Ritch Davidson TOPICS: Team Building Humor Stress Human Resources Creativity FEE CATEGORY:* 5.0k to 10.0k TRAVELS FROM: California Video Profile Program Outlines Testimonials/Client List Request This Speaker

Ritch Davidson: Testimonials / Client List

"The most critical minutes of any convention, regardless of the convention's length, is the first fifteen minutes of the opening session when you introduce a keynote speaker setting a tone and level of enthusiasm for the coming events. Your presentation excelled in every possible category by removing any inhibitions, and prompted our entire audience to come together as you artfully and enthusiastically talked about a universal issue that cuts across gender, socioeconomic levels, personality types, and every other category in which mankind can be placed..."

—Edwin D. Griffin, Jr., CAE,
Executive Director,
Kentucky Municipal League

"We really enjoyed having you open our ASTD Region 5 Conference. Without question, your presentation set the stage for our conference truly being a celebration of learning as the activities you used created an atmosphere of mutual support and learning. People learned that they are important, and that their health and well being are of utmost importance....Ritch, you made a difference in people's lives as your messages were used throughout the rest of the conference...You've won a place in my heart."


—Vicki L. Chvala, Director,
Corporate Training and Development,
American Family Insurance Group

"What a stunning success you were at all three Cunadata meetings. Karen Riley, the very astute meeting planner in Charlotte, tells me that your audience could not stop clapping. She feels that Putting Fun to Work set just the right tone for the meeting. Much was accomplished because everyone got to know one another and to feel a sense of cooperation even before the serious work of the meeting began."


—Joan McCormick,
Joan McCormick and Associates

"You deserve a standing ovation for your presentation at our GEM team kick-off meeting! Thank you for reminding all of us about how to lighten up and have fun at work. Your presentation was timely and very well received. All ratings of your portion of the program were "Very Good" and "Excellent." It was a real pleasure working with you."

—Denise F. Sabeh,
District Manager,
Lucent Technologies Network Systems

Ritch Makes Meetings Come Alive!

"I'm writing to express my sincere thanks to you for speaking at our Manager's Meeting... When I first saw your video over a year ago, I knew you would be perfect for one of our meetings. Trying to infuse employees with joy, happiness and fun isn't an easy task. When you came in to our group, late in the day when the group was tired, I wasn't sure how our employees would react. However, immediately, our employees perked up and participated, as if you shot them with a dose of energy! There was lots of laughter, great ideas thrown around and even a few standing ovations! I received more positive comments about your presentation than any other presentation throughout the meeting. You got people thinking that work can be fun and that we shouldn't wait until the work is done to celebrate. We should celebrate all the time and enjoy! Thanks again, Ritch, for doing such a wonderful job. Our employees and I will never forget you."

—Nancy S. Lempert,
Meeting Specialist,
Pacific Bell Directory

"What can I say — YOU GOT A STANDING OVATION! I was looking for a program that would make them laugh, make them think, and make them leave Palm Springs with a smile on their face. You fit the bill perfectly. Thank you for ending our Spring Management Clinic on such a positive note. Pat yourself on the back for an exceptional job."

—Christie M. Schulte,
Convention Manager,
Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association

"Boy, you sure had them jumping up and down in the aisles at our convention! You were able to get them to play along, interact, have a good laugh, and hear a good message. Ritch, you delivered a great program. I would be glad to recommend you to anyone else."

—Richard W. Strom,
Corporate Secretary,
Farm Equipment Association of MN and SD

"We really wanted to drop you a note of thanks for your wonderful contribution to our meeting. I had the pleasure of observing several standing ovations throughout the conference. You definitely hit the mark! Thanks again!"

—Sara Brunswick,
Manager Communications Planning
and Debi Lewis,
Lucent Technologies Global Marketing Operations

Ritch Builds Teamwork and Community Spirit

"Thank you!...thank you!...thank you! Your outstanding presentation, Putting Fun to Work, was a "big hit" at Duron's Annual Sales Conference. What a super way to provide our 450 management/sales attendees with positive impact, company spirit, enthusiasm, and an opportunity to share valuable and meaningful experiences and ideas."


