Chad Varga
Author of "If You Only Knew", Miraculous Survivor & Straight Shooter
Growing up in a broken home in the Detroit, Michigan area, Chad learned at a young age that life is sometimes unfair. From early childhood, Chad found himself surrounded by some of life’s cruelest realities. Chad grew up watching his mother violently abuse alcohol and drugs, and basketball soon became his escape from the troubled lifestyle that surrounded him. He was labeled an at-risk kid and should have been a statistic, but instead he beat insurmountable odds and every obstacle before him and …
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Growing up in a broken home in the Detroit, Michigan area, Chad learned at a young age that life is sometimes unfair. From early childhood, Chad found himself surrounded by some of life’s cruelest realities. Chad grew up watching his mother violently abuse alcohol and drugs, and basketball soon became his escape from the troubled lifestyle that surrounded him.
He was labeled an at-risk kid and should have been a statistic, but instead he beat insurmountable odds and every obstacle before him and became a high school All-American in basketball while playing for Detroit’s Catholic Central High School. After high school, Chad went on to star at the University of Pittsburgh where he was a two-time captain and Bell Atlantic Scholar Athlete. After college, Chad realized his dream of playing professional basketball in the European professional leagues where he became an all-star and won the slam-dunk contest his rookie season. Then, at the height of his career, with more money awaiting him than he’d ever imagined, he left it all to pursue a greater purpose: helping others achieve their dreams no matter the odds and obstacles before them.
Today, Chad is the CEO of The Chad Varga Company and has established a national reputation as a communication expert who has an undeniable ability to relate with audiences of all backgrounds. He has spoken to more than 3 million people throughout America and has been a featured guest on many of America’s major television and radio networks. Chad was named one of six up-and-coming leaders in America by New York Times Best Selling Author Dr. John Maxwell and has recently been nominated as one of the REAL Richest People In America for his work with students.
He is the author of two celebrated books: “Bounce: Down is Inevitable, Up is a Choice,” and “If You Only Knew.” He and his wife Kristie make their home in Bradenton, FL and are the proud parents of two incredible children, their son Cameron, and daughter Kiersten.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
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How Trauma Made Me Stronger | Chad Varga Motivational Speech | Goalcast
Chad Varga: Motivational Speaker
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