What Others Are Saying

“John’s story-telling ability and remarkable background allow him to connect with his audience as he provides them with real tools they can use to build better teams.”

“John delivers a hard hitting message in a very gentle manner.”

“Your positive outlook and meaningful message were just what we were hoping for and, in fact, exceeded our expectations.”

“You were a joy to listen to. You are a very honest speaker.”

“You helped show your audience how important teambuilding can be for all business operations from baseball owners to accountants to plumbers.”

Keynote Presentations

We Can All Be Better Contact Hitters

In this presentation, John shares his experiences of real-life successes and challenges and provides invaluable insights into how to successfully achieve your goals. Whether you are involved with clients, customers, colleagues, or are part of a team environment, John can help you become a better “contact hitter.” Hear how the simple arts of listening and investing time in people were the catalysts that propelled the Winnipeg Goldeyes to a world attendance record. How passion for what you are doing and respect for everyone around you can make an amazing difference to your successes. This presentation is packed full of valuable information and many take-away ideas that can make an immediate impact and can help you connect better with the people around you.

When the Lights Go Out - (Amazing stories of misadventure)

During this fun and entertaining presentation, John weaves stories about his time in professional baseball and other adventures. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you hear about the characters and situations that will soon have you laughing out loud. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at a professional sports organization and be inspired by John’s stories about the challenges faced as Canada went for gold at the 2008 World Women’s Hockey Championship. While providing incite and entertainment, these strange but true stories also prove that work can be fun.

The Culture of Awesome Customer Service

You have heard the saying the customer is always right. John believes that "The Customer is not always right but that they are always the customer!" This presentation will take you on a journey through John's experience where customer service was the backbone of his successful business ventures. Come along for the ride as John describes the culture he created that made customer service a way of life. He explores the internal workings of an organization, helps his audience look at the world through the eyes of the customer, and relishes in talking about those times when mistakes happen and how to use those times to make powerful connections with your clients and staff alike.

Connecting With Your Audience

John shares an in-depth look at how to deliver your speeches and presentations in a manner that will engage your audience and keep them entertained and listening to your message. He provides easy-to-follow tips that can make an immediate impact on your delivery. He focuses on the speech opening, the use of personal stories, mistakes that speakers make, and how to overcome fear. He provides take-away tools throughout this presentation that will help you take your presentations or communication skills to the next level.

Client List

The following are a few clients who have taken advantage of John's experience and presentations.

Services Canada
Winnipeg 1 School Division
Don’s Photo
Ontario Baseball Association
Headingley Chamber of Commerce
Football Manitoba
Canadian Institute of Management
Intensive Care Wellness Retreat for Healthcare Providers
Money Concepts
Qualico Developments

University of Manitoba - Department of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Baseball Manitoba
City of Winnipeg Parks and Recreation
Yes Canada
Manitoba Construction Conference
Manitoba Quality Network
Robert H. Smith School
Ecolé Lansdowne School
University Recreation Conference

Why Hire John?

John promises to:

Motivate people to become better contact hitters and connect better with the people around them
Help you increase employee and customer engagement/retention by igniting the energy hiding within all of us
Fan the flames of positive and lasting change that will help you build stronger and more productive teams
Have fun doing all of the above!

Highlights of John's Careers:

General Manager of two professional baseball clubs
Founder of one of the largest independent sports stores in Canada
International award-winning author - "Jackrabbits in the Outfield"
Inductee - Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame
Member - Canadian Association of Professional Speakers

Download John's Information Sheet (need Adobe Acrobat)