Meet Joe

Joe is a first-generation American who worked his way from entry-level labor jobs to a 16-year career as a financial advisor managing $95 million of client assets. Despite the financial success, a feeling of emptiness lingered. Determined to live a more purposeful life, he burned the boats and walked away.

What started as a career change became a four-year crucible that cost him his partner, home, relationships, and financial stability. Facing unexpected life challenges—a single father of three young children, a business launched into a recession—he made a vow to honor every one of his commitments. To solidify that, he ran a 54-mile ultramarathon, having never been a runner, with only ten weeks of prep. 

That race was the birth of Zero to 54 and a discovery of what gratitude could actually do. 

"It was no longer about the miles. It was about taking on challenges, doing what you said you were going to do, and moving forward with gratitude."