When I was 17 years old I was playing in a baseball game. I tried to steal second base and all of a sudden I couldn’t run. That game turned out to be my last, and it wasn’t until nine years later that I learned I had muscular dystrophy. It was a difficult time, but humor helped me to deal with it.

Humor helped me have a military career even though I was positive I couldn’t do it
I graduated from the University of Oregon, served in the army, and then worked as a salesman for several companies. I was finally diagnosed with MD when I was 26 years old and serving in the Army reserve. I liked the army but I was sure I couldn’t stay in it with a muscle disease. Then I met a very funny instructor at Ft, Lee and I thought if I used humor like he did maybe I could find a niche for myself. Humor became a part of my leadership style; I have used it in all my presentations. I retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. Humor helped me have a military career even though I was positive I couldn’t do it.

With humor as my partner I ran the travel agency -- another job I didn’t think I could do -- for 25 years.
I bought a small struggling travel agency, a business I knew nothing about. I knew I would have to hire and retain good employees, and once again humor set the tone for my success. Then and now, it relieves tension, enhances relationships, motivates people and creates rapport—it’s a powerful leadership tool. With humor as my partner I ran the travel agency—another job I didn’t think I could do—for 25 years.

.. muscular dystrophy changed my life, humor helped me to overcome it, and speaking gives me the chance to share what I’ve learned with others.
For 40 years I acted as a listener—listening to speakers tell me how to run my business—but had always preferred to be the speaker. In school I joined the debate team; I also conducted military briefings in the army. Over the years I gave keynote speeches at my Armor School graduation at Ft. Knox, at Sunriver Resort’s ten-year anniversary party, at my Kiwanis club’s Past-President’s Day (several times), and at the Portland Downtown Rotary club’s “Wheels of Power” twenty-fifth anniversary luncheon.

I considered the facts that muscular dystrophy changed my life, humor helped me to overcome it, and speaking gives me the chance to share what I’ve learned with others. Now I am a professional speaker. Humor and inspiration—my connection with people—are my speaking strengths. To me it’s an important job because in one way or another, professionally and personally, we all find ourselves face to face with one of life’s challenges.

Clients of The Punchline LLC
International Association of Personnel in Employment Security
National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors
The Masonry Society
Washington Society of Association Executives
Washington Restaurant Association
Oregon Employer Council
Oregon Association of Vocational Special Needs Personnel
Oregon Rental Housing Association
Yamhill County Farm Bureau
Portland Downtown Rotary Club
Portland Community College
Dynic USA Corporation
Mid Columbia Center for Living
Community Action Program East Central Oregon (Capeco)
Oregon Dental Association
Oregon Employment Department
Oregon Women Veterans Conference
Goodwill Industries