Jean Abbott
Jean Sharon Abbott was misdiagnosed as a young child with Spastic Dipligia, a form of Cerebral Palsy. After 33 years of countless doctors visits, medical procedures, unnecessary medications and surgeries, she was correctly diagnosed with Dopa Responsive Dystonia (DRD). Jean enjoys all the adventures of her new life, but wouldn’t change the journey that brought her to where she is today. Her positive attitude is highly contagious as she encourages others to appreciate the little things in life.
Jean’s powerful story of perseverance no matter what life brings will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. Since she appeared on the Today Show, Good Housekeeping, Yahoo!, and the U.K.’s “Daily Mail”, an overwhelming number of people from around the world have contacted Jean to tell her how inspired they were by her journey from “wheels to heels”.
Kim Hodous
KIM HODOUS, THE HAPPINESS SPEAKER… is an award-winning entrepreneur, a best-selling author, a sought-after speaker and one of the happiest people you will ever meet. Kim is on a mission to make the world a happier place and has committed herself to helping 12 million people become happier. She is the creator of The One Minute Happiness Habit™and is a Certified Speaking Professional by the NSA – a designation less than 10% of their members attain.
She is on a mission to help companies, regardless of size or industry, embrace the habits of happiness so their people will be more engaged, more productive and stay longer. The crux of her work is the One Minute Happiness Habit™, based on the most current research and her own life experience, which distills all the data and proves that the pursuit of happiness is a legitimate path to more meaningful work and joyful living.
KIM LEARNED HER LESSONS IN THE REAL WORLD… Kim Hodous is an expert on happiness, not because she’s researched it in a lab or received a psychology degree from a prestigious university. She’s an expert on happiness because she has experienced one of life’s greatest tragedies and lived to embrace genuine happiness once again. It was navigating her way back to finding some semblance of joy after the death of her two-year-old daughter, that she personally discovered the ways in which we can find happiness – regardless of circumstance.
Holly Hoffman
Holly Hoffman was the last remaining member of the Espada Tribe and the last woman standing on Season 21 of CBS’ hit reality show “Survivor Nicaragua”. Through that experience, and others throughout her life, Holly was inspired to share her message of survival.
A professional motivational speaker and the author of “Your Winner Within” and “Write Yourself a Note”, Holly acknowledges that life is made up of challenges, and we are oftentimes faced with situations that seem insurmountable. But within each of us is an ability to focus our thoughts, emotions, and energy to succeed—if only we have the knowledge, tools, and discipline to do so.
A native of South Dakota, Holly’s writing and speaking not only offer encouragement and optimism but a roadmap for self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Readers and audience members alike walk away inspired to light the fire of successful living within themselves.
Today, Holly is a member of the National Speaker’s Association and a recipient of the Certified Speaking Professional designation, and travels across the country and internationally, speaking to a wide variety of corporations, associations, universities, schools and women’s organizations. Holly inspires her audiences to take opportunities and focus on faith, attitude, determination, confidence, desire and perseverance.
Brad Montgomery
Like you, happiness expert, speaker and author Brad Montgomery believes:
- Happiness Pays.
- It makes business-sense to invest in the “people-side” of business.
- Speakers should be engaging AND have a useful message.
Brad combines all of these ideas — and a ton more — into everything he does on stage. He’s a very funny guy with some very relevant ideas about how to improve ourselves and those people around us. And…he’s funny. (Yeah, we said this twice.)
He’s a …
- Business Owner
- Author
- Blogger
- Idea guy
But he’s also one of the funniest business speakers out there. His keynotes and “Expanded Keynotes” (which is a fancy way to say “Longer keynotes that include some experiential, hands-on learning experiences” … which is a fancy way to say “Audience Participation On Steroids That Helps People Remember and Learn”) use an out-of-the-box blend of humor, wisdom, audience participation, music, and even confetti in order to keep the learning on high.
He believes:
- Motivational speakers should deliver tactics we remember and implement.
- The era of “canned” speakers is over.
- Your organization craves a speaker who can connect, who can have a conversation, and who can be relevant. They crave somebody who is authentic. Somebody who is funny.
Your people will love Brad Montgomery. And they’ll love YOU for finding him.
When MillerCoors had to knuckle down and manage a software initiative, they called on Brad. After his program, they referred to Brad as “The best 90 minute investment ever in our people.”
Organizations who partnered with Brad to help their people become more creative, innovative and productive through greater happiness include Verizon Wireless, Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente, John Deere Landscapes (who called Brad’s programs “Transformational”), the FBI (yes that FBI), the CIA, (yes that CIA) and the IRS — where Brad withheld 30% of his best ideas.
Brad is guaranteed. He has his Certified Speaking Professional (which is the highest EARNED honor a speaker can get.) And better yet, he’s been inducted into the CPAE Speakers Hall of Fame … Which is a really big deal in Speaker-Land. (No, you won’t find it on the map, but you get the idea.)
Looking for a speaker with ideas that will help your people thrive? Looking for a speaker who engages, connects and keeps their attention because they love him so much? How about somebody who’s funny? Ready to set the tone and the mood for your entire meeting? Then you’re ready for Brad Montgomery.
Joe Schmit
Joe Schmit is an award-winning broadcaster, community leader, author and popular keynote speaker. As a sports broadcaster he has covered every major sporting event in the past 4 decades and has interviewed many of the biggest names in sports. He joined KSTP-TV in 1985 and has won 18 Emmys from the National Television Academy. In 2020, Joe was awarded The Silver Circle designation by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Emmys for extraordinary contributions to the broadcasting industry. He was also honored with a National Headliner Award in 2001.
