Keppler Speakers is pleased to announce the addition of former Senator Paul Sarbanes to our exclusive roster. Sarbanes, who served the state of Maryland for over 30 years in the House of Representatives and the Senate, is one of the most influential senators in history. His co-authoring of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act ushered in a new era of corporate responsibility and business transparency in America.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was signed into law in 2002, and was written in response to the many corporate scandals that rocked the business world in the beginning of the 21st century. Following the fall of Enron and Worldcom, and other corporate scandals, consumer, stockholder, and employee confidence was at an all-time low. Many people lost everything they owned, and the public had little trust in Wall Street.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act forced public companies to adopt transparent business practices. The act has been called the most sweeping and significant securities law since the New Deal, and as a result, there is more public trust in business, and scandals are no longer plaguing the corporate landscape.

Senator Sarbanes is available for lectures in 2007. He speaks on the importance of Sarbanes-Oxley, as well as domestic and foreign policy issues. His significant work for the United States has made the country a better place, and most importantly, has emphasized moral and ethical behavior in all levels of business and politics.

Will Smith has recieved an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Keppler Speaker Christopher Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness. The film has grossed over $100 million at the box office since its release in December, and is still one of this year’s top 10 movies.

In this film, Smith portrays Gardner as he struggles to raise his young son as a homeless, single parent. Dedicated to breaking negative cycles, he refuses to give up his son, and instead works hard and pursues his dream of a better life. Gardner’s devotion shows that family is more important than monetary success, and teaches the importance of protecting the ones we love, in spite of the obstacles that stand in our way.

The Pursuit of Happyness has inspired millions of moviegoers with its positive message of hard work and believing in your dreams. Christopher Gardner’s life story shows viewers that by believing in yourself and your abilities, any goal can be achieved. Congratulations to both Will Smith and Christopher Gardner, for bringing this amazing true story to millions.

Christopher Gardner is still available for a select number of speaking engagements in 2007. Please contact your Keppler representative for more information.

Congratulations to Cal Ripken Jr. for his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame! He was elected with 98.5% of the vote, which was the 3rd highest percentage in history. Ripken, who played his entire 21-year career with the Baltimore Orioles, is considered one of the best shortstops to ever play the game. He was the 1982 Rookie of the Year, a 19-time All Star, and a two-time MVP. The most important and well-known of all Ripken’s achievements was “The Streak” of 2,632 games played, breaking Lou Gehrig’s record, and earning him the title of baseball’s “Iron Man.”

Ripken’s involvement in baseball continues, as a part owner of the Aberdeen IronBirds single-A team. He also is the co-founder, with his brother Billy, of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, which gives underprivileged children the opportunity to attend baseball camps and learn the game. The Ripken Baseball League also runs games, clinics, and camps for young players. Ripken is also an author, and his newest book, Get in the Game: 8 Principles of Perseverance that Make the Difference will be released this spring.

Ripken is available for speaking engagements throughout 2007. The “Iron Man” inspires listeners with his story of perseverance and hard work. Once again, Keppler congratulates Cal Ripken Jr. for all of his accomplishments, on and off the field.

Congratulations to Larry Winget, whose latest book, It’s Called Work for a Reason, is now the #2 best-seller on The Wall Street Journal’s business best-seller list, and #14 on their general nonfiction best-seller list. It has also cracked the New York Times Best-Seller List, as the #8 book on the Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous list. The book is also the #1 motivational business book on Amazon.com. The new book’s sales rank above those of business and writing luminaries Stephen R. Covey, Malcolm Gladwell, and Jack Welch. Publisher’s Weekly says that the book is “a refreshing contrast to other career counseling and management books.” Through the book, Winget knocks down preconcieved notions about the business world, showing readers that work isn’t about buzzwords, it’s about effort and doing the best job possible. Winget’s unconventional, confrontational writing style entertainings, enlightens, but most importantly, creates success in readers.

Winget’s first book, the critically-acclaimed Shut Up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life, is also the number 10 best-selling book on the list. Keppler is proud to represent Larry Winget, and we wish him continuing success in all his endeavors.

The Pursuit of Happyness, based on the life of Keppler exclusive Christopher Gardner, is now in theaters! Will Smith portrays Gardner in this inspirational story of overcoming obstacles and breaking cycles. The film has garnered critical acclaim, and Smith has received a Golden Globe nomination for his role.

The movie follows Gardner as he pursues his dream of becoming a stockbroker. As he works to follow this dream, he faces many hardships along the way, including a period of homelessness, all while raising his son as a single parent. Throughout his struggle, Gardner maintains his dedication to his son. As someone who never knew his father, Gardner was determined to be a positive force in his son’s life, and believes that breaking negative cycles is far more important than any monetary success.

Gardner’s story is one of accomplishment, and ultimately, of family. Despite the obstacles he faced in homelessness and parenthood, by pursuing his dreams and never giving up he reached the success he desired. The movie is an excellent portrayal of Gardner’s life, and is an encouraging story of the importance of positive thinking and breaking cycles. Christopher Gardner is available for speaking engagements in 2007. His powerful story will inspire and motivate audiences to strive for excellence and accomplish their goals.