In Memory of Frank Shankwitz
Frank was the Creator and Co-founder of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and brought a message of inspiration and motivation to audiences of all types. His message of "Everyone can be a hero" was something all people could relate to, and the lives Frank touched through his work and speaking are endless. Frank was the first speaking client of Branding180 and was a model of how we could promote the message and mission of a person, the same as we would for a company.
Our Speakers
DEAN RAASCH
Professional Speaker and Author
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
DAVID VANDERHEIDEN
Professional Speaker, Author, and Fitness Expert
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.
Website: www.EverydayFitness101.com
NURSE JESSE
Professional Speaker and Facilitator
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
MICHAEL SOLOMON, PH.D.
Professional Speaker, Author, and Educator
Michael “wrote the book” on understanding consumers. Literally. Hundreds of thousands of business students have learned about Marketing from his books including Consumer Behavior: Buying, Having, and Being-- the most widely used book on the subject in the world.
Michael’s mantra: We don’t buy products because of what they do. We buy them because of what they mean. He advises global clients on marketing strategies to make them more consumer-centric, and he is currently directing Nielsen’s revamp of its global Brand Health Model. Michael is a Contributor at Forbes.com, where he writes about issues related to consumer behavior, marketing and retailing. His articles have been cited over 30,000 times, and he is frequently quoted in publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time, USA Today and Adweek. His newest book, The New Chameleons: Connecting with Consumers Who Defy Categorization, will be published globally by Kogan Page in February 2021.
As a Professor of Marketing (in the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, U.S.A.), a sought-after keynote speaker, and an industry consultant, Michael combines cutting-edge academic theory with actionable real-world strategies. He helps managers get inside the heads of their customers so they can anticipate and satisfy their deepest and most pressing needs – today and tomorrow. An executive at Subaru said it best: “The man is a scholar who is current and street-wise.”
Personal Website: www.MichaelSolomon.com
JONATHAN HEIDER
Professional Speaker, Advocate, Athlete
Living Everyday Starfish:
With a lifetime of experience as a congenital quad amputee, seasoned Paralympic swimmer, and accessibility designer, Jonathan brings a worldly perspective unmatched. Fueled by his desire to trailblaze for future generations and those whose voices aren’t heard, he has set out to be the change. Jonathan thrives to find unique and out-of-the-box solutions to overcome any form of obstacle that stands in the way. Alongside his mission statements of "Using What You’ve Got and Components of You," Jonathan’s unique outlook and determination serve as a model: We are all more than any one of our characteristics.
Personal Website: www.Split-Star.com