From Reluctant Leader to Relentless Mission: My Journey
I was a coupon King.
Before, God called me into leadership in a whole new way.
When people hear “Jeff Ford, CEO of a nonprofit,” they might imagine a guy who was born ready to lead—a natural visionary with a clear plan from the start. Truth is, nothing could be further from reality. If anything, I was what you’d call a reluctant leader. I didn’t chase leadership roles, I didn’t crave the spotlight, and I certainly didn’t think I’d end up running an organization like Man Up and Go.
I was just a guy trying to take the next faithful step. But here’s the thing—God has a way of calling you out of your comfort zone. He doesn’t wait until you feel ready; He calls you when it’s time. And often, the only qualification you really need is a willing heart.
The Turning Point
For me, the turning point came when I could no longer ignore the deep, generational wound of fatherlessness—both here in Florida and around the world. I had seen the effects firsthand: broken homes, kids entering foster care at alarming rates, and entire communities caught in cycles of neglect and poverty.
That reality hit me hard. I knew I couldn’t just be a bystander. Leadership, I realized, isn’t about titles—it’s about responsibility. It’s about stepping up, even when you don’t feel equipped, because the cost of doing nothing is too great.
Saying “Yes” to the Call
Today, as CEO of Man Up and Go, my mission is to inspire and equip men to become present, godly fathers. This isn’t just a feel-good cause—it’s a matter of life and legacy. Studies show that when fathers are actively involved, children are more likely to excel in school, stay out of trouble, and thrive emotionally.
Our work through Patros, a ministry of Man Up and Go, is seeing incredible results. In Florida, foster care placements in some areas have dropped by over 50%. Fathers are reconnecting with their kids, breaking destructive patterns, and building a new future. And now, we’re taking that same fight to other states, working with lawmakers, community leaders, and churches to multiply the impact.
What I’ve Learned About Leadership
I’ve learned that being a leader doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means being the one willing to take the first step and invite others along. It means creating space for others to use their gifts. And it means trusting God to work in ways you can’t always predict.
I may have started out reluctant, but now I’m relentless—relentless about building strong fathers, strong families, and strong communities.
If my story can encourage you in any way, it’s this: You don’t have to feel ready to make a difference. You just have to say “yes.”
Be well,
Jeff Ford