TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Nick Jordan

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Nick Jordan, founder and CEO of Wells of Life, is a man on a mission to create a world where access to clean water is a reality for everyone.

Born and raised on a farm in Ireland, one of Nick's early life memories as a young boy was helping his mother carry water from the family well.

 

After immigrating to the United States in 1986, he would go on to build a successful luxury real estate brand, but it didn’t quell his desire to help humanity in a profound way. Nick found a way to use his experience and good fortune to impact the lives of those less fortunate. He began by fundraising to construct four schools in Uganda from 2005-2008.

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In 2008, during a trip to visit the schools, Nick witnessed the harsh reality faced by children in rural Ugandan villages who had no access to clean water. This experience struck a chord with him, and he knew that he could not forget this experience. In 2010, Nick raised funds for his first well, and in 2011 founded Wells of Life, a 501 C3 faith-based organization. In 2011, he met his future wife, Michelle, who, along with a small number of people, joined the board, helping establish the foundation of the company. By 2015, he transitioned away from real estate to focus solely on the mission to provide life and hope to communities in desperate need of clean water.

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Now, Wells of Life operates across three continents and has provided water for more than 1.3 million people. They have built and restored over 1,200 wells across 30 districts of Uganda and implemented a holistic program known as HVP, the Healthy Village Program. This is a 6-month water, sanitation, and hygiene training was carried out over 6 months in villages to ensure sustainability of the wells. One unique aspect of their work is that 100% of public donations for wells go directly towards their projects. Yet, what truly sets Wells of Life apart is their commitment to collaboration. They believe the best chance of solving the world water crisis lies in partnerships. They actively engage families, schools, businesses, and churches to work together creating a world where no child must suffer or die due to a lack of water.

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Currently, Wells of Life has embarked on another exciting venture – the production of a 5-part documentary titled Wells of Life; The Nick Jordan Story. Expected to be released in 2025, it's a story of dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit for human rights and dignity.

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Nick's journey is a testament to the power of one individual's dedication to making the world a better place. Through Wells of Life, he and his team are not only quenching the physical thirst of countless communities, but also bringing hope and life to those in need. We spoke to Nick to learn more about this inspiring and lifesaving organization.

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Nick, you left a successful real estate career to start Wells of Life. What inspired this change?

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I had achieved the American Dream as an Irish immigrant in real estate, but I felt a deeper calling. After visiting Uganda in 2008 and witnessing children's suffering due to poverty and lack of water, I realized I was meant to be a voice for them to bring about positive change. This led to the creation of Wells of Life. It's unacceptable for children to die from easily preventable water scarcity. We're not just fighting for clean water, we're fighting for the lives and dreams these children have yet to fulfill.

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You view the world water crisis as a significant challenge and opportunity. Can you explain the hardships faced by Ugandans and how Wells of Life is making a difference?

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Ugandans face the daily struggle of securing clean water for survival. Without it, one in five children under five years old faces a tragic death due to contaminated water. Families are ensnared in poverty cycles, with young girls following their mothers, spending hours each day hauling water, sometimes suffering abuse and illness, and missing out on education. Providing a water well to a community not only saves lives, but also enables a solid lift out of poverty. The joy on children's faces when a community receives clean water is the most profound thank you our donors can receive. Our impact can be measured in the water we provide or, as I prefer, the lives we save. We are diligent in using donations effectively, and donors can see the tangible difference a single well can make. Together, we can create a world where access to water for all is an idea whose time has come.

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You've formed a partnership with Mr. Beast, the world's largest influencer. Can you share more about this exciting collaboration?

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Working alongside Mr. Beast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, is an incredibly exciting development for us. We feel deeply humbled by the opportunity. With over 220 million followers, Mr. Beast holds immense influence. A few years ago, Beast Philanthropy selected us as their partner to drill 30 of the first 100 wells that Jimmy committed to providing in Africa. This partnership has opened doors to engaging younger generations who are eager to support our mission, offering us the chance to bring our cause to a vast and enthusiastic audience.  We believe our younger generation holds the key to solving this massive problem.

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Could you share some insights about your personal life and the role your family plays in your work with Wells of Life?

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Certainly. I am married to Michelle Jordan, who not only serves as a board member of Wells of Life, but also supports my CEO position, overseeing our daily operations and growth, both in California and Uganda. Working alongside my wife has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life, as together, we strive to build a global organization that can serve as an inspiration to other NGOs. We aim to be the answer to the prayers of many who are affected by the world's most pressing issue: the lack of access to clean water for nearly one billion people. Together, we are the proud parents of two blended families, including grown daughters, Carley and Katie Yegsigian, and two teenage sons, Manus and Patrick Jordan.

 

Nick Jordan
Founder, CEO
Wells of Life
Website: https://www.wellsoflife.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickpjordan