Fred Griffin, Jr., 37

Occupation: Owner of Touching Heart’s Academy & Adult Day Training and Provider with the State of Florida

What I do: As the owner, I oversee daily operations such as: Program development & management compliance & license, financial management, client & family relations, program outreach, training development, and monitoring & evaluation.

How I got started: The reason I chose my career path is because of my personal experience caring for my father, who suffers from mental illness. This experience has led me to pursue a career in human services, as I have seen the pressing need for this kind of support firsthand. I started my career 2007 as an administrator for Florida’s largest human services facility for individuals with disabilities. In 2013, I started my own residential group home and adult day training program.

Why the community is my passion: My passion is driven by personal experiences and values that align with the importance of caring for and uplifting others who cannot help themselves.

My biggest professional accomplishment: My volunteerism and community activism has brought recognition on various occasions with United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties for Local Entrepreneurial Power Couple and Community Servants, Best of Central, Florida, Young Professional Business of the Year, Lake-Sumter Trio Upward Bound & Talent Search Community Collaboration Award, Eagle Award finalist for Emerging Business of The Year.

When I’m not working in the community: I enjoy traveling, swimming, catching up on TV shows and hanging out with family/friends.

My first job: I started my first job when I was 14 in 2001 as a server at Lake Ridge Village in Eustis.

My local mentor: My pastor, Apostle Dannie Williams.

The best advice I’ve received: Remain prayerful, faithful and humble in everything you do.

Fun fact: I’m a big kid at heart. I love pranking my friends and family. Laughter is good for you, so I enjoy seeing smiles on the faces of others.

If I had a million dollars to give away: As a cancer survivor, I would donate to St. Jude to help with early detection. Also, as a small business owner, I would invest in other small businesses in Leesburg and surrounding cities to help them get started.

Life after 40: I plan to continue to serve my community with various organizations, travel more, and help others continue to live out their full potential. I see myself as U.S. Congressman in my future as well.