Before joining KSTP-TV in 1985, he was Sports Director for WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin. His career also includes positions as weekend sports anchor for KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and WKBT-TV in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Joe earned his degree in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Joe is also an author of two books: “ Silent Impact ” and “ The Impact Blueprint.”
In 2019 Joe was also inducted into the Minnesota Speakers Hall of Fame and earned his CSP designation (Certified Speaking Professional) from the National Speakers Association. Less than 15 percent of NSA members worldwide have achieved the CSP designation.
Joe is a long time youth mentor committed to advocating for a number of community organizations with Big Brothers and Big Sisters is at the top of his list. He is a past president and board member of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Twin Cities. He has raised over $3 million for the organization through the Joe Schmit Celebrity Golf Tournament which had a 16-year run. In 2000, he was the winner of the Jim Kelly Distinguished Service Award from Big Brothers and Big Sisters and in 2001, a winner of the Odyssey Award for commitment to youth mentorship. He was also honored as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) Community Leader of the Year in 2005.
In 2018 Joe was honored with the Mike Givens Distinguished Service Award for The Mind over Matter Foundation. Joe and his wife Laura also chaired a $4.5 million dollar capital campaign for VEAP, the largest food shelf in Minnesota. He is past president and board member of the Fairway Foundation and has contributed time to many other charitable organizations.
Kelly Swanson
Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, motivational speaker, Huffington Post Contributor, and cast member of The Fashion Hero television show airing on Amazon Prime. She is also author of Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale, The Land of If Only, The Story Formula, and The Gutsy Girls Pocket Guide to Public Speaking. She was a featured entertainer for Holland America Cruise Lines, keynote speaker for the International Toastmasters Convention, and has keynoted major conferences and corporate events from coast to coast.
Kelly’s wacky wit and powerful stories have charmed hearts and tickled funny bones for over 15 years. In addition to her role as a funny motivational speaker, Kelly teaches people how she does it by sharing what she has learned about connecting and engaging to have more influence in business, through the use of one tool – strategic storytelling. Sharing her own powerful journey through story and the formula she discovered, you come to that magical place where the art of story meets the business of persuasion.
Morris Morrison
Drawing purpose and inspiration from his faith, family and motivation to energize individuals & communities, Morris Morrison and his team is obsessed with building Stronger, Smarter, Kinder human beings. As CEO of StoryMaker Brands and owner of Windmill Park Media, Morris Morrison is a world-class DISRUPTION Speakor & Author, who’s journey began in New York City before a doctor’s words changed his life forever, after being orphaned a second time.
DISRUPTIONS early in Morris Morrison’s life uncovered a unique brand of engagement that explodes & connects with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, with an unforgettable message that sounds like a Hollywood movie script. Leaders from many fortune 500 company’s, Non-Profits and churches throughout the world have partnered with Morris Morrison to build fearless, focused leaders that drive uncomfortable change, growth & DISRUPTION. Many audiences have witnessed his energy live on stage and in his latest book, OVERNIGHT SUCCESS: An Inspiring Story About Culture, Results and The American Dream, and content from his soon to be released book, titled: DISRUPT YOURSELF: Disrupting, Growing & Giving On Purpose.
Morris Morrison is best known for celebrating his biggest accomplishments off stage – as a Husband and Father. He also passionately serves his community through various school, church and prison involvement, along with service to organizations including Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Fellowship of Christian Athletes , the YMCA and many others. Morris is a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and he currently serves as a Director for the West Virginia University Alumni Board.
Christine Cashen
People across the globe are raving about Christine Cashen and her refreshing take on everyday life. Christine is one of the few individuals to meet the rigorous induction criteria of the National Speakers Association, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, and there’s no question that she deserves that honor; her effortless ability to pull in any audience with her remarkable insights on commonplace situations make her and her messages unforgettable. And, yes, she is also a Certified Virtual Presenter.
For 20 years Christine has shared her expertise on conflict resolution, stress management, and cultivating a happier more productive workplace.
Author of the award-winning books, THE GOOD STUFF: Quips & Tips on Life, Love, Work and Happiness and It’s YOUR Business: Good Stuff for Your Personal, Professional, and Funny Business. Christine holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a master’s degree in Adult Education. In 2016, she was the recipient of an honorary doctorate from Central Michigan University.
Before embarking on her journey as a speaker, she worked as a university admissions officer, corporate trainer, and broadcaster. She is a mother of two, wife of a “hottie engineer,” and an average golfer.
Kevin Kush
Coach Kush has been professionally speaking for over twenty years and has given hundreds of talks to teams across the country. He spent twenty-one years as the head football coach at Boys Town, a residential facility for at-risk-youth and developed a remarkable record with young men who were being given their last chance at life. Winning at life was more important than winning on the field and Coach Kush helped them to achieve both. That is why he was featured on ABC World News Tonight as their PERSON OF THE WEEK! Coach Kush is a master motivator who will help teammates develop a sense of pride in their organization and feel a great sense of job fulfillment. Kevin will help foster a “WE before ME” attitude with his simple methods and help to improve your company culture.
Ted Ma
Ted Ma is an international keynote speaker, author, and leadership strategist who works with leaders to increase their influence and impact. Unlike many leadership experts, Ted built an international sales team from scratch to over 6,000 independent agents, reaching the top 0.1% of over 300,000 sales reps. As an elder millennial, he has been coaching leaders for over 18 years. He believes that enhancing performance, morale, and loyalty begins with creating a culture of mentorship.
Ted was named one of the Top 100 keynote speakers of 2019 by Databird Business Journal and has been featured in publications including USA Today, Inc, CNBC, and the New York Times. He has shared the stage with speakers like John Maxwell, Jack Canfield, and Mel Robbins.