
MOTIVATION and INSPIRATION
JOHN ALSTON
Motivation Building Character Stress Change
Over three million people have crowded into meetings across America to listen to the extraordinary message of John W. Alston. Why? John has a unique way of stimulating the thinking and actions of people as they struggle to cope with a changing world. As a keen observer of human nature, John points out amusing, instructive, and compelling lessons in life amidst change! Audiences are captivated, empowered, and entertained! John's ultimate goal is to assist others as they discover and utilize their talents to meet challenges and solve problems. He is best remembered for the powerful emphasis he places on character, decency and common sense, the necessary tools for transforming our chaotic world. CA 
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JOHN AMATT
Legendary Mountain Climber Expedition Leader Author
John brings the spirit of adventure and teamwork to audiences across North America and throughout the world. One of the continent's most-requested speakers, Amatt draws from his own experiences in business and sports to help audiences embrace change, accept risk, and maximize opportunities for themselves and their organizations. He shows how to approach the new business climate of the 90s as an adventurer. thriving on risk and unpredictable times. Stressing such principles as attitude, commitment, concentration, courage, creativity, preparation, and teamwork, Amatt goes beyond theory to offer practical strategies for achieving success. His magnificently illustrated presentations captivate people's minds and emotions. CANADA 
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WALLY AMOS
Founder of Famous Amos Cookies
Wally, father of the gourmet cookie industry, opened his first Famous Amos store on Sunset Boulevard in 1975. By 1985, sales had grown to more than $10 million, but adverse financial results forced Amos to relinquish ownership. Turning adversity into opportunity, he launched a new venture, The Uncle Nonamé Cookie Company. He has written popular books like Man With No Name Turns Lemons Into Lemonade, The Face That Launched A Thousand Chips and The Power In You. An inspiring speaker, Amos has become one of America's most popular, addressing hundreds of associations, companies, and colleges across the nation on managing change, overcoming adversity, adult illiteracy, and school dropout prevention. HI 
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FRANK ATTOUN
Trilingual Tutor French/Spanish/English Coach
Dean of Communication and Visual Arts at the College of the Desert and a BA and MA from the University of Missouri and studies for a PhD at the University of Los Angeles, Frank Attoun is one of the few personal coaches to stand and deliver his expertise in diversity, linguistics, and cultural ethics. Frank qualifies himself as a consummate professional in raising the bar for outstanding and exemplary confidence when it come to acquiring the skills in foreign language agility. French, Spanish, English, and yes, non-verbal language skills are his specialty. His extraordinary personal skills move his students to extraordinary levels. World traveler and gourmet cook. CA
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ALAN BEAN
Astronaut Apollo & Skylab Missions Space Artist
Alan Bean is the fourth man to set foot on the moon and the second to lead a Skylab mission. He lived 59 days in space...270 miles above planet Earth. Bean is also a great American artist, creating paintings that artistically record for future generations mankind's first exploration of another world. According to Bean, "Space is our frontier and beginning its exploration may be our generation's greatest contribution to human history." As a speaker, Bean shares his personal journey to the moon through a visual extravaganza of pictures and paintings of outer space. TX 
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ROCKY BLEIER
Teamwork Inspirational Change
Legendary member of the four-time World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, Bleier is one of America's most courageous sportsmen. Wounded in Vietnam and not expected to walk again, he fought overwhelming odds to become one of the NFL's premier running backs. The movie Fighting Back was based on his life. In his motivational speech "Pushing Your Limits," Rocky shows how to empower employees through quality skill-training and motivation. His message is as surprising as it is powerful: "We must change our pre-conceived ideas and notions in order to break down the barriers of communication." PA 
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JIM CATHCART
Re-thinking Yourself Relationship Selling
One of the veterans of the speaking profession. Jim Cathcart has been president of the National Speakers Association, published books, cassettes and videos with leading publishers, and delivered over one thousand speeches worldwide since 1976. His book Relationship Selling and his seminar "The Art of Choosing Well" have set him apart as a master of human development. His powerful ideas and playful speaking style cause almost instant rapport with every audience. Nearly 2,000 audiences around the world have experienced the warmth and inspiration of Jim Cathcart. His professionalism, in-depth preparation, and down-to-earth sincerity make him one of the most flexible speakers on the platform today. CA 
