Today, we’d like to introduce you to Tom Spisz.
Hi Tom, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Every person has a different beginning to their legacy.
Mine begins with my parents, the instinctual drive passed down from my father and instilled core values. I’ve come to realize today that the truth is, it actually began sooner: the day I took my first step. That is an incredibly scary moment for children, but we all eventually have to make that motion.
As far as I can remember, around the age of 4 or sooner, I constantly asked to go out in the woods with my father to join him in his hunt, with the hope of a blessed return with the game that he sought out at the time. At times, we would leave empty; other times, we left the woods with joy and excitement to carry out organic meat that would feed the family. I was immediately drawn to every aspect of hunting. Bow, Firearm, and just being in the woods, it didn’t matter; I was happy.
I immediately wanted a bow and was gifted the little red compound bow. Right away, I had a natural eye hitting the center. This natural eye, my amazing parents, went out and purchased tournament arrows and set me on my way to 3D tournaments. As I grew, the targets were able to be shot at from a farther distance, and the bows got bigger and better. Every time I was shooting a bow, nothing else mattered; the stressors of life went away. Just a peaceful motion of drawing the bow and releasing the arrow. My father told me that if I stuck with hunting, not only archery but in particular, big things could happen in my future. He was right.
At the age of 12, the legal age to take a deer by the bow in Michigan at the time, I took my first deer. Every hunting season from there on I went on and hunted. I had my successful seasons as well as unsuccessful ones, but every time, leaving the woods with a learning experience and looked at ways I could better myself for the next hunt. But this isn’t “Beyond the Bow.”
In 2013, I sat down and thought, “I wanted to do more with archery, something that many have not attempted.” I wanted to take a passion of mine that is mentally uplifting and therapeutic and do something amazing with it. I contacted a Hospital that treated individuals for various illnesses and asked if I could host an archery shoot to benefit the cause there.
Upon approval, I attempted this journey, but after a few months in, I realized I was being faced with failure due to a lack of financial resources and structure. This didn’t stop me. The failure pushed me forward. 90% is mental, and the other 10% is what you put in.
There are 86,400 seconds in a day, and it takes just 1 second to initiate change! I took the necessary means to initiate this breathtaking change, including networking with individuals, studying during my college education, and researching to develop a nonprofit organization. After dedicated time, filings, and two years of patience, in 2015, I was able to incorporate a nonprofit 501c3 charitable organization known as Shoot for Life, Corp, with a purpose-driven mission as my vision.
This charitable corporation was developed to directly help individuals through designed programs at our events and work with organizations that research and treat life-altering illnesses. Little did I truly recognize at the time that this idea is my WHY, and our why is our PURPOSE.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running an organization like Shoot for Life has its fair share of challenges and obstacles, but these have only strengthened our resolve and commitment to our mission. One hurdle has been coordinating board meetings at times that accommodate everyone’s schedules.
Since this is a volunteer position, our board directors juggle day jobs and family responsibilities, making it difficult to find mutually convenient meeting times. Despite this, our dedicated team has consistently found ways to connect and make crucial decisions, thanks to the growth in technology we’ve adapted and overcame when these issues arise.
Another major obstacle has been securing sponsors and funding. As with many non-profit initiatives, finding financial support is a constant challenge. We have had to be creative and persistent in our outreach efforts, often facing rejections before finding those who believe in our mission and are willing to support us.
Weather is another factor that impacts our events, as we primarily hold them outdoors. Unpredictable weather conditions can disrupt our plans, leading to cancellations or lower attendance. This uncertainty requires us to have contingency plans and stay flexible.
We also face skepticism and negative feedback from some individuals who doubt our mission or tell us to stop. Dealing with critics can be disheartening, especially when their words challenge the very purpose of our work. However, these experiences have taught us resilience and the importance of staying true to our vision. The support from our community and the positive impact we see in the lives we touch keep us motivated.
Overall, while these obstacles are challenging, they also serve as opportunities for growth and learning. They remind us why we started Shoot for Life and reinforce our commitment to making a difference.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Shoot for Life is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to making a positive impact through our community-focused initiatives. As the founding and current President, I bring my expertise in business development and marketing to help drive our mission forward. Our organization is known for its commitment to community engagement, health, and wellness, primarily through organizing outdoor events that bring people together for a good cause.
At Shoot for Life, we specialize in creating unique and engaging events that not only promote physical activity but also foster a sense of community and support. Our events range from sports tournaments to wellness workshops, all designed to inspire and motivate individuals to lead healthier lives. What sets us apart is our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility; we strive to ensure that our events are open and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background or fitness level.
One of the aspects we are most proud of is our brand’s reputation for authenticity and impact. We are not just about organizing events; we are about creating experiences that leave a lasting positive impression on our participants and the community at large. Our brand represents resilience, community spirit, and a relentless pursuit of making a difference.
I want our readers to know that Shoot for Life is more than just an organization; it’s a movement. Our offerings are designed to bring people together, promote wellness, and support charitable causes. Whether you are participating in one of our events, volunteering your time, or supporting us as a sponsor, you are contributing to a greater cause that values health, community, and giving back.
We invite everyone to join us in our mission, experience our events, and become a part of the Shoot for Life community. Together, we can create a healthier, more connected world.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The success of Shoot for Life can be attributed to several key qualities, but the most important ones are resilience, adaptability, and discipline.
Resilience has been crucial in overcoming the numerous challenges we’ve faced. From coordinating board meetings around busy schedules to dealing with unpredictable weather during our outdoor events, resilience has kept us moving forward. This quality allows us to bounce back from setbacks, learn from them, and continue striving toward our goals.
Adaptability is another vital characteristic. The ability to adjust our plans and strategies in response to changing circumstances has been essential. Whether it’s finding new ways to secure funding, altering event plans due to weather, or responding to feedback from our community, our adaptability ensures we remain effective and relevant.
Finally, discipline is the backbone of our operations. Consistent effort and a strong work ethic are necessary to maintain the momentum of our mission. Discipline ensures that we stay focused on our objectives, manage our time efficiently, and deliver high-quality events and initiatives.
Together, these qualities—resilience, adaptability, and discipline—form the foundation of our success. They enable us to navigate obstacles, seize opportunities, and remain committed to our mission of making a positive impact in the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: shootforlife.org
- Instagram: @shoot.for.life
- Facebook: facebook.com/shootforlifecharity
