Frank shankwitz

Hear Frank's amazing and inspirational story that covers incidents and people who helped develop his character during his childhood years, to his adventures during his 42-year law enforcement career, which includes being killed in the line of duty and brought back to life.  And finally, the realization of what his mission in life was when he met Chris, the 7-year old boy who inspired Frank to create and co-found the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has granted over 450,000 wishes all over the world and impacted over 1 million people.  Frank's message is simple:  Everyone can be a hero.  Named as Forbes' #1 keynote speaker in 2016, Frank is sure to bring your next corporate event or fundraising effort to a different level.   Frank sits on boards for multiple non-profits, and travels the country speaking at events and inspiring groups of all types.  Frank and his wife, Kitty, live in Prescott, Arizona.

Personal Website:  www.WishMan1.com

After enduring some personal losses, David turned to alcohol and drugs and it began to be a major part of his life.  After his second OWI--both of which should have killed him--he began to evaluate his life's direction during a walk home after being released from jail.  David looked in a mirror and realized if he didn't change his ways, he'd die young.  He began to focus on fitness, and made it his life's passion.  His life now had purpose, and he quickly realized he had a duty to help people accomplish their goals--both fitness and otherwise.   Relatable and connectable, David's story resonates with people of all ages.  It's never too late to make a difference in your life, and sometimes, a change can save your life.   David is now a certified Personal Trainer at Xperience Fitness in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  David also owns and operates the website called EverydayFitness101, where he shares his fitness passion with others, no matter their personal fitness levels.  He and his wife, Kristin, live with their two girls near Mishicot, Wisconsin.   

Personal Website:  www.DavidVanderheiden.com

Dean is passionate about the underdog and the person that has the odds stacked against them, but still comes out triumphant.  Dean was the underdog in life.  He lost his mother to cancer when he was only 10 years old.  He endured sexual abuse during that same time.  And then he had to fight for his own life at the age of 19 when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Life was stacked against him, but his will to win took over and allowed him to no longer be the underdog.  As one of the world’s longest surviving bone marrow transplant patients, Dean speaks to groups of all ages and backgrounds bringing a message of hope.  With raw honesty, humor, and passion, Dean’s ability to connect to audiences creates a drive for many to overcome all challenges.  As an advocate for campaigns such as Be The Match, Dean has made it his mission to create more awareness for bone marrow transplant donor needs, and will continue that effort as long as it takes.  Dean lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin with his wife Carrie.  Together they have three kids, Derek, Kaeli, and Kort.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a degree in Business.  He received his PHD in LIFE from Challenge University, a school no one wants admission to.  Also the creator of the Courage Heart, Dean has launched a clothing line featuring the design and donates proceeds to different charities.  

Personal Website:  www.DeanRaasch.com

Nurse Jesse is the Lead Facilitator at It Makes Me Happy! where she offers corporate keynotes and workshops that offer a fresh perspective and new take on mindfulness, gratitude, and resilience to address thoughts which lead to anxiety and increased stress levels and flip them to improve.  Her ‘job’ is her personal mission or ministry, rather than a project or function or series of actions to be carried out. Her mission is to help people realize their inherent worth and awaken their truest self so they can joyfully achieve.   

Personal Website:  www.ItMakesMeHappy.com

Phil Klevorick is the Economic Development Program Manager and the Nuclear Waste Program Manager – both for Clark County (Las Vegas), Nevada since 2007.  Raised in Newfoundland, Phil attended both Memorial University of Newfoundland (Business Administration) and University of New Brunswick (Forestry and Wildlife Management).  He also holds a Master’s in Public Administration from The University Of Nevada Las Vegas.  He has worked for 8 government agencies (shot at twice) in two countries, including The Canadian Wildlife Service, Canadian National Parks, Newfoundland Dept of Environment and Lands, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Bureau of Land Management, and multiple roles in Clark County/Las Vegas. He also has owned several businesses including a private body-guarding agency in Las Vegas (sold in 2006) as well as a geological and environmental consulting business with focus upon mineral exploration, mine reclamation and recovery programs and governmental relations.

Phil is very active in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs and sits on the STEM Board for the 5th largest school district in the United States. His efforts focus on bringing together industry leaders and experts with the education system to coordinate future workforce needs through focused curriculum programs as well as encouraging the internship and partnership approach of business. He also sits on several other Boards including the Local Emergency Planning Committee (Las Vegas) and the Energy Communities Alliance (Washington, DC based) where he is the co – chair of the Economic Development Committee. Phil is passionate about rugby and has become one of the top rugby referee coaches in the U.S. In 2018, Phil started a rugby business as well as a charity called The Rugby Foundation – focused on youth mentor-ship and education, women in sports, adaptive sports and health/wellness support for active uniformed members and retired personnel. 

Phil speaks to groups about building educational partnerships with businesses through STEM, as well as talking about topics related to emergency managements principles of leadership and economic development in times of chaos.

Jordan Fiksenbaum has been working professionally in the live entertainment industry for more than 30 years, generating and selling over $5 Billion (50 million tickets) in ticket revenue through his career. He has been involved in numerous senior management roles specializing in Sales and Marketing, Business and Strategic Planning, General Management, Event Programming and overall operations. 

Within the theatre industry, he has worked on a number of award-winning productions including The Phantom of the Opera, Show Boat, Sunset Boulevard, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Ragtime, Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, Les Misérables, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and many more.  

Mr. Fiksenbaum most recently served as the Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations for the North American Resident Shows Division of Cirque du Soleil, overseeing the day-to-day Marketing, Sales and PR activities for nine resident shows. He was responsible for generating over 35 million tickets for approximately $3.8 billion in revenue over the last seven years. Prior to joining Cirque du Soleil, Mr. Fiksenbaum was the Vice President of Theatrical Presentations for Kimmel Center, Inc. in Philadelphia, where he developed the Center’s inaugural theatrical season and had executive oversight and day-to-day management over all theatrical operations for the 50 productions that the Center presented during his tenure. 

Jordan speaks to groups with topics such as using digital marketing for entertainment brands, building your audience for your venue or entertainment brand, and a presentation entitled, New World, New Ways to Destination Market.