Meet Kevin Pearce of Malibu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Pearce.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Kevin grew up in Vermont with three older brothers and started snowboarding at a very young age. He began attending a snowboard-focused school in middle school and later moved to Mammoth, California, in early high school to pursue the sport more seriously. From early on, snowboarding became his singular focus, and he quickly began to rise through the ranks. By the mid-2000s, he was beating Shaun White and winning some of the most prestigious snowboarding competitions in the world. However, on New Year’s Day in 2009, while training for the Vancouver Winter Olympics in Park City, Utah, Kevin suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was airlifted to the University of Utah Hospital, where he spent the next 36 months in critical care. Following that, he was transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver for four months of intensive rehabilitation. His recovery continued at home in Vermont over the next seven years. In 2017, Kevin met his wife in New York City, and they eventually settled in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where they now have three beautiful children.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The past 15 years of Kevin’s life have been anything but smooth. One of the most noticeable and challenging effects of his traumatic brain injury has been ongoing vision issues, including severe double vision that persisted for over 14 years. It wasn’t until he discovered pickleball and began embracing the many outdoor activities Florida has to offer that he started to experience real improvement in his vision. In addition to those struggles, Kevin faced significant fatigue in the early stages of his recovery. His memory has also been deeply affected, along with a number of other lasting side effects that have continued to shape his daily life.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Kevin co-founded the Love Your Brain Foundation with his brother, Adam Pearce, to support individuals who have suffered brain injuries and continue to face challenges in their recovery. Over the past decade, he has dedicated much of his time to public speaking—sharing his personal journey, offering hope to others, and educating doctors on the recovery tactics that proved most effective for him. Kevin is also working on a documentary titled Thrive, which follows the stories of three athletes—Kobe Stevens, Lonie Paxton, and Kevin himself. The film features Dr. Daniel Amen and explores innovative therapies that aid in brain recovery after concussions and other traumatic injuries. In addition to Thrive, Kevin is serving as Executive Producer for the upcoming film Pipe Dreams. Among all his accomplishments, Kevin is most proud of the progress he has made in healing and retraining his brain after such a devastating injury. A major focus has been on staying safe and preventing a second injury, which is crucial to sustaining long-term recovery. His relentless drive and never-give-up mentality have taken him to places he once thought were out of reach. Kevin has always dreamed big, believed in the impossible, and is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his friends and family who have helped him every step of the way.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Several tools and resources have played a key role in helping Kevin do his best in life, both personally and professionally. The Reminders app on his iPhone has been essential in helping him manage memory challenges and stay organized day-to-day. He also uses TimeTree, a shared calendar app that allows him to coordinate efficiently and stay connected with his team. In addition to these practical tools, Kevin draws inspiration from the book The Flow State, which has been influential in shaping his mindset and supporting his recovery journey. These resources, among others, have become important pillars in helping him live with purpose and structure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kevinpearce.com/general-6
• Instagram: @kevinpearce https://www.instagram.com/kevinpearce/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KevinPearceOfficial/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekevinpearce/

Image Credits
Thicker Than Water Photography
https://www.thickerthanwaterphotography.com