Charlie Kirk’s Final Reflections on Faith, Family, and Entrepreneurship
In a poignant moment just hours before his tragic assassination on September 10, 2025, influential entrepreneur and commentator Charlie Kirk graced the stage at the Restaurantology Summit held in Salt Lake City. This would turn out to be his last interview, a fitting discussion touching on themes of entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal values.
A Transformative Conversation
Led by Andrew K. Smith, managing partner of the Savory Fund, the conversation initially aimed to explore Kirk’s insights into the world of business. However, it swiftly became an emotional reflection on life, family, and the driving forces behind his work at Turning Point USA. Smith recalls the uplifting atmosphere during the discussion, stating, "He was full of life; he was optimistic." Shortly after stepping off stage, Kirk inquired about his performance, asking, “How did I do?” Smith’s positive response, affirming Kirk’s exceptional delivery, would be one of the last exchanges between them. Tragically, within an hour, Kirk’s life was cut short.
Interestingly, prior to the event, there had been some hesitation within the restaurant industry about inviting Kirk to speak. However, the dynamic conversation changed perceptions. Following the interview, Smith received numerous texts from attendees expressing newfound respect for Kirk and his entrepreneurial journey. "I didn’t know that about him, I didn’t know he was an entrepreneur like me," one attendee noted, highlighting the impact of Kirk’s words.
Insights into Entrepreneurship and Vision
During the interview, Kirk offered valuable insights into the grit and determination required to build successful organizations. He proudly detailed the evolution of Turning Point USA, now a movement employing over 1,000 individuals and generating more than $140 million in revenue. "I love building teams," Kirk stated. "I know my skill set, managing day-to-day is not one of them. But vision, putting forward exactly how we’re going to get there, and being that life force, that’s what I do."
Emphasis on Faith and Virtue
A significant aspect of Kirk’s discussion revolved around his deep-seated faith. He emphasized that no free society can thrive without a foundation of virtue—one that must be rooted in God. "My top priorities are God, wife, kids, and network," Kirk articulated, underscoring the importance he placed on personal values. He expressed a desire to be remembered for his courage, proclaiming, “Courage is the ultimate virtue; without it, there are no other virtues.”
The Final Moments of a Life Changed
The conversation culminated in a deeply moving exchange as Smith asked Kirk to share a quote that resonated with him. The moment will forever be marked in Smith’s memory, showcasing the spirit, optimism, and values that Kirk embodied throughout his life and career. “You really felt the spirit he carried as a human,” Smith reflected.
Kirk left the stage at 11:23 a.m. and, tragically, was shot less than an hour later, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire many.
For those seeking to delve deeper into the life and work of Charlie Kirk, insights on entrepreneurship and leadership can be found at Turning Point USA, and resources on fostering a virtuous society are available through National Review.
Update: The impact and legacy of Charlie Kirk continues to resonate, challenging individuals to engage in meaningful discourse about faith, family, and entrepreneurship—key components of a vibrant society.
