I was born with Aspergers and was somewhat of a whiz-kid. After being self-taught, I started my first business in the mid-90s doing websites and software development. My entire business, career, and any sense of joy were taken away by illness and injury. I even lost the love of my favorite things, such as board games, books, and movies. After feeling ashamed and isolated for a long time, I was able to pivot and start some local clubs on Meetup, where I found a new purpose in life by serving others and making the world a better place.
I had those almost taken away from me by COVID, so I started another group called International Friend Connection to help people who lived alone survive COVID lockdown. It was a big hit, and we had almost 100 people in and out of the meetings during the evenings. Many people said being able to see people face-to-face at night saved their lives. I kept expanding and opening more groups in more cities. Now I have 41 groups in 20 countries worldwide and we do in-person and online events multiple times per day. My goal is to keep my meetings free for those who need them and create a private community to help take people to the next level.
Q: Where were you born, where were you raised, and where do you currently live (City, State/Province, Country)?
I was born and raised in Caledonia, Michigan on a 1,000 cow dairy farm. I currently live in Byron Center, Michigan
Q: What is one of your favorite quotes or lines in a song or movie and why does it resonate with you?
There is a line from the 1984 movie Dune; “Without change, something sleeps inside us and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.” It reminds me that change forces us to grow.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your business?
The International Friend Connection was founded to help people survive the COVID lockdown. We provide a place to meet friends from all over the world and for people who are learning English to practice with native speakers. Our private community will focus on helping people take their lives to the next level.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
I had everything taken away from me by injury and illness. What I had left was my honor and the ability to be a good friend. I read “The Go Giver” and decided to test out the principles to see if it would result in a better quality of life.
Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I get up every day excited about what a difference I’m making in the world.
Q: What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Besides tech, focus on interpersonal communications skills. Those skills are more important than your technical knowledge.
Q: What is one of your favorite places to be or travel to?
I love Disney World and Key West.
Q: If you could choose anyone (past or present, fictional or real) with whom to have lunch, who would it be and why?
I lost my mom last year and I would really like to have lunch with her again.
Q: Who inspires you to be the best version of yourself?
My goal of helping one million people in 10 years helps to push my life forward.
Q: How did you first discover “The Go-Giver”?
I heard about it from Dave Ramsey and it was one of the most memorable and influential books I’ve ever read.
Q: Who would you like to see featured on The Faces Of The Go-Giver Community and why?
Jason Jang because of how amazing he is.
Q: Finally, how can we know if someone we come in contact with is a good connection or prospective customer/client for you?
If you meet anyone lost in life who wants to learn how to find meaning and purpose, please send them my way. Also, younger people who are lost in life would benefit.
Please include your website link if you have one!
https://internationalfriendconnection.com/
