Meet John Widrick | Executive Director, The Bridge House

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Widrick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by individuals who actively contribute to their communities through meaningful actions. These people might be involved in government, for-profit, or nonprofit sectors, or be part of faith-based communities. Their defining traits are their dedication to action over mere words, their willingness to live sacrificially for the betterment of others, and their commitment to strengthening the community and people around them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe what sets me apart is my focus on humility in everything I do. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I deeply value the contributions of my team, acknowledging that their insights are vital to our collective success. My professional journey has been greatly shaped by my mother and father, who dedicated their time and wisdom to coach and train me. I have worked in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years, focusing on working with at-risk individuals. This journey has included time in vocational ministry and in the non-profit sector as an Executive Director, where I’ve worked alongside government agencies to support at-risk families, homeless youths, and children aging out of foster care.

I’ve encountered numerous challenges along the way, and overcoming these has largely been a result of staying humble, continually asking questions, being open to learning, admitting my mistakes, and seeking help when needed. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the power of asking for help and admitting when I don’t know something to gain clarity. My story is not just about my achievements; I hope it serves as inspiration for others to use their successes and blessings to invest in their communities and support the poor, the needy, and people around them, enabling everyone to thrive.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friend were visiting the area, I’d be excited to show them the best time ever by starting with a trip to downtown Nashville. They’d get to experience fantastic food and great music, which Nashville is famous for. Then, I’d take them to Percy Priest Lake to enjoy the water and the serene natural surroundings. We wouldn’t miss heading over to Pigeon Forge to explore some of the high trails and beautiful landscapes, and of course, indulge in some delicious local cuisine. A visit to Dollywood would be a must for that quintessential Tennessee amusement experience. Lastly, we’d take a couple of hiking trips to explore the stunning waterfalls that Tennessee is renowned for.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Growing up, my family’s dedication to helping underprivileged youth, including those in foster care, homeless, or at-risk, instilled in me the importance of living beyond personal or familial interests. This upbringing fostered my desire to contribute positively to those around me. Additionally, the teachings and works of Francis Chan, known for his impactful communication and authorship, have further shaped my commitment to community service and empathy. This combination of familial influence and external inspiration from figures like Chan has deeply affected my outlook on life and service.

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