Elkhart Foundation Event to Feature Inspirational Coach – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
ELKHART, Ind. — Bill Courtney says he’s just a businessman who started coaching high school football players and ended up on the red carpet at the Academy Awards.
The story of how he showed up for young people and gained acclaim for it is one which he uses to inspire others. He will be the featured speaker at the fourth Fathers Matter Forum.
The event on March 26 will be the fourth one put on by DJ Construction and the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. As Bob Schrock, former CEO of DJ Construction, approached retirement he committed to working at promoting fatherhood and mentorship in Michiana. He encourages fathers to be active in their family’s lives and wants men and women to volunteer as mentors at churches and with local nonprofits.
“At DJ Construction, we have made it our long-term goal to make a significant impact on the fatherless epidemic in the communities that we work in,” Schrock said. “We have taken steps toward that goal and believe that the most effective way to impact is by developing relationships with fathers or with others who don’t have a father. We have great organizations in our community who are on the front lines of this issue and they could use our help!”
The first Fathers Matter Forum took place in 2017 and two have taken place since. This free event will feature a fair of local nonprofits with information on how to get involved. Desserts and coffee or tea will be served. Bill Courtney will speak at 7 p.m. at the Northern Indiana Event Center, 21565 Executive Pkwy., Elkhart. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Courtney is the founder and CEO of Classic American Hardwoods, Inc., a hardwood lumber manufacturing company based in Memphis. His 2001 startup company now boasts 125 employees and over $80 million in annual sales, including to businesses in Elkhart County.
He was the subject of the Academy Award-winning film, “Undefeated,” a documentary about his work as the volunteer football coach at Memphis’ Manassas High School. He is the author of “Against the Grain,” a nationally best-selling manifesto on leadership, character, commitment, and other life-defining tenets. He has appeared on Fox News, CNN, News Max, ESPN, and many other TV and radio shows discussing civility and leadership in today’s trying times. Bill is sought after to speak to organizations including Nike, FedEx, the US Olympics, and others.
Most recently, Bill has joined with Iron Light Labs to produce his podcast,
“An Army of Normal Folks”. Launched on I Heart Radio in 2023, it has ranked as high as a top-10 podcast in the United States on Apple iTunes as it highlights amazing stories and accomplishments of average daily Americans working to better their communities.
The event is free and open to the public. To reserve your spot, go to https://djconstruction.com/fathersmatter/.
