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

Jack, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

The reason that I decided to start motivational speaking and write a book was really through the curiosity of others. I shared so many conversations with people giving brief glimpses into my life and into my story and people always seemed fascinated, but also left with a sense of inspiration and motivation after our conversations. I realized that my experience and my words could have a huge impact on people and that really gave me the platform to want to share more, write more, inspire more. My book came to fruition during the many weeks spent at home bored during covid, wishing I could be out sharing my message to groups. It was finally time to put my experience to paper.

Jack, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Jack Zimmerman joined the U.S. Army and became an Airborne Infantryman. He deployed in 2010 with the legendary 101st Airborne Division. After spending nine months in heavy combat, Zimmerman, while on a foot patrol, stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and suffered catastrophic injuries. As he lie there, his own life flashed before his eyes, while the platoon medic and teammates worked to save him and the rest of his team engaged the enemy. Zimmerman was not expected to survive that day, but twenty surgeries and two years later, he left the San Antonio Military Medical Center and medically retired from the U.S. Army.

Back home, his friends, family and community rallied around him to offer their support. Zimmerman tackled many hurdles in his first months home and struggled to find his purpose after leaving the military. Through many opportunities to serve, both personally and professionally Zimmerman found his passion in speaking to others and inspiring through his unique and valued perspective.

Zimmerman joined the Army because he wanted to serve his country. He has no regrets, even though it cost him his legs. The principles and truths Zimmerman learned will build your attitude and shape your perspective so that one day, when y0ur life flashes before your eyes, it’s worth watching. You will appreciate the sacrifice made by this soldier. You will find yourself in his struggles. You will discover the ability within yourself to turn yourself into the best version of you possible.

Jack answers, he is very proud of the impact he can have on the members of his audience, but is especially proud of the relatability and support he can provide to other United States Veterans who may have lost their way or just need a little inspiration.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Our growing company realized very quickly that the quickest way to branch out to a wide audience of people spread across the country was to have an active, engaging and interesting social media presence. We started by creating a Facebook page, posting interesting quotes, short stories, videos, upcoming and past speaking engagements, etc. One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer on building social media presence is to post often and consistently. Content. Content. Content. It’s vital at any events, engagements, really anything going on, to gather content so you have things to share with your audience. Change up your posts from creative graphics and photos to relevant statistics or polls. Changing up the content your sharing helps to engage members as well as attract a new audience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Waking up in a hospital room, unable to speak, unable to move any of my limbs, unable to do anything for myself at all, I had to check my attitude very quickly. The feat before me was unthinkable, and I knew that I had a choice to make. Either figure out how to heal, get into a wheelchair and learn to live life again or lay in a hospital bed feeling sorry for myself forever. I made the choice to be thankful I was alive and grateful for the men that sacrificed their own lives to drag me off the battlefield, committed to living a life each of them would be proud of. From going through some of the hardest and most difficult days of my life, I have learned through those experiences how to be resilient every single day and continue to charge forward, the only way I know how. With laughter, and a smile on my face.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jackzimmermanmn.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluecordspeaking/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jackzimmermanspeaker

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