Gary J. Bergenske A Proven Leader, Positive Attitude, Persistent Worker, Author, Passionate Speaker.
“A man’s reputation is the opinion others have of him, His character is who he really is.”
Gary Bergenske is a successful businessman, an author, and a motivational speaker who leads by inspiring others. In addition he finds ways to carve out time to volunteer to help others through his charitable work. He eventually served one of the world’s greatest philanthropy’s, Shriners Hospitals for Children as its CEO for a one-year volunteer term. His work has directly impacted and improved the lives of many children and their families around the world. He also leads by example the many members of these volunteer organizations he belongs to by promoting Teamwork with a positive attitude.
Bergenske grew up in a small town and Wisconsin. During his teenage years his family moved to Florida. In the mid 1980’s as a young man with a growing family and a business he had purchased, there was no time for anything other than family and work. He was in his early 30’s, it took his full attention to grow his business and to support his family. Although there was a lot of pressure building a company, they were wonderful years. Having young children in the home keeps you involved and happy.
Several years later as the business began to run smoother and the children were older, Bergenske began to open his eyes and look around outside of his narrowly focused life. When he purchased the business, his family had moved to a new city, and they arrived with no friends, and no social life. It was time to make some friends and reach out to others, after all this should promote a comfort in life and also help their business. So, he began to think in a different way, how do I enrich my life by being a part of something much bigger than myself?
In 1994 while attending a community parade with the family, he witnessed this group of men in the parade who appeared to be having the time of their life. They each were having a great time and were surrounded by others who all seemed to be their friends. Oh, what fun they were having. He thought to himself, wouldn’t it be great to have friends and good times like that? Come to find out, they were the Shriners, he knew nothing about them. Bergenske did some investigating and found out a friend of the family actually belonged to the Shriners. After discussions with him, he soon had him in the Masonic Lodge to become a Mason and eventually a member of the Bahia Shriners in Orlando, Florida. Little did he know his life and the lives of his family would be changed forever.
Bergenske and his wife jumped right in, there were picnics, parades, parties, dances, specialized clubs, and formal events. All of these activities introduced him and his wife to new people. They were meeting people faster than the mind could keep track of the names. Then they learned there was another part to all of this, the Shriners have the world’s greatest Philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children. Suddenly the idea of making more friends was enhanced as these new friends were part of a healthcare system that changed children’s lives through the expert pediatric care their hospitals provided. Again, his life was changed, he truly had become a part of something much bigger than himself.
His passion to become a bigger part of this was overwhelming him. He soon was a part of the leadership team of Bahia Shriners in Orlando. He proudly served as the chapters Illustrious Potentate (President) in 2005. This was an honor he could have never imagined in his life just a few short years ago. His circle of true friends had expanded throughout the entire community and his business was flourishing.
After completing the year as the Illustrious Potentate, he was still yearning for more. Bergenske and his wife, Anne, began traveling the country campaigning for an international position with the Shriners. If successful they would embark on an eleven-year journey. In 2006 they were not successful, however in 2007, in Anaheim, CA, Gary Bergenske was elected to the bottom of the progressive line that would place him in the top position of the Shriners fraternity and philanthropy in ten years. How exciting! This position comes with an extraordinary amount of responsibility and accountability. The commitment has to be unquestioned, your life now belongs to the future of the Shriners. Thank God, the business he had purchased years ago would support his efforts of participating at the highest level of leadership in one of the world’s greatest organizations, as a volunteer, where men are made better and children’s lives are changed and saved.
During this time the requests for Bergenske to do motivational speaking was increasing. He became a regular speaker for many of the Shriners seminars and conferences as well. In 2007, his first book, “Campaign for a Better Life” was published and his book sales began. In 2008 his second book came out, “Campaign to be a Better Leader” with twelve steps on becoming a better leader. Another book, “Quotes for Leadership Success” came out in 2009.
As the years passed his circle of friends encompassed people from around the world. He tells friends, “As a child my world was my back yard, today my back yard is the world.” To think all of this was happening because he went to a parade and saw some men having a good time with their many friends. The opportunities and the doors that were opened were countless as he climbed the ladder to the top. Shriners Hospitals for Children is world renowned for the expert pediatric care they provide regardless of their family’s ability to pay. The patients, the members, and the people you meet who are familiar with Shriners and their good work is incredible. A truly amazing reputation.
