What do you Want your Legacy to Be?
-Lee Kemp is a keynote speaker, educator, author and seminar presenter who has spoken in athletic and non-athletic settings in the US as well as internationally.
-Known as one of the greatest wrestlers in United States history, Lee was an Olympian in 1980 and was one of the coaches for the 2008 Olympic Freestyle Team, was America’s first 3x World Champion (1978, 1979, 1982),and for 38 years was the youngest American World champion at age 21 when he won his first title in 1978.
Wrestling at the University of Wisconsin, Lee was a 4-time NCAA finalist and a 3-Time NCAA Champion, and holds the 2nd longest Winning Streak in Division I Collegiate history with an unbeaten string of 101 consecutive matches.
As an 18-year-old, true Freshman, a split referee’s decision kept Lee from being the first 4-time NCAA Champion in US history.
As an 18-year-old college sophomore Lee defeated the legendary Dan Gable in his last competitive match at the Northern Open in November 1975 when Dan was making a comeback attempt for the 1976 Olympic Games.
Lee is one of five Americans inducted to the International Wrestling Hall of Fame.
-Lee is an entrepreneur with an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is the subject of a film documentary on his life scheduled for release in summer of 2018.
-He is a frequent, on-air commentator, for ESPN and other cable networks providing analysis for major wrestling events.
-Lee has worked for several Fortune 500 companies in New York, a major Chicago advertising agency and for 14 years owned and operated a successful Ford Automobile Dealership in Forest Lake, Minnesota.
The following is a quote from a recent speaking engagement: "Leaders as well as winners are a rare breed. The ability to communicate what it takes to be a leader and a winner is also a rare talent. Lee Kemp is a member of both exclusive clubs. Alternatively stated, Lee has been there and done that in the field of excellence both as a wrestler and as a motivational speaker"
Testimonials - - - “I have organized well over 100 conferences, events and roundtables over the years. The speakers and panelists have included Nobel Prize recipients in economics, self-made billionaires, chairpersons, CEO's and presidents of major U.S. corporations, senior investment management of hedge funds, private equity funds, chief investment officers of corporate and public pension funds and world class athletes. Lee Kemp, a three time NCAA champion and three world champion in free style wrestling is one of my top dozen all time speakers. This is because of the relevant content of his message, his enthusiasm and his ability to motivate the audience. Leaders as well as winners are a rare breed. The ability to communicate what it takes to be a leader and a winner is also a rare talent. Lee Kemp is a member of both exclusive clubs. Alternatively stated, Lee has been there and done that in the field of excellence both as a wrestler and as a motivational speaker. Lee Kemp is highly recommended as a winner.” - James L. Bicksler, Professor, Finance and Economics, Rutgers University.
“The ability to communicate what it takes to be a leader and a winner is also a rare talent. Lee Kemp is a member of both exclusive clubs. Alternatively stated, Lee has been there and done that in the field of excellence both as a wrestler and as a motivational speaker. Lee Kemp is highly recommended as a winner.” - Terry Shockley, President, The Shockley Group.
“When I needed a dignitary from our sport to represent us articulately and to a wide audience there was one individual that stood out. Lee Kemp is universally respected as a person and as a communicator. His record as an athlete in a sport that attracts the most competitive athletes is sterling... but his reputation as someone that understands how to motivate others in all walks of life is equally impressive. Last May, in the run up to the 2008 Olympic Trials, I chose Lee Kemp to be on a press conference panel held at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Media covering the event included the New York Times, Forbes, The Star Ledger, ESPN, CBS and others. To hear Lee Kemp speak about overcoming disappointments and challenges was inspiring. As three-time world champion, but also a victim of the 1980 U.S. boycott of the Olympic Games, Lee was not afforded the opportunity to represent America on the Olympic stage. To me that IS the definition of disappointment. Lee has a platform few others can speak to. Hearing Lee Kemp express how he was able to overcome the anger and frustration is a story that cannot be forgotten. This is just one example of a life filled with unusual circumstances. What is refreshing is that Lee assumes everyone has unusual circumstances... which they do... which is why when he speaks he is so unanimously effective. Once our Olympic Team was selected in June, USA Wrestling flew our three Olympic Teams to NYC for the Fuel the Dream media tour. There are nine coaches assigned to these three teams... but we only needed one to represent our great sport in the public eye! For two days it was a constant series of interviews and appearances. After each interaction with the media or institution (Lee rang the NYSE Closing Bell among many other things) one common theme was heard, Lee Kemp is a genuine and impressive human being!” - Larry Nugent, Director of Development, USA Wrestling (USOC NGB).
“I had the distinct pleasure of listening to Lee Kemp provide the keynote speech at the 2008 Georgia State Champions banquet, and annual gathering of all Georgia state wrestling champions. As you might expect, Lee's background in wrestling gave him a unique perspective regarding his target audience, and his wrestling accolades gave him instant credibility. Additionally, Lee's delivery was clear, concise, and he was able to grab the attention of his audience, and successfully hold it over the course of his speech. His speech was very motivating, both from a wrestling a personal perspective, and several of the audience members came up to me afterward and remarked to me how much they enjoyed Lee's speech. I would wholeheartedly recommend Lee for any speaking engagements, and hope that I have the occasion to engage him again.” - Shawn Fields, Former Chairperson, Team GA Wrestling.
