Thanks to B2B Magazine for this great article featuring Dennis Grant, our Executive Director!
My work makes me feel: Grateful for my health and proud I’m making a difference in the lives of people in our community. I feel truly blessed to see the small miracles that occur every day at URS when a child or adult achieves another milestone after working for months or even years with our therapy team. I have learned to take nothing for granted and to celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small.
My favorite things: Travelling to new places; the quiet of the deep woods or a starry night from a mountaintop.
What people might be surprised to learn about you: I used to be a registered goat herder in Indiana and now raise chickens (for fun and free eggs)
Favorite thing to do ‘Off the Clock:” Cycling, hiking, golfing, playing guitar or hanging out in the backyard with my wife and the chickens.
The last thing I read: All the Light You Can Not See by Anthony Doerr
Guilty Pleasure: A nice cigar and a glass of really good bourbon
Favorite Quote: Coming from a nonprofit that was started by people with a passion and conviction to change the world, the best I know by Margaret Mead. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Second Favorite, “Any man who eats dessert is not drinking enough,” Ernest Hemingway.
Favorite movie: Little Big Man with Dustin Hoffman
Favorite television show: House of Cards
Best song on your iPod: Cannonball by Damien Rice
I can’t live without: Fine wines.
Hardest job you have ever had: Door-to-Door Fuller Brush Salesman. If you can survive the frustration and rejection of selling door-to-door, you can do anything.
Hardest professional lesson you have ever learned: When empowering your employees and delegating critical tasks to them, it is essential as Ronald Reagan said, to “Trust but verify…” Or you might just get burned.
Most challenging part of your job: Knowing when to turn it off, focus on your family and not take things so personally
Most rewarding part of your job: The knowledge that I am a small part of changing people’s lives each day, as well as those of their families. the stories of children being able to enter school in a typical classroom ready to learn, in spite of considerable challenges, like autism or other special needs, rejuvenates my spirit, knowing my efforts played a role in making this all possible.
Best advice you’ve ever received: Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are (this turned out to be a lot easier than I realized)
Best advice for up and coming business people: Follow your passion in your career. It will give you the drive you need to always move forward regardless of the adversities that may present themselves along the way.
Best advice for achieving work/family life balance: Watch and listen to those who love and care about you. They’re the best barometers in terms of knowing when you need to cut back or shut the work down at night and take a break. Put your phone on vibrate when you’re with your family and focus on them first (then check it later when they’re not looking)!
Best job you could have other than this one: In the immortal words of Mel Brooks…… “It’s good to be the King!” comes to mind….. Seriously, my original plan entailed enrolling at the University of Cincinnati in pre-law with the goal of becoming an attorney then politician so I could change the world. Not long after though, I transferred to special education and later pursued graduate training in Rehabilitation Counseling to change the world, one person at a time. I think I’m fine where I am.
The advantage of doing business in Dayton: Working for a nonprofit is to some degree is dependent upon “the kindness of strangers,” and the biggest advantage is working in a community that is so full of caring a generous people.
