Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Koval

Dan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Stubbornness, pride, and ego got me started. As the youngest of three kids with parents who are still married today, I grew up with a mindset that it was me against the world. It wasn’t until I married my high school sweetheart and had an encounter with God that my world turned upside down. I shifted from doing things for the recognition and future favors to operating from a place of gratitude and humility—though I’m far from perfect.

My story is much like many others. I attended public school, worked hard, and dropped out of college twice. But whenever opportunities came my way, I grabbed them and outworked everyone around me (there’s that pride and ego again). I’ve been fortunate in life, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes, even today. But those mistakes, and the willingness to learn from them, have been key to my success—far beyond what many would expect from someone with my background.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

I’ve been my own biggest struggle. Yes, I’m willing to outwork others, but I can also be lazy and self-centered. In public school, I felt unchallenged and thought it was pointless. After dropping out twice, I relied heavily on my own abilities and the kindness of others to forge a path forward.

On the outside, everything seemed fine—married parents, middle-class family, nice things—but it was a facade. Inside, I was hurting, constantly trying to prove my worth and searching for something real to feel. That need for validation eventually led to an addiction that I’ve only begun to truly work through in recent years. It’s been a journey of growth, and I’m now able to talk about it openly.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Currently, I’m the Director of Development for a local nonprofit, Handi-Crafters Inc. We help differently-abled adults develop job and life skills as they navigate their career paths.

Before this role, I was on the opposite side, giving money away professionally. That position allowed me to travel the world and contribute to many global causes, which was incredibly fulfilling.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve been a part of was helping to build a footbridge in Rwanda before the pandemic. It’s something I hope to share with my sons one day when we visit.

What sets me apart? I’m not afraid to break the mold. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I love others with fierce compassion. You won’t find a more devoted friend.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

I was the class clown, shy around girls, and the friend who helped you cheat on your math test. In high school, I carried a few friends through Algebra 1 and 2—graphing calculators were my best friends!

I was also a bit of a loner at times. In those quiet moments, I craved connection, wanting people to like me and not just have friends, but to have relationships where people would reach out and truly want to be around me. That desire for meaningful connections has shaped a lot of who I am today.

My curiosity and need for belonging made me observe people closely. I’ve always wanted to understand what makes people tick, which ultimately fueled my passion for helping others in my work now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://givelikemad.com/

Image Credits

Dan Koval