—Dave Silkwood,
Training Director,
Duron Paints and Wallcoverings

"Thanks again for your presentation to our Management team. Your presentation helped the group regain a sense of perspective and increased the bonds of teramwork as well. More and more examples of ovations (standing and/or sitting), "secret pals," and other lightheartedness are showing up around the workplace."


—Trish Davis,
General Manager,
Everyday Specialty Products,
Ambassador Cards (A division of Hallmark)

"You did it again! Bringing joy and laughter to Make-A-Wish. Thank you for making our National Conference such a success. I have heard so many positive comments about your seminar. I know Make-A-Wish volunteers and staff are more energized to return to their work of service as a result of this conference. We are grateful for the part you have played in it. I look forward to the time when our paths will cross again."

—Theresa Weber,
Manager of Training Programs,
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

"Your session was one of the highest rated at the conference. The amount of audience interaction was outstanding. With your dynamic style, you pushed the audience to see 'outside the box' and to try things that they might normally would not have done. You were able to show them that we all have to be willing to give of ourselves in order to receive—and have fun doing it! Your message inspired and reminded them that while life is hard sometimes you still need to remember that "life is a game—let's play." We look forward to the opportunity to work with you again as we develop future MoAHA programs."

—Mary E. Rackers,
Education Manager,
Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging



Ritch Tailors His Program to Fit Your Needs

"Thank you very much for your excellent presentation at out T.E.A.M. meeting. We were especially impressed by the amount of homework and thought you put in ahead of time to tailor your message to our audience. You hit participation, mutual support, environment, wellness, and safety -- all the key themes important now at Delmarva Power."


—Wallace C. Judd, Manager,
Media Relations and Corporate Communications,
Delmarva Power Company

"...what a tremendous hit you were at our Conference Days. The comments, evaluations and responses from nearly four hundred staff members were overwhelmingly a series of accolades. Your ideas, thoughts, as well as the practical applications of bringing humor and joy into one's job were thoroughly meaninful to all of us. Your presentation and the specific ideas blended into the overall two-day staff development program. Building up in self-esteem and self-worth, along with joy, relaxation and attempting to reduce the stress and tension on the job were folded into an outstanding presentation."


—Seymour W. Blixhorn,
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Services,
Three Village Central School District

"I would like to thank you for your participation and presentation in our quarterly meeting. Although "thanks" hardly seems like an expressive enough word for all the time, effort, and planning that went into your presentation, the "Playfair" approach was exactly what we needed to round out our balance scorecard—focusing on the employee. This truly was one of our outstanding meetings, and it was due in large part to you. You did an excellent job and gave the balance we were looking for... Thanks, Ritch, for everything you did to make our meeting a success."

—Betty Firth,
Planning Analyst,
Central and Southwest Services, Inc.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your effort in helping to make our recent two-day annual meeting a success. We feel very fortunate that we were not only able to have you as our keynote speaker on both days, but you were able to organize, present, and oversee our main group activity. It was obvious from your presentation that you had taken the time to research the Oregon Lottery, and tie your presentation into our meeting's theme "Success Is A Team Sport." It made us feel that you could relate to what we are trying to accomplish at the Lottery. Your professional and positive approach to "Putting Fun to Work" and "The Power of Humor in Business" left us feeling good about ourselves and generated ideas on what we can do to make our workplace a better place. Committee members have heard numerous positive and complimentary remarks regarding your appearance. In other words, you were a hit. ...It's nice to know that we have Ritch Davidson to call on in the future."

—Debbi White
and the entire Annual Meeting Committee,
Oregon Lottery

Ritch's Work Creates Lasting Benefits

"I want to take this opportunity to let you know what a positive impact Playfair has had on our department since our conference last fall. Fun pens have appeared and reappeared over the months. There are some real humorists in our department who were not visible before your visit...I'm writing you of this to let you know that your presentation has made a visible difference to us here at Pacific Bell Directory Human Resources and it is now 'in the culture' On behalf of everyone in Human resources, I want to thank you for the smiles, tools to cope with pressure, and the renewed sense of health and balance your work has for us."

