MG – Roger Grein

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A Story of Inspiration, Hope and Generosity

Roger Grein made the trip from the St. Joseph Infant Home in the early spring of 1943. He was 6 months old and disabled. His adoptive parents, Frank and Thelma Grein, didn’t know of the disability. Frank went away to war and Thelma, alone, learned of her son’s permanent handicaps. He might not walk, the doctors said. He might not talk. And he might never know her.

In school, Roger went out for all the teams. He fell and tripped and never came close to earning a spot. But the coach, seeing the boy’s effort, put his arm around him and asked if he might consider helping out for a while. Chalking the base lines. Collecting the towels. Fetching the water. Roger accepted, and for the next six years he served as team manager. He never did learn to swing a bat, but his Lockland years of “water boy” set the stage for something bigger: a 36-year coaching career that saw him leading softball teams to world championships and travels to Hawaii, Mexico, Sweden and the former Soviet Union.

Roger was also never expected to excel mentally. Don’t expect too much, the doctors said. And in his first years at school he did struggle. But by applying the same determination he had used to first walk – heel-toe, heel-toe – he slowly but doggedly mastered his studies. He graduated from high school and then, in just three years, from college as well.

Still his handicap, or the perception of it, trailed behind him. An old teacher landed him a bank job, but he was soon fired because he didn’t fit in. And despite his degree, no one else would hire him. He cut grass for a living. He earned an MBA and cut grass. He was the MBA yardman.

But Roger didn’t give up. He handed out business cards to his lawn customers. Let me do your tax returns, he said. A few dowagers accepted his offer, and then a few more. And his teachers began dropping by. And his old coach. And eventually the employees of the nearby plants. Within five years Roger had a staff and was preparing over 1,800 returns. He was asked to serve as tax commissioner. And then as mayor.

Roger Grein today is a successful businessman, philanthropist and speaker. He is a testimony to what faith and persistence can do, but just as importantly, he is the proof of how a few people can lift a life from the lowest of expectations to the highest in achievement. His angels, he calls them. The ones who extended a loving hand when easily they could have turned away. His adoptive mother. His coach. His teachers. Those first customers who reached out to him.

And that is what Roger Grein talks about. About persistence, yes. And faith in one’s self. But mostly he talks about angels and how all of us can, if we consider carefully and act lovingly, make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others.

A Poem
Thelma and Frank Grein adopted Roger, and with Frank away at war Thelma learned of Roger’s disabilities. Some said don’t expect much. Some said take the boy back. Thelma loved Roger instead, completely, and at her passing this poem was composed as but a brief testimony of her struggle, perseverance and faith. Click HERE to read the poem written by Anne Brennan, csj, and Janice Brewi, csj, in memoriam of Thelma Grein, June 15, 2003.

Student Philanthropy Program
Roger instituted a Student Philanthropy Program at numerous universities, whereby students learn philanthropy by awarding money to helping organizations in their own communities.  This program preceded the Magnified Giving high school program. Click HERE to read about his collegiate program in the Chronicles of Philanthropy.

Mower-Boy
Roger’s CD titled “Mower-Boy:  A Story of Inspiration,” is now available. Listen to how God has walked with Roger through his life, from his early brush with abortion to his long-shot successes in business and sports. For a complimentary CD, email Roger today at rogergrein@zoomtown.com.

Roger’s story as seen through the eyes of students

An Interview with Roger Grein
by Alex Hernandez

Never Give Up – A Story of Inspiration
by Zai Johns