Jason Markusen of West Fargo, North Dakota, is urging individuals to take ownership of leadership in their daily lives-at home, at work, and in their communities.

WEST FARGO, ND / ACCESS Newswire / February 11, 2026 / Entrepreneur and leadership-focused business owner Jason Markusen is raising awareness around the growing need for practical, everyday leadership rooted in discipline, consistency, and community connection. Drawing from his own career and life experience, Markusen is encouraging people to take personal responsibility for how they show up, lead, and contribute-without waiting for titles, permission, or perfect conditions.

"Leadership isn't something you wait to be given," Markusen says. "It's something you practice every day, whether anyone is watching or not."

Markusen's message comes at a time when many organizations and communities are facing engagement challenges. According to Gallup, only 23% of employees globally feel engaged at work, while nearly 60% report being emotionally detached. Separately, the Aspen Institute reports that youth sports participation has declined by nearly 20% over the last decade, reducing one of the most common environments where leadership, teamwork, and discipline are learned early.

"These numbers don't surprise me," Markusen says. "When structure disappears, people struggle. Leadership creates structure."

Growing up in Park River, North Dakota, Markusen was shaped by a close-knit community where accountability was personal and visible. That environment influenced how he later built businesses and led teams.

"When you grow up where people know your name, you learn quickly that your actions matter," he says. "That lesson stays with you."

Over the course of his career, Markusen has launched and supported multiple ventures, including You Matter Marketing, Top Gun Leadership, and involvement with the Quiver app. While he is no longer active in those projects, he credits them with shaping his understanding of leadership through real-world experience.

"You don't learn leadership from theory alone," he says. "You learn it when decisions have consequences."

Today, Markusen is the Owner and CEO of Energized 4 Life, where he focuses on leadership, motivation, and purpose-driven growth. Rather than promoting quick fixes, he emphasizes habits and systems.

"Motivation fades," he says. "Discipline stays."

Outside of business, Markusen has spent years coaching sports and teaching ballroom dancing-two environments he believes naturally develop leadership skills. Research from the University of Michigan shows that students involved in structured extracurricular activities are up to 30% more likely to demonstrate strong leadership and teamwork skills later in life.

"Sports and dance teach presence," Markusen says. "You learn how to lead yourself before you try to lead anyone else."

He is also a strong advocate for community-based giving. Markusen supports initiatives such as Giving Hearts Day in Fargo, North Dakota, which raised over $26 million for nonprofits in 2024 alone.

"Success without service feels empty," he says. "Giving back keeps you grounded."

Rather than calling for donations or programs, Markusen's message focuses on individual action. He encourages people to start where they are.

"Lead your family well. Be consistent at work. Show up for your community," he says. "Small actions done daily change more than big ideas done once."

Markusen encourages individuals to reflect on where they can lead more intentionally-by mentoring someone younger, committing to a team or community activity, setting clearer personal standards, or simply following through more consistently. "You don't need a platform," he says. "You just need to decide."

About Jason Markusen
Jason Markusen is an entrepreneur and the Owner and CEO of Energized 4 Life. Based in West Fargo, North Dakota, he focuses on leadership, motivation, and purposeful growth. His background includes launching multiple business ventures, coaching sports, teaching ballroom dancing for over a decade, and supporting community-based initiatives.

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SOURCE: Jason Markusen



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