Bob Bardwell

Bob was injured in a heavy construction accident in July of 1973 which left him paralyzed from the waist down. He has taken the "attitude of gratiude" and has become a national motivational speaker over the past 18 years. His two legs have been replaced by 65 wheels which makes Bob the perfect fit for the saying, “where there is a wheel, there is a way”.

His audiences include schools, businesses, corporations, churches, conventions, workshops, banquets, colleges, and prisons. His presentations promote courage, perseverance and hope.

Presentation Titles:

“Winning Isn’t Always First Place” (appropriate for schools)

“The Marathons of Life”

“It’s Not What Happens To You, It’s What You Do About It”

“Doing Your BEST”

Accomplishments:

Named the 2010 'All-Stars Among Us' by People Magazine and the Minnesota Twins. The program recognizes people who serve their community in extraordinary ways.
Recipient of the National Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award in 2010. Traveled to Washington DC to receive the award.
In 1976 Bob founded the Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Inc., a non-profit youth ranch serving over 20,000 people each year.
Established the Castner Riding Arena and Equestrian Center at Ironwood.
Founder and host of The National Wheelchair Sports & Recreation Camp, which over 1000 campers have attended over 22 years.
Completed 100 marathons in his wheelchair.
Raced in over 200 races pushing his wheelchair over 10,000 miles.
Authored the inspirational/motivational book entitle, “The Marathons of Life”.
Bob and his wife, Jode have four daughters: Hannah, Lydia, Elizabeth and Abigail.
Bob and the girls make up a singing group called “The Joyful Noise”.

Recent Speaking Opportunities:

IBM United Way Kickoff – Rochester, MN
Brooklyn Park Evangelical Free Church – Brooklyn Park, MN
Wisconsin County Code Administrators Conference - Wisconsin Dells, WI
Knudson Construction – Mpls, MN
Mason City Public Schools – Mason City, IA
United Parcel Service Headquarters – Mpls, MN
World Vision – Mpls, MN
United Methodist Church – Caledonia, MN
State of Minnesota Jail Conference – Mankato, MN
Senasac Fertilizer Corp – Indianapolis, IN
Mayo Clinic LPN Conference – Rochester, MN
Citicorp (Primerica) Convention – Wisconsin Dells, WI