2018 Agvance Customer Conference

David Okerlund grew up in a rural, Midwestern town of Manchester, Iowa where as a young teenager he saved up money- to go on to college by working on the town's garbage route. Till this day he still says that, "It was the best job I have ever had in my entire career. It taught me more about the value of commitment and endurance than one might ever dare to believe."

From there he went on to Hastings College in Nebraska where he became a nationally ranked speech and forensic speaker. After graduation he became a teacher in Iowa where in his first year he was nominated as the Outstanding Young Speech Educator for the state.

After leaving teaching, David became what he affectionately calls a "road toad warrior." He defines that as a salesperson who can drive over 100,000 miles a year and still love selling. In the late seventies David transitioned to a career in management but speaking remained his passion. In 1983, David’s speaking abilities gained national attention when he finished in the final three of the World Championship of Public Speaking; a contest that includes over 20,000 contestants from over 45 different countries.

David decided to pursue a speaking career on a full-time basis in 1987 and has developed a reputation as one of the finest speakers in the United States. He is a member of the International Hall of Fame for speakers and has shared the platform with American greats like Bob Hope, Lee Iacocca, Robert Schuller, and others.

Although he has authored books and taught at universities, speaking is his forte.

A passionate and award-winning speaker, David incorporates years of experience as a hospital administrator, national sales manager, newspaper columnist, and communications coach into his messages. With his mastery of emotional intelligence and situational empathy, he touches audiences in a way that they will never forget.

He taught a masters degree class in organizational ethics and persuasion at the University of Minnesota.