Rod Retherford’s story will delight and inspire beyond your expectations. Re-new and inspire your people by bringing Rod to you soon. To inquire on speaking engagements please click on Rod’s image below or e-mail us at rod@rodspeaks.com.

Rod Retherford certainly held the interest of our students. His message of "YES YOU CAN" by believing in yourself, living everyday with a positive attitude and the stories he told to support his message really were meaningful to our teenage audience. Rod is able to relate to a large group of students on a very personal level. After the presentation, several students wanted to stay and talk with Rod and
share experiences with him.

Rod's simple message, told over and over again, made it easy for our staff members to follow-up and refer to the points he made. This was a very worthwhile presentation, given by someone with real heart and passion.

Sue Horton, Superintendent
Mitchell School District, Mitchell, OR


Rod Retherford was the keynote speaker at the 2009 Career Pathways Conference hosted by Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton Oregon. His personal story is truly inspiring and he is definitely someone you want your students to hear. Rod's highly motivational speech left the hundreds of high school students in attendance with a very strong belief that they can overcome any barriers and succeed if they keep a positive attitude, never give up, follow their dreams and always believe in themselves.

John Turner, President
Blue Mountain Community College, Pendleton, OR

 

The battles, both personal and physical, that Rod had to overcome are incredible.  Rod's message of self-belief and determination captivated our students. It's been almost four months since Rod spoke to our student body, but I still hear students talking about Rod and the message he left them with.

Jim Reeve, Teacher/Athletic Director,
Obsidian Middle School, Redmond, OR


Rod's Power Point^® presentation really connected with our youth at the 9th Annual Northwest Regional Summit on Youth at Lewis Clark State College in Lewiston Idaho. His personal story about your choices and overcoming obstacles made it real to students. They realized that they may not always have control over what happens to them but they do have control how they respond. Teaching them the importance of self belief, to never give up on themselves and always stay positive was invaluable.   

Carmel Donohue, RCAP Director
Clarkston School District, Clarkston, WA


Rod's story of overcoming obstacles in life through hope, determination, commitment and hard work inspires audiences of all ages. His open, heartfelt life story both engaged and resonated with our small town adolesent youth. His plain-speaking "from the heart" delivery touches in a powerful way that reinforces his message of perserverance and the importance of positive attitude while negotiating some of the tough challenges and choices life offers.  

Dan Button, Lt Col USMC (Ret)
Community Substance Abuse Prevention Leader
Asotin-Anatone Healthy Youth Community Coalition, Asotin, WA


As a WSU graduate I remember hearing about the unfortunate incident regarding Rod being accidentally shot, however I was not aware of the numerous obstacles that Rod had overcome to that point. While attending a Cougar football game last fall I saw Rod’s book, bought it, and brought it home to read. After finishing the book I was determined to contact Rod and inquire about him speaking to our students, many whom have obstacles of their own to overcome. Rod’s straightforward message; “believing in yourself and continual effort in spite of what others may say” seemed to resonate with many students. Rod was a living example of what can be accomplished when you believe in yourself. Thanks Rod for sharing your message with our students and Go Cougs!!

Douglas Johnson, Superintendent/Athletic Director
Dayton High School, Dayton, WA