If you are looking for A LOT of information about The “Original” Mike Smith, you've come to the right place. For the short version, Mike suggests reading the bold type.
The Professional Speaker/Trainer
Mike Smith enjoys a great reputation as a curriculum writer on subjects ranging from time management through diversity to community service, a multimedia producer, an on-screen host, and a lifetime learner - studying a variety of subjects which find their way into his presentations. Mike is an honorary lifetime member of several educational and sales and marketing associations.
For the past 20 years Mike has taken his involving presentations to over two million parents, teachers, students and administrators in the U.S. and Canada. He has been a consultant to, and presented at, many national, regional, state and local conferences. His audiences have ranged from CEO’s to 2nd graders.
Mike is in demand as a keynote speaker, lending his talents to the themes and messages of his hosts. He has a wonderfulability to"launch" a conference by helping the attendees WANT to participate. As the wrap-up endnote speaker, Mike has helped many a convention theme convert from the words and warm feelings of the conference to the action and desired results in the real world.
Mike’s experience as a successful salesman lends a different flair to his small group presentations. His seminars on positive languaging, involvement strategies and personal organization are among the best reviewed at any convention or conference, as demonstrated by the fact that he often faces audiences consisting of repeat attendees. People return to participate WITH Mike as he explores finer points of whatever subject he is addressing.
Mike focuses on the youth market, and devotes much of his energy to helping educators improve our secondary schools. He has been instrumental in helping school districts open new schools, pass bond issues and improve morale. He has written numerous articles and workbooks on subjects ranging from personal growth to working with volunteers. His student involvement and participation programs are used in schools across North America. His seminars on project planning, co-curricular activity sponsorship, meeting skills, time management, personal problem solving, attitude, languaging and ethics in leadership constantly rank high among attendees for being informative, productive and enjoyable.
He has earned the reputation of being able to pack a great deal of "learning" into a short amount of time. His rhymes are found in many wallets and purses across the country. His Southwestern wit has helped to make him popular with his audiences. "An hour with Mike is one of the quickest hours you can spend." His honesty and humorous delivery make The "Original" Mike Smith one of the most sought after speakers in North America.
The Successful Businessman
Today Mike is the president of DifferenceMakers, Ltd. - his speaking, seminar and motivational product marketing company. In the past he has headed a home remodeling company, Casas Uniques; a mail-order jewelry company, Terecita’s Turquoise; a scholastic products company, Campus Specialties; and a professional leadership training company, ProActive, Inc.
Mike helped found the National Association of Student Activity Advisers – an organization devoted to training teachers to sponsor student organizations. He is a leading force behind the Alliance for Student Activities, which is organized to gather information on the value of co-curricular activities and to provide much-needed training and support for student activity advisors and club/class sponsors.
The Man
Mike is a son, a father and a grandfather. He is a salesman, businessman and entrepreneur. He is a professional public speaker, leadership trainer, performer and “edutainer.” He donates blood and occasionally gets to work as a community volunteer. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran helicopter pilot and infantry platoon leader. He is a graduate of Fort Lewis College where he served as student senator and finally, student body president. He is a distinguished graduate of various educational and professional training seminars and classes. He is an author, a poet and an innovative thinker who ties many of his diverse studies into coherent presentations. He enjoys the outdoors. He is a whitewater rafter and certified advanced open water SCUBA diver. He prides himself on having been from the top of the Colorado Rockies to the depths of Bloody Bay Wall off Little Cayman. He is truly a "road warrior" flying over 100,000 miles a year to deliver his message of personal responsibility and choices. While he does not like all the traveling, he loves the fact that he has friends all over North America. Mike Smith is about living the message he delivers.
The Family
Mike lives in Tustin, California with his two dogs, Ringo (120 lb. Shepherd mix) and Haley (a 46 lb. really cute pound puppy).
Mike's son KC and wife Lisa reside in Albuquerque, NM with their three children; Ryan (born December 27, 2005), Mackenzie and Brayden (both born March 13, 2008). KC is responsible for the day to day workings of Differencemakers, Ltd. and enjoys coaching club soccer throughout the year. He recently graduated with his associates degree and is currently working towards his bachelors. Lisa is pursuing a degree in education while gaining experience as a special education assistant in an elementary school.
Mike's mom Mickie also lives in Albuquerque, and has been invaluable as a proofreader and researcher in the past. In her late 80’s she has slowed down a bit, but is still the matriarch of the clan.
Mike’s daughter (Terri) lives in Phoenix, AZ with his grandson (Austin, born October 19, 2004) and granddaughter (Samantha, born February 6, 2006). Having two children is a full-time job, but Terri often finds time to help on a project or two with DifferenceMakers.
Mike has a younger sister, Patricia Zundel, who lives in Gresham, Oregon with her husband Bill. Their daughter, Dusti, lives and works in Plano, Texas. Trish is very good at detail work and often proofreads and helps think through some of Mike's projects.
Mike has learned a great deal from each of his family members and takes a lot of pleasure from their successes. The Smith team has enjoyed working together for the past several decades and is looking forward to what the future will bring!
