MICHAEL SKUPIN Not many people have a passion for life like Michael Skupin, the 40-year-old software entrepreneur, motivational speaker, salesman, author, hunter, camper, fisherman and star of the CBS-TV hit reality show, Survivor: The Australian Outback. After graduating from Western Michigan University with a bachelor's in Business Management, Michael started working at 3M. In a sales force of 3,500 people he was #1 in every position he held-for an unprecedented five years in a row. He also became the youngest District Manager in the history of the company, at the young age of 25. After 3M, he moved into medical equipment sales for C.R. Bard (1 billion annual sales) and in his first year, became the company's #2 salesman in the country. An entrepreneur at heart, Michael co-founded and currently serves as president of Rhinosoft Interactive, a software publishing and distribution company that has produced more than 20 million inspirational CD-ROMs. He also founded the CCA, a motivational speaking company that encourages celebrities to use their fame to inspire, encourage and help the underprivaledged. Additionally, Mike founded an office equipment company in the Metro Detroit area that generated almost $4 million in revenue by the end of the second year. Just as impressive, the company experienced almost no turnover of employees - in what is usually a high-turnover industry. Michigan Governor, John Engler labeled Mike's company one of "Detroit's top 50 Companies" - the only new company on the list. Mike has put his sales skills to work at Rhinosoft, where he made national headlines giving away more than 30 million CD-ROM's in what General Mills calls their largest and most successful marketing campaign ever! He speaks frequently to corporations about his unique sales and marketing strategies. Mike is no stranger to the outdoors and has spent 30 years hiking, hunting, camping and fishing. He's the guy you want to have with you when you're in the backcountry, as he demonstrated on Survivor in the Australian Outback. While his fellow contestants were content to eat the rice that was provided to them, Skupin's determination provided food that was enjoyed by all and gave his team the energy needed to compete and survive. He uses illustrations from these experiences in many different presentations he gives. Originally from Farmington Hills , Michigan , Skupin currently lives in White Lake , Michigan with his wife K aren and their seven children, Michael (19), K alyn (17), Brandon (12), Emily (11), Jaclyn (10), Leo (6) and K ristie (2) . His secular career has consisted of office equipment sales, surgical equipment sales, and serving as a water-ski instructor. Michael co-founded a Christian software publishing and distribution company in 1992 where he currently serves on the board. Through creative distribution and downloads, his company has given away millions of free bibles and is determined to continue until everyone has one. WHAT MAKES MIKE SKUPIN SO HOT? Mike is in great demand for his public speaking ability. Mike has spoken to large audiences for over 17 years and has several reference letters stating that he was the best speaker they had ever brought in. He is perfect for appearances, meet-and-greets, interviews, celebrity outings and corporate outings and makes each individual person he meets feel important. His approachability and the way he interacts with the public make him a very unique guest. Most speakers will disappear behind the curtain after they are through but Michael genuine care for people often keeps him around for hours after he speaks, usually being the last to leave the event. So what makes him sizzle? Just consider that Mike: Was arguably the most memorable contestant on the #1 most watched television show in the history of TV. Incredibly familiar, Mike has spoken to over 200 million people via live appearances, television and radio. Unrivaled Experience. Mike spoke publicly over 250 times last year. Mike is very recognizable. He made national "Front Page" headlines over 7 times just from his Survivor experience alone. He's most famous for being overcome by smoke and passing out into a fire. He was air-lifted to safety via helicopter in front of 50 million people watching worldwide. Since returning from the show, he survived a plane crash, an office fire and an attack at an event. Mike has been seen on Letterman, Rosey, Sally Jesse, Hollywood Squares, Politically Incorrect, The Early Show, 700 Club, CNN, ET, Inside Edition, MTV and has been discussed on shows ranging from ESPN to Saturday Night Live. Was named one of the "Top 10 TV most memorable characters to capture viewers' hearts" during the 2000-01 season by the Chicago Tribune (March, 2001). Also a finalist in People Magazines most memorable moments of the season. Broke many sales records throughout his career at 3M and Lanier that still stand! Made national headlines orchestrating General Mills largest and most successful marketing campaign ever. Founded three successful companies in three different industries-software publishing, office equipment sales and motivational speaking. Saved the life of a woman who was being attacked by an armed robber when he was a student at Western Michigan University and was recognized by the city of Kalamazoo with a special commendation. Has a tremendous amount of experience with family, educationally, in the outdoors and with team sports. "Mike has a heart as wide and deep as the Grand Canyon. You can't hurt him because he holds no grudges, and you can't break him because he's tougher than nails. In fact, two separate, in-depth psychological profiles by separate firms concluded the same thing: 'He's uncategorizable.' This is a rare person cites both of these firms that shows such absolute resiliency. Never have they seen someone who is 'at once able to control and let completely go in the same person.'" "Who he has become today-a warrior, an overcomer, a survivor of trying circumstances-happened because life threw him into a raging sea and said sink or swim. Mike chose to swim." -Greg Swan, co-founder of Rhinosoft Interactive, and Skupin's lifelong friend SURVIVOR: THE AUSTRIALIAN OUTBACK As one of 16 contestants on CBS's top-ranked reality show, Survivor: The Australian Outback, Mike repeatedly demonstrated his ability to Outwit, Outplay and Outlast, as the show's mantra states. Unfortunately, his stay on the show was short-lived. In the sixth episode, 18 days into the show, Michael passed out from smoke inhalation and fell into a fire, severely burning his hands and several other areas. "The incident ranks as one of the most dramatic in the history of reality television." -Allan Johnson, Chicago Tribune PRESENTATION TOPICS A motivational speaker and sales trainer for over 17 years, Mike Skupin is no stranger to addressing audiences both large and small. In one recent month, in fact, his appearances reached as many as 100 million people. Mike is available to speak on a variety of topics, including: Surviving The "Corporate Outback" Getting the best from everyone on your Team. Building Increasing Your Business's Market Share Sales Strategies to Motivate Employees The Financial Benefits of Nutrition and Exercise The War on Drugs (Mike's children's charity is called 'Victory Over Addition") Motivating Your Sales Team to Out Perform their Expectaions Grass-Roots Leadership Living a balanced life including career, family, health, faith, emotional and financial Michael unique ability to tailor and adapt his presentations to meet nearly any corporation's needs and focus, from internal team-building to customer-driven initiatives make him popular with every event he's participated in. PRESENTATION EXPERIENCE Mike has addressed an impressive list of corporations, celebrities and media outlets. A partial list of his speaking engagements include: Rosie Good Morning America Today Western Michigan University 3M Xerox CR Bard Star Commonwealth March of Dimes Davol Medical COMDEX Missouri Employers Mutual Northwestern Mutual Life Ricoh Daily Plan-It The University of Michigan AWANA Lanier Worldwide The Detroit Institute of Arts The Michigan Emmys (Master of Ceremonies) Public high schools and middle schools across the country Michael material is unique and presented in a way that people will walk away with fresh and new ideas. Michaels determination to leave an inspirational message behind and to inspire the audience to make a positive change is very evident. Many people start before leaving the building. PUBLICITY & CELEBRITY APPEARANCES Mike Skupin has appeared on: The Early Show - Highest rated show in 6 years Survivor II - Ranked the #1 series in the history of TV Rosie Today Good Morning America Kathy Griffin - MTV Awards (won an award) Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher Inside Edition E! Entertainment Tonight Access Hollywood EXTRA Michigan Outdoors The Spirit of the Wild Sally Jessie Raphael Show The 700 Club with Pat Robertson Please call (248) 789-2185 or email Doug Courter at Doug@mikeskupin.com