5 of 5

I had Dick speak to my Procter and Gamble teams in Geneva in 2005. Having brought in a range of top-rated speakers over the years, I can say unequivocally that Dick is absolutely one of the finest speakers I have ever witnessed. His story of personal excellence, of falling, and redemption is uplifting and simply breathtaking. His personable style, his humility and honesty, and his ability to weave a wonderful story ensures he leaves an audience deeply impacted and spellbound. I would highly recommend Dick to any professional organization. His message is NOT a running message. It is a story of the power of the human spirit.

James Lafferty CEO Fine Hygienic Holding

5 of 5

Dick Beardsley came out to speak at the Society of American Florists' Annual Convention. Dick's moving stories of his drive to become a world-class runner to his battle with Alberto Salazar in 1983 to his epic struggle to overcome drug addiction are almost beyond belief. You think to yourself “It’s a wonder he’s still alive.” But then you’re so thankful he is because his message -- delivered in his down-to-earth, easy-going style -- is heartfelt, pure and, above all, incredibly inspiring.

Drew Gruenburg Chief Operating Officer Society of American Florists

5 of 5

Dick’s talk at my Senior Leaders Conference was a big success! His life story of overcoming extreme challenges, not just once but multiple times, was truly inspirational and left a very positive impression. Dick shared his experiences with a speaking style that was down-to-earth, humorous, touching, inspiring and engaging. His talk motivated us to believe that if Dick could survive, endure, and thrive then we can conquer any of our own personal challenges. I will not forget the lessons Dick shared.

Ken Wojcik Vice President, GE Capital Retail Finance

5 of 5

Dick was our featured speaker at our recent appreciation luncheon. Our appreciation luncheon includes our staff, customers, suppliers, professional services and non-profits. Everyone that I spoke to was absolutely blown away how Dick was able to persevere through all of the things that have come at him in his life. He is a master story teller. Everyone was focused on Dick as he told the story of his life. We all left that luncheon inspired and motivated to be a better person. I have never heard a better speaker then Dick. He combines inspiration, drama and humor in such a way that it touches the heart of every listener.

Mike Patterson President of King Solutions

5 of 5

Dick came to speak at the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge Annual Banquet and Silent Auction. His message was very impactful and inspiring, not only for our men in the program, also for everyone in attendance. Addiction can rear its ugly head in many people’s lives, and Dick explained how it has affected his life and how he was able to work through it. We were all blessed to meet and hear his story.

Keith A Johnson Development Director, MN Adult and Teen Challenge – Northland Campus

5 of 5

I have heard Bill Clinton, Lance Armstrong, and even the Dalai Lama speak. None of them meant as much to me as hearing Dick speak. His message of hope and redemption is moving and stays with you forever.

Stewart Weepers New Balance

5 of 5

Dick is an inspiring and eloquent speaker who mixes humor, personal anecdotes and factual material in an entertaining and highly motivating talk. He is versatile and has a range of delivery styles that match the audience. His life story as an athlete, a personality and a recovering addict is riveting and instructional. I highly recommend Dick as a motivational speaker to everyone from kids to retirees. His life story is authentic and relatable.

John Conley CEO Conley Sports Productions, LLC

5 of 5

Dick came out to speak at the Bemidji Covenant Church. It was a very impacting week. That night we had a visitor who came into our church for the first time. She had been tempted to go back to a destructive lifestyle but that night but Dick's talk reminded her to stay on a healthy path. She has since gotten into a small group of women and her faith in God has helped guide her well.

Pastor Dean Nelson Bemidji Covenant Church

5 of 5

My sincerest thanks to Dick for speaking to the Running Buddies group at the Duluth YMCA! The speech was incredible. He engaged the youth from start to finish while sharing an invaluable message of perseverance and personal responsibility. I was touched and inspired by his genuine warmth. I aspire to follow his lead and radiate a calm, contagious positivity.

Brianna Hall Running Buddies Coordinator, True North AmeriCorps Member

5 of 5

Dick spoke at our annual Dairy Summit. His story had the hundreds of attendees of the edge of their seat. Dick spoke to facing life's challenges head on and dealing with adversity in a positive way. Dick's openness and transparency of his own struggles and personal battles sets an example for all of us to strive to pursue the best of our God given talents. Dick was a "featured speaker favorite" for many of us who have been long time attendees of the Dairy Summit.

John Frey Executive Director, Center for Dairy Excellence

5 of 5

We were very fortunate to have Dick Beardsley speak to our full student body at Yarmouth High School. He kept the students captivated with his story for 75 minutes by simply walking back and forth across the stage with a microphone and his life story. I spoke to many students after Dick's talk and without exception, the students said it was the best assembly they had ever experienced. After the talk, students waited for more than an hour to have the chance to talk to Dick directly and shake his hand. Dick has a gift for telling a story to young people that is timeless and extremely relevant.

