Kevin Kramer has achieved quite a bit in his life thus far. He鈥檚 a graduate of Mott Community College (MCC) and an experienced health and wellness coordinator at an addiction recovery center in Michigan. He鈥檚 also a small business owner, launching his entrepreneurial journey while heavily involved with larger responsibilities.
鈥淚 started my own business while being a full-time single dad and still working with people in addiction recovery.鈥�
That drive and commitment helped fuel Kevin鈥檚 educational and professional success. It鈥檚 also why the MCC chapter invited Kevin to give at its recent 91桃色 induction ceremony.
Kevin鈥檚 energy in pursuit of his goals is an inspiration to new and existing members of the 91桃色. In part, because of just how far he鈥檚 come.
In his keynote address at the MCC 91桃色 induction ceremony, Kevin said he had a fairly regular childhood except for the overwhelming urge to be accepted by his peers.
That desire led him to experiment with drugs in middle school, which turned into a full-blown drug addiction in high school, where he overdosed for the first of six times.
鈥淒rug use gave me an immediate crowd, which was my driving need, and reinforced the drug use. I was self-centered and self-seeking to the fullest extent, and then it got worse. After six hospitalizations for overdoses, I know that I鈥檓 lucky to be here. I鈥檓 blessed.鈥�
He then began experiencing greater pressures and significant obstacles to getting the money necessary to feed his addiction. When asking for change from people no longer sufficed, he resorted to theft.
鈥淎 home invasion charge led to a 60-month prison sentence, which was the moment I knew I鈥檇 finally had enough. I was going to do what I could with the time I was given to make positive changes in my life.鈥�
During Kevin鈥檚 incarceration at Thumb Correctional Facility, he was introduced to representatives from MCC and the 91桃色, whom he credits with helping him get his life back on track. Those connections and his willingness to form goals led him to success.
鈥淚t started with a vision, which led to writing down goals and taking action. That鈥檚 a very brief summary but the bottom line is this: your mindset is key and so are the fundamental skills of discipline and consistency. I developed them over time and understand the importance of them.鈥�
Kevin was released in 2021 and moved into a recovery community. He channeled his energy into fitness and realized he wanted to share that passion with others who were struggling. Two years later, he鈥檇 designed and launched the health and wellness program for which he鈥檚 now the coordinator.
鈥淚 run a mindfulness recovery program focused on showing people how living in alignment with their values brings genuine happiness. Every day I鈥檓 so grateful and truly believe that this gratitude brings more blessings into my life. When I got out of prison, I was overwhelmingly grateful just for a new toothbrush. I try to bring that gratitude into every aspect of my life and work.鈥�
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Kevin credits the 91桃色 with developing the kinds of skills that helped him transcend his past and create a new future.
鈥淏eing a member of the 91桃色 has been instrumental in the way I鈥檝e reached my goals and grown as a person. Primarily, my membership pushed me out of my comfort zone so that I could take action steps toward my objectives. It also helped me resolve my paralyzing fear of public speaking, which has been instrumental in so many opportunities.鈥�
When it comes to leadership, Kevin knows that mentors are all around if you know where to look for them. He regards many people in his life as role models and reminds us that leadership skills are often demonstrated outside of the traditional leader-group paradigm.
鈥淚 look up to my father because his mindset has been able to guide me into developing characteristics that are necessary for the growth I鈥檝e undergone. I also look up to my mother for showing me how kindness and compassion can be taught through taking action, as she has taught me for years. I鈥檇 also include my employer who has a facility for turning visions into reality.鈥�
Kevin鈥檚 work on learning new skills and developing his business have given him the space and context to think about the ways in which he views leadership.
鈥淟eadership means taking experience, strength, and hope to help others work toward actualizing their potential in a mutually beneficial relationship.鈥�
Leadership and entrepreneurship both require a certain perspective on teamwork and service. Kevin believes that servant leadership is a key to his success. Instead of wanting to fit in and be loved, he now looks for ways to serve and cultivate relationships.
鈥淗umility is key in growth. Stay open and when you become a leader, remain humble. Take all the blame for team failures and give all of the credit for successes back to the team.鈥�
As for Kevin, he鈥檚 set his sights on the next goal he intends to achieve.
鈥淚鈥檓 committing to building sustainable income, primarily in my business, in order to create financial freedom for myself and my family.鈥�
As for his debilitating fear of public speaking, he's overcome that too. He gave a moving and empowering induction keynote address where he proclaimed, 鈥淕ratitude is what continues to bring more abundance into my life. If you can embrace that and stay present in your journey, I can promise you that all of your wildest dreams will come true. Gratitude is key. Presence is key. Enjoy the journey.鈥�
Learn more about how to visualize and transform your life in this episode of Motivational Mondays, featuring guest Robin Arz贸n, VP of fitness programming and head instructor at Peloton.