We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joshua Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Joshua, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Fourteen is a number that stands out to me. It was fourteen years after my military service that I realized I was struggling with PTSD. In 2016, my wife encouraged me to seek help and talk to someone about my experiences, and how to process them in a healthy way. During that time, I came to understand that many other veterans were facing similar challenges. That realization is what inspired me to start Freedom Sailing, to offer support and a path to healing for others like me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Marine Corps veteran, and my journey into the world of sailing—and ultimately creating Freedom Sailing—has been shaped by both my military service and the healing power of recreation. After serving in the Marines, I struggled with PTSD for many years before I realized the importance of finding healthy outlets to process my experiences. It took me 14 years to truly understand what I was dealing with. In 2016, my wife encouraged me to reach out and talk to someone about my struggles. That was a pivotal moment in my life, and it made me realize that many other veterans were experiencing similar challenges.

Sailing became a form of therapy for me. The calm of being on the water, the focus it demands, and the sense of freedom it provides gave me an incredible outlet for my mental and emotional health. It wasn’t long before I realized that this form of recreational therapy could be equally beneficial for other veterans. That’s how Freedom Sailing was born—out of a desire to offer veterans a space to reconnect with themselves and each other while using sailing as a tool for healing.

At Freedom Sailing, we offer therapeutic sailing experiences specifically designed for veterans. Our services focus on providing a supportive and peaceful environment where veterans can learn to sail, experience the therapeutic effects of being on the water, and connect with others who have shared similar experiences. We use sailing not just as a skill-building exercise, but as a form of emotional and psychological healing—helping veterans develop coping strategies, rebuild self-confidence, and find a renewed sense of purpose.

What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the unique challenges veterans face. We don’t just provide a service; we offer a community, a safe space, and a pathway to recovery. Many of the veterans we work with have never sailed before, but they quickly realize that the skills they develop on the water—like patience, communication, and resilience—can be applied to everyday life, helping them navigate their challenges off the water as well.

What I’m most proud of is the transformation I’ve seen in the veterans who participate in our programs. Many arrive feeling disconnected, lost, or overwhelmed, but after spending time on the water, they leave with a sense of clarity, camaraderie, and purpose. Seeing someone rediscover themselves through sailing, and knowing that we played a part in that, is the most rewarding part of this work.

For potential clients, followers, and supporters, I want them to know that Freedom Sailing is more than just a sailing program. It’s a healing journey. Our mission is to help veterans find peace, connection, and purpose—whether that’s through the therapeutic benefits of sailing, the relationships they build with others, or the personal growth they experience. I believe strongly in the power of the water, and I know it can help other veterans the way it helped me.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and technical knowledge, I believe one of the most important things for success is the ability to leave people better off after every interaction. Whether it’s a client, a teammate, or someone I’m leading, I ask myself: ‘Is this person in a better place because of the time we just spent together?’ That mindset builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a positive ripple effect that helps everyone succeed. Knowledge and skills are essential, but the real impact comes from how you make others feel and the value you add to their day.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think my reputation has been built on being accountable and honest in every interaction. People know they can count on me to follow through on what I say, and that builds trust. I’ve also worked hard to support other nonprofits instead of seeing them as competitors. We all share similar goals, and I believe collaboration creates a bigger impact than working independently. By encouraging others to succeed alongside us, we strengthen the whole community, and that’s something people respect and remember.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.freedomsailing.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedom_sail4vets
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Freedomsail4vets
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@freedom-sailing

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