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JAMES CILETTI
Poet Author Editor Film Maker
James Ciletti is nationally known for his work in the Poets in the Schools project for the National Endowment of the Arts. His workshops have been numerous in nature from writing, poetry, editing and scripting. With a degree in Philosophy and a Masters degree in English, he has a wealth of credits to his name including poems, short stories, and books. His film Bear Dance was aired on PBS television. He sensitively conveys his love for writing and words to his audiences and touches each one of them in a manner that can make a difference. CO 
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CAPTAIN GERALD COFFEE
Vietnam POW American Hero
Jerry Coffee is an inspiring example of the human spirit's triumph over adversity. As a Navy pilot flying reconnaissance in North Vietnam, his plane was downed by enemy fire and he was captured. For the next seven years he remained a POW in Hanoi's communist prisons. Since Navy retirement in 1985, Captain Coffee has inspired thousands with his timeless message. Drawing from POW experiences, he cites faith -- in himself, his comrades, family, country, and God -- as the key to turning a potentially devastating experience into opportunity for personal growth and triumph. He is a highly respected commentator on political, economic, and social issues seen as opportunities yet to be seized by heroic leadership yet to emerge. With empathy and humor he shares a truly uplifting message. HI 
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ROGER CRAWFORD
Motivation Achievement
Despite his physical limitations from birth, Roger Crawford is a shining example of the power of optimism. He became the first athlete with a severe disability to compete in a NCAA Division I college sport. Roger Crawford's audiences are entertained, empowered, and energized as he motivates and inspires them to recognize and accept their challenges and then stretch beyond their self imposed limitations to achieve their dreams and goals in life. CA 
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NEIL DEMPSTER
Leadership Teambuilding Inspiration
Neil's high-energy, content-rich, and inspirational presentations perfect for conferences, "themed" workshops, kick-offs, monthly/quarterly/annual meetings, reward and recognition celebrations, and retreats. His energetic, humorous, and highly motivational delivery style consistently inspires audiences to explore all the possibilities of personal and professional growth. Neil is a skilled resource who has the flexibility to also provide an interactive breakout session or facilitate a panel discussion that will stimulate expansive, creative, and profitable thinking. His common-sense training solutions designed to develop high-impact managers and high-performing employees are simple to apply. His most requested topics include employee engagement, effective leadership, self-management, coaching versus coaxing, gaining authentic commitment, personal accountability, continuous learning, commitment to quality, dealing with change, and working effectively with others. Workshops can be delivered in half-, full-, and 2-day formats. AZ 
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MARY-ELLEN DRUMMOND
Customer Service Management Marketing
With more than a decade of professional speaking experience, Mary-Ellen has been consistently honored for her devotion to excellence and achievement. She is the recipient of more than 75 awards for speaking, training, sales, and leadership. Her background includes a 13-year career with Mead Johnson/Bristol Myers U.S. Pharmaceutical Division where she distinguished herself as "Representative of the Year" for her top performance in sales in the #1 district and region nationally. Mary-Ellen went on to become an acclaimed speaker, author, President of the San Diego Chapter of the National Speakers Association, and radio talk show host. CA 
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KEITH HARRELL
Attitude Teamwork Change Motivational
As a former IBM marketing executive, Keith Harrell was one of their top training instructors with more than 13 years corporate experience. He has traveled around the world impacting the professional and personal lives of his clients. As a speaker, trainer, consultant, and author, Keith is highly recognized for his innovative and enlightening presentations. His high level of energy, enthusiasm, and powerful messages are exhilarating. Keith's unique and charismatic style of delivery compels participants to take a "fix-it" or "kick-it" approach toward desired changes in attitude, increased confidence and productivity. Many of Keith's engagements are repeat performances for groups such as IBM, Mattel, AT&T and McDonald's. GA 
