Motivational Speaker, Trainer and coach |
I had the privilege of meeting Rod Hutchins close to 8 years ago when a mutual friend of ours introduced us because of the common desires we both had in serving people. From the first time I met him, I could tell he was a genuine, caring man of integrity. With all the ups and downs of life, Rod has been a true friend and business partner. The thing I notice most about Rod is his genuine concern for those people in whom he meets.
When he first told me about wanting to do the Iron Man Course in Kona, Hawaii, I had known about his many years of struggle he had with his health, and questioned his ability to be able to physically accomplish this goal. I have since learned that when Rod puts his mind to something, he accomplishes it. When he says he is going to do something, he will. His mentorship and friendship has meant the world to me and countless others in whom he has met along this journey. As the Iron Dream Team, we went to Kona, Hawaii to support Rod on his first Iron Man course in June 2018. It was an absolute privilege and an honor to be asked to be a part of such a momentous moment in his life. I know this has been a goal he has had for 24 years. Most people would have just chalked it up as a loss of a dream, but not Rod. As I watched him endure the grueling task of completing the Iron Man Course, I saw the pure grit and dedication of a man who truly knows what it means to be mentally strong. He had every opportunity to give up and yet he didn’t. He was humble enough to allow his team to support him, the where with all to know his limits, and still he pushed himself mentally, spiritually and physically. Rod is by far one of the most positive, kind, generous and loving people I know. His ability to pull teams of experts in their respective fields, together for a common goal, is uncanny. He is a true leader in all sense of the word. He is a rare find among the many people I know. I am proud to know him and be a part of his journey as his business partner, friend and confidant. I have seen other’s lives change and be inspired by his example of tenacity. Despite the obstacles he has had to face, he faces them head on. His desire to help others accomplish their goals is inspiring not only to me, but to so many others we have met along the way. I am grateful to be a part of this journey and look forward to what miracles are ahead of us, as we now prepare to go back to Kona, Hawaii and support Rod once again in 2021. - Becky Sampson |
I am so honored to meet and know Rod through his inspirational story. He is worthy to be emulated because he gives hope to change the mindset to those who think it's impossible. He also helps us understand that 'disability is not inability.' His story really shows that it doesn't really matter what anyone thinks about you, it only matters what you think about yourself. That we should be comfortable with ourselves when we are showing kindness, understanding, seeing the good in others and grateful for what we have. He also teaches that we feel uncomfortable if we're judging, criticizing, fault finding, blaming. Either way, it is our choice to be the creator of how we feel about ourselves.
Rod's story has helped me conquer the fear and insecurities that live within me, that tell me on a regular basis - "No you can't. Who do you think you are? Don't embarrass yourself. You're too old," etc. Through him I have learned to stay close to my higher nature. The quiet inner voice that knows you're more than capable of anything you put your mind to. These are just a few reasons why I would love to partner with Rod to change lives in Africa. God bless Rod and those around him. - Ben MayIAnda |
Rod's life is a tool kit to promote understanding, trust and rejuvenation of everyone's life through personal story telling. " Just because you know my name doesn't mean you know my story." Rod has opened up his life to inspire me as well as others, nationally and internationally. His life experience has reignited our lives and we have hope again. Through telling his story, he has helped me to understand the power of personal story telling and life experience. His story creates love, understanding, acceptance and respect. He is a gentle man that allows you to ask him questions, while seeking better and deeper understanding of his life experience which is worth sharing. By spending time and listening to him, I have come to a place of respect and acknowledge him as a great mentor. I now choose to create a stronger relationship with him to help me have a meaningful life, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually that I can help myself and others. I choose to be part of the Iron Dream Team; the team which brings dreams into reality and where dreams come true.
- Godfrey BUWEMBA |