I'm not your average Joe…nor do I choose to be. Like everyone I have a story and the purpose of this one is to provide you with my background and experience so you have a better idea of who I am and where I come from.

Mystery Solved

You may be wondering how I came about the name "Big" Joe Stout. Quite simple actually…my father is Joe Stout and I am big. (Some things just seem so obvious don't they?)

I grew up in the great state of Michigan, was a so-so student and played college basketball at a school that was known for its hockey program. I began playing drums at the age of 10 and can still vividly remember the Christmas I got my first drum set….still to this day one of the most magical moments of my life.

I became an entrepreneur at the age of 21 when I partnered with my parents in opening a small deli and ice cream parlor. I had abandoned the idea of becoming a teacher and a coach and focused on learning the intricacies of owning my own business. I worked a lot….usually 80-90 hours per week, and developed the concept into a five store chain with a wholesale bakery, sixty employees, and huge challenges. The day-to-day operation was not something I enjoyed but the opportunity to create and implement ideas was invigorating for me and I realized that my talents were well suited for creative marketing.

During the 17-years I operated and expanded our chain of deli's I became very involved with my community and volunteered my time to help out Big Brothers / Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, and an organization called The Disability Resource Center which provided assistance to help disabled people work their way back into society. It was at that time that I also began speaking to High Schools on behalf of the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce.

Just to keep from getting bored,and to also broaden my perspective on life during that time, I operated a retail music store from my home, started and operated a catering business, turned a 150-year old barn into a 5,500 square foot home, was a partner in a real estate development company, coached youth baseball and basketball, and served on the Board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Oh….and the most important thing I have ever accomplished in my life…having three amazing children…Meryl, Allie and Harry.

Around 1998 I met two very important and influential people who helped me begin to re-shape my outlook on life and put my values in order. They would seem to most to be ordinary people, but to me they were the most amazing people I had ever me, not only for what they had, but more importantly, what they shared.

Contemplating the next newsletter.

These encounters opened a new door for me and I soon began devouring books that took my own personal development to an inspired level of clarity. Life changes when you take responsibility for everything that happens in it.

Over the next few years I pursued my greatest ambitions, specifically motivational speaking and leadership training. There is nothing I enjoy more than sharing my passion and insight with others and seeing the light come on. It is the truest form of satisfaction to know that what I shared in some way opened doors for others and brought them closer to an understanding of who they really are and what their potential presents.

That passion and timing led me to three years as a corporate contract trainer for one of the nation's largest communications companies. I spoke to groups of independent sales agents throughout the country with audiences ranging from 30 to 2,000, and based on surveys of attendees I was recognized as the most effective trainer in the company.

I then moved on to partnering with a group of entrepreneurs who had started an on-line business building resource company. I took over the creative development aspect of the service and performed field training and sales. One of my new favorite chores was creating and developing on-line multimedia presentations and video presentations for a variety of clients. In a three year period of time, I wrote, produced, performed the voice-over, and handled the entire project from beginning to end for over twenty clients.

My main man Harry and me.

In many ways I was living the perfect life. Beautiful family, successful business ventures, nice house and lots of blue sky until a series of events changed my life dramatically, specifically the unexpected passing of my 12-year old son Harry. This life event created new personal challenges that forced me to once again evaluate my life and look deep into the eyes and soul of the decision maker.

The loss of Harry was devastating and required nearly two years to regain my enthusiasm and focus for what I love to do. Although one I would never wish upon anyone, the experience has led me to a new place of understanding and acceptance.

I am excited to share my creativeness, passion, and results oriented approach I am confident will help you achieve more.

Think Big and Prosper….the choice is yours.

Sincerely,

Big Joe Stout