Meet Rich Diienno | Founder of Disc Golf Recovery Ohio. Facilities Director and CDCA at The Marysville Union.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rich Diienno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rich, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Disc golf helped me in so many way. As an addict in long term recovery the sport provided much of what I had been missing in life. Disc Golf ended isolation, provided a sense of community and increased mental health. I started getting outdoors in nature and incorporating exercise into my routine. The sport gave me something that I could set goals and develop a plan to achieve those goals. Seeing those goals come to fruition also provided a sense of pride within myself. After taking a few others in recovery to the course and seeing the positive results I decided to start something that could allow me to share my experiences and offer the same outlet to others.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Disc Golf Recovery started as more of a concept for me. I knew the sport could be a valuable tool to those in recovery but had no idea how to start a business. I had been setting meetings with Dr. Bryan Borland asking questions and seeking advice on how to build DGR into something more than just an idea. Dr. Borland discussed an opportunity that was available, if I was interested, that would be a valuable stepping stone for me to learn the ins and outs of building a business. This led to us building a new treatment center from the ground up, The Marysville Union, which is where I currently work as the Facilities Director and a CDCA . We are a new treatment center in Marysville, OH offering services to those in recovery from Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders. This opportunity has allowed me to gain experience in the field and make new connections to begin building Disc Golf Recovery into something bigger than just a concept. I have been able to work with local treatment centers taking some of their patients out to the course. While I am still in the development phase with DGR this process has allowed me to find what works and what doesn’t. By spring 2024 I’m hoping to have a more permanent structure to DGR to allow it to be incorporated into recovery programs across the state, and maybe someday at a national level.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
All of my favorite spots around are disc golf courses. We have some truly beautiful places in the area. Places like Caesar Ford Park or Echo Valley are two of the top 100 courses in the united states. We also have quite a fantastic local music scene if that is something you’re into. And if you happen to be in the area, check out East Coast Pizzeria in Columbus. I am originally from New Jersey and it’s been a challenge to find a true east coast slice out here, but East Coast Pizzeria is the best you’ll find out here. If you’re into amusement parks then Kings Island is definitely worth the trip, or drive north to Cedar Point. Locally the Franklin Park Conservatory is a great option as well as taking a trip to The Park of Roses.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Greg Jursek of Six Sided Discs was one of the first people I met in recovery. Getting to know Greg and his family was a such an important and positive part of my recovery process. Besides being one of the best people I’ve had the privilege of getting to know, working with him at his pop-up shops gave me an introduction to the disc golf community. Greg immediately made me feel like family and our relationship has been one of the most influential aspects of my recovery. I aspire to be a little more like him everyday and I’m truly grateful that the universe led me to him.

Also I have to shoutout Dr. Bryan Borland. When I made the decision to turn my life around Dr. Borland played such a huge role in my recovery. Dr. B guided me along the way and saw something in me that I could not see for myself. When the opportunity presented itself to have the honor to work with him I quickly accepted. Through him I have not only been given the chance to have a life long career but also work in a field that allows me to give back to the population I came from. I would not be here today if it was not for Dr. Borland.

Website: https://dgrohio.weebly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discgolfrecoveryohio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471778060763287

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOGhk8VXUwUgiLbVLDO_aQw

Image Credits
Matt Lorz Ledgestone Open