David Brown
From Trails to Teamwork: Inspiring Leadership Through Service and Action.about david:
Husband | 2x Dad 👶🏻 | Director at Frontline Freedom | Author | Adventurer | Outdoor Enthusiast | Trying to earn my father of the year mug.
As the Major of Operations for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, I’ve dedicated my life to service, leadership, and building stronger, safer communities. Over the years, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action, trust, and accountability. Whether managing operations or mentoring the next generation of leaders, I believe in setting the tone through discipline, integrity, and a focus on the mission.
I serve as the Director of Frontline Freedom, a nonprofit that aims to build resiliency through backpacking trips, fully immersed in nature. The work we do at Frontline Freedom pushes people beyond their comfort zones through wilderness retreats designed to challenge, strengthen, and unite. Leadership retreat programs like hiking the Virginia Triple Crown aren’t just about the trail—they’re about forging bonds, overcoming obstacles, and discovering what true leadership looks like under pressure.
My mission is simple: to raise the standard. Whether it’s improving public safety, shaping workplace culture, or fostering resilient teams, I’m committed to helping others rise to the challenge. Leadership isn’t something you demand—it’s something you earn through hard work, sacrifice, and a commitment to the people you serve.
I’m a husband and father who believes in leading by example, not just at work, but at home. My wife and I share a love for the outdoors, and some of my best days are spent hiking trails or teaching my kids the value of perseverance, grit, and the pricnciples of service above self. These experiences remind me that leadership starts with the ones who look up to you the most.
If you’re looking for practical advice or fresh perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth, I invite you to explore my blog. You’ll find actionable insights, personal reflections, and strategies you can apply right away.
You can also check out my recommended reading list—a collection of books that have shaped my approach to leadership and life. Let’s keep the conversation going, and together, we can make a difference.
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I believe impact begins with
Integrity & Passion
What Motorcycling Taught Me About Command
Everyone talks about “command presence.” But what does it actually look like in the real world—outside of a classroom or crisis? You don’t need to ride a motorcycle to understand this. The road just happens to be where I learned one of my most valuable lessons in...
You Don’t Have to Lose it to Love It.
We talk a lot about burnout. We don’t talk enough about what we still have. You’re in the middle of something meaningful. But I’ve seen enough people walk away from the job—some by choice, others not—and almost all of them wish they’d appreciated it sooner. Not the...
Culture isn’t a Committee
In law enforcement, we tend to treat “culture” like it’s something abstract. A concept we assign to HR, address in an annual training, or delegate down the chain of command. Throw in a few laminated value cards, a mission statement on the wall, and check the box....
Intersecting Virtues
“Intersecting Virtues: The Art of Confidence, Competence, and Character” is a journey of self-discovery, offering practical insights and strategies to cultivate confidence, competence, and character. It explores the human spirit and its capacity for resilience, growth, and greatness. With a blend of storytelling, psychological insights, and practical wisdom, this book guides anyone seeking to be a better leader. It shows that with the right mindset, skills, and values, we all have the potential to harness the power of intersecting virtues.
"They" Are Not Millennials
“They” Are Not Millennials addresses the issues facing organizational leaders coping with a rapidly evolving workplace culture. This book provides an understanding of the differences in the youngest employees entering the workforce. It includes leadership insights and strategies to lead, motivate, and inspire a young workforce into achieving organizational and personal development goals.
