Curtis believed at an early age that you can change your own destiny and should follow your passion. Growing up in Los Angeles, California, he started his career at the age of 12. Curtis would escape his home life to go to Old Towne Mall spending hours watching the performers. He was also not a stranger to the local recreation center’s dance contest floor often winning with his mechanical robot and break-dancing routines. Because of this he quickly made a connection with the mimes that performed regularly at the mall. Curtis would follow mimes "Tommy and Katie" every weekend and then skateboard home spending hours mimicking and practicing their routines. One day, he mustered up the courage to show them his robot routine. Tommy was a REAL person and saw the gifts Curtis had inside. He wanted the mall management to bring Curtis onto the mall’s roster of performers. When they would not, Tommy offered to pay Curtis $5.00 an hour to perform on the weekends. He told the mall management to take it out of his pay but "don’t tell Curtis". At a young age, Curtis was blessed with mentors that changed his life.

How would a mime and a juggler become an inspirational speaker? Curtis was a nationally recognized mime performing at such notable places as Universal Studios-Hollywood, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and performing arts centers coast to coast. He took to the seas, performing on cruise ships traveling all over the world. When he settled back on land, his energy shifted to students and then teachers where he shared his art form helping teachers incorporate the arts into their curriculum enabling them to better reach the hard to reach students. He became a highly sought out consultant for arts in education as well as an inspirational speaker for teachers and administrators. Curtis’ performances touched the heart, inspired staff to embrace the challenges that they faced daily and empowered them to see the difference their lives can make to that of a child.

The word spread. Community and college leaders embraced his message and began to bring him to their organizations to share his dynamic message. His unique approach and his delivery were unlike others they had seen before.

Curtis used his varied life experience as well as his background and training as a performer to evolve his message into an award winning keynote: Living Life at Performance Level. He uses the metaphor of the stage and talks about "casting your show wisely" and "being the star of your own show". This message which started with the students and teachers in the schools easily transitioned to corporations large and small.

Audiences connect with Curtis through his interactive style and approachable manner. He uses his past experiences to show how he is a real person just like everyone else. He is very passionate about what he does and what he believes. If you ask Curtis how he is doing, he always responds with "Living the dream!"

While Curtis is busy traveling around the country inspiring audiences, he tries to carefully balance what is most important to him: his family. Curtis lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife of fifteen years and their three children- 5 and under! He loves golfing and hunting for unique collectibles but if you read the last sentence you can guess that he hasn’t had much time to do enjoy these things-lately.

Curtis at a glance:

• 2005 National Leadership Award for outstanding service from U.S. Congressman Tom Reynolds
• Founder and President of The Character Institute
• Author and business consultant
• Universal Studios Entertainer of the Year
• Nominated by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities for Speaker of the Year
• NCAA Certified Speaker
• Member of the National Speakers Association

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