Joseph Gandurski shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Joseph, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
Time really is “relative.” The older you are, the quicker it passes. As a very young man, probably from the time after Vietnam, I felt that I had something profound to leave to this world for when I’m gone. I feel the distinct fire in my belly to do things that are memorable and meaningful before I check out.
Maybe that’s why I have ventured into many widely diverse endeavors. What I’m chasing is no longer clear to me. Maybe it’s something I’ve already done and that’s good enough, but it doesn’t seem so yet. I’m proud of my military service in Military Intelligence, proud of my service as a police officer and my accomplishments there. It was very satisfying on every level, the need for excitement, riding the edge as a hostage negotiator, being involved in dangerous and uncertain scenarios. There was the opportunity to help people who truly needed help, especially those with limited resources. From uniformed patrol to homicide detective/hostage negotiator, to mounted patrol officer to deputy chief it was a great ride and it wasn’t easy. Then before I knew it, it was time to retire.
There was a level of success and satisfaction, but I wanted more. So I figured I’d try something completely different. I had always had an interest in acting and after I left the Army, I was fortunate to take a class with Frank Galati, who would later become an Oscar nominee. He was brilliant and very encouraging. But it came to a screeching halt when I was called to the police department. I put off developing that potential for 31 years.
Through the Army I learned what to do to become successful-setting goals, analyzing and studying the subject, doing thorough preparation, networking, being the kind of person that the powers that be would recognize as an asset to their project-being humble yet confident, establishing a good work ethic, being a good colleague and a good friend., and someone who could be counted on.
I was hopeful that as a lifelong Chicagoan I could make my mark here, especially after the Chicago triad of shows was filming here. By then I had done some plays– “A Few Good Men”, “The Odd Couple,” “Wait until Dark” as well as some indie films, “Dog Jack”, “Chasing Robert”, “Searching for Venice.” but two of those films never made it to distribution. I studied hard and worked hard at my new craft.
Then on a parallel level life was happening. My elderly mother needed care. My terrific father had passed away, and my wonderful sister took up a lot of the care, but I and my lovely wife helped as we could to cover doctor’s appointments and hospitalizations. In the meantime, I was blessed by the birth of two grandkids who added so much joy to my life.
Back on the acting front, I had obtained a wonderful manager, Sharon Holleran, and agent, Won Lee, in LA , and forayed out there for three month stints where I really started to “click” landing a co-star spot on Criminal Minds and a nice role in the Cezar Chavez film. But I couldn’t stay. My mother increasingly needed help and my grandchildren were my heart. Leaving for three months, I’d be returning to different kids when I came back. I wanted to be there for every moment, their first smiles, their first steps and most importantly, I wanted them to know me. I became their “Papa” and we have a terrific relationship.
So back here in Chicago as time flew and the acting career became stagnant. yet the fire still burned and I began to write and then produce my own content. I’ve written two novels, and several award winning short and feature scripts. I wrote and performed in two award winning short films, one (RPG) with the help of my dear friend Mary Reynard, who just published a novel and I have also spent several years trying to develop and produce unscripted shows. So here I am still reaching for that golden ring.
In reflecting on this question further, it really is puzzling to me. I have attained success by any measure. A great military career, an executive on one of the largest police departments, an accomplished writer and award-winning producer and actor.
I have a wonderful family, so proud of my kids, my son, Matt and his wife, Julie, and my daughter, Lauren who all beautiful, caring people. I have a loving wife, Maggie and my grandkids Bennie and Ellie are my heart. I have a talented brother, and loving sister and three distinct and wonderful circles of friends. One is my police family, one is my creative family both here and in LA, and a circle of close friends and neighbors.
I volunteer my time where I can such as in helping veterans apply for their much-deserved benefits. Yet, I feel my work here is incomplete. I am driven to continue my quest to leave a memorable and meaningful legacy. Maybe, as a cancer survivor, I’m just trying ng to squeeze in as much as i can before the bell rings although I am getting a bit weary, I have concluded that this is my nature and I will probably do this until my last breath. If I stopped, I’d feel defeated.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Joseph F. Gandurski, son of beloved Rose and Frank, and I am the President of Mountie1 Productions, Inc. I am a Vietnam Veteran, a retired Deputy Chief of the Chicago Police Department, a cancer survivor, and I am currently a writer, actor, director and producer. Besides creating literary and film content, I am currently working with my friends and collaborators, David Kupcinet and Tom Argenbright to develop and produce unscripted TV shows that are entertaining, unique, memorable and meaningful. We have three potential shows we are trying to develop here in the Chicagoland area.
