About — Justin Fatica

MEET Justin

Justin Fatica has impacted over two million people at over 1,500 live events. He’s been a professional speaker for over 20 years, speaking in 4 countries and 46 states. He is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education.

Justin has been featured on numerous media outlets such as Good Morning America, ABC Nightline, TBN, Our Daily Bread, and was the subject of an HBO film called “Hard as Nails". Justin is also featured in a 10 episode television series on EWTN called “You’re Amazing with Justin Fatica,” which focuses on the impact that he has made while traveling on the road.

Justin is the author of 5 books, including 2 best sellers, “Hard as Nails: A Mission to Awaken Youth to the Power of God’s Love” and “Win it All: The Way to Heaven for Catholic Teens.”

He is currently the Founder and Executive Director of You’re Amazing Fitness and Hard as Nails (www.amazingnation.org). He coaches AAU basketball and uses all of his resources and platform to motivate young people in dynamic ways. Justin Fatica resides in Syracuse, New York, with his five children and his beautiful wife, Mary Elizabeth Fatica.

Family Mission Statement: To be grateful, to love Jesus first and others no matter what.

A letter from Justin

I grew up in Erie, PA in a family where I was given a lot. For most of my life up until I was 17 years old, I struggled in school, and I was a headache to my parents, teachers, and fellow students. One of my teachers at Cathedral Prep in Erie was Fr. Larry Richards. I tortured him along with many others, and he didn't like me all that much. At the age of 17, he wrote me a letter and invited me to go on a retreat. I had just gotten into trouble and had made mistakes that I felt I couldn't get myself out of. I said yes to going on that retreat. During the retreat, I had a radical conversion in Adoration. I went to confession and vowed to change my life. I prayed, "Jesus, you died for me, I'll die for you" and I meant it.

From there, I was on fire for Christ. I began teaching as a religion teacher at Paramus Catholic in NJ. I started bible studies, groups, and preached weekly at the school. Eventually, I started speaking full time, and the ministry, Hard as Nails, was born in 2002.

I began speaking across the country, and realized that there was an epidemic of suffering, that many times was internal and unseen. People began sharing their stories at my events, and opening up about great challenges, wounds, and experiences they had been through. The “You’re Amazing” message was speaking to the core of the identity of these people, who started to realize that no matter what they did, they were amazing because of who they were.

At every event, people are brought to forgiveness and thankfulness through experiencing redemptive, passionate, dynamic, and heartfelt encounters with Christ and one another. Truth and dignity are found in the encouragement and inspiring courage through the participation of attendees.

Where do we go from here? It doesn’t just stop at events, we need to transform cities. We need to find the kid that no one cares for, the hardest of hearts in a room and impact them. We will do this by building gyms. You’re Amazing Fitness is a place to go not just for basketball and working out, but to be encouraged like never before. We will build arenas, where each week youth and families will receive a faith-based message and a deeper understanding of who they are as Children of God. The world needs to see the witness of cities transforming, and say “I’m in!”.

How can we heal and transform the world one city at a time? Picture this, a city with hundreds of “You’re Amazing” vehicles and young people committed to courageously sharing their weaknesses and connecting with people in need. One relevant encounter at a time, we can meet people where they are at, and instill change in the culture.

I hope you will come along in the journey to be sensitive and vulnerable while remaining fearless and convicted. Together we can build dynamic relationships that create an amazing nation, one heart at a time.