He is also the Co-founder and Principal of The Value Added Institute, a think-tank that explores the role of the customer experience in creating lifelong client loyalty. The work of the VAI has been featured in many national publications, particularly in the financial services industry.

Literally thousands of organizations, readers and audience members have improved their profitability and enhanced their business from Scott McKain's concepts.

Scott McKain’s calling is business – but his passion is the platform. His unique presentations clearly demonstrate he brings something to the platform that isn’t often found in business speakers: personal experience in building and leading companies and dealing with customers and employees.

Many audiences have grown tired of “book reports” – unoriginal material presented by speakers who have little or no practical expertise. Scott has both innovative theories and conceptual framework – as evidenced by his two bestselling business books – and the “in the trenches” viewpoints on execution that can only be found in someone who has been there. And, Scott’s warm, engaging and revealing personal speaking style ensures that audiences will respond and remember.

Professional Qualifications

Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Obsidian Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:OTC:OBSD)

Vice Chairman, Durham Capital Corporation

Obsidian Enterprises, a publicly traded company -- and its private sister corporation Durham Capital -- currently own several companies. These businesses range from luxury buses for some of the nation’s top entertainers to the highly sophisticated trailers for auto racing teams in NASCAR and the IRL; from the hemisphere’s only butyl rubber recycling company to retail financial services – and provides Scott the unique platform of being a business speaker who actually faces the challenges of management and operation of diverse businesses on a daily basis.

Co-founder & Principal
The Value Added Institute

The Value Added Institute is a "think tank" that explores the impact of customer experiences on creating enhanced client loyalty and revenues for visionary organizations. Scott's consulting and presentation work in tandem with Co-founder Bruce Johnston (formerly CEO of a major mutual fund company) -- combined with unique technological delivery and follow-up methods -- has developed a significant client base for VAI, primarily in the financial services industry.

Board of Advisors, National Lampoon, Inc. (NASDAQ:OTC:NLPN)

Scott is part of a select group that serve in a senior advisory capacity for the parent company of the world-famous "National Lampoon."

Chairman, McKain Performance Group

MPG is an association of companies committed to providing exciting educational presentations that stimulate professional and personal growth and enhance customer experiences.

Former Broadcast Journalist and Television Commentator

For eight years two million people watched Scott each week on eighty television stations in U.S., Canada and Australia. He has also been a news anchor for a CBS-TV affiliate in one of the nation's twenty-five largest markets.

Member “Speakers Roundtable”

A select group of just twenty top professional business speakers considered among the best in the world.

Lecturer at Leading Colleges and Universities

Scott McKain has lectured on the campuses of several universities, including UCLA, Purdue University, Pepperdine University, Michigan State University and many more.

Former University Development Executive; Director of Public Affairs and Annual Fund, Franklin College

Contributions to fund doubled in just one year.

Author of Several Highly Successful Books, Audio and Video Programs

ALL Business is Show Business™(reached the #1 spot on Amazon.com’s list of business bestsellers), Just Say Yes! A Step Up to Success, and a contributing author to the popular Only the Best! book series on the topics of customer service, leadership and success.

B.A. in Political Science; Franklin College of Indiana

Graduated in 1979; named one of “Top Ten Seniors;” Student Body President; fellowship in Political Science Studies at the exclusive “Washington Semester Program” at American University, Washington, D.C.

Awards and Accomplishments

Member, Professional Speakers Hall of Fame

Council of Peers Award of Excellence (CPAE) by the National Speakers Association

Considered the "Oscar™" of the speaking industry, this award has been presented to about one hundred speakers, including Ronald Reagan, Colin Powell, Zig Ziglar, Harvey Mackey and Dr. Kenneth Blanchard.

"Hoosier Hero"

Scott McKain was recently named as one of just ten "Hoosier Heroes" from over 7000 nominations. Presented by the Indiana "Dollars for Scholars" program, the award recognizes the best in business and commitment to philanthropy from those hailing from Indiana.

Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) by the National Speakers Association

This is the highest earned designation in professional speaking and recognizes a commitment to ongoing education, proven speaking experience and ethical behavior.

Who's Who Among America's Emerging Leaders

Who's Who in the Midwest

U.S. Jaycees "Outstanding Young Men in America"

Selected by Arnold Schwarzenegger to be the emcee and speaker for the "Great American Workout" held on the White House lawn

In the celebrity-filled audience for Scott's presentation were President Bush, Gen. Colin Powell, Pat Riley, Willard Scott, Dana Carvey, Lee Trevino, Dr. Ruth Westheimer... as well as a national audience on NBC's "Today" show, CNN and C-Span. Scott has continued to appear on the platform numerous times with Mr. Schwarzenegger.

Subject of nationally televised program, "Just Say Yes! A Step Up to Success," hosted by Baseball Hall of Fame member, Jim Palmer

Former Candidate; Secretary of State, State of Indiana

Actor in internationally acclaimed movie, "Stroszek"

Scott's performance was named by the Boston Globe as the “most memorable moment in all of film” for the year. Scott was also recently praised by film critic Roger Ebert in his series of articles entitled "Great Movies" that named the film as one of the all-time cinematic classics.

Other Service:

Scott has served on the:

Board of Directors of the National Safety Council
Alumni Council for Franklin College
As Chairperson of "Hoosier Horizons"--the official Bicentennial project of the State of Indiana
The Governor's Advisory Council for Vocational Education

* 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.