We at Premiere Speakers pride ourselves on our hard work to make booking speakers a breeze for you, but that doesn't mean we don't like to have a little fun along the way.
Click on a profile below to learn more about the different personalities behind Premiere. We have offered up ten fun and insightful facts about each member of our crew. You will also find one lie buried in the list. If you are curious as to which fact is a lie, or if you believe you know which it is and want to double check, email them to find out the truth.
Duane Ward
(615) 261-4000 x1015 |
Duane Ward, founder of Premiere Speakers Bureau comes to this profession from many years in public relations and marketing. Raised in Florida, schooled in Missouri, and holding positions in Michigan, Texas, and Virginia before moving to Nashville to begin Premiere, Duane loves the challenge of building a loyal client base for the bureau. "Great Speakers and Customer Service are the keys," he says of the future of Premiere and the industry. Duane and Kathy have two children and four grandsons who have the full attention of their doting grandparents!
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Duane that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Duane to find out.
1. The grandfather of four boys
2. Was on an episode of TV series "Wings" in 1991
3. Lived in seven states
4. Play the piano
5. Been a pilot for 12 years
6. Been married for 28 years
7. Bono recently ate lunch at our next door neighbor's house.
8. Have a theology degree
9. Have 4 million plus miles on my body
10. Spend one week per month in China
11. First vehicle I drove was a bus
Brandon Arora
Faith & Non-profit Events
(615) 261-4000 x1010 |
Brandon draws from his many years in the entertainment industry to provide truly excellent service to our speakers and clients. His desire to help those around him extends beyond his work environment to his efforts to affect his local community through his church’s outreach ministries. He, along with his wife and 3 children, strive to be a positive influence to those around them.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Brandon that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Brandon to find out.
1. Met his wife at a concert
2. Has ran sound for Peter Frampton
3. Plays the drums
4. Has been featured on a Reality TV show
5. Loves to eat sushi
6. Was Injured playing racquetball
7. Can hold his breath for over one minute
8. Is an avid chess player
9. Loves riding roller coasters with his kids
10. Can hear extremely high pitch frequencies
11. Is a big fan of Fantasy Football
Ryan Giffen
K-12 & University Events
(615) 261-4000 x1018 |
Watch an Introductory Video
I was born and raised in Dallas, TX... enough said. Danica and I have two amazing sons: Will who is 4, and Eli, born on Jan. 5th, 2012. My best days will likely include wrestling with Will, changing Eli :), eating Chicago style pizza (or any pizza) and enjoying some good ESPN highlights. An interesting fact about myself is that I have traveled to 23 countries and once lived in a thatched roof mud hut for 3 weeks... on purpose.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Ryan that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Ryan to find out.
1. I'm a pro at wrapping gifts.
2. I play guitar... horribly.
3. I never learned to play the banjo.
4. I played college baseball...
5. I have been to 24 countries... strangest country - Estonia.
6. I don't go by my first name.
7. I am a state champion vocalist.
8. I do not know the first thing about Tweeting, but I do it anyway.
9. I am related to Thomas Jefferson, Daniel Boone, and King Robert the Bruce of Scotland.
10. I have bungee-jumped over Victoria Falls.
11. I have never made a hole in one.
Shawn Hanks
Associational & Political Events
(615) 261-4000 x1011 |
Watch an Introductory Video
Shawn Hanks adds experience in multiple fields to Premiere Speakers. Over the course of eleven years, he has gained valuable experience assisting associations, benefit events and faith-based organizations. Shawn is an avid football and basketball fan. He and Heather are P90x'ers. (Yes, he knows it is obnoxious to bring it up.)
He is a frequent reader and a musician. One of his passions is orphan care - primarily in Ethiopia. He serves on the board of Project 61 (p61.org,) and he and Heather often travel to Ethiopia to assist the organization.
As native Texans, Shawn and Heather have enjoyed living in Southeast and Central Texas and, currently, Middle Tennessee. They are the proud parents of Mia (8), Ethan (6), Ella Kate (4) and Ava (2.)
