Biography of Art Holst

A legend in the speaking industry, Art Holst's broad background provides the foundation for his messages of inspiration and humor. Art was a salesman with Harlan E. Moore & Company, a building materials business for 10 years. He was a member of the Economic Security Committee of the United States Chamber of Commerce. For 12 years, he worked as an Administrator of the Forest Park Foundation on park and recreation development, physical medicine and rehabilitation, housing for the elderly and other creative programs aimed at community betterment.
As an infantry captain in World War II, he learned how to educate, train and motivate troops to react to challenging times. Art is best known for his humor and as a "Sunday Zebra" officiating for the National Football League for 15 years. He officiated 4 Championship games and 2 Super Bowls. Art currently serves on the supervisory staff as an observer, rating college officials' field performance, and he is the author of Sunday Zebras.

Art's also been a successful salesman, administrator, and civic leader. These days, he criss-crosses the country as a seasoned professional speaker, entertaining audiences with clean, rib-tickling humor and inspiring tales of excellence.

When Art Holst talks, people laugh...and listen, whether the focus is on NFL anecdotes or stories about business. Art's talks appeal to audiences of any age, sex, and interest. The secret is in the preparation. He custom-tailors his remark to your organization, trade terminology and all.

What goes into an Art Holst speech? Lots of good, clean humor interspersed with a highly targeted, motivational message. One of his favorite themes is "The Challenge of Excellence," drawn from personal experiences during his long career in business, sports, and civic affairs.

His speeches deal with handling change, problem solving, discipline, teamwork, and how to laugh at yourself. When Art speaks, people leave with renewed aspirations, and the desire to put their talents to work - on the job or in their personal lives.

Art's been described as "dynamic" and "a pro on the go"...a speaker widely known for sparkling presentations, packed with thought-provoking insights and contagious enthusiasm. From keynote and kickoff speeches to windups - sales meetings to management seminars - Art Holst is a pro at captivating audiences, and motivating them toward higher goals.

Speech Topics

Change/Motivation — The Challenge of Excellence
Making changes and problems work FOR you in your business. Creating and developing a TEAM that recognizes and respects the "Dignity of Difference" in the various talents needed in any vibrant organization or business.

Communication Skills — Effective Communication, The Key to Success
How to communicate better through the spoken or written word. Painting word "pictures" using similes and metaphors. More problems are created by mis-communications than any other one thing and this presentation helps to enable people to get the message intended across to others.

Humor — Funny Thing About Football
A humorous talk comparing football to life with appropriate anecdotes from Art's 15 years as a National Football League official.

Sales — Scoring Touchdowns in Selling
Rapid paced presentation comparing the game of football to the "game" of selling; how to relate product features to benefits, and conscientious customer service; good ideas and lots of humor.