Forging Virtue: Sharpening Values, Ethics, and Self Awareness

Tom Grogan and Brent Jurgensen have spent decades successfully teaching and coaching young people to maximize their potential in the classroom and in competition. To them, it all starts with building a strong foundation. They believe the development of character is essential to successfully living a life of purpose. However, this journey is difficult for everyone involved. Parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and young people can find themselves frustrated and disappointed.

In Forging Virtue, Grogan and Jurgensen artfully share insight and wisdom about this journey toward self-awareness and purpose by exploring what they believe to be the most important human values. Integrity is more than just doing the right thing when nobody's watching. Humility teaches us the importance of accepting potential failures. Discipline is the antidote to chaos. Kindness creates emotional stability to help others. Courage unlocks parts of us that the world desperately needs. Unity is the key to collective achievement. Excellence is an experience that we are all meant for. Gratitude develops the skill of happiness.

As Grogan and Jurgensen say, "True personal development doesn't happen without meaningful conversations." Designed to initiate these conversations, Forging Virtue is filled with questions, reflection prompts, and activities for mentors and young people to explore together. Using a blend of personal experiences, philosophy, and spirituality, Tom Grogan and Brent Jurgensen challenge us to evaluate our lives and work together to build more meaning and purpose in what we do.

Teacher, coach and family man, Tom Grogan's passion for leadership and character development runs deep in every aspect of his life. Growing up in Wyoming, discipline and hard work formed his foundation. Whether it's in the classroom, on the football field, or in everyday mentorship, Tom lives to teach young people about character education. In 2018, Tom received the Arch Coal Outstanding Teacher award. Shortly thereafter, he founded LIFT Wyoming, a non-profit organization, promoting youth leadership throughout the state. Tom currently lives in Casper, Wyoming with his wife, Sommer, and their two children, Kellan and Elise. When his soul needs realignment, a fly rod and a mountain stream magically put his world in order. You can connect with Tom on twitter at @coachgrogan52.

Brent Jurgensen is a 24 year veteran in the world of education and coaching. He is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and Chadron State University, as well as being the James Madison Fellow for the state of Wyoming in 2012. Named Coach of the Year for the State of Wyoming twice, contributed to 13 state championship teams, coached 24 individual state champions, and seven state record holders in track and field. He has also created an ethics and leadership curriculum, ventured into business ownership, and works in sports broadcasting. Brent lives in Casper, Wyoming with his wife, Heather, and his children, Royce and Piper, while the eldest, Paisley, continues her education in St. George, Utah. He lives for his family, fishing adventures, guitar, travel, reading history, baseball, and ultimately, the pursuit of live music.