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Shawn that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Shawn to find out.
1. sdrawkcab gnitirw ta doog yrev ma I - I am very good at writing backwards
2. My first car accident occurred two hours after I got my license.
3. I help run a humanitarian organization - Project 61 (p61.org)
4. My wife and I have completed P90X twice.
5. I ate a bowl of gravy on a dare. I spent the $70 dollars on donuts.
6. High school graduation stats - 6 foot, 3 inches....168 lbs.
7. I have a degree in music and play piano.
8. I cannot dive or do a flip on a trampoline.
9. If I could meet with one living person, it would be Conan O'Brien.
10. I have never eaten an apple.
Brian Lord
Corporate Events
(615) 261-4000 x1005 |
Watch an Introductory Video
Since January, 2000, Brian has served as Senior Vice President. Prior to Premiere, Brian was with the William Morris Agency as well as his own agency. He has been interviewed on the BBC, been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and multiple industry publications, and has presented at the National Speakers Association Annual Conference. Brian has been a member of both the Technology Committee (07-09) and Continuing Education Committee (06-07) for the International Association of Speakers Bureaus. He married his wife Krista in April, 2001, and they have enjoyed establishing their home in Franklin, Tennessee with their two daughters Brooklyn and Sydney. In his free time, Brian competes in triathlons and marathons, and enjoys art, reading and history quite a bit, too. Brian graduated with a degree in political science from DePauw University.
www.twitter.com/premierebrian
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Brian that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Brian to find out.
1. Started shaving at age 11
2. Can do any job at Home Depot.
3. Used to draw a cartoon strip that was read in 3 countries
4. Wishes he was an Indiana Jones- Jason Bourne hybrid
5. Wants to visit every continent
6. Training for a half Ironman triathlon
7. Cannot roller- or ice-skate
8. Ancestors sold West Point to George Washington
9. Mistakenly thought he invented "The Running Man" in 1989
10. Got certified as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
11. First business was designing and selling paper airplanes (10 cents each) at age 8
Michael Smallbone
Meeting Planners & International Events
(615) 261-4000 x1030 |
Watch an Introductory Video
Michael has been with Premiere for seven years, and has in that time developed a specialized knowledge of speakers in the areas of Healthcare & International Business. He additionally works with third party event planners, and assists them in creating speaker proposals for their variety clients.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Michael that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Michael to find out.
1. I ride a Harley.
2. I have a Doctorate Degree
3. I explored Israel with Neil Armstrong
4. My great great grandfather invented the free spinning bicycle wheel 3 months after someone else..
5. I have spent 1/3 of life in the USA.
6. I have completely restored an antique british car
7. I first moved to the USA to study in Illinois
8. I used to be a drummer
9. I love to build things
10. I have been to every state in the continental USA at least twice.
11. I am left handed, but play golf, baseball right handed.
Lisa Faber
(615) 261-4000 x1007 |
Watch an Introductory Video
As an Event Guru, Lisa works with both clients and speakers in handling the details and logistics of their events, helping to ensure that each event booked will be a success for everyone involved. Lisa has one teenage son (Micah) and spends her time between the Nashville area and her small farm located in rural northwest Alabama. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her son, reading, playing board games, running, and traveling as much as she can.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Lisa that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Lisa to find out.
1. I have lived in ten different U.S. states.
2. I played bass guitar in a band in high school.
3. I own three dogs and four cats.
4. When I was nineteen, I bought a one-way ticket and moved to Cancun, Mexico with $200 in my pocket and no idea how to speak Spanish.
5. I participated in my first marathon this year.
6. I once spilled a cranberry juice cocktail on a famous person's white shirt and was immediately surrounded by security personnel.
7. I own a small side-business where I make and sell hot/cold therapy wraps at local craft shows and markets throughout the southeast.