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DONNA HARTLEY
Aviation Inspiration Leadership
Tighten your seatbelts! You are boarding a flight you will never forget. Donna Hartley's life changed in seconds when she was the last survivor in her section in the Continental DC-10 plane crash. She impacts lives, delivers insights, entertains with storytelling and captivates her audience with straight-talk and vision. She proved one woman can walk through fire and deliver a message powerful enough to impact millions of lives. Donna inspires, motivates and activates you to take charge of your life. The former Miss Hawaii has made hundreds of appearances on television and at conferences and is the author of Fire Up Your Life! - With a Wise Man, a Mentor and an Angel. She'll introduce you to an enlightened soul named George, and take you on an unforgettable journey to claim your inner power. She has been featured on NBC, ABC, PBS, the Learning Channel, in New Woman Magazine and The New York Times. You will claim your future and move forward when you learn Donna Hartley's nine life changing insights. CA 
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WILLIAM C. HARVEY
Motivation Diversity Bilingual Education
William Harvey is a nationally recognized language instructor and motivational speaker. His non-traditional methods are designed for anyone who wants to understand and speak Spanish almost immediately. His unique teaching approach has received national media attention from CNN, Time, Univision, The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times. His book, Spanish for Gringos, has taken the country by storm. Harvey has been described by the media as a dynamic and motivational speaker "a la Robin Williams." Thanks to Senor Harvey, there is now an exciting new way to bridge the gap between cultures, and it could not have come at a better time. CA 
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BRIAN HOLLOWAY
Broadcaster Former NFL All-Pro
AA 5 time NFL All-Pro, team Captain, and at age 23, the youngest vice president of the NFL Players Association, Brian Holloway understands how to gain leverage and power to make the impossible happen. Holloway spent 9 years in the NFL and captained the New England Patriots Super Bowl XX Team. But it has been his activities and accomplishments since leaving the playing field...increasing the bottom line profits and productivity of Fortune 500 companies...that have led to appearances on Good Morning America, Today, ESPN, and NBC sports, and features in The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, and The Washington Post. In 1995, President Clinton recognized him as one of America's top young leaders. NY 
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SHEP HYKEN
Motivational Customer Service Customer Relations
Shep Hyken, is a speaker and author who has been entertaining audiences with his unique presentation style for 24 years. He has been hailed as one of the top entertainer/magicians working the corporate field. In 1983 he made the transition from entertainer to speaker. Hyken mixes information with entertainment (humor and magic) to create exciting programs for his audiences. His most requested programs focus on customer service, internal service, customer relations, and a motivational program entitled "You Are The Magic!" Shep has worked with hundreds of companies and associations ranging from Fortune 50 sized companies to smaller organizations with less than 50 employees. MO 
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JOSEPH L. MANCUSI
Human Resource Motivational Change
Dr. Mancusi, one of America's most effective speakers, has conducted programs in over 46 states, Puerto Rico, France, England, the White House, and Soviet Union for clients like AT&T, John Hancock, New York Life, and was featured on NBC's Today, CBS News, ESPN, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and dozens of others. He directed the world's largest psychology program for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and received a Commendation for the Commission on Executive Exchange. He holds the Iona College Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Care, the Tennessee Lung Association Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Boys Club Inspirational Hall of Fame. VA 
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SCOTT MCKAIN
Achievement Customer Service Communication
A speaker, seminar leader, and consultant for the past 15 years, Scott has received rave reviews. He can tailor programs to any audience, a blend of cutting-edge information and sharp humor, a winning combination for any audience. Scott has presented to audiences ranging in size from 20 to 1,000, for international companies, state organizations, and non-profits. A National Officer of FFA before graduating from college, Scott's other honors include presidential committees, a place in "Who's Who in the Midwest" and a Jaycees "Outstanding Young Men in America." In addition to speaking, Scott's successful commentary show is syndicated to over 80 stations across the US, Canada, and Australia. IN 
