ABOUT
Hal Hargrave Jr.
On July 26, 2007, a car accident left Hal paralyzed from the neck down. Doctors gave him a 1–3% chance of ever walking again. He spent more than seventy days in acute care and rehabilitation — and decided, somewhere along the way, that the prognosis wasn't going to be the story.
Months later, he co-founded The Be Perfect Foundation, a nonprofit that has since redistributed over $10 million in direct services to individuals and families affected by paralysis. He went on to found The Perfect Step, a 20,000 sq ft neurological recovery center that began as a converted racquetball court and has now delivered more than 130,000 hours of rehabilitation to hundreds of clients.
Additionally, Hal is a Wings for Life Captain Ambassador (Red Bulls’ philanthropy division dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injury), a Capitol Hill advocate for pieces of legislation that are challenging the disability community through health and wellness, host of the Pathways to Healing podcast, and a keynote speaker who has shared his story with universities, hospitals, corporate summits, and faith communities across the country.
HAL’S HISTORY OF IMPACT WORK
Philanthropic Work
BE PERFECT FOUNDATION
As the Founder and Executive Director of the Be Perfect Foundation, Hal Hargrave has spent nearly two decades advancing opportunities for individuals living with paralysis and neurological disorders. Under his leadership, the Foundation has raised more than $10 million to provide rehabilitation scholarships, financial assistance, adaptive equipment, education, and advocacy for the paralysis community. This work has also led to numerous public speaking engagements, community partnerships, and advocacy opportunities, allowing Hal to educate, inspire, and influence audiences across healthcare, business, education, and nonprofit sectors. Through a commitment to removing barriers to recovery, he continues to lead one of the nation's most impactful nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives after paralysis.
Professional Work
THE PERFECT STEP AND APEX IMAGING SERVICES
As President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perfect Step, Hal Hargrave leads one of the nation's premier paralysis recovery centers, helping individuals with spinal cord injuries, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions maximize their independence and quality of life. Under his leadership, The Perfect Step has transformed the lives of hundreds of families through innovative recovery programs, education, advocacy, and multidisciplinary care while establishing itself as a leader in long-term neurological recovery.
In addition to his healthcare leadership, Hal serves as the Manager of Performance, Development, and Culture at Apex Imaging Services, a construction solutions company, where he leads organizational development, leadership training, and employee engagement initiatives. Through his leadership across both organizations, Hal has developed a reputation for building high-performing teams, fostering values-driven cultures, and inspiring individuals and organizations to achieve meaningful, lasting impact.
Broadcast Work
Television / Broadcast
Color Commentator — Ontario Reign (AHL, LA Kings Affiliate)
2015–2016
Served as television color commentator for the Ontario Reign, providing live game analysis, player insight, and broadcast commentary.
Director of Sports Broadcasting — University of La Verne
2013–2017
Broadcast more than 200 NCAA athletic events across nearly every varsity sport while leading the university's student broadcasting program.
Radio & Podcasting
Podcast Host — Pathways to Healing(Current)
Host of The Perfect Step's educational podcast, Pathways to Healing, dedicated to bridging the gap between the medical and fitness communities through expert conversations, evidence-informed education, and discussions focused on neurological recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term health.
On-Air Personality — KULV 107.9 FM
2014
Hosted live radio programming while operating broadcast equipment and producing voiceovers for commercials and public service announcements.
Special Impact Advocacy Work
Advocacy Work
Building Bridges Between Healthcare, Fitness & Disability
For nearly two decades, Hal Hargrave has championed the rights, opportunities, and quality of life of individuals living with paralysis and neurological conditions. His advocacy focuses on:
Expanding access to adaptive fitness and long-term recovery
Advancing public policy that improves access to rehabilitation, healthcare, equipment, supplies, and essential disability resources
Educating healthcare, rehabilitation, and fitness professionals
Promoting greater inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities
As a Captain Ambassador for Wings for Life, the global spinal cord research foundation founded by Red Bull, Hal supports spinal cord injury research through fundraising, public speaking, and community outreach.
Hal has traveled to Capitol Hill on multiple occasions alongside the Health & Fitness Association to advocate for legislation, including the PHIT Act, the Exercise and Fitness for All Act, and other initiatives that expand access to care and resources for the disability community.
He regularly partners with organizations including Wings for Life, the Health & Fitness Association, Lionel University, Angel City Sports, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, adaptive sports organizations, healthcare systems, and rehabilitation providers to advance education, advocacy, and long-term neurological recovery.
Whether speaking at conferences, collaborating with industry leaders, or working alongside policymakers, Hal remains committed to creating a future where every person living with paralysis has greater access to the resources, education, and opportunities needed to live a healthier, more independent life.