8. I have eaten oxtail, squirrel and rattlesnake; surprisingly, they all taste very similar!
9. I went to Bible College and graduated as the Salutatorian of my class.
10. I've been on safari in Africa when a rhino charged at our open-air jeep.
11. A life dream of mine has always been to travel to Israel and walk where Jesus walked.
Ken Fitzpatrick
(615) 261-4000 x1035 |
Ken came to Premiere with six years of experience in the transportation industry. After graduating college, Ken began his own company providing ground transportation to schools, churches and nonprofit organizations. Ken now handles the transportation for book tours and speaking engagements that require considerable ground transport. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Ken now lives in Nashville and enjoys biking, traveling and reading.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Ken that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Ken to find out.
1. My first car was nicknamed "Thunder Chicken" (1980 yellow Thunderbird)
2. I'm an Oakley snob.
3. I have traveled all 50 states by bus.
4. I am a cousin of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Hal Holbrook, and the Hatfields (fought the McCoys).
5. My first job was at Wendy's.
6. I played Capt. von Trapp in a college production of The Sound of Music.
7. I survived 15 years of piano lessons.
8. I have lived half my life in Columbus, Ohio and the other half in Nashville, TN.
9. My favorite places to visit are California, New York City, tropical islands, and Paris.
10. I love playing cards and board games.
11. I detest Cicadas.
Heather Rawdon
(615) 261-4000 x1006 |
Watch an Introductory Video
Heather has been praised by many top CEOs, Presidents of Universities, and industry leading meeting planners around the world for her dedication toward making sure each event is a success and every expectation of both speaker and client are accurately communicated to every party involved.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Heather that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Heather to find out.
1. My favorite time of day is the morning.
2. I hate to put my hand in a potato chip bag... I don't like to get crumbs on my knuckles... I have to put the chips in a bowl.
3. I only like vanilla ice cream.
4. I love to paint... not pictures, I'm not artistic.. I love to paint walls..
5. I L-O-V-E doing laundry!!!
6. I like clean floors... I get upset if I walk around bare-footed and get something on the bottom of my feet.
7. One of my favorite times in my life was planting tomatoes with my grandmother.
8. I do not camp..I'm a firm believer if you can't upgrade, then stay home.
9. If I won the lottery... I'd open up my own no-kill animal shelter.
10. The last time I was in London, I had the opportunity to sing at a small pub with Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone!! AMAZING!
11. My dream car is a 67 Shelby GT500.
Josh Smallbone
(615) 261-4000 x1040 |
Josh has been traveling for many years domestically and internationally. His traveling experience helps Premiere Speakers when planning logistics for speakers. Josh's expertise in book publishing also assists in making books a part of most speakers events.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Josh that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Josh to find out.
1. I was born in Sydney, Australia
2. I have travelled to 40 countries around the world
3. I have been to every state in America
4. I have legible handwriting.
5. I can run 40 yards in 4.7 seconds
6. I come from a family of 7 kids and have over 25 first cousins
7. I spend 150+ days of the year on the road
8. I was homeschooled...
9. I was a Madden 2002 Tournament Champion
10. I am a grown man and wear a size small
11. My childhood pet was a goat.
Carl Ware
(615) 261-4000 x1045 |
Watch an Introductory Video
Carl has expanded the definition of "Event Guru" at Premiere in his two years on staff. He has led initiatives to create a more client friendly process, successfully advanced events for hundreds of speakers in many countries and diverted potential event disasters by acting quickly to rebook speakers flights after last minute cancellations and venue changes.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Carl that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Carl to find out.
1. I had two "hole-in-ones" in a single golf tournament.
2. Married my childhood sweetheart.
3. While playing basketball for my high school's team, I shot on the wrong goal. Thankfully I'm so bad that I missed!
4. I like planning trips more than taking them.
5. Although I can't, I like love singing.
6. Once held the role of gourmet ice cream chef where I invented many delicious flavors.
7. I used to dream of being a horse farmer, until one day when I had a chance to actually work on a horse farm...
8. Favorite sport ever, was rowing crew in college.
9. I was classically educated in high school.
10. I live in Nashville, but I hardly ever listen to music.
11. Buying a fixer-upper is not as much fun as it looks on TV.
Jeanne Bergstrom
(615) 261-4000 x1008 |
Jeanne came to Premiere Speakers in August of 2005. She brings several years of accounting experience in the convention, exhibit & health care industry with her. She loves outdoor activities,traveling and being with family & friends. She is a Nashville native and now lives in Franklin.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Jeanne that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Jeanne to find out.
