Meet Our Team Jim Sayih

Jim Sayih is a visionary leader whose life’s mission is rooted in service, resilience, and inclusion. A U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant and retired Police Lieutenant with over 30 years of military and law enforcement experience, Jim has devoted his life to empowering others—especially those with disabilities—through purpose-driven leadership.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Special Compass, a nonprofit based in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Jim leads a movement that helps children and families with disabilities navigate life through education, sports, and housing—independently and through inclusion. Special Compass creates once-in-a-lifetime experiences for individuals with special needs by giving them access to community and athletic events, pairing them with volunteer “Power Buddies” to enhance confidence, dignity, and purpose. Located at 2114 N. Flamingo Rd. #1191, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, the organization serves as a beacon of hope, advocacy, and action across South Florida and beyond.

Jim’s calling became personal with the birth of his disabled son, Michael. Since then, he has raced 7 Ironman triathlons and dozens of endurance events while towing or pushing his son, proving that love and determination can shatter any perceived limitation. He has also paddle-boarded from the Bahamas to Florida—twice—with his son in tow.

An accomplished entrepreneur, Jim founded and sold several high-performance fitness businesses, including South Beach Gym, 911 CrossFit, and Orangetheory Fitness PGA. He also created and operated the national 911 Fitness Challenge for 19 years, promoting health among first responders across the country.

Jim is a two-time bestselling author, a firearms instructor, and holds a graduate degree in Sports Science. He’s lived in Italy and Japan, bringing global insight to his leadership, and has even competed in motorcycle races—defeating rapper Vanilla Ice twice.

While his journey has included personal and professional setbacks—such as a failed first marriage and medical bankruptcy—Jim has turned every challenge into fuel for greater impact. Today, through Special Compass, he is planning to build affordable housing in Pembroke Pines, organize adaptive sports experiences, and cultivate a community where “those with limited abilities can achieve the unimaginable.”

Jim is a 10-year Air Force veteran and retired Police Lieutenant with multiple commendations who relies on his faith and utilizes his Master’s of Science in Exercise and Sports Science to help others. Having co-authored the best-selling book The Success Secret and leading and implementing many events aimed at furthering his goal of inclusion for all, Jim has been featured on Good Morning America, multiple news outlets, Muscle & Fitness magazine, and several local and national newspapers.

To get involved, volunteer, or support Special Compass, call (305) 297-5328 or visit www.SpecialCompass.Org. >