Hal Hargrave

Hal Hargrave – Personal Bio
Hal Hargrave Jr. sustained a life-altering spinal cord injury on July 26, 2007, when a car accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Diagnosed as a quadriplegic with only a 1–3% chance of ever walking again, Hal spent more than 70 days in acute care and rehabilitation. But rather than being defined by the prognosis, he was driven by a singular mindset—he could still “Be Perfect.”
Inspired by a quote from Friday Night Lights, the idea of being perfect didn’t mean winning or being cured. It meant giving everything you had—every ounce of effort, integrity, and heart—and being able to look your loved ones in the eyes knowing you did your absolute best. From that belief, Hal built a life rooted in purpose and impact.
That vision gave birth to The Be Perfect Foundation, a nonprofit Hal co-founded just months after his injury. Since its inception in 2007, Be Perfect has raised and redistributed over $10 million in direct program services—providing life-changing financial and emotional support to individuals and families affected by paralysis. From wheelchairs and home modifications to therapy and medical equipment, the foundation has become a lifeline for hundreds navigating the impossible. Hal continues to serve as Executive Director, leading donor relations, community engagement, and the organization’s annual gala and fundraising efforts.
In parallel, Hal founded The Perfect Step—a comprehensive neurological recovery and adaptive training center that has redefined what is possible for individuals with spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other neurological conditions. What began as a converted racquetball court to help Hal pursue his own recovery has grown into a 20,000-square-foot flagship facility known for delivering high-touch, customized care.
To date, The Perfect Step has provided over 130,000 hours of evidence-informed, best-practice rehabilitation services, making it one of the most experienced centers of its kind in the nation. The program has served more than 400 clients in the paralysis community, offering physical transformation, emotional support, and renewed purpose for those who refuse to be defined by their diagnosis. Hal serves as the Founder and President, guiding operations, education, and long-term vision.
Over the past two decades, Hal has also emerged as a national advocate and public voice for the paralysis community. As a Red Bull Wings for Life Ambassador, he has helped raise awareness and funds for spinal cord injury research. He has spoken on Capitol Hill, met with policymakers and stakeholders across the U.S., and is actively involved in advancing legislation such as the PHIT Act and the Exercise and Fitness for All Act—pushing for systemic change so that fitness, recovery, and rehabilitation can become accessible and reimbursable for all.
He is also the host of Pathways to Healing, a podcast that amplifies stories of resilience, and is currently preparing a TED Talk titled “Turning Adversity Into Purpose.” Whether he’s speaking at universities, business summits, or hospitals, Hal inspires others to find strength in suffering and fuel their setbacks into service.
In Hal’s words:
“When my accident happened, I realized it didn’t just change my life—it impacted everyone around me. I’ve been blessed with an incredible support system: my wife, my family, and a community that never let go. When some stepped away, others stepped up. The Be Perfect Foundation and The Perfect Step have been two of the greatest blessings in my life. They’ve given me a reason to wake up proud of what I do and who I’ve become.
But none of it happens in isolation. It takes a network of donors, board members, volunteers, and grateful individuals who remind us why we show up every day. As long as people continue to face devastating injuries, we’ll be here to offer hope and healing. I owe everything to those who’ve helped make this mission real.”

Places where you can connect with me:
The Perfect Step
halhargrave@theperfectstep.com
theperfectstep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_perfectstep/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theperfectstep
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-perfect-step/?viewAsMember=true

Be Perfect Foundation
halhargrave@beperfectfoundation.org
beperfectfoundation.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be_perfect_foundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beperfectfoundation