FYPC Podcast Ep 28: Jon Vroman, Founder of Front Row Foundation

Jon Vroman inspires others to Live Life In The Front Row™ by teaching the art of moment making. He is an award-winning speaker, #1 bestselling author of The Front Row Factor, podcast host and founder of Front Row Foundation, a charity creating front row experiences for individuals who brave life-threatening illnesses.

Jon struggled for a while to find a career path that gave him meaning. He wanted to be fulfilled while also giving back to others—which is no easy feat. He “pivoted” for a while considering positions ranging from art therapist to restaurant owner. And then there were moments when he simply had no idea.

Jon was looking for a way to create great moments, which today he has most certainly achieved.

“If you pay attention to the whispers, if you pay attention to the clues, if you look for ways to connect the dots, they’ll show up,” said Jon.

Find out how Jon chases his passion on the Find Your Passion Career Podcast!

It may be hard to believe, but Jon first got his start from a billboard—that’s right, a billboard . His friend’s mom was driving when it caught her eye. She brought home a post-it with a number to call for the possibility of making 15 to 20 dollars an hour. What his friend thought was a scam turned into a career journey. Jon landed a job at Cutco, a company that sells high-quality kitchen knives. Jon thought, “I’m crazy enough to try this.”

What Jon thought would be a summer job evolved into an almost 14-year career. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Three months into being a sales rep, Jon quit because it was too challenging.

“That opportunity was like a truth serum, it will show you what you’re truly made of because you can’t hide behind anything,” said Jon.

The Creator of Magical Moments

Jon worked his way up to his final position  with Cutco as a sales promotion manager.

“I love that we’re constantly evolving, growing and changing,” said Jon.

In his role, Jon was tasked with creating contests and awarding prizes. “It was literally the dream job,” said Jon.

It wasn’t until Jon started questioning what he loved and feared that he realized what he was born to do. He realized he was afraid of living life in the back row, not truly creating any memorable experiences.

“I was afraid of getting to the end of my life and not creating those epic moments,” said Jon.

Jon set out to create these moments for people battling life-threatening diseases. The idea for Front Row Foundation came to him while he was on a jog with his buddy . They went back and forth trying to figure out how to make their idea of lighting up someone’s day into a reality.

“All your experiences, lead to that moment of discovery,” said Jon.

Selling Experiences

As the executive director of the foundation, Jon works closely with his staff to make big impacts on these families.

“I think the quality of life is more about what I can do for someone else,” said Jon.

On the podcast Jon shares one story of a young girl named Sophie who was battling a brain tumor. Sophie’s favorite thing to do was listen to Kelly Clarkson with her mom. Jon made it his mission to give Sophie the experience of a lifetime.

With the help of his team, the foundation brought Sophie and her mom to a Kelly Clarkson concert. As the ultimate surprise moment, Sophie met Kelly Clarkson herself.

Eight weeks later, Sophie passed away. Her mom made sure she was buried wearing her Kelly Clarkson VIP necklace. Helping to create Sophie’s Front Row moment was a life-changing experience for Jon.

“Don’t underestimate the power of being on the sidelines cheering someone on,” said Jon.

Three Values to Live By

On his career journey, Jon constantly took the time to question himself in order to discover his passion. Jon’s story teaches us that every moment matters, so take advantage of the ones you get.

“I believe in creating hope for the future, celebrating our past and being present in the moment,” said Jon.

What’s one way you can stop everything you’re doing—hit the pause button— and live in the moment? Ask yourself: what do I care about most?

Listen to Jon and then take a minute to think about how you can pivot from settling in mediocracy (living life in the back row where it’s safe) to taking risks and creating magical moments in the front row.

Download our podcast interview with Jon on Itunes!

Once you’re inspired by Jon’s story, we’d love to read your review. Thanks so much!