About David - My Story

“Life is NOT about the work you do. It is ALL about the people who you SERVE. Follow Your Hero.”

-David (founder of Follow Your Hero)

 

In the early 2000s, while welding in a trench, I shattered my back which led to a downward spiral of anger and drug use. While going through this difficult time, I began taking care of a family member that was facing severe health challenges that required constant care. For months, I spent my time and energy caring for this individual. Throughout this time, a shift occurred. I began to forget my problems and felt my pain begin to diminish. I felt so full of love in serving others and began to better understand myself. Looking back, I understand that this miracle and blessing was sent from above. While my pain was still there, I could feel it so much less as my focus on others grew. 

Going from taking many pills each day, I am completely off all medication now and am a different person. While my pain is still as present as it was years ago, my focus has shifted from my struggles to a hopeful future. In praying about starting a new life, I decided to center my goals around family, daily service, and personal well-being which is why I decided to create the “Follow Your Hero” foundation.

person looking over land

The Follow Your Hero Foundation

The “Follow Your Hero” foundation focuses on selling woodwork from different creators in an effort to support those with disabilities. There are so many people out there struggling with all kinds of disabilities who need our help. In 2023, after six surgeries, I knew that I would need a service animal at some point and so I decided to donate 50% of proceeds from my project to the Malinois Foundation, aiming to help those in need of service animals. I know how it feels to be in need of these services and wanted to help others in the same boat as myself.

This foundation focuses on selling custom wood products and other goods made by various craftsmen. Anything sold by this foundation will allocate 50% of proceeds to acquiring service animals and 50% to sustaining operations. Wood carving creators will receive 50% of the selling price. Additional donations will be auctioned, with all items sold through a blind auction to support the cause. Employees will use only their first names, emphasizing that the focus is on those being served. 

“Follow Your Hero” is not just a name but a guiding principle for this initiative.

 The “Follow Your Hero” foundation is inspired by the examples of heroes in my life. The first being Jesus Christ. As I have reflected on my experiences, I attribute the recovery and progress that I’ve made to Jesus Christ. I am humbled and inspired by what He did for me. I can’t imagine what He had to suffer in order to be able to help me, to help all of us, and ultimately bring us back to Him. I love my Savior and want to follow Him and serve like Him. He has been there with me through every step of my life. Jesus is my hero. The other example of a hero I admire is Super Grover from Sesame Street. His character always goes out of his way to help anyone at any time yet always gets hurt in some way. With this, he gets back up on his feet and continues to serve. This is who I am and what I hope to follow and do for others.