WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT JONAS WITH THE BONUS

Jonas Gadson, “Mr. Enthusiastic” is  featured in the book, What Money Can Buy, published by Random House/Time Business Books in January 1998 with a first printing of 30,000 copies, written by Bruce O. Eaton.  Following is the excerpt featuring Jonas Gadson from this book-

                 Jonas Gadson is poised to become one of the top motivational speakers in the country.  Known as “Mr. Enthusiastic”, the message on his answering machine alone will pump you up.  But equally inspirational as one of Jonas’ speeches is his personal story: how he set his own course of learning that has taken him far beyond even his own initial expectations.

                Now in his early forties, Jonas went directly from high school in South Carolina to working on an assembly line in a manufacturing plant in Rochester, New York.  By 1975, he had settled into a similar position with Eastman Kodak.  As the years rolled along, Jonas felt increasingly bogged down by the repetition of his work.

                “In 1980 I woke up to the fact that no matter who I worked for, I couldn’t expect Corporate America to do for me the things I needed to do for myself.  College isn’t for everyone, but learning is.  You can’t control your job security-you can create skill security.”

                Jonas began an intensive self-directed program of self-improvement, absorbing videos, tapes and books on his own time and attending evening classes on a consistent basis.  By 1989 he had the confidence to pursue his vision: becoming a motivational speaker.

                Long involved with group charity work, Jonas had helped to raise over a million dollars for Rochester’s underprivileged. But all of his speaking experience was within the church.  “I had to start over and learn how to deliver my message in a way that would permit me to speak anywhere-in front of any audience.  So I began my journey.”

                Jonas joined Toastmasters International, winning contests and becoming an Area Governor in the organization and the National Speakers Association.  Seeking the best speakers in the business for advice, he spoke at every opportunity and with experience came recognition.  The requests for his presentations began to grow from the inner-city churches to elite private schools and corporate boardrooms.

                Jonas now makes over a hundred speeches a year around the country.  His signature speech is “How To Fly Like An Eagle With Wings Like a Wimp”.  He now has his own weekly radio show, “Partners For Purposeful Living”, a video, several cassettes, a book in the works and expanding his show to a daily broadcast.

                “I’m investing in my dreams”, Jonas explains.  “Money is a tool unfortunately- too many people love money and use people instead of loving people and using money.  I tell entrepreneurs that if they’re into business just to make money, I’ll save them the trip- they won’t make it.”

                “I love what I do so much, that I am willing to do it for free”, he says, “But because I’m so good at it, they are paying me for it” he adds with a laugh.

                All the while developing himself as public speaker, Jonas worked in quality control at Eastman, knowing that if he was prepared for the opportunity he would be able to step in and take charge when it came.  “One day the company mandated a diversity training initiative for all employees.  I knew this was perfect for me and that I was more than ready to be a part of the solution and make a positive difference, although people looked at me like I was crazy-they had no idea I was working on the outside of the plant.”

                Jonas shattered the preconceived mold for a corporate trainer on his way to becoming the 1995-1996 Eastman Kodak Trainer of the year.  Over 8,000 of his fellow employees from 69 countries, and from vice presidents to janitors have benefited from the knowledge and skills he developed bit-by-bit on his own time, turning spare hours into ability.

When Jonas puts his charge into his audience and brings them to their feet, I guarantee you that no one hesitates or sits on their hands while pondering Jonas’ background.  He’s great at what he does and that’s what really counts.

                His key to success is his vision of his classroom.  All of life, 24 hours a day, he truly believes his motto,

“Since Greatness Is Possible, Excellence Is Not Enough”.   "Go For Greatness!"

 WHAT MRS. DOTTIE WALTERS SAID ABOUT JONAS WITH A BOUNS

Mrs. Dottie Walters, renowned speaker and owner of the largest professional speakers bureau in the world had much to say about Jonas Gadson  when she featured him in The Speaker Spotlight of her January 2003 publication of “Sharing Ideas” magazine:  “Entertaining, fun and totally unique.  His new book to be completed soon has a WOW title: How to Fly Like An Eagle With Wings Like a Wimp! (How to climb the self-esteem mountain and stay on the summit.)  Jonas has spoken for many top U.S. companies such as Avon, Delphi Automotive and many others.  Eastman Kodak Company honored him with their “Trainer of the Year” award for instructing over 8,000 employees in a Diversity Workshop representing over 69 countries.  Keep your eye on this man; he is flying with the eagles!  Jonas often creates new words:  Example, when he admires the accomplishments of women, he calls them “Sheros!”  Sounds great.  No wonder his clients call him “Mr. Enthusiastic”.”