BJ Ganem is a Veteran who has dedicated his days to building Sierra Delta, an organization serving Veterans and the canine companions they are matched with to brighten their days and invigorate their post military life. BJ learned that animals can be a powerful ally to the healing process when he lost his leg in combat and his own relationship with his dog literally saved his life. His passion to serve others and turn adversity into incredible strength is one you won’t want to miss.
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Key Points, Top Takeaways and Memorable Quotes -
“Sierra Delta’s about service, dogs, and veterans.” 1:35
“We need our government, but we can’t rely on our government to help with these social issues.” 7:52
“Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.” 11:18
“We’re building a wellness community around service to others, the love of dogs, and supporting our veterans.” 11:39
“Everybody I’ve ever met wants to be the good guy in their own story.” 15:01
“Be the person your dog thinks you are.” 16:08
“We’re never gonna to go backwards and be who we were, but we can be that new version of ourselves with enough investment and enough planning and just deciding in our minds that that’s who we’re gonna be no matter what it takes.” 43:56
“We all have time, talent, and treasure.” 55:51
“Have your plan A, have your plan B, have your plan C, and then prepare to think on your feet even after that.” 1:07:24
Guest Bio - BJ Ganem is the Founder and CEO of Sierra Delta, and is a natural leader whose personal experience with military-to-civilian transition influences his insight into what support veterans need when returning home.
Before becoming Sierra Delta's CEO in 2017, BJ's journey led him from the U.S. Marine Corps to nonprofit organizations such as the Semper Fi Fund. BJ joined the Marine Corps in 1996, and chose to stay in the ready reserves at the end of his first enlistment. While on active duty, BJ worked as a District Sales Manager for Kraft Foods and was called to serve in support of operations in Iraq in May 2004.
After being injured and navigating the landscape of transition, BJ found his purpose in helping other men and women transition into society. He became an outspoken advocate for veterans, and after leaving a 10-year career at Kraft Foods, BJ worked for Semper Fi Fund as an accredited Veteran Service Officer. This role allowed him to assist veterans by helping secure their federal and state benefits. BJ also ensured veterans received accurate discharges.
BJ graduated with a B.A. in Social Work with an emphasis on military life from USC. Additionally, he is captain of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football team (WWAFT). BJ and his wife Sarah live in Reedsburg, WI, with their four kids, an English bulldog named Sonora and a rescue dog named Loki.
Show Notes -
0:00 - Coming Up on ‘What I Meant to Say’
0:24 - WIMTS Podcast Intro
0:47 - Welcome GJ Ganem
2:06 - Difference Between Service Dogs & Other Dogs
8:31 - Civilian Membership Coming Soon to Sierra Delta
9:44 - Generational Healing through Veteran Examples
16:18 - Marine Corp Experience
23:11 - Blend of Social Worker Mindset & Military Mindset
31:39 - Service Dogs for Heroes to Sierra Delta
37:24 - Be Better Media Commercial
37:57 - Veterans & Civilians Welcome at Sierra Delta
41:16 - Lessons in Communication
44:49 - How Does Personal Agency Spill Out to Our Communities & Relationships?
51:15 - Potential Impact of Veteran Non-Profits
58:22 - Perspective on Problems
1:00:18 - Lessons Learned from Being Around President Bush
1:02:51 - One Piece of Advice to Your Younger Self
1:07:32 - Breaking Goals Down by the Numbers
1:09:17 - Where Can People Connect with You?
1:10:09 - Thank You
1:10:26 - WIMTS Podcast Closing
Links & Where to Find BJ -