and it’s becoming obvious.

Chris doesn’t dismiss the concern. He shares it. But he believes the solution isn’t to reject AI—it’s to understand how to use it wisely.

“We use AI to replace the tedium, not the creativity. It’s like a sparring partner—it helps me refine my ideas. But if you lean on it too hard, what you get is average. And that’s what AI gives by default—the average answer.”

The Human Response: Why Faith and Meaning Are Making a Comeback

In an unexpected and powerful pivot, Joe and Chris dive into something rarely discussed in tech circles: faith.

Joe observes a resurgence in young people turning to religion, especially Orthodox Christianity. Chris agrees—and notes that people are seeking something real, tactile, and deeply meaningful.

“They want to know the real you,” Joe says. “Not the polished, algorithmic version. And they’re discovering that meaning can’t be manufactured.”

In a world where everything feels artificial—filters, bots, curated feeds—the hunger for truth and real connection is rising. And businesses would do well to notice.

Practical Takeaways for Businesses

So, what should your business be doing today to prepare for tomorrow?

Start with the Low-Hanging Fruit
Don’t chase the most complex AI applications. Focus on where AI can immediately save time or improve accuracy—quoting, forecasting, customer segmentation, etc.
Use Your Historical Data
That sales history you’ve been logging for years? It’s now a goldmine. Use it to inform your decisions and predict customer behavior.
Don’t Replace People—Empower Them
AI works best when it enhances human ability, not when it tries to replace it. Your best employees will thrive with the right tools.
Focus on Customer Emotion, Not Just Efficiency
Your brand is how people feel when they interact with you—not your logo. AI can't replace emotional intelligence.
Stay Human
Whether through faith, relationships, or intentional conversations, make space to stay grounded. The future may be digital, but success will always be human.

Final Thoughts: One Day at a Time

When Joe asks what the next five to ten years might look like, Chris admits he doesn’t know.

“We’re all still learning. We haven’t even picked all the low-hanging fruit. So take one day at a time.”

In a world spinning faster than ever, that’s solid advice. Be curious. Be intentional. Be human.

And if you're in Las Vegas this October, don’t miss Chris’s talk at the FEMA Convention. It could be the spark that propels your business into the future—intelligently, ethically, and effectively.

Connect with Chris Morbitzer

Upcoming Event

FEMA Convention 2025 – Las Vegas
October 28–31, 2025
Chris’s Session: "The 18-Month Window: Beating Full-Line Manufacturers to AI-Ready Distribution"
Thursday, October 30th

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Stefanie Wenninger