1. Sang on the radio at age 7
2. While snowboarding in Breckenridge, I fell and broke my arm.
3. Enjoy visiting grave yards to see the old headstones and how old their are.
4. Purposely threw a guide out of the boat on the Ocoee river. ( he was doing a lousy job!)
5. I stranded in the snow for a couple of days while on Spring Break. National Guard air dropped food.
6. Learn to play guitar at age 10
7. Helped chaperone 300 kids for Band Trip to Orlando
8. Tip Toed away from a bear in Glacier State Park, Alaska.
9. Went dog sledding in Alaska
10. Have my Scuba license
11. Drove a John Deere front loader
Brian Moyer
(615) 261-4000 x1017 |
Brian brought a diverse background to his seat in the Accounting Department in 2010. While his resume contains phrases such as Business Degree, Controller, and Inventory Management, he's most proud of working to earn titles of Christian, Husband, and Father. He lives in Franklin with his wife Carla and daughter Kenna.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Brian that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Brian to find out.
1. I ran a 4:30 mile in High School
2. I am ordained and certified to marry people in the State of TN (and I have!)
3. I played guitar in a heavy rock band
4. I participated in Hands Across America
5. I used to have sleep apnea so bad I had to get throat surgery
6. I got a full ride academic scholarship to college
7. I once drank a whole gallon of milk on a bet
8. I love pistol shooting
9. I had a nickname of "Dante" for years. In fact, many people didn't even know my real name
10. I finished the rubix cube. Once.
11. I used to supe up turbo charged cars and street race. Without breaking the speed limit or any other law, of course.
Sherry Olson
(615) 261-4000 x1014 |
Sherry came to Premiere Speakers in 2004 after working for 16 years in the entertainment industry. Originally from Michigan, Sherry has also lived in Boston, Massachusetts, and Los Angeles, California. She now oversees all accounting functions for Premiere. Sherry and her husband, Steve, live in Franklin, Tennessee. They have two sons, Eric and Craig.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Sherry that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Sherry to find out.
1. I have read at least a book a week since I learned to read.
2. I LOVE doing laundry.
3. I want to get my handgun carry permit.
4. I have cooking shoes.
5. I love gardening and working in the yard.
6. I was a lifeguard.
7. I am OCD about parking perfectly between the lines.
8. I enjoyed scuba diving.
9. I was a candy striper for the Red Cross.
10. I am a spelling bee champion.
11. My favorite sound is laughter.
Jennifer Lain
(615) 261-4000 x1000 |
I was born in Texas and lived in Houston for over 19 years. I have been married for 25 years with 2 college aged kids. I am a certified teacher and taught in Texas and Tennessee before moving career paths to Premiere Speakers Bureau. In my free time I love to play piano, read, cook, and spend time with my family.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Jennifer that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Jennifer to find out.
1. I taught piano to a non-verbal autistic student
2. My favorite color is blue
3. "People.. not things" is one of my mantras
4. I am a decent pianist and vocalist
5. I love birds - they sing everyday
6. I am a writer and have a website for parents
7. My favorite food is sushi
8. Forbidden laughter is my favorite (aka: I laughed way too much in church when I was a kid)
9. I was in 12 different schools by the 10th grade
10. I am a teacher - piano, voice and general education
11. I love to cook (& eat!)
Josh Smallbone
(615) 261-4000 x1040 |
Josh has been traveling for many years domestically and internationally. His traveling experience helps Premiere Speakers when planning logistics for speakers. Josh's expertise in book publishing also assists in making books a part of most speakers events.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Josh that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Josh to find out.