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MICHAEL McKINLEY
Customer Service Personal Development
McKinley's "Simple Tools for a Complex World" programs are universal and unique, because he customizes each presentation to your specific needs, able to tailor them to fit top executives or entry-level employees. Mike's themes encompass a broad variety of issues that each of us face in the struggle to integrate our personal with professional lives. From leadership strategies to quality work output to balancing long-term productivity and a healthy personal life, Mike's approach is aggressively practical, yet brilliantly personal, and buoyed by his naturally tasteful humor. You'll want him for the fun, but find you'll get full value for the content. WI 
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JAMES MELTON
Leadership Motivation Management Future Trends
James Melton inspires people to unlock their potential and move into action. Known best for his Leadership and Futurist topics, he rose to prominence through his best-selling books and public television series, Reaching New Heights of Excellence. His video-based training system, the Melton Leadership System, is utilized internationally. With a PhD in management, he transforms complex issues into simple, common sense terms for practical application. Jim's rich and varied background have provided him with an educated blend of experience that he has shared with many of the top Fortune 500 companies worldwide. CA  View video clip by James Melton
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COL. RICHARD M. "MIKE" MULLANE
Astronaut Stories From Space
Colonel Mike Mullane was selected as a NASA mission specialist astronaut in 1978 as part of the first group of Space Shuttle astronauts. He completed three space mission logging 356 hours in space aboard Space Shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. He was a member of the crews on Space Shuttle Flights STS-41D, STS-27, and STS-36 between 1984 and 1990. Mullane graduated from West Point in 1967 and was commissioned in the United States Air Force. As a weapons Systems Operator he completed 150 combat missions aboard Rf-4 Phantom Aircraft. He holds a Master's degree of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and is a graduate of the Air Force Flight Test Engineer School at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. NM 
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JOHN NABER
Olympic Gold Medalist Inspiration Sports
Since earning his world records and five Olympic medals in swimming (4 gold, 1 silver) John Naber has taught over 500,000 people the way to think and act like an Olympian in search of gold. Drawing from his broadcasting and interviewing experiences, his "Gold Medal Process" keynote is filled with humor and Olympic anecdotes customized for each individual audience. His "Awaken the Olympian Within" interactive team building workshop brings out the competitor in anyone, and they learn important business skills while they actively participate, sometimes against logically based Olympic athletes. Naber is the author of: "Awaken the Olympian Within" and "Eureka: How Innovation Changes the Olympics and Everything Else." CA 
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TERRY PAULSON
Motivation Change Humor
Licensed psychologist, editor of Management Dialogue, Dr. Paulson presents to groups like ARCO, 3M, IBM, Kaiser, Nissan, GE, universities, and hospitals throughout the country. Entertaining and inspirational as they are practical and timely, his programs empower the next generation of American workers to make change work. Author of They Shoot Managers Don't They and Making Humor Work, Terry hosted ECI's TV series, Masters on Managing: Quality From the Human Side. His mix of unique, tasteful humor with down-to-earth speaking moved Business Digest to call him "the Will Rogers of management consultants." CA 
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DEBRA PESTRAK
Winning Motivation Inspiration
Obstacles are part of almost everything we do - whether working to achieve a professional or a personal goal. Author, speaker and entrepreneur, Debra Pestark knows first hand the frustrations and challenges people face while struggling to complete a project or make a dream a reality. In her seminar The Winning Difference, and in her book Playing with the Big boys: Success Secrets of the Most Power Women in Business, she shares success ideas gleaned from 10 of the top women executives from Fortune 500 companies. Debra knows everyone has the capacity to face challenges head on and win. She is a true believer that the choices we make each day determine our destiny, and she offers examples that everyone can identify with and understand. CA 
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VINCE POSCENTE
Olympian Strategist Inspiration
