Featuring Guest Speaker: Marcus McFolling
Markus McFolling, Founder of Reach1, is originally from Seaside California. He moved to Ohio in 2008 as a collegiate athlete, but after two years as a professional player, he suffered a career-ending shoulder injury demanding surgery after surgery leading him down a dark path of drug addiction. After losing his family and everything he knew and loved, he was inspired to make a full recovery and turn his life around. After rehabilitation and graduation from Adult and Teen Challenge Ohio Valley, his family was restored and Markus pursued his dream and life-long calling to make a difference under the name Reach1 which stands for Reconciling Every Abandoned Child Home. He now travels around the country sharing his story of overcoming adversity in schools, conferences, and community events and camps. Adding to his business, Markus founded Reach1Creative, a creative outlet for local creatives able to offer photography and videography around the country for weddings, families, events, and businesses. Reach1Leadership was also birthed as a resource to those specifically looking for personal and leadership development for themselves or their business/staff. The Adopt-A-School Program, offered by Reach1Leadership, was founded by Markus McFolling in 2020 to create a space within school systems for students and faculty to be inspired to shift the culture of their school systems. Markus currently resides in Canton, Ohio with his wife, Chelsea and two daughters, Averie and Dakota.