1. I was born in Sydney, Australia
2. I have travelled to 40 countries around the world
3. I have been to every state in America
4. I have legible handwriting.
5. I can run 40 yards in 4.7 seconds
6. I come from a family of 7 kids and have over 25 first cousins
7. I spend 150+ days of the year on the road
8. I was homeschooled...
9. I was a Madden 2002 Tournament Champion
10. I am a grown man and wear a size small
11. My childhood pet was a goat.
Grant Weaver
(615) 261-4000 x2009 |
I was Born and raised in Colorado until the age of seven. My Family and I moved to Nashville in 1993. I have spent most of my life in Nashville besides, four years in Chattanooga, TN, where I attended UTC, and One year spent in Florida.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Grant that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Grant to find out.
1. I took Racquetball classes in college
2. I have slept on an Air-mattress for the past 6 years
3. I stole a pack of Golf tees when I was 5yrs old
4. I am scared of heights
5. I played Baseball for 11 years
6. I despise Mayonnaise
7. I once saved a family of Koala Bears from a Crocodile attack in the Mississippi River.
8. I love to chew on ice
9. I traveled to Machu Picchu
10. The first concert I ever saw was Hanson
11. I hate Hanson
Alex Kranzusch
Marketing & Web Content
(615) 261-4000 x1020 |
Alex was born and raised in Montgomery, AL. He went on to study Graphic Design at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Alex is a sucker for nostalgia and is used to people mispronouncing his last name. Alex is proudly the newest member to the Creative department, joining the team in late 2011.
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Alex that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Alex to find out.
1. I played football and baseball in high school.
2. I moved to Nashville the first day of the 2010 flood.
3. I am a huge fan of Auburn University athletics.
4. I have never been to another country.
5. I once tugged on Ray Charles' pant leg as an infant.
6. I was on math team in middle school.
7. I have seen every episode of Full House at least 15 times.
8. I have starred in two music videos as the grieving/cheating boyfriend.
9. I am a retired, semi-professional skysurfer.
10. My mom was my teacher in the 6th grade.
11. I am a huge fan of awkward, offbeat comedy.
Anthony Lassiter
Information Technology
(615) 261-4000 x1023 |
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Anthony that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Anthony to find out.
1. I come from a long lineage of pastors and missionaries
2. I lived overseas for most of my early childhood
3. I have 3 younger sisters
4. I used to run a business called Flying Squirrel Media
5. I used to speak French fluently
6. I had a house fire in 2009
7. I'm a big fan of Monopoly
8. I like discovering new places to eat
9. Blueberry donuts are my favorite
10. My starbucks drink is a Half-Caff, Two Pump White Mocha Americano
11. I worked for Apple Computer for two weeks
Chris Yount
Information Technology
(615) 261-4000 x1016 |
Chris was born on the East Coast of the US, traveled extensively, saved a puppy from a runaway train and then (the only obvious follow up to saving a puppy) joined the Premiere family as a designer and developer. Chris runs the Creative and IT/Development departments, and spends his free time searching for new adventures with his wife Chrystal (and yes, they are well aware of how confusing it is being Chris and Chrys Yount).
10 TRUTHS AND A LIE
Here are 10 facts about Chris that you may not know...and one lie. Want to know which one isn't true? Chris to find out.
1. I am an accomplished pianist.
2. I broke my arm for the first time in kindergarten, and it's been all downhill from there.
3. I once covered a Yankees and Rays game for a Florida newspaper - press box, post-game interviews and all.
4. In high school I could dunk a basketball.
5. I started reading Dumas and Dostoyevsky in grade school (my mother was a librarian).
6. I can't whistle.
7. One of my favorite countries to visit is Slovenia.
8. When I was four I introduced my parents by tugging on the leg of a stranger my mom said was cute and told him "my mom's looking for a new husband."
9. I have driven from from the West Coast to the East Coast in one trip.
10. I've blown a tire in the middle of the desert while driving across the country and been stuck for hours.
11. I have the same middle name as my brother, dad and granddad.