My friend Andrew mentioned that the blog sounded a bit impersonal. He suggested I share a little bit about myself and explain why you might want to read what I have to say. So, I thought I would start today with a bit about me. (Sorry if I’m misquoting you, Andrew!)

I’m JJ, a 54-year-old guy who’s lived enough life to know that midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s an opportunity. Born and raised in the Midwest, I built a career in finance and insurance while balancing my passions for travel, community building, and fitness. After relocating to California, I embraced new experiences, from learning swing dancing to tackling some of the best hiking trails. With an MBA and a background in information management, I’ve spent years making high-level decisions, but what truly drives me now is sharing my journey with you—one man to another. I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve learned a lot, and I believe that by sharing our experiences, we can push each other to grow.

My career has been anything but linear. I started with blue-collar jobs—fast food, working as a swamper (A mover’s helper…i carried the boxes, furniture and heavy stuff to and from the truck))—before shifting into teaching and coaching. Eventually, I found my way into IT, finance, and insurance. But more than any job, being a father has been my greatest teacher. I often tell my son: To be the man you want to become, start acting like that man today. That mindset has shaped how I approach life—not waiting for some distant future to make changes, but embodying the discipline and values of the man I aspire to be right now. My children remind me daily of the importance of patience, responsibility, and leading by example.

In my mid-30s, I hit a crossroads. Fresh off a separation that would eventually lead to divorce, I felt like my purpose—building and nurturing my family—was slipping away. My identity had been so tied to being a husband and father that I struggled to see what came next. In reality, though, my role wasn’t disappearing; it was evolving into something different, something I had to learn to embrace. That’s when I first encountered Socrates’ words: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Those words didn’t strike me like a thunderbolt—they sank slowly and deeply into my soul. They forced me to realize I wasn’t without purpose; rather, my purpose was shifting, and I needed to actively shape what came next.

There wasn’t one defining moment that changed everything. Instead, it became a guidepost for my daily decisions—a reminder that growth isn’t about one big revelation, but a series of small, intentional choices. It set me on a path that eventually led to the creation of Men Living Well.

I started this blog because I see a growing need for us—me and you—to connect, share, and support one another in our pursuit of strength, wisdom, and purpose. I don’t have everything figured out, but I do know that I’m a grounded and happy person, and I want to explore and discover this with my brothers. My goal is to create a space where we can learn, grow, and push each other forward. Whether it’s building resilience in the gym, improving relationships, or mastering financial independence, Men Living Well is about cutting through the noise and focusing on what truly matters. No fluff, no shortcuts—just real strategies for leveling up in every aspect of life.

Stick around, challenge yourself, and let’s figure this out together—one step at a time.

A life well examined is a life well lived. – JJ