At COSIGN, community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything we do. That’s why our recent interview with Justin Martin, attorney and community advocate, resonated so deeply. Known for his commitment to service beyond the courtroom, Justin shared powerful insights on why giving back matters, how his annual holiday toy drive has evolved, and what it truly means to show up for your community.

Why Community Matters to Justin Martin

For Justin, community is personal. He believes that no level of success is meaningful if it isn’t shared. Throughout our conversation, he emphasized that community isn’t just about writing checks or showing up during the holidays—it’s about consistency, presence, and responsibility.

Justin views community as a shared ecosystem: when one part thrives, everyone benefits. That belief has shaped not only his professional life but also the initiatives he chooses to support year after year.

Expanding the Holiday Toy Drive: Including Single Fathers

One of the most impactful moments from our interview was Justin explaining why he made the intentional decision to expand his holiday toy drive to include single fathers, not just single mothers.

Traditionally, conversations around single-parent households focus on mothers—and while their support remains critical, Justin recognized a gap. Single fathers are often overlooked, underrepresented, and underserved, despite facing many of the same challenges.

By including single fathers, Justin wanted to send a clear message: support should be inclusive, intentional, and reflective of real families. Community care shouldn’t be limited by assumptions—it should evolve as we listen and learn.

Advice for Those Who Want to Support Their Community

When asked what advice he’d give to people who want to support their communities but don’t know where to start, Justin kept it simple:

Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Be consistent.

He stressed that impact doesn’t require massive resources. Whether it’s time, skills, relationships, or access, everyone has something of value to contribute. The key is to act with intention and follow through.

The Best Advice He Ever Received: “It’s Okay to Be Selfish”

One of the most surprising—and honest—moments of the interview came when Justin shared the best advice he’s ever received: “It’s okay to be selfish.”

At first glance, the statement feels counterintuitive to community work. But Justin explained that being “selfish” doesn’t mean being self-centered—it means protecting your energy, setting boundaries, and ensuring you’re whole enough to serve others effectively.

You can’t pour into your community if you’re constantly depleted. Taking care of yourself is part of the work.

Partnering With Dick’s Sporting Goods for Greater Impact

Justin also spoke about his partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, highlighting how corporate partnerships can amplify community impact when values align.

Through this collaboration, his holiday toy drive was able to reach more families, provide higher-quality gifts, and create a more dignified experience for parents and children alike. It’s a reminder that when businesses invest in community with authenticity, everyone wins.

COSIGN’s Takeaway

Justin Martin represents the kind of leadership COSIGN is proud to highlight—leaders who understand that success is measured not just by professional wins, but by the lives you touch along the way.

His approach to community, inclusion, and intentional giving is a blueprint for how individuals, entrepreneurs, and brands can create lasting impact.

As we continue to spotlight people doing meaningful work, Justin’s story reminds us that community isn’t something you wait to join—it’s something you build, one intentional decision at a time.