If there is anyone who knows how to rock a well-groomed beard, it’s Ira Edwards.
In 2010, Ira was left paralyzed when a tree fell on him while he was clearing a ski trail after a storm. That has not stopped Ira from pursuing the things he cares deeply for.
Ten years ago, Ira founded the RoosterSkier Brand, a line of quality, handcrafted Alaskan beard and mustache products that reflect his passion for facial grooming. Then, in 2013, Ira gave his entrepreneurship spirit a new purpose: giving back to society.
That was how Team Gimp Squad came about. Ira started Team Gimp Squad to “provide inspiration and hope through sport and the positive attitude that comes with it.” With the RoosterSkier Brand and Team Gimp Squad, Ira manages to combine his entrepreneurship with advocacy. Profits from the RoosterSkier Brand products go to Team Gimp Squad and to support other paraplegics into embracing healthier and active lifestyles.
Leading by example, Ira adopts such a lifestyle himself, being heavily involved in activities such as skiing, road handcycling, fishing, and hunting. He fully embraces others taking inspiration from him and aims to serve as an ambassador “for educating and promoting adaptive sports for all.”
On top of running his business and training for various sports, Ira also keeps his schedule busy by visiting local hospital patients and giving speeches at various schools. Doing things that he loves to do is his biggest motivation.
“I guess I’m more differently abled than disabled… Every year I get to do more and more things I used to do. It’s just a matter of figuring out how to do them.”
And Ira achieves all of these while maintaining quality facial hair.
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