Podcasts: Sept. 15, 2014
In This Podcast:
Joseph Groh, an industry veteran boasting 35 years of HVAC experience, discusses the 2008 bicycle accident that cut his career tragically short, and how the Joseph S. Groh Foundation is his way of giving back to the construction trade. Posted on Aug. 22.
Q: You worked in the trades for 35 years. Can you share some of the jobs you performed?
A: I began working in the contracting business in high school with my dad’s business. After graduation, I worked for a couple of other contractors installing residential and light commercial equipment. After that, I started a 22-year career with Lennox Industries in Chicago. I started in inside sales and moved to outside sales while attaining my college degree at night. … In 1998, I left Lennox to become director of marketing for an independent regional distributor based in Chicago. In 2000, we moved back to Dallas, where I became director of product development for Titus. … In 2006, I joined PCI Industries in Fort Worth, Texas, as vice president of sales and marketing.
Q: Your life changed significantly on Father’s Day in 2008.
A: It certainly did. Following a day with my family I decided to go on an aerobic bike ride. I liked to ride on mountain trails surrounding the lake. About 15 minutes into the ride, the front tire of my bicycle encountered some sand and I lost control and was thrown over the handlebars. I broke my neck at the C3 vertebrae, which resulted in complete paralysis below my shoulders.
Q: What were your immediate thoughts after the accident?
A: I certainly knew my injuries were serious and that life had taken an irrevocable change. But, strangely, I never considered the fact that I may die. I knew my attitude was going to be the key to whatever new life I was going to have. I vowed to never look back, never give up, and remain positive.
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Joseph Groh
Founder
Joseph Groh Foundation
http://www.josephgrohfoundation.org/
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Publication date: 9/15/2014
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