I’ll never forget the Christmas my dad let me drive.

My grandparents lived out in Phoenix, Arizona, for over 20 years, so every December, we’d load up the family and make the long drive from Joplin, Missouri. If you’ve ever driven that stretch, you know—miles and miles of Texas, New Mexico, and maybe a little bit of Oklahoma just for good measure. It was a journey. And every year, I’d ask my dad if I could drive. Every year, he’d say no.

We all want to know God’s will for our lives. It’s a question that lingers in our hearts as we navigate decisions, both big and small. But the truth is, understanding God's plan isn't always clear-cut, —even “deeply religious” people have a hard time listening and obeying His calling. It’s a journey that requires a posture of gratitude and humility—coming before God with a heart that says, "Lord, I will do whatever You want," and truly meaning it. Not as a bargaining chip, but as an act of surrender.

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.