Vince Poscente knows a little something about focus, commitment, and defying the odds. At age 26, he decided to take up speed skiing and pursue it competitively. Only 4 years later, he was vying for Gold in the Winter Olympics. He works with companies worldwide to help them achieve peak performance and top-to-bottom alignment. With infectious energy, warmth, and humor, Vince makes each keynote speech and consulting engagement as memorable as it is valuable. Vince relates proven strategies for attaining and sustaining peak performance. Popular keynote titles are: Eclipse the Competition and The Ant and the Elephant. CA 
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STEVE RITCHIE
Patriotic Top Gun Motivation Free Enterprise
Brigadier General Ritchie challenges audiences to strive for excellence and reach for the stars. His message of discipline and leadership is uplifting and stimulating. He has experienced what it takes to be the best, first as Air Force officer and pilot, then as business executive, government official, and inspiring speaker. As a 1964 graduate of the Air Force Academy, Steve was first in his pilot training class and later became one of the most highly decorated individuals in U.S. military history. He was the only Air Force pilot "Ace" of the Vietnam conflict, and the only American pilot in history to down 5 MIG-21's. Steve is an eloquent, motivating, challenging speaker, seminar leader and consultant who has traveled more than 2 million miles to all 50 states and many foreign countries. CO 
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DICK RUTAN
Aviator Voyager Pilot National Hall of Fame
"If you can dream it, you can do it," says Dick Rutan Voyager Pilot. Airborne on a wing and a prayer, the Voyager aircraft touched the sky over Edwards Air Force Base one chilly December morning in 1986, beginning what was to become the world's longest flight-more than 9 days and 24,986 miles. Dick relives this exciting, inspiring and courageous flight in his ninety minute, high-energy, motivational ONE WORLD, ONE FLIGHT presentation; an unforgettable program that outlines dreams, dedication, desire and determination. Supporting slides, film and narration keeps audiences on the edge of their seats and Dick's quick sense of humor keeps the program interesting and entertaining. As a former Tactical Air Command fighter pilot in Vietnam, Dick continues his experimental adventures in aviation from "Around The World in 80 Nights" to the 110' hot air/helium balloon and EZ Rocket, the first step toward civilian flights to space. President Ronald Regan awarded Dick the Presidential Citizen's Medal of Honor at a special ceremony. The medal has been presented only sixteen times in the history of the United States. CA 
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JEFF SALZ
Mountaineer Business Trainer
Averaging over 100 inspirational keynotes each year, Dr. Jeff Salz specializes in bringing the spirit of adventure to the workplace. An anthropologist, explorer and mountaineer, he has led numerous expeditions throughout the world from the Himalayas of Tibet to the Ice Caps of the Patagonian Andes of South America. As head of his own adventure-based management consulting group, Salz translates twenty five years of personal exploration and expedition leadership into inspirational keynotes and seminars for personal growth, creativity, and enhanced interpersonal communication. CA 
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MIKE SCHLAPPI
Olympic Gold Basketball Patriotism Motivation
Professional Speaker, Author, MBA, World Champion, and two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Mike Schlappi has proven that just because you can't stand up, doesn't mean you can't stand out! He is the only wheelchair basketball player to complete and earn medals in the past four Olympic Games in Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta, and Sydney. Mike is honored by the state of Utah as one of its Top 50 Athletes of the Century, and he was also a member of the Board of Trustees for the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. As President of Mike Schlappi Communications, Mike's patented "Attitude Therapy" has inspired thousands of audiences to adapt, overcome, and light the fire within! UT 
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R0SS SHAFER
Comedy Writer Humor Leadership Sales
Ross Shafer is a 6-time Emmy® award winning Network Talk Show host and comedy writer who has turned that same discipline to excellence toward the corporate marketplace. He has written and produced (14) Human Resource training films on Customer Service, Leadership, and Sales. Ross speaks to 100+ organizations each year. Ross says, "Success is your own fault. We shouldn't look outside ourselves for quick answers or easy motivational formulas." You can trust your event will be on time, on target, and energized with Ross at the helm. "Finally, a motivational speaker without the speech! Ross Shafer is one of the funniest guys I know!" Jay Leno, The NBC Tonight Show. CA 
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RANDY SNOW
Inspiration Author Olympic GOLD Athlete
