Today, Russ and I, along with Renee Rongen and Lanelle Vasichek, will be headed to the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. SHOT is the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show, and it is the largest one of its kind in the country. My goal is to meet with companies and organizations to see better representation for people living with disabilities in the outdoor industry. I still can't believe that I have been given this opportunity, and I take it very seriously. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 54 million people living with disabilities in the U.S. represent approximately $1 trillion in aggregate income that translates into more than $220 billion in discretionary consumer spending power! What a huge market, and one that is currently not being represented by a single large outdoor manufacturer. My goal is to change that by helping to bring the disability community to the forefront in terms of advertising, representation, and product lines. I can't wait to meet all of the amazing people and companies that want to join me on this journey!

I can't share these great opportunities without mentioning my good friend, John E. Phillips. John wrote a series of articles about me a year ago, and we hit it off so quickly! He has been such an amazing mentor and has introduced me to some life-changing people and outdoor industry companies. I wouldn’t be where I am without him!

If you would like to follow us on our journey- we will be using the hashtag #ARedefinedLife on social media. Your prayers for wisdom and the Lord’s guidance would be most appreciated!