Have you ever met someone and wondered what made them tick? Why they were able to succeed and do things you wished you could? It could be that person you saw struggling at mile 21 when they hit the wall and rallied to finish with a PR in a tough Marathon or the person who despite all odds overcame and went on to be a huge success.

In a moment I will introduce someone who has done just that, who has internal fortitude, will power and determination to succeed despite all obstacles. A person that I happen to think the world of, and will be one of the next great leaders in any pursuit he will choose to pursue. Where life takes him is totally up to him; however I will put the world on record that this individual is a natural force to be reckoned with and will overcome any barrier placed in his path.

This person is now 24 years old, has experienced more in his short 24 years than most of us will have to deal with in our lifetime. He has had to make decisions that impact not only on his life but those around him. This individual has internal drive, commitment coupled with compassion that makes him stand out above the crowd. He has one of the warmest smiles, biggest hearts and the compassion to make anyone be comfortable in his presence. He genuinely cares about those around him; his compassion is contagious and rubs off on anyone that comes in contact with him. Do not think this person is a soft touch, far from it, however he is not afraid to show that no matter how challenging or bad you think things are today, there is always another day and things do get better.

This is one of those rare individuals that you meet once and you will remember for the rest of your life.

I met this person in 2009, shortly after I had relocated and moved into the Arctic Ease facility. He had recently been discharged from the US Marine Corp with a 60% disability after suffering a debilitating injury while deployed in Djibouti at the ripe old age of 19 1/2 and honorably discharged after four years of service for our country at 22. He was told he would not have the use of his right shoulder, run again, lift weights again and would spend the balance of his life in extreme pain. Thus the life that he knew and the things he enjoyed (e.g. being a gym rat) ended in a split second.

In 2009 the economy was extremely tough, the US was in the depths of one of the worst economic downfalls in history. This individual was labeled as ‘disabled’ and probably a little depressed as were the rest of us and a bit overweight but kept pushing forward and persevering. At the same time, most of us were huddling down hoping to ride out the economic turmoil, safe in our jobs and homes.

Standing in my driveway one night, talking with my neighbors, his mother said “get a job, any job, go stock shelves at Wegmanns”. He had applied everywhere and no one would hire him at that time. This young man became the very first employee of Arctic Ease, – yes employee #1.

If his mother had not spoken out at that time, I have to wonder if he would have become employee #1?

Things happen for a reason and I’ve learned through time not question why but to just run with it.

Neither I nor Arctic Ease will take any credit for how far this person has come and overcome; he did this on his own, the only thing I or the Arctic Ease team did was give this individual an opportunity and some advice (we all know what free advice is worth sometimes); he had to grab the opportunities in front of him and run with it or not; he literally chose to “run with it” as you will see.

At the end of our days we all have to be able to look back on our lives and say did I do the best that I could, did I treat others with the respect they deserved regardless of their stature in society; how they look or the inherent disabilities that we all have; did I make people feel comfortable around me, did I make them smile, and did I make them laugh. If we all can do that, the world would be a much better place.

With much ado, let me formally introduce you a 24 yr old Honorably Discharged Marine, a true American Hero who served his country with pride; an individual who finished the 2010 Philadelphia Marathon – after he was told this would never be possible, an individual extraordinaire and Employee #1: Brian Johnson

Many of you have and will see Brian at the events we attend, Brian works the booth at some of the numerous trade shows and Marathons we attend, next time you see Arctic Ease at an event stop and meet Brian, I am confident you will be glad you did. Brian will be at the Disney Princess Half Marathon!! To make his mother happy – yes Brian is single and available!

Now, I’ll let Brian tell his own story, I guarantee that after watching this video you will agree that Brian has made an impact upon your own life.