Ted Hall Principal, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth, ME

5 of 5

Dick Beardsley's inspirational talk with our students was the best we've ever had. He gave us every ounce of energy he had today; filled with laughter and tears. His piece on goal setting, persistence, and "opening doors" was important for our students to hear. He is captivating, has an unbelievable story to share, and is charismatic in his word choice and expression. I had nothing but positive feedback following our lyceum and I appreciated Mr. Beardsley's promptness, commitment, and the homework that went into knowing a little about our town and school that was built in to his presentation. The Beardsley's were easy to work with and I appreciated the organization and attention to details given by his wife in planning this event. I will be having Mr. Beardsley back in another few years.

Cory Larson Assistant Principal, Sauk Centre Secondary School, Sauk Centre, MN

5 of 5

We had the pleasure of having Dick speak to my staff of approximately 150 people and the impact was huge. His story of growth, reaching the pinnacle of running and then overcoming even greater challenges left our team inspired and motivated to tackle any of life’s obstacles. A message not just for runners, Dick’s personable style, humor and honesty makes him a presenter that I am happy to recommend to any and all.

Michael Hoffort Senior Vice-President Farm Credit Canada

5 of 5

Dick delivers powerful keynote addresses and facilitates workshops for Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon when we need someone to discuss the issues surrounding athletes and addiction. Dick’s kind demeanor and encouraging words allow him to successfully reach youth as well as adults. He continuously encourages his audiences to reach new horizons and maximize their potential in their personal development through his guidance. He truly believes "the best is yet to come" for youth, parents, families, communities, companies, and organizations because they are all reachable, teachable, lovable, and savable. The reason that Dick is such a unique, extraordinary and effective speaker and communicator about issues related to addiction use disorders is that Dick is a unique, extraordinary and effective human being that has walked this very difficult path! A true champion to me!

Adriane Deithorn MS, Director of Development, Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon

5 of 5

Dick came out to speak and the impact of his visit was amazing. Dick is such a wonderful person, so nice, kind and approachable with such an incredible message that he has an impact on all he meets. I have heard so many positive comments from people who heard Dick speak from high school students to senior citizens. He has a true gift to span the generations with a message that resonates with anyone regardless of age or where they are on their life’s journey. I took our daughter a college visit and tour over the weekend and we spent about 4 hours in the car and much of our conversation centered around your talk and the lessons, interesting stories and messages we both received. We were all blessed to meet and hear your story.

Blaine Lewis Fleet Feet Sports Roanoke, VA

5 of 5

Powerful, motivating and entertaining! Quite simply Dick Beardsley is an amazing individual and an outstanding speaker. During his presentation to 1,000 of our students he had them laughing, crying and completely captivated. Dick’s energy and passion allow him to connect with the audience. The many challenges which he has overcome while running (and in life) makes his message of “staying the course’ very real and meaningful. Dick Beardsley is a unique individual with the ability to impact and make a difference in a person’s life. The students of Oak Bay High appreciated and benefited from his presentation.

Murray Allen Vice-Principal, Oak Bay High School, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

5 of 5

Dick possesses a strong Midwest work ethic which he employs very innately in virtually all aspects of his professional interactions. This approach to his work life is a testament to both his self-reliant upbringing and his relentless pursuit of perfection (which began early in his adolescence as an accomplished distance runner). Over the years, as Dick’s prowess in marathon running elevated his performances to world-class status, he never lost sight of a genuine humility that defines who he is as a human being and is an engaging component to his personality. Dick, in effect, epitomizes that age-old adage, “You can judge a person’s character by the way he/she treats others who can do nothing for him.” Whether he’s speaking in front of a spell-bound audience or signing books at a marathon expo, Dick Beardsley gives everyone he connects with a rare glimpse of his humanity by making each individual feel very good about who they are when they’re around him. In my life, I’ve never noticed anyone who can match Dick Beardsley’s effectiveness at interacting with complete strangers and leaving them with a sense of thinking that they’ve known him their entire lives. In all truth, the world would be a better place with more men like Dick Beardsley.

Jeff Bostow Lead Analyst, Century Link

5 of 5

Dick’s visit to the Thames Valley District was described to me as one of the most powerful messages given to our students by a motivational speaker. To capture the hearts and attention of approximately three thousand teenagers for an hour speaks volumes to Dick’s passionate message and his ability to engage an audience. Dick’s visit to the TVDSB brought a message of the importance in believing in yourself, pursuing dreams, healthy active living, addressing substance abuse and compassion. Dick's life story touches every member of his audience.

Chris McCrady Vice-Principal West Elgin Secondary School

5 of 5

Anyone needing a message of Inspiration and hope should schedule Dick Beardsley. You and your team will experience a story with Olympic level highs and real world lows with an ending that will bring you out of your chair! Dick is a humble servant leader whose message will truly motivate all who hear him.

Joe Schuch Patient Affairs Liaison - Rare Disease at Pfizer