RANJY THOMAS
SUCCESS THROUGH SERVICE
Sometimes it’s worth flying across the country to meet someone. On rare occasions, they reciprocate—meet Ranjy Thomas, a successful entrepreneur with a multi-state smile.
When I arrived at a dinner in Portland, Oregon with Eight Streams (my accountability group), one of them (Scott Pyle, awarded his own IWU honorary doctorate) asked anew about this guest I was bringing—curious given he was already exhausted from a cross-country flight. Fast forward a few hours and they were both still standing, talking as the evening’s meal was long over and hotel staff were pacing the hall. Ranjy’s wife, Shine, was also holding court with several of my friends.
Now fast forward two years, and Ranjy was standing with Shine on Indiana Wesleyan University’s stage next to the World Changer Award’s bust. After being inducted as the 2024 recipient, Ranjy was found taking fun selfies with his likeness. During the ceremony he commented that the sculptor finally got the skin color correct after 20 attempts (he’s Indian and the sculpture is bronze). Laughter rolled through the crowd.
His family’s story is remarkable, as his immigrant parents developed a nuclear family with a sort of secret success sauce. Ranjy’s brother, Geevy, was present at the ceremony, recently retiring as president of Nordstrom (including a key role in building Nordstrom Rack, my wife’s favorite). Shine also shines well in this leadership space as the Senior Director of Talent Acquisitions at Nike (Innovation, Consumer, Product + Brand).
Ranjy cut his business teeth in technology, at 20 years old, he was on the start-up team of what the world would come to know as Nextel (now part of T-Mobile). He clarified for me, “The other seven ahead of me were very accomplished and I was just a kid.” Other involvements included co-founding Custom Church Apps which became Subsplash, projects with YouVersion, the tech delivery side of The Chosen, K-Love, and Flying Rhinoceros.
Most recently he helped found Servant, Loveology, and CREATR. A special aspect of the World Changer ceremonies is that people were present from many of his ventures. Ben Elmore, also an Eight Streams member and founder of the robust tech company Intevity, flew in from Franklin, TN. He and Ranjy have logged thousands of hours in founding Servant and Loveology. Also joining the day were celebrated clinical psychologist, Les Parrott, and his wife Leslie, popular marriage and family therapist. They were partners with Ranjy and Ben in building Loveology.
Dylan Thomas, Hillsong United original and CREATR co-founder, also traveled from Franklin. He brought his Australian vibe to the festivities. Fady Hanna (Flagship.agency), a leading brand specialist for many major companies was present, and the list continues.
The biggest surprise guest of the day, orchestrated by his above friends was the presence of music sensation JVKE. The frontman for the group, Jake Lawson, appeared on screen via video. However, Ranjy was near speechless when the other half of the JVKE team, Zac Lawson, appeared before him in the IWU student center audience.
Ranjy Thomas with family and friends surround his bust in the IWU World Changer Rotunda. Back: Leslie Parrott, Les Parrott, Fady Hanna, Ben Elmore, Zac Lawson. Front: Ranjy’s mother Leela, Ranjy’s brother, Geevy, Ranjy’s son, Pax, Ranjy, and wife, Shine Thomas.
“What an honor to be named a World Changer by such an esteemed organization in the company of so many people who are heroes to me.”
RANJY THOMAS
2024 World Changer Inductee
Ranjy reflected on the event and award, “What an honor to be named a World Changer by such an esteemed organization in the company of so many people who are heroes to me.”
When first asked about Ranjy, I shared that “His fingerprints are on many of the world’s largest projects with positive implications for Kingdom values and message. They also are on the careers and friendships of a network of young influencers, from the music and entertainment world to the tech industry.” Since giving that quote before Christmas, another major project has launched—the Museum of the Bible’s new immersive worship experience (All Creation Sings) and a stunning connected concert series (Worship in the Heart). The initial events immediately sold out. Brooke Ligertwood and her husband, Scottie, are rather involved in helping the launch as co-founders of CREATR.
Dylan Thomas, an Aussie who started with Hillsong United as its 17-year-old guitarist and now helps lead it, adds the following about Ranjy: “One of the most humble and brilliant humans who has an anointing for bringing God ideas to life.” Ranjy Thomas is disrupting the status quo to ignite creativity within Kingdom culture for the next generation of innovators.