At the peak of a blossoming tennis career while just a junior in high school, Randy Snow was injured in a farming accident, which left him without the use of his legs. Since then he has become a business owner and nationally recognized sales associate, a Fortune 500 speaker and one of the most successful gold medal wheelchair athletes in history. Because of his achievements, he received the Paralympic torch from President Clinton in Washington, kicking off the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996. In 2004, he was the first Paralympian inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame. Featured on CNN, ESPN and in USA Today, he is a gold medallist, a published author, a past MVP sales associate and the president of an achievement company called NO "XQs (no excuse), Inc. His life represents the idea of discovering options and finding new opportunities. Randy Snow has proven that in order to succeed today, you must have a 100% able-bodied mind! CA 
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PETER VIDMAR
Olympic Champion
There are many intangibles that separate the best from the rest and Peter Vidmar knows what they are. As the premier male gymnast and the U.S. Olympic team captain in 1984, he led the men's gymnastic team to its first-ever team Gold Medal in an upset victory over the People's Republic of China. He also became the highest scoring U.S. gymnast in Olympic history. His presentation, entitled "Risk, Originality and Virtuosity: The Keys to a Perfect 10" excites audiences and includes a thrilling pommel horse demonstration. Humor, relevance to his audience, high energy, drama and standing ovations are all characteristic of this presentation. CA 
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JENNIFER WEBB
Motivational Entertaining Sales & Communication
Jennifer's career began as a journalist, first as a reporter for major newspapers and later as editor of trade magazines in Chicago and New York. She became the editor of the first full color magic magazine, Magic Manuscript. As founder of Magic Communications, Jennifer's material reflects years of research in human development and creative management, using real life experience to put her "success" formulas to the test! Her topics include motivation, sales & communication, time management, teamwork, and effective listening. NY 
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BOB WIELAND
Inspirational Fitness Beating the Odds
Bob Wieland's life sparkles with greatness. He was an all-star athlete well on his way to a pro baseball career when, risking his life for a fellow soldier in Vietnam, Bob lost his legs to a mortar round. Pronounced DOA (dead on arrival) at the hospital, for the last 26 years Bob has been very much AOA (alive on arrival) for audiences around the world. In his words, "I lost my legs, not my heart." The only double amputee to coach in the NFL, Bob broke a world record for the bench press, and completed the grueling Ironman Triathlon (swimming, biking, and running)...on his arms alone! His story is so powerful, many world-class speakers incorporate it into their own message. But Bob, who lives it, tells it the way it is. CA 
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PAT WILLIAMS
Sports Author Orlando Magic
Motivational sports speaker, noted author, motivational basketball speaker imparting teamwork and corporate team building skills through a professional baseball speaker presentation. When you introduce a motivational basketball and baseball speaker as well known as Pat Williams, one of America's best-known sports executives, you feel like a bellboy at a honeymoon resort. No matter how well you do your job, people can't wait for you to leave. This man has accomplished so much that it's hard to exaggerate his achievements. Since 1968 he has been affiliated with NBA teams Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, the 1983 World Champion Philadelphia 76ers, and he co-founded the Orlando Magic in 1987 which he helped lead to the NBA finals in 1995. Pat was named as one of the 50 most influential people in NBA history by a national publication. FL 
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DESI WILLIAMSON
Change Motivation Leadership Team Building
Why is Desi Williamson considered one of the nation's most effective business speakers? Because Desi delivers! His high-content, customized programs empower people with both the inspiration and the tools it takes to unleash their personal power and achieve higher levels of performance. His energetic presentations focus on personal development, leadership, motivation, sales, team-building, workplace diversity, and change. Desi teaches organizations how to raise their standard of performance, develop better leaders, and become masters of change rather than victims of circumstance. His high athletic, lively, interactive style serves to incite audiences to powerful mental and emotional involvement, so they take home what they learn and apply it directly to their lives and their work. MN 
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