Up Close.
Sharing our experiences creates community. One of the most powerful things we can say to one another is “me, too.” It’s my sincere hope that by sharing stories of my leadership journey, the gift of grace, and dedicated to Christ, the you find community in the pages of this blog.
Altitude, Vomit, and the View From 18,000 Feet
I had to balance being “trip leader Jeff Ford” with being “dad Jeff.” Some moments, I wanted to swoop in, throw him over my shoulder, and carry him. But I also knew this had to be his climb.
Why Real Leadership Happens in the Everyday, Not the Extraordinary
You don’t need to conquer the summit to lead well. You just need authenticity rooted in faith. The Kingdom isn’t made of awards—it’s made of ordinary moments strung together by grace.
From Reluctant Leader to Relentless Mission: My Journey
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.
Ohio Takes a Bold Stand Against Fatherlessness – and I’m Here for It
From Jeff Ford: I’ve seen a lot in my years working to fight fatherlessness. From small church basements to state capitols, I’ve watched communities rise up and take ownership of a problem too big for one person, one program, or even one organization to solve alone. But what just happened in Ohio? That’s a game-changer.