Al Walker is president of Al Walker and Associates, Inc., a firm dedicated to helping businesses and individuals solve problems through professional speaking, training and consulting services. Al and his organization specialize in results-oriented training programs. They have conducted over 1500 training clinics, workshops, seminars and programs for organizations from the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Al is a masterful teacher and is nationally recognized for his unique, fun-loving, humorous approach to speaking.

Al earned a business degree from the University of South Carolina. After graduation, he joined a residential building and development corporation. Within two years as head of sales and marketing, the firm was the highest dollar volume residential builder in South Carolina. During that time, Al attended a Dale Carnegie course and decided his future was in training and developing people. He joined Dale Carnegie and for five years sold and taught their programs throughout South Carolina. He quickly became one of the top-rated instructors in the organization. In 1981, he started his own company. His international client list includes IBM, Wal-Mart, BASF, NCR, BellSouth and Westinghouse/CBS. Al’s articles on leadership, sales, customer service and personal development have appeared in professional publications throughout the world.

He is a former Regional Vice President for Sales and Marketing Executives International from which he earned the designation Certified Sales Executive. He has served on SMEI’s Foundation Board of Directors. Al is past president of the National Speakers Association and has served as Chairman of the NSA Foundation Board of Trustees. He has earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional from NSA and his NSA colleagues inducted him into the prestigious Council of Peers Award for Excellence Speakers Hall of Fame which is the highest recognition in professional speaking. There are only 119 CPAE’s in the world today including Harvey Mackay, Ronald Reagan, Art Linkletter and Zig Ziglar. And recently, his colleagues recognized Al’s service to the speaking industry by awarding him The Cavett Award - the National Speakers Association’s highest and most cherished award presented annually to the member who has rendered exceptional service to the speaking industry and the association.

Programs:

A WORLD FIT TO LIVE IN

Through humorous anecdotes and stories, Al delivers the driving message that in order for us to have a world fit to live in, we must first have a self worth living with and a philosophy to live by.  Al defines exactly what it takes to have a “self worth living with” and how knowledge, skill and attitude contribute to that goal.

THE GATEWAY TO EXCELLENCE IS AS BIG AS A BARN

It’s true - the gateway is huge and yet so few choose to walk through it.  Instead, they settle for mediocrity not realizing that the difference between excellence and average is not vast or striking.  In an entertaining and inspiring fashion, Al shares the secrets to the small characteristics that make the BIG differences in anyone’s quest for excellence.  Your audience will laugh, cry and go away feeling like a million dollars with a smile on their faces and in their hearts.

SERVICE THAT SELLS

Your company never has a second chance to make a good first impression.  So it’s important your customers get a good impression the first time they contact you whether in person or by phone.  Al addresses four important areas of customer service: product knowledge, the skills necessary to sell the product, handling complaints with confidence and the human relations skills necessary to develop rapport with your customers.

THINKING BIG AND LIVING LARGE

Do you want to laugh, have a good time and walk away with a grin on your face?  Al pokes a lot of fun at himself, and at life when delivers the driving message that if you think big enough you will be guaranteed to have a larger life. Through stories and illustrations Al shares the common traits, characteristics, and values of Big time winners who have handled their difficulties through life in a Bigger more enriching way. Al will inspire you to tap more deeply into your talents, skills, and abilities in your community, job, and personal life so that you can live a Larger life. This program is perfect for those who want to think big, live large, and laugh all the way out of the room.

“Everyone talked about your presentation for days. To have you get up and take control of the group was a relief. I would highly recommend you to any company looking for an outstanding speaker.”
Pepsi Cola Company

“You delivered just what was needed after a long day of meetings. The reviews from the seminar attendees were nothing less than outstanding.”
The Trane Company

“We have received a number of telephone calls today expressing their appreciation for a productive, fresh look at making a speech. You achieved instant credibility with the group.”
The United Way

“Now I know why you have been honored with so many speaker awards! You certainly lived up to your outstanding reputation!”
Central FL Auto Dealers Association

“Thank you for your extremely enriching and motivational speech. Your overall enthusiasm and positive outlook on life was much needed!”
First Greensboro Home Equity, Inc

“Wow – you did it again! You presentation is always the best of the best! Rarely do we consistently see across the board, one hundred percent excellent evaluations from any of our speakers.”
HFMA

“Everyone is still talking about your presentation. Many of your words of wisdom have been implemented.”
American Payroll Association

“I can’t begin to express how thrilled we all were with your presentation. Not only did you energize the participants, but the training which followed the keynote address was right on point!”
Aronov Realty Management Inc

“It was refreshing to have someone encourage us to dream!”
TN Telecommunication Association

“The audience seemed to view you as an old friend, as it found itself able to easily identify with you!”
SC Credit Union League

“I want to thank you for presenting such an outstanding finale to our meeting. I received numerous compliments on how well you tied humor into delivering the message.  More importantly, compliments on the content of the message itself!”
Computer Consulting Group

“What a delight to have such an engaging program to open our convention. You were the perfect choice. Your personal approach endeared you to the audience. In short, you made me look good.”
National Funeral Directors Association

“You were very entertaining, but also had a good, meaningful, moral message! One of those kind that gives you chills when you hear it!”
J & M Tank Lines, Inc

“You were able to intertwine your motivational message with humor to create a lasting impression!”
SC Department of Commerce

“We were impressed by your ability to take a feared and sometimes dull subject and present it with humor and excitement!”
I.H. Caffey

“You are masterful at providing high content delivery and your energetic style is contagious!”
AmeriSource

“Your gift is unique!”
SC Managers Association