Contact Us

J.R. Martinez

Inspiring Iraq War Veteran, Bestselling Author, Season 13 Winner of Dancing with the Stars, Popular Actor, Motivational Speaker

J.R. Martinez’s touching story of survival leaves audiences inspired, impressed, and in awe of J.D.’s resiliency and aptitude for kindness.

Check Availability

Travels From: California | Fee Range: 20,000 - 30,000

Featured Videos

Speech Topics

None of us knows what we’re capable of until we’re faced with a tough or unexpected challenge. Often this means having to adjust your dream or vision and sometimes event to create an entirely new goal. It can also mean getting through a tough time a week, day, hour or even minute at a time. By focusing on shorter term goals and keeping optimism (and even humor) at the forefront, your entire outlook and perspective can be transformed. We are all stronger and more resilient than we think. In facing challenges and recovering from setbacks, we have new opportunities to develop the unique gifts that have been given to us. It’s about being able to become more what you can envision at the moment.

True potential can only be realized by believing, trusting and not quitting. JR explores the power of goal setting, staying motivated, and developing the perseverance that will get you to your destination. Each fork in the road is a chance to make a decision that will take you either closer or further from your goal. If you choose correctly, there are endless possibilities. And, while keeping focused on your goal is a good thing, you shouldn’t do it to the point of ‘getting stuck.’ JR shows the importance of being open minded to new opportunities and fluid enough to respond to circumstances that, while unexpected, take you further than you ever thought possible.

All of us have the power to make an impact on a life, either positively or negatively. Our words, our actions are powerful. How we treat others not only affects them, it shapes us. And, frankly, why should we do something for someone else? The payoff is bigger than you can imagine. When you use the unique power and gifts you have inside to help others, not only do you benefit, but the person you help can teach you things about yourself in a positive light.

The best things come when we respect ourselves, and others. While we tend to see ourselves as “normal” we should see others as normal in their own way. In their own skin. Be proud of who you are, and recognize that every single person has worth. Every person has something they bring to the table. JR has spent countless hours listening to people through the stories they tell. People can teach you so much if you just listen-accept them for who they are, flaws and all…and that begins with respecting.

As a Latino-American, J.R.’s story goes beyond his time in the U.S. Army. He is the proud son of a single mother from El Salvador, who came to this country out of desperation and to give her child a future. She soon grew to love this country as much as any citizen. She worked hard, gained her American citizenship, and in doing so, she instilled in J.R. the notion of service: service to family, service to community, and service to country. J.R. truly relates to the millions of first generation Latino-Americans who were born with that inherent drive to serve, and to make their world a better place for the next generation. As a proud American citizen and an example of the American dream, J.R. celebrates what is possible in this great country of ours with hard work and a dream. As a proud American citizen and an example of the American dream, J.R. celebrates what is possible in this great country of ours with hard work and a dream.

Biography

J.R. Martinez is a bestselling author, motivational speaker, advocate, wounded U.S. Army veteran, and actor who has been featured on All My Children, Dancing with the Stars, SAF3 and more.

While deployed to Iraq, J.R. hit a roadside bomb while driving and became trapped in his burning vehicle. He suffered smoke inhalation, severe burns, and had to undergo 34 different surgeries including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery in the years following his injury. After a brief visit with another burn patient in recovery, J.R. realized that he’d made a positive impact on this individual and decided to use his own experiences to help others. He continued to visit patients every day, sharing his story and listening to theirs. He learned that inspiration is often a two-way street.

A highly sought-after motivational speaker, Martinez travels the world spreading his message of resilience and optimism. He has spoken to troops at various bases around the world, as well as to groups such as the Clinton Global Initiative, the Red Cross, and dozens of universities, non-profits, and Fortune 500 companies. His New York Times bestselling memoir, Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit, details how he was able to take his personal tragedy and turn it into an inspiration for others, a message he also brings to worldwide organizations. His story is unique, but his message is universal: your path in life is decided by your own ability to adapt and overcome.

"

The consistent professionalism and quality for the way Worldwide Speakers Group handles events shows that they think of each detail and every contingency beforehand.

Newt Gingrich, Distinguished Leader, Visionary, & Political Vanguard; 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate; Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (1995-1999); Best-Selling Author

"

The WWSG team are super responsive and flexible. I will definitely work with them again to find speakers for my next event.

Ernst & Young LLP

"

I hope to work again and again with Worldwide Speakers Group on the selection of our keynote and endnote speakers for our annual conference and other events. Our representative and her associate were terrific from my first communication to them until our speaking-event concluded... It is easy to see why many of the top speakers in the country work with Worldwide Speakers Group.

The National Recreation and Park Association

"

All timing and logistics were seamless, and the client was super engaged and thankful. I’m happy to report that we have another WIN for WWSG! Let’s build on the momentum together!

Josh Linkner, Tech Entrepreneur, Hyper-Growth CEO, NYT Best-Selling Author, Venture Capitalist, and Keynote Speaker

"

We always enjoy working with WWSG, and we thank you and your team for your diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism. Planning is already underway for next year's event (no rest for the weary). We hope to have every opportunity to work with you again in the near future.

Texas American Resources Company

"

“After 20 years in the lecture series business, WWSG has become a valued partner. We produce over 24 speaking events a year and have worked with dozens of agencies. We appreciate WWSG’s unparalleled professionalism, integrity, and creativity in suggesting speakers that are unique to the speaker circuit."

The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California

"

Thanks again for all your help. Your entire team there is truly stellar.

American Property Casualty Insurance Association

"

Everything was buttoned up, from the initial outreach to the event execution and post follow-up. I have a great team of representatives from WWSG to work with, first class experience.

American Century Investments

"

They provide us well-prepared and informed speakers who understand our expectations and unique format. With WWSG, we know that the speaker fees are fair and trust that the event will be a success.

The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California

"

The team at WWSG is certainly at the top of the scale. Building a long-term relationship with the client has really set WWSG apart and we clearly saw that with our partnership. WWSG found creative ways to build the partnership which results in a win-win for all.

Erik Qualman, Top Technology and Motivational Speaker, #1 Bestselling Author & Futurist

Speaker Resources

Check Availability

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Subscribe to the WWSG newsletter.

Check Availability

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

0
Speaker List
Share My List