July – Milestone
John Crudele has over 25 years experience as a speaker, author and coach who relates to his audience in a very personal and profound way. More than two million people have been inspired by his stories and are attracted to his authenticity and challenged by his candor. Learn more about John and his milestone successes below.
Every business has a story, tell us yours.
Mine is quite a ride with a business model, which includes several interdependent parts. I’m a Professional Speaker, Author, Leadership Coach and Independent AdvoCare Distributor. How’s that fit? 30 years ago, as a college student at ISU, I began what became my speaking career. Deep in my heart I had a true love for young people and making a difference in their life and future. My story included losing my father at a young age, which framed how I valued life and choices. Dedicated to personal development, I recently became certified as a speaker and coach with the John Maxwell Team. This added leadership adds to what I’m able to now offer to business, association and education audiences, along with the opportunity to coach individuals in very personal and profound ways. So what about AdvoCare? Uniquely, the parallel and significant path is that 21 years ago I was invited by it’s founder Charlie Ragus, to speak for a small world-class nutrition company called AdvoCare. Along with speaking for AdvoCare, it lead to becoming an independent distributor, placing me in the center of the wellness industry.
You were chosen as this month’s Milestone Client. Tell us about your Milestone achievements.
In 1991 I became the youngest member of the National Speakers Association (at that time) to earn the Certified Speakers Professional award (CSP). Since then I Co-Authored “Making Sense of Adolescence,” have chapters in the Teen Power Series and a chapter in one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Five years ago I became a Founding Partner of the John Maxwell Leadership team. Many awards in AdvoCare as well. Possibly my most meaningful accomplishment was Founding Partnership for Youth in 2001. It’s a nonprofit that hosts dynamic conferences for Catholic Teens. It’s now turned over to the board and it’s thriving on it’s own. After this summer … 40,000 teens, chaperones and volunteers will have been served!
No one likes to brag about their business, but if you HAD TO . . .
I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with amazing people. To speak for, coach and counsel in places and ways where I’m invited into very privileged conversations on someone’s life-path.
We learn from our mistakes, especially in business. Give us some words of wisdom.
I believe that when we fail, it’s really feedback to build upon, as long as we don’t quit. So seek good counsel and embrace that it’s okay to fail, to fail forward and fail faster. It seems to be necessary and it’s not “in the way” but “on the way” to the next level in our life, business and relationships. I wish I‘d learned and trusted this sooner.
Share the best advice you ever received.
One of my first mentors (I was in my 20’s), Bill Sanders, wrote in a book that he gave me, “Keep swimming with the kids.” He saw me in the pool at a conference, where I was both a speaker and a chaperone. While playing games with the youth, I was building trusted relationships with the very audience that I would later speak for. He taught me to not speak “to” or “at” or “down to” people but be “with” them on the journey. Strive to sincerely and authentically be “with” our clients with a spirit of “servant leadership.”
Describe your perfect day off.
It’s an afternoon on the Motorcycle enjoying the winding roads of Minnesota and Wisconsin. It includes a good workout and then dinner and a glass of wine with friends or family.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
At 57, I just trained for and ran my first 5K on Memorial Day. I took up archery six years ago and was invited to go hunting for the first time in my life last year. I got a Mule Deer in the final two hours of a five-day hunt in New Mexico. It felt like a rite of passage! What a rush!
Together we are stronger. Tell us something you like about being our client.
I appreciate the vibrant environment and the people I meet in the virtual office areas. It’s a place that stimulates creativity for me. Great people and energy!
If you could work anywhere under the sun, where would you choose?
Love San Diego, sitting on a patio overlooking the ocean and walking along the beach for a break. Anywhere when I’m with a friend or colleague.
How can people CONNECT with you?
Email: john@johncrudele.com, cell: 612-805-2531 or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcrudele
