Meet Joshua Greer | Founder, Walkin’ In Memphis

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

Hi Joshua, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My wife and I (Rachel) started our non-profit fundraiser in 2018 a couple years after our oldest daughter Marley was born. Marley was born with Down syndrome, and we wanted to start an annual event that did 3 things: 1) Raised funds for our local Down Syndrome Association so they could continue to provide and expand programs to individuals with Down syndrome and their families/immediate support systems.
2) Brought awareness and education about Down syndrome to our community.
3) Create the event in such a way that celebrated all of the incredible value individuals with Down syndrome bring into our lives. We wanted to show people how individuals with Down syndrome and all types of disabilities enrich our lives, our culture and our communities every single day.

What should our readers know about your business?

So as I mentioned, after our oldest Marley was born, we knew we wanted to start our own charity benefitting local Down Syndrome organizations, programs and initiatives. We realized Memphis didn’t really have a great event each year on World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), which is on March 21st every year. Individuals with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, thus the 03/21 annual event designation.

I said to my wife, “What if I walk across Memphis all day long each year on WDSD?” And it evolved from there. So each year on March 21st (World Down Syndrome Day), I walk for 12+ hours across the Memphis area, trekking 21+ miles & formally stopping at 21 well-known Memphis attractions to take pictures with supporters, self-advocates, sponsors, news outlets, anyone and everyone.

At each stop, I raise the global symbol for Down syndrome, which is a blue & yellow butterfly, to take a picture in support of Down Syndrome awareness & inclusion! We get unprecedented access across the city from some of the world’s most well-known businesses & organizations. It has grown way more than I ever anticipated and in 6 short years we’ve been able to raise over $100,000 for the local Down Syndrome Association of Memphis & The Mid-South (DSAM).

It is not always easy, but who wants easy?! Starting a non-profit fundraiser from scratch is challenging, but also so incredibly rewarding. It’s long hours early morning and late at night after work and once the kids are in bed. It’s using whatever free time you have on the weekends to work on your event. You’re a little bit of everything: promoter, creator, website/content designer, organizer, communicator, etc. All while training for the 21 mile walk/run at the same time. But it’s 100% worth it. The hard work pays off when you see so many people rally around the cause and support the event and the day. It’s such a humbling experience each year.

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.

Oh wow, well this question is perfect for someone whose entire event is structured around a 21 mile walk & stop across the city I love. Yes, we are raising funds and awareness for Down syndrome, but we also love spotlighting our incredible city! We love Memphis and the 21 places we stop are like a love story to Memphis. I stop or have stopped at all of the spots listed below over the years.

First, I would take them to some of our museums. The Bluff City has so much rich culture, from the National Civil Rights Museum, The Blues Hall of Fame, Graceland, The Rock N Soul Museum, STAX, Sun Studio. When I first moved to Memphis the people and the culture is what really sold me on the city and is why I will always call Memphis home. So I’d definitely start there. These are some of my most inspirational stops during the long day of the walk and help keep me motivated.

I would have to take them to the Bass Pro Pyramid and take them up to the observation deck. It’s certainly a unique attraction and world renowned. And once you go inside it is actually pretty awesome! Bass Pro is such a wonderful partner with us each year for the walk. They give us great access for pictures, they light up the pyramid in blue and yellow, and always show great support for our cause.

We would of course have to get them some Memphis BBQ at about 5 different local favorite spots. Talk to any Memphian and they can instantly give you their top 3-5 BBQ spots in the city. I’d take them to grab a beer at Wiseacre or some of our other local breweries. And then I would end the day at the Peabody Hotel for the Duck March. This is another uniquely-Memphis experience and one of my absolute favorite traditions in the city. The Peabody let’s us host the duck march each year on World Down Syndrome Day and I still can’t believe we get to participate in that sometimes. I have to pinch myself. This is a must see for anyone visiting Memphis.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Rachel. She is the backbone of our family. We have 3 kids and she supports each of us in everything that we want to pursue. From starting a fundraiser, work, kids’ activities, etc. All while being a working mom (Occupational Therapist) herself. We love and admire her very much!

Website: walkininmemphis.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkininmem/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18369987/admin/feed/posts/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WalkinInMem

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkinInMemphis

Image Credits
Caroline Johnson Photography