In 1997, DifferenceMakers, Ltd. was founded by Mike Smith to help promote his professional speaking and leadership training livelihood. The company has since grown to promote other speakers besides Mike, and all-school assemblies for student bodies, teacher in-service training, education association keynotes, as well as seminars and workshops for student leaders and activity advisors across North America.

Through an ongoing partnership with Herff Jones, Inc. DifferenceMakers has developed dozens of products and programs (under the Herff Jones "Impact" banner and promoted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals) used in thousands of schools to promote leadership and character development, personal responsibility, teacher and staff appreciation, new student orientation, school spirit, and student retention. New products are always on the drawing boards, and are born from the ideas and needs of professional educators and students served by DifferenceMakers.

In 2003, Mike's son Casey (KC) joined the family business as Vice-President and Director of Marketing. He helps oversee the day-to-day operations of DifferenceMakers, product support, technology, contract negotiations, and is charged with fulfilling our mission statement:

DifferenceMakers, Ltd. is established to actively develop and enthusiastically promote personal responsibility, positive self-awareness and individual power while helping people realize the benefits of strong relationships with their classmates, school community and families through their involvment with leadership skills and co-curricular activities through the schoolhouse, workshops, educational conferences, a collection of products and services, affiliations with educational networks and associations, and through affiliations with other speakers/authors.

In 2004 Midge Arthur joined the DifferenceMakers team after a fulfilling career in education as a classroom teacher. She brings a detail orientation the organization desperately needed.

In 2005, Albert Gonzales joined DifferenceMakers. Like Mike, Albert is a professional speaker, author and trainer. He brings with him his own unique perspective and insights and is a great addition to the team. We are proud to be associated with Albert, a true difference maker.

Though Mike and Albert currently live in Orange County, California, DifferenceMakers is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico - near where Mike grew up. Cutting-edge technology enables Mike, KC, Albert and the rest of the DifferenceMakers organization to work together from virtually anywhere on the planet - wherever any of them happens to be out making a difference!