Sample Introduction

Jim Connelly was born and raised in the projects of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania - a depressed factory town near Pittsburgh. His father was the town bully, an alcoholic who physically beat him on a regular basis.

Life was not easy for the young Connelly and school did not rank high on his priority list.

As a result, he couldn't spell, couldn't read, and couldn't do math that required a letter with the numbers. He failed his sophomore year becoming the only one in his high school required to go 5 years.

In every area that society measures success, Jim was a failure.

And yet against all odds at age 27 - 6 years after leaving Turtle Creek with $100 in his pocket - he was the General Manager of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel - one of the most prestigious hotels in Beverly Hills, California. 

He became one of the most respected confidants to Hollywood stars, sports greats, presidents, and captains of industry who stayed at his hotel. He dined with them, hosted parties on their behalf, and had the privilege of calling them friends.

10 years after becoming General Manager, Connelly was invited by the Chairman of Shearson Lehman to join the Wall Street Investment Banking firm. He became the first non-college graduate accepted into the firm's management program and graduated from the New York Institute of Finance in the top 10% of his class.

After 5 years as the country's top broker, Jim went on to start 15 different businesses.

In 2002 he was honored as the Lou Holtz Hall of Fame "Distinguished American".

It is my pleasure to introduce to you the featured speaker today...ladies and gentlemen...please help me welcome Jim Connelly.