As a kid, growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, with a family that had little but knew the meaning of love and caring; stepping onto the stage to be installed as the top leader of Shriners worldwide in July of 2017 was unthinkable. It was a proud moment for the Bergenske family as the real journey now began for a one-year term. Bergenske was leading and serving the 240,000 Shrine members, the 6,000 Hospital employees, and the thousands of patients from around the world. This top position totally takes over your life for a year. He was only home about 30 days the entire year, Anne was home about 60.
During the year Shriner volunteer Gary Bergenske served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners International and Shriners Hospitals for Children, he kept a daily diary of his every step. Now you can live this extraordinary year with him as he travels through 19 countries on a mission to improve the lives of children and his fellow members. The days were filled with working on the Shriners mission of taking care of children regardless of their family’s ability to pay. The book is due to be out in mid 2019. Watch for its release.
Business Owner for 34 year
J&J Metro Moving and Storage
Shriners International 2017-18
Former Chairman of the Board
Shriners Hospitals for Children 2017 -18
Former Chairman of the Board
East West Shrine Game
College All Star Game Chairman 3 years
DeMolay, Int’l Supreme Council
DeMolay, Advisory Council of Florida
Founding President, Shriners Int’l Educational Foundation
Founder, Bahia Historical Museum
Motivational Speaker in several countries
Has lead numerous Seminars and Conferences
Has traveled and lead
Humanitarian Efforts
In several countries
Born in Madison, Wisconsin
Lives in Maitland, Florida
Married to supportive wife Anne
6 Children and 12 Grand Children
President/CEO of J&J Metro Moving and Storage
President Recreation Vehicle Storage
President Gary Bergenske Motivations
Has written 5 books
Past Potentate Bahia Shriners 2005
Lifetime member Bahia Shriners
Founder, Bahia Historical Museum
Member Eola Masonic Lodge
Member Scottish Rite, Orlando
Past President College Park Lions
Member Moose Lodge, Orlando
Officer, Quetzalcoatl, Orlando
Member ZOR Shriners, Madison, WI
US Jaycees
Instituto Nacional
De Medicina Fasica y Rehabilitation
(Rehabilitation Clinic)
Gary Bergenske’s name placed
On a statue in front of building
Panama City, Panama
Scottish Rite
Knight Commander of the Court of Honor
Scottish Rite
33° Inspector General Honorary
DeMolay International
Honorary Legion of Honor
DeMolay International
International Grand Cross
DeMolay International
Honorary Member International Supreme Council
Greater Portage Youth Education Foundation
Hall of Fame recipient
Al Rai’a Saleh, Puerto Rico
Appreciation Recognition
Due to Hurricane Relief Efforts
Shriners Hospital – Springfield
Appreciation Recognition
Due to Reorganization
Key to the City
of Daytona Beach, FL
Shriners Hospital – Greenville
Walt Disney Award
Miembro Honorario
(Honorary Member)
Shriners in Bolivia
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Emeritus Board Member
Order of DeMolay
Member in Canada
Honorary Member
Shriners in Philippines
Honorary Member
Shriners in Panama
Honorary Police Officer
Daytona Beach, FL
Honorary Deputy Sherriff
Several Counties
Gary Bergenske, I don’t know where to start in reference to your visit to Ararat. You were FANTASTIC! You looked great, were well received, respected by all and kept participants on the edge of their seats all day. You shared success stories, identified current problems and recommended strategies for recovery with a touch of class. Needless to say when one can keep the interest of more than one-hundred participants (on a nice fall day) from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM and receive an enthusiastic standing ovation at the end as you did, that should tell you that you were a hit in Kansas City.
Shriners International is a fraternity of men who have the desire to serve their community. As Shrine Masons we have committed to this with other members throughout the world. We try to make the countries that we live in a better place and have fun with a purpose. Shriners Hospitals for Children is our philanthropy and the back bone of the drive in all of us to be better. Taking care of children that need our services is the main focal point in our organization. The Imperial Potentate is the number one Shriner who leads us in the direction to accomplish the needs of these children. In this book you will live the life of serving in this position. This book will give you an insight on the drive, dedication and sacrifices it takes to accomplish and provide the care for those in need.
