James P. Desrosiers, M.M.

James Desrosiers, Founder of GROWTHco, has his own interesting story of personal and professional growth. Born and raised in North Central Massachusetts, Jim spent his childhood overcoming tremendous challenges. His biological father was a drug-addicted abuser. His mother had to work multiple jobs to provide the essential needs to Jim and his five brothers and sisters. Due to the physical and emotional abuse, many people thought he wouldn’t survive, never mind succeed in his life. Society expected Jim to fail.

Jim graduated Leominster High School in 1986 and followed his siblings example by joining the military. In fact, all four of his brothers served directly and one of his sisters married into service.

Jim served in the United States Air Force and it was an experience in boot camp that provided him with his first ‘A-HA!” moment. Having never run a mile before, his instructor demanded he run one…and then another…and then five more…and finally hike a hill with 45 lbs. in a backpack! Upon reaching the summit, Jim wept. Partly from the pain he was experiencing :-), but mostly from realizing for the first time that he was capable of so much more than his mind and childhood conditioning was allowing him to believe!

Jim decided the rest of his life was going to be different. Instead of using his past conditioning and environment as excuses, he instead took control of his destiny by focusing on the unlimited and undetermined future that was in front of him. From now on, he would demand success…from the world around him…and from himself. He set goals. Life quickly improved.

In the Air Force, the awards started coming. Basic Training Honor Graduate, Tech School Honor Graduate, Good Conduct Medal, Airman of the Quarter for the United States Air Force in Europe, Libyan Conflict Medal, and more.

Jim returned to Massachusetts in 1990 and worked in locally owned, small businesses in the Banking, Employment Services, and Training Industries. He rapidly became known as a Sales Rainmaker and Training Professional. Jim was recruited by Prudential Preferred Financial Services and became Rookie Agent of the Year. He mentored other agents and found his true passion and purpose: training and coaching others to their potential.

During his own growth, he met his wife Claudia and her three boys – Brian, Sean, and David. They’ve been together even since and helping Claudia raise these boys into intelligent, productive, and caring adults is his proudest accomplishment! It was actually through watching them grow up that he noticed that people expected kids to succeed, but didn’t teach them how. So, Jim took it upon himself to write a book called Young People’s Guide to Goal Setting. He continues to teach the lessons of goal setting, time management, and self-motivation to students and has impacted over 250,000 young people nationally in 180+ schools and youth organizations, including his role as a senior consultant for the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.

Jim created GROWTHco in 1994 and has worked with thousands of business leaders, executives, and employees at all levels to dramatically increase their results at work…at home…and in life.

Jim became the first member of his family to achieve a college degree and earned a Masters in Management from Cambridge College with a dual concentration in Leadership in Human & Organizational Dynamics and Nonprofit Organization. He is currently obtaining certification of Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School.

So, there you have it. A brief summary of James Desrosiers. If his own success has inspired you (and I’ve left out some amazing victories and obstacles he had to overcome), then just wait until you meet him in person! His story and ability to connect with others is one of his key strengths. In addition, he provides the actual tools for participants to identify, plan, schedule, track, pursue, and achieve their own goals and dreams!

Board Seats

New England Racing Museum

RB Racing Charity, a 501c3 nonprofit corporation

CMEA, the Employers Association

Authored Books

From Impossible

Young People's Guide to Goal Setting

Adult's Guide to Goal Setting