We asked some very thoughtful members of our community to reflect on what they’ve learned from their heroes.

Otis McClure

One of my heroes in the field of art and design is Bob Ross. He is the main reason why I got into art in the first place. I remember being a kid and seeing him on TV, wondering, jokingly, ‘Who is this white guy with this afro? He’s super cool!’ Watching him paint, I always admired how gentle and encouraging he was while crafting a masterpiece. He assured viewers that it was okay to make mistakes, referring to them as ‘happy little accidents,’ and encouraged kindness towards oneself, both on and off the canvas. Bob also pointed out the inherent beauty in art, emphasizing that everything was art. In researching his background, I was amazed to learn that before becoming an artist, he spent 20 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant—what a contrast! This reinforced the concept of pursuing one’s passions, instead of conforming to others’ expectations. Read more>>

Infinity Brooks

My hero is my mom, Sonya. She’s the definition of grace under pressure—a true force to be reckoned with. Despite life throwing more than its fair share of obstacles her way, she’s always remained grounded in her faith and purpose. She puts God first in everything, and somehow, she always finds a way to come out on top. What makes her my hero isn’t just the way she’s carried herself through life’s storms, but the way she’s always made sure her children never felt the weight of those storms. Read more>>

Barbara Rodriguez

When I think about a hero, I imagine a person with great influence and power. Someone capable of shifting my way of seeing life to make me a better person. There are 2 beautiful people in my life that I have the pleasure of calling my heroes. In a short time, they shifted my way of seeing life and they made me a better person. Because of them, today I am a better mom, wife, daughter, friend, and human being. They are my kids. Our journey started in 2021 when my youngest, my son, was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months. Our kid was vulnerable, and our family became vulnerable. Raising a kid with special needs requires so much more. More patience, more understanding, more acceptance, long hours of researching and learning, many hours of therapy every week, letting go of expectations, picking your battles with society and their expectations of how a child should learn and behave and how you should fulfill your role as a parent, among others.  Read more>>

Kevin Shook

Gary Vaynerchuk would be a hero in my life that has influenced me not just in business, but in personal life as well. He is proof entrepreneurship can’t be taught in books. He also really helped me understand I do not need a college degree to be successful. I’m living life against the grain, I’m marketing against the grain, and it feels amazing. I typically consume his content daily, whether I’m driving and listening to his podcast, or in the studio with Tea with Gary V playing on one screen, he’s really helped me navigate life, business, all of the things. Read more>>