Gary and I met at Oriental Guide school when my late husband was elected to the HASAN Shrine Divan. He and Gary had many great adventures including the privilege of awarding Former President Jimmy Carter as an Honorary Shriner and a Hospital Ambassador. After my husband passed away during his Potentate year, Gary and I remained friends while I helped Gary complete a project with President Carter. After completing his Potentate year, Gary sent me a transcript of his memoirs. Gary really embraced his year as Imperial Potentate. His memoirs were a joy to read. As a past First Lady of the Shrine, it really warms my heart to know others that care so much.
Being Imperial Potentate requires many qualities, total dedication and love. One of the highest qualities is communications including sharing information with various media outlets, the membership of the fraternity and our hospital system. Gary and Anne were able to follow their dreams to enhance Shriners International and Shriners Hospitals for Children in every visit, in fact sometimes you felt that you were even traveling with them. As a Bahia Shriner I am very proud of Gary and Anne and all the time and hard work they contributed during their year. Thank you, Gary and Anne.
Around 1963 or so, I came to the realization of just how much the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children did for the care and health for needy children. As a result of this realization, I resolved to become a Shriner as soon as I had the means to do so. I was in law school at the time and was living hand to mouth. I became a Shriner in 1972 and the Shriner’s Hospitals have been one of my passions in life ever since. The Shriners are unparalleled in their loving care for children. Please read these pages carefully and you will be impressed as I was with all that the Shriners do for children. God bless the Shriners and their “kids”.
I had the privilege of meeting Gary through a mutual friend. In June 2018, Gary came to my house in Plains, GA to present President Carter with the Shriners Hospitals for Children Humanitarian Award. I found both Gary and Anne to be wonderful people and was enthralled with his service. I had the opportunity to read his manuscript when he sent a copy to Andrea. I really enjoyed his stories and found his work throughout the year very special. As you read, you will be reminded of what the good people in this world do.
If children are the soul of Shriners Hospitals for Children, Shriners are its heart. Physicians and nurses help heal while Shriners give compassionately. This story takes you on a journey of an Imperial Potentate’s servant leadership and dedication to helping children take their first steps.
I have spent much of my career in retail management. As I began to read “Campaign to be a Better Leader”, I saw the different ways I have personally changed in my leadership roles. This book will have a huge impact on your life, career, and relationships with others. The twelve keys are a powerful list of guidelines to help guide you to answer the call to true leadership. Gary’s book should be a must read for any individual who is serious about becoming an effective leader.
In the recent past, I have taken some leadership classes and read some good leadership books. I believe this book of Gary’s is one of the best as it is so easy to read and understand. A must read!
“Campaign to be a Better Leader” is synonymous with leadership. Gary Bergenske’s book will give you skills to become better in every setting you practice leadership. Highly recommended.
In a world packed with leadership books, Gary Bergenske has written a classic. You will be a far more effective leader after you read and digest this book.
Fresh, insightful, and heartwarming… with Campaign to be a Better Leader, Gary touches upon topic matter that virtually anyone will find useful in their own personal quests for excellence both in business and life.
My good friend Gary Bergenske has shared many great thoughts and gives you the tools you need to improve yourself in Campaign for a Better Life. Each chapter gives you a simple, easy to follow plan and is loaded with encouraging ideas. I’m excited he is sharing his excellent leadership knowledge in this book. This is an inspiring read and will change the rest of your life.
A must read for anyone wanting to be successful in life. Based on true life experiences, this book is very inspiring and instills excitement about building character! It demonstrates how to become a person of integrity.
Gary, your influence, since I met you, has always been positive and clearly focused. The one element that I hope to take from your style is the importance to focus on the positive. I will continue to pattern my input to leadership, and in everyday experiences, after your positive style.
Gary will expand upon the twelve steps you need to work on to become a better leader. I like to think I am a leader. However, as I was reading this book, I often found myself saying, “I wish I had known this 30 years ago.” There is no doubt in my mind that Gary’s book caused me to think how I could have been a better leader.
An outstanding testament to Gary Bergenske’s unparalleled leadership qualities! Campaign for a Better Life exudes a contagious energy, paving a road map to improving your life through character development, enthusiasm and integrity. Gary illustrates a realistic means to exceed your goals and maximize your potential.
