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Motivational Speaker Talking His Way To Success

The Baltimore Times
by Ursula V. Battle
Friday, July 27, 2001

Reflecting back to1992, Ty Howard recalled when he was invited to speak at a middle school during Black History Month while he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia while serving in the U.S. Navy.

“The teacher was really amazed at how I had captivated the students,” said Howard. “She said she had never seen the students pay that much attention to a speaker and if I would be willing to go to four other classes the following week.”

Thus, the desire to become a successful motivational speaker was born.

Howard is founder and president of InspiraGen Institute. Located at 6400 Baltimore National Pike, the Institute is dedicated to improving and enhancing the lives of professionals, individuals and youth and young adults by connecting, educating, inspiring and empowering them to turn their obstacles into opportunities. With Howard at the helm, InspiraGen offers keynote and seminar presentations for corporations, youngsters and other groups, that focus on practical ideas, techniques and other tools that can be used to increase performance levels and build a more positive attitude.

The 31-year-old has turned his “gift” into a valuable and successful entrepreneurship tool. He estimates that he delivers an average of three motivational speeches a week. His highly motivational speaking skills have taken him all over the United States including California, Tennessee, Texas, New York, Alabama, and North Carolina.

According to Howard, his many clients include the Maryland Department of Human Resources, Dupont Pharmaceutical, NationsBank, Williams Scotsman, Inc., The Baltimore City Public School System, and Maryland Lab Services.

“There are two forms of motivational speaking,” said Howard. “The first form can come from a parent, coach or someone who has an inspirational spirit connected with themselves and can connect with others through that gift.”

He continued, “The second form of motivational speaker is the professional. We research our market, do lots of reading, rehearsing, and practicing. It’s somewhat like acting. We dedicate ourselves to the prowess of getting better. We seek to impart our knowledge and provide insight to empower people to take action on their ideas and beliefs.”

Howard said that many companies and individuals seeking his services have become permanent clients.

“There’s no way we can guarantee it will work, but there’s clear evidence people can make changes in their lives as a result of what others have said to them.”

He added, “I will never forget the speech I heard Montel Williams deliver when I was in elementary school. It was called ‘Mountain Get Out of My Way.’ It was a riveting speech. I carry that same level of passion to every presentation I do.”

According to Howard, some motivational speakers earn between $500 to $15,000 for a half-day’s work and between $2,500 to $65,000 for a full-day’s work. He said the field is also rich in personal rewards.

“The most fulfilling part for me is to have the opportunity to speak to youth and young adults,” said Howard. “Based on the things that have been happening over the last 10 years, they’ve received a bad rap. They have dreams. Talking to them gives me the chance to connect with them. I also donate one engagement each month to a youth or young adult audience.”

Howard said as a youth, he was a bit wayward himself.

“I went to Polytechnic but was kicked out,” said Howard. “I than began attending Southern High School. I could always rally people. My principal at Polytechnic told my mother that if I used that skill to do good, people would elevate themselves.”

Stacey Drumwright, a student at Western High School, is among the students singing the praises of Howard. “Ty Howard is very inspirational and he understands where we are coming from,” said the 16-year-old.

A native of Baltimore, Howard grew up in Cherry Hill. He currently resides in Lansdowne, Maryland.

He formerly worked as a Corporate Human Resources Generalist at Sweetheart Cup in Owings Mills and was a Corporate Account Outside Sales Manager for The One Book, but now does motivational speaking on a full-time basis.

He is currently working on a book and has his own on-line inspirational newsletter which can be found on his website (www.TyHoward.com).

Howard would like to leave readers with this inspirational word.

“Examine where you are, create a plan, put that plan in writing, and take action on that plan,” he said. Many people are not making any progress to reaching their goals because they are marking time. You have to give yourself the command to forward march. You can reach your destiny. You may be Delayed, but you're NEVER Denied!”

For more information about Ty Howard or InspiraGen Institute, call (443) 982-7582.

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