Without Hands or Legs, Chad Hymas Travels the World Changing Lives

2024 was a hard year. At Century, we faced profound loss—three teammates taken from us far too soon. 

Mortality binds us all. We spend so much of our lives at work, but beneath the meetings and deadlines, our real work is, as Ram Dass said, “walking each other home.” 

Two weeks ago, Chad Hymas visited all 170 Century teammates at our annual meeting. By the time he finished speaking, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. 

Chad is a quadriplegic. A tragic accident left him paralyzed—no use of his hands, no use of his legs. Just getting dressed in the morning takes him an hour and a half. 

For five years, he was stuck in grief, convinced he had no place in this world. Then came the wake-up call. His father told him: “If you won’t be there for your kids, I will.” 

That moment changed everything. Chad had a choice: keep coasting, or step up. He chose to step up. He became the father his kids needed. And in doing so, he reshaped his perspective on loss: 

“Look in the mirror. Don’t stay stuck. Honor loss by moving forward.”

Hearing those words from a man who navigates the world without the use of hands or legs hits differently. 

He left us with a personal mantra—one he holds himself accountable to every day: 

• Be a better father (or parent). 

• Be a better husband (or spouse). 

• Be a better farmer (or craftsman).

• Be a better contributor to society.

• Be a better disciple. 

And then he said something simple but powerful: 

“Do more than what’s required. Get dirty.” 

So, how are you going to get better or get your hands dirty this week? 

We all have a responsibility to grow while we have this brief moment on earth. 

Onward, 

Matt