I have a master’s degree in Education and am a retired Licensed Professional Counselor. I still am very passionate. I know a lot about a lot. Yet, I learn something new every day. I am studying editing and am learning about AI and its capabilities. I can see its potential and the challenges it creates. Despite attempts to forestall its use in certain sectors, I’m afraid it’s just too powerful, and increasing in power exponentially. It’s like trying to hold onto gas lighting when electricity was the coming thing. AI, when applied ethically and controlled correctly, will help lead advancements in science, technology, medicine and yes, the arts. Using my “strategic vision,” anticipating what the future holds based upon what I see now, I feel there can be a great future for the world if we stop vilifying each other, learn to embrace peace, and avoid blowing each other to pieces.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
There are several times in my life when I was placed in very powerful positions. The first time was when I was sent to Vietnam. I was in Military Intelligence and interrogated many prisoners of war. I was only 18-19 years old. I was tasked to find out what I could about enemy strength, organization, weapons, plans, etc. During the Tet Offensive I was assigned to get the first information of enemy strength and plans for the attacks in my area. Based upon the intelligence I garnered, military operations were initiated to neutralize their impact on the Vietnamese provincial HQ where I was assigned. Even though very young, I took that responsibility very seriously, taking care to ensure the information I was getting was factual. Lives literally depended on it. I was cited for my ability to provide accurate, timely, intelligence. A specific example was when I painstakingly used a technique called map tracking where I spent considerable time tracking a prisoner’s movements prior to capture and locating specific areas of interest such as weapon caches along those routes. I forwarded the info to the various other services and I would get feedback from units that conducted air strikes based upon my information, and they would report secondary explosions after releasing their bombs indicating there were indeed weapons and explosives stored there.
Later as a Violent Crimes detective, I was given the responsibility of conducting investigations into murders, rapes, shootings and other violent crimes. I was well aware that my efforts could result in long prison sentences for those responsible for wreaking violence on their community. I took that power extremely seriously taking pains to conduct thorough investigations, while ensuring those investigations and interrogations were conducted according to the law and applicable regulations and rules of the department.
I never felt that I reveled in the power. I was cognizant of the power but much more aware of the responsibility I was given to use it wisely and appropriately.
As deputy chief of detectives and later 0rganized crime, there was significant power over the lives of detectives who dedicated themselves to making a difference in the lives of crime victims who were preyed upon by career criminals. Many worked undercover in very dangerous operations at the risk of their lives. and I will always appreciate their dedication. and sacrifice.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I was afraid a lot as a child–of the dark, of losing my parents (my mother was chronically ill), of dying, of not being liked or popular. I wanted to please everyone and be the “good boy” that the teachers and adults would approve of. Sometimes the fear was paralyzing and overwhelming. Joining the Army was a major step in overcoming those fears. To that insecure young boy, who was sometimes so afraid, I would say, “It’s going to be all right. You will be loved, you will find love, You will be stronger than you ever thought you could be, and you will be a fearless ‘benevolent badass’.” You will persevere and overcome many obstacles. Yet you will be kind and giving of yourself in a lifetime of service and make a positive mark on those who know and love you.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
There are a lot of people I admire for their character. Of course, my wonderful parents and my wife. There is a man who I admire who was from very humble beginnings and who became a true American hero after undergoing unbelievable difficulty but who persevered and in doing so saved the lives of many others. That man was Sgt. Roy Benevidez who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his incredible act of heroism in Vietnam. He was the epitome of the American ideal. he was devoted to family, to country and to his fellow soldiers. We erect statues and revere sports figures who earn millions for playing a game. We idolize “celebrities” and put their names up in lights and rush to just get near them, not knowing that a few are really not the types of individuals we should be putting on pedestals. We often learn that some are shallow, self-centered, uncaring individuals who really don’t deserve accolades and don’t offer our youth good role models. But I have experienced true heroism–the American soldier and the American law enforcement officer. They have done more to help people than all the sports figures and entertainment celebrities put together. The memorial walls of the fallen soldiers and police officers are testament to their dedication and sacrifice, but you have to find the information. You have to read about the incredible sacrifices our soldiers made in WWII, on the ground and in the skies. The same for the unimaginable hardships endured in Korea and the killing fields of Vietnam. Some ignorant folks are “offended” by the presence of police officers in restaurants and demand of management that they leave, yet those officers run toward the gunfire and danger too often losing their lives. They would readily lay down their lives to protect those who are offended. If you only knew the reality. I do. I’ve seen it and experienced it.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I fervently hope that the story most people will tell about me when I’m gone is that I was a person who loved deeply and felt deeply, and that I was determined to put whatever talents God blessed me with toward making things better for everyone. There are many people I loved who may never have known the depth of my love for them. I want to be remembered as a hard charger who left his mark on people in a positive way. I fought a good fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves and I tried to give some sense of justice to those who were victimized. I tried to be a man of my word. I sought always to understand my many flaws and examine how I could be a better person. I was far from perfect and I apologize to anyone I’ve ever hurt. I knelt humbled in many valleys and stood in triumph on a few mountaintops. I hope they count me as a good and true friend, husband, father, grandfather, brother and son.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jmountie1.wixsite.com/joegandurski
- Instagram: joeygman1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegandurski/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mountie1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@joegandurski3062
Image Credits
Headshot by Nico Fernandez
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