Our Story

Where it all started

Two Brothers, One Faith

Craig and Andrew McIntyre are two of three brothers who grew up in Ontario, Canada. Although 13 years apart in age, their bond remained close throughout the years. Their love and faith in Jesus was a big part of what helped keep the brothers close over the years despite coming from a broken family.

Bonding Moments

Shared interests

One of the things that has bonded these two brothers together is their love of sports, specifically the Baltimore Ravens. In 2010, Craig and Andrew had the opportunity to attend their first Ravens game alongside their oldest brother. In 2013, Craig and Andrew returned to Baltimore to celebrate the Ravens Superbowl win.

Family, Work and Faith

Craig Gets Married, Has Kids and Takes a Different Career Path

Craig got married in 2003 and has been married for 20+ years. Since then he has been a loving and active father to his two children. He enjoys spending time with his family, exercising and playing sports.

Prior to Upward Focus, Craig spent 18 years in the office products industry through various jobs in Marketing and Purchasing. He felt God leading him in a different career path where he hopes to help others learn more about Jesus' love for us.

Stepping out in faith

Andrew Moves Out, Travels the World and Learns More About Himself

From 2016-2019, Andrew went back to school, graduating from Bible College in British Columbia. During his time there he also spent 10 weeks serving in Costa Rica, 3 weeks studying in Israel and 1 week exploring Alaska.

It was during these three years that Andrew started to gain more understanding of who he was and who God called him to be.

the start of upward focus

Upward Focus Founded in 2019

In 2019, after Andrew returned from British Columbia, him and Craig teamed up together to start their own business, Upward Focus. Upward Focus started out as a leadership & team building business helping people become the best version of themselves.

However, the COVID pandemic caused many hurdles and several pivoting moments, all leading to a greater purpose for the two brothers - actively sharing and living out their faith.

Stylish Faith

Launching a Clothing Company

In March of 2024, we officially launched the Upward Focus Clothing Shop!

Faith in Jesus is essential to who we are as people and as business owners. The world we live in needs hope and that hope is found in Jesus.

Each day we encounter people on the street, the mall, a sports game or an online business call, without the chance to tell them about Jesus.

By wearing a message on a t-shirt or hoodie, it is a step forward in hopefully planting seeds in their lives.

In July 2024, Andrew has stepped away due to health concerns. Please pray for Andrew.

With this, we pray that the Holy Spirit will act in people's lives and lead them to faith in Jesus. And may He also give us all the strength, courage and words to share to people when that time comes

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15

Get to Know the Owner

Statement of Faith

As a Christian business, here is what we believe:

1. We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and His immeasurable, unconditional love is evident throughout Scripture and since the beginning of time

2. We believe that Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, Mary (Luke 1)

3. We believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and that all who trust and call upon the name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved (Rom. 10:13). We are forgiven of our sins and given the gift of eternal life (John 3:16)

4. We believe that it is only through Jesus that we are saved (John 14:6, Acts 4:12)

5. We believe in the resurrection of Jesus, His ascension into Heaven and that He is now at the right hand of the Father, working as our mediator (Luke 24:6:7, 1 Tim 2:5, Rom. 8:34)

6. We believe that Jesus was both fully God and fully human (John 1:1, John 1:14, Phil. 2:7)

7. We believe that one day Jesus will return (Heb. 9:28, 1 Thess. 4:16-17)

8. We believe in the Holy Spirit who redeems, convicts, guides, empowers, and indwells in us as believers

9. We believe that human nature is sinful and deserving of the punishment of God, but Jesus stepped in to pay the price for that punishment and those who receive Jesus as Lord will be saved

10. We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that all Scripture is profitable for our instruction, correction and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16)