In 1982, at the age of 8 years old, Shay Eskew was involved in a childhood accident that would change his life. Playing with friends in a neighbor's yard and trying to help them get rid of an unwanted yellow jacket nest in the ground, Shay was accidentally doused with gasoline and set afire, burning over 35% of his body and "melting" his right arm to his side. The resulting challenges that Shay has overcome truly serve as an inspiration to others. Following stays in various hospitals, Shay would endure more than 35 surgeries and procedures that have continued throughout his life. From numerous, ongoing skin grafts, to infections, even losing his right ear to gangrene, Shay has persevered with a "You can't beat me!" attitude. Told that he would never be able to be competitive in sports again, Shay would eventually find an outlet for his competitive nature on the mats at McEachern High School. Shay started his wrestling career in the junior program under the tutelage of coach Rollie Lambert and later, at the high school level, under NWHOF coach Gordon Pritz. The 1992 McEachern graduate would be a two-time GHSA state placer, including state runner-up in 1992, and was part of four state champion teams for the Indians. Shay continued his education at the University of Tennessee, receiving a BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Science in 1997 and eventually an MBA in Finance. While an undergraduate at UT Shay fueled his competitive fire by becoming a 3-time collegiate boxing champion. Shay has continued with competitive athletics as an adult as well, becoming involved in the world of high-level triathlon competitions. He has competed in 70 triathlons, including 10 World Championships across four continents. He is a four-time IRONMAN, ranked in the top 1% of 70.3 Ironmen athletes in the world. All this made even more difficult for him due to his body being covered with 65% scar tissue, the result of continued harvesting of skin for ongoing grafts to his burned areas. Shay's professional path has led him on a steady rise through successful careers as an environmental scientist, financial analyst, real estate developer, CFO of an automotive parts distribution company to his current dual-career as an insurance executive and motivational speaker. Shay's recently released autobiography, "What the Fire Ignited", is an Amazon best-seller and a must-read. He currently resides in Brentwood, Tennessee with his wife, Brooke. They are the proud parents of five children: Olivia, Maddox, Asher, Beckett and Stella.