Meet Roy Rogers

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Roy Rogers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Roy, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience is deeply rooted in my upbringing in Flint, Michigan, during the 1970s and 80s. Growing up in a city known for its high crime rates and struggles with drugs, I was immersed in a challenging environment from a young age.
​This difficult setting provided the context, but the true source of my resilience came from the people who surrounded me. I learned invaluable lessons by watching my role models—my dad, uncles, and cousins—as they navigated and overcame adversity. Their ability to handle tough situations taught me how to face my own challenges and be like them.
​In addition, my circle of friends who grew up under the same circumstances also played a significant role. Witnessing their strength and resilience mirrored my own experiences, creating a shared understanding and a collective ability to push through hardship.
​In short, my resilience is a direct result of being raised in a challenging city and learning firsthand from the strength and perseverance of my family and friends.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

The core of my professional life revolves around using my experiences to inspire and empower the next generation. As a retired South Carolina law enforcement officer, author, and inventor, my journey has been about translating life lessons into tools for positive change.
​The most exciting and special part of my work is the direct impact I see on the lives of young people. My novel, The Making of a Good Man, has given me a platform to help change the trajectory of our youth. I’ve been doing this through speaking engagements at elementary schools, high schools, churches, and adult education programs. I also use my law enforcement background to give back to my community by teaching free women’s self-defense classes.
​Currently, my novel, along with a curriculum I’ve developed, is in four school programs. My goal is to get it into every school that values teaching integrity, life lessons, and resilience. Ultimately, I want my work to serve as a powerful message to readers: give back to your community and step up to help our next generation become an important part of society.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, the three most impactful qualities were integrity, responsibility, and empathy. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are the bedrock of a life well-lived and a career that makes a difference.
• ​Integrity: This was forged during my time in law enforcement and growing up in a city where moral lines were easily blurred. The ability to be honest and consistent in my values, even when faced with difficult choices, was paramount.
• ​Responsibility: From my upbringing in Flint to my career as a police officer, taking ownership of my actions and commitments was essential. This quality taught me to be reliable and to always follow through on what I said I would do.
• ​Empathy: This is a quality that was crucial both on the streets and in my creative work. Understanding the experiences of others, whether as a police officer or as a writer, has allowed me to connect more deeply with people and tell stories that resonate.

​My advice for folks who are early in their journey is to focus on developing these qualities as if they were professional skills. They are, in fact, the most valuable skills you can possess.
• ​For Integrity, practice honesty in every small interaction. If you make a mistake, own it. Don’t look for shortcuts or easy ways out. Your reputation is built on these small moments of truth.
• ​For Responsibility, start by keeping your promises, no matter how small they seem. If you commit to something, see it through. This builds trust with others and, more importantly, with yourself.
• ​For Empathy, actively listen to people’s stories. Put down your phone, look them in the eye, and truly try to understand their perspective. The more you listen and learn from others, the more your own worldview will expand, and the more compassion you’ll be able to show.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

My personal strategy
​first and foremost, I ground myself in my faith. I start my day by reading a daily devotional and make it a point to pray every day at 11 a.m. This regular spiritual practice provides a sense of routine and a direct connection to my beliefs, which helps to center me when life feels chaotic. I trust God for guidance, even with simple, daily tasks, like asking God to help me put on my bow tie before church. This shows that my faith isn’t just for major crises; it’s a constant, steady presence in my life.

​I also use my past as a source of strength. When I feel overwhelmed, I intentionally think back to a similar situation where I was overwhelmed before and remember how I overcame it. This process of recalling past resilience serves as a powerful reminder that I have the internal fortitude to handle what’s in front of me.

​Finally, I actively seek wisdom and support from my trusted circle. I always seek council from my dad, uncles, and cousins. This network of family provides a sounding board, perspective, and encouragement from those who have known me and my journey the longest.

​Advice for Others
​My advice for others who are feeling overwhelmed is to build a personal and practical toolkit for managing stress. Encourage them to:
• ​Establish a daily ritual: Whether it’s a moment of prayer, meditation, or simply quiet reflection, creating a consistent routine can provide a sense of calm and control.
• ​Draw on past victories: Remind them to think about times they’ve successfully navigated challenges. Acknowledging their own resilience can build confidence and show them that they’re capable of getting through tough times.
• ​Lean on your support system: Advise them to talk to people they trust. Whether it’s family, friends, a mentor, or a therapist, having a reliable support network is crucial for gaining perspective and not feeling alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://BookemDoubleR.com
• Instagram: Roy Rogers
• Facebook: Roy Rogers

Image Credits

Kaya Brunson CEO of K-Lux Photography