When we launched Patros, we knew we had something special. What began with a transformative retreat involving Ohio State football student athletes, including Kamryn Babb’s incredible story, quickly became a tool for men seeking to align their lives with biblical values. Now, as we look ahead, the challenge is how to expand Patros into a resource that resonates with men from all walks of life.

Stepping into the limelight as a leader often brings challenges and introspection. For me, the path to becoming CEO was not something I envisioned 10 or 12 years ago. As a child, I always wanted to make a difference—not for recognition or wealth, but to challenge the status quo, stand up for the underdog, and change the world in meaningful ways. Fighting for the fatherless with Man Up and Go aligns perfectly with that passion.

Despite living in Florida, I’m an Ohio State fan – and, I’ve had countless moments of excitement, but one in particular changed the trajectory of my work with Patros. It was 2022, and I was watching the game against Indiana. In the final minutes, C.J. Stroud threw a touchdown pass to Kamryn Babb, and the stadium erupted. The team celebrated wildly, and I thought, What’s the story behind this?

In our fast-paced, achievement-driven culture, we often overlook one of the most pivotal milestones in a young man's life: the transition from boyhood to manhood. Unlike other cultures that commemorate this with formal ceremonies or traditions, we in the West largely lack a shared rite of passage.