—David K. Crighton, Director,
Management Development & Training
Pacific Bell Directory

"Although it's only been 24 hours since you were here, there is a strong undercurrent of activity that has generated from you presence. A 'ROM' Squad has been formed in theTraining Department and capers are being planned as you read this! My boss' boss sent me a message wondering how we can expand what you began...All in all, Mr Davidson, your being here has sent the HR Group into a tizzy!"

—Michael L. Gordon,
Human Resource Development Specialist,
Raychem Corporation

"What a terrific presentation. You energized the group more than we imagined possible! We hope that, today, your suggestions on "PFTW" are being implemented in Federal Reserve Banks across the country."

—Sallie Weissinger, VP,
Corporate Personnel,
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

"...The consensus of the feedback was extremely positive and many people have brought what they learned from you that day back into the workplace. Additionally, after you left we tackle some pretty controversial and difficult topics in our meeting. By giving you the first part of the meeting to loosen up the audience we clearly saw the return in the form of a very open dialogue and reduced tension. When we got to the Q&A section there was clearly no fear on the part of the participants in asking tough questions or sharing their deepest professional concerns. Thanks again for helping make this meeting such a big success and I look forward to working with you again in the future."

—John Adler,
Vice President Division Services,
Information Systems Division,
Charles Schwab

Ritch Has International Impact

"I thank you madly for your shining visit and inspiring ideas. I am convinced that you are seen in a favourable light in the article. Of course I couldn't tell your story as well as you did yourself. I did my best anyway. I thank you very much."

—Risto Pennanen,
Editor, Fakta,
The Finnish Business Monthly

"Have fun - lyder amerikanernes standard afskedsreplik til hinanden. Uanset om der faktisk venter morsomme begivenheder. Humor skal der til.MenmisforstŒ ikke. MŒlet er naturligvis ganske alvorligt: AT øge kreativiteten og dermed produktionen. At tjene flere penge..."

—Marianne Bom,
writing in Erhverv,
Berlingske Tillden

Clients Include:

• AC Nielson Corporation
• Ad Club Bangalore
• Ad Club Calcutta
• Andersen Consulting
• Anheuser Busch Companies
• American Banking Association
• American Society for Training and Development • AT&T
• Bell South
• Benckiser Consumer Products, Inc.
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield
• Boehringer Ingleheim
• Charles Schwab
• CVS Pharmacies
• Delmarva Power
• DIEU (Denmark)
• Duke Power
• Dupont
• EDS
• Ernst & Young
• Esalen Institute
• The Executive Officer Club
• The Federal Reserve Bank
• Ford Motor Company
• Future Homemakers of America
• GE Capital
• Genentech
• GTE
• Hallmark Cards (Ambassador Division)
• Harry M. Stevens, Inc.
• Hewlett Packard
• Hoffman La-Roche
• H&R Block
• IBM
• International Association of Business Communicators
• JC Penny Life Insurance
• Jostens • Keane, Inc.
• Kentucky Municpal League
• Kirby
• Kuppenheimer
• Lifescan
• Lucent Technologies
• Maritime Tel & Tel
• Master of Quality Seminar, Helsinki
• MCI
• MicroAge
• Miller Brewing Company
• Mortorola
• National Society of Sales Training Executives
• Nike
• Nestlé USA
• National Association of Securities Dealers
• NYNEX
• Pacific Bell
• Pacific Gas & Electric
• Pricewaterhouse Coopers
• Sony
• Sprint
• Sun Microsystems
• U. S. Forest Service
• Visa International
• Wells Fargo Bank

* Please note that while this speaker's specific fee falls within the range posted at the top of this page (for Continental U.S. based events), fees are subject to change without notice. Also note that most celebrity keynotes begin in the $25,000 and up range (most list "Contact for Fee Schedule"). For current fee information or international event fees, please contact your Speakers Platform representative.