The Freedom Skater
The Message
Austin Szelkowski is The Freedom Skater. Labor Day 2010 marks the beginning of his 3000 mile skate across America carrying an American flag. His is starting at the Statue of Liberty. He’ll stop to inspire countless students to pursue their dreams and live without fear. He’s living the message.
A Skate Across America
When the idea came to Austin Szelkowski on Memorial Day of this year, he had potential and drive, but little more. As a recent engineering grad from Kettering University, he had little money and more than my share of school loans. Working as a waiter at a local restaurant, he was trying to bring in some cash while spending the rest of his time hustling to build a business around my passion: empowering young people to pursue their own passions and blaze a trail toward the lives they envision for themselves.
Living the Message
Austin Szelkowski knew the idea was crazy, but he also knew it was powerful. He started telling every person he knew about his plan. He worked more 18 hour days than he can remember and burned the candle through countless sleepless nights. He pushed himself further outside his comfort zone than ever before. He didn’t just carry his message or live his dream; he became them. He endured levels of doubt, fear, and uncertainty that he cannot begin to explain. It was only through sweat, blood, tears and the support of family, friends, and his business partner, Dillon Norton, that he stayed committed to his vision. His partner and him agreed: if necessary, they would hitchhike their way down to their starting point at the Statue of Liberty. They committed; he would begin the skate on Labor Day, no matter what. It wasn’t until exactly two weeks before the start of the skate that their faith was rewarded. They finally found a fellow visionary who had the funds available to support them.
A Passionate Believer
Dan Hussain, the president of American Pioneer Ventures, shares their vision. They envision a powerful movement that will revitalize and remake the American economy by inspiring passionate young trailblazers and entrepreneurs to imagine a stronger America and take the steps necessary to build it. They talk about passion, courage, hustle, innovation, authenticity, entrepreneurship and shared vision, but must of all, they talk about freedom. They believe true freedom will grow from grassroots, when the seeds of these ideas are planted in the hearts and minds of young people.
