When doctors told him he had MS, he didn’t let it stop him from achieving his goals. At that time, Rick was an apprentice carpenter working on high scaffolding. His initial symptoms were dizziness and double vision. Rick needed a career change.

Medical professionals advised him to find work that involved less physical activity. He took this advice and went back to the University of Alberta and got a degree in computing science. 

They suggested he reduce the stress in his life. Instead, he had a 20-year IT career including 11 years as a consultant. He worked as a programmer, systems analyst, database administrator (DBA), technical architect, and enterprise architect. For 4.5 years, he flew weekly to work for clients in various cities in the US and Canada. He didn’t exactly take the advice to reduce stress.

The rigours of flying became too much for Rick and he took a job with the Alberta government. His plan was to slow down and work toward a pension. It wasn’t long before he was deeply involved in architecting the computer systems of the Department of Education.

Rick’s accomplishments did not end there. A few years later, he changed careers. He spent 6 years attempting to build a financial services business. His business helped people with their life insurance, debt elimination, and investment needs. It was a network marketing company.

When that business failed, he worked as a telephone marketer. Then he combined his IT and marketing skills and worked as a Marketing Manager. He wrote an electronic newsletter and managed the company’s social media presence.

Since that ended, Rick has been on a disability pension. He is an author and is available for life breakthrough coaching. He likes to share his tools for overcoming obstacles through video conferencing and public speaking.

Rick has MS, so he may need a solid stool or table to lean on while he speaks.

Sample Introduction for Rick Simon

(This is a sample introduction. Before the event, Rick will provide you with an actual introduction, which will be specific to the topics you have asked Rick to present, your audience and your event. You are encouraged to personalize it if you wish, but please let Rick know if you make any big changes)

Have you been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis? Do you wonder what it is, how it will impact you, and what you can do about it?

Our speaker today is here to help us deal with the challenges MS brings. 

He was diagnosed in 1982. That was decades ago. Yet he succeeded in business, professional and personal life. He succeeded while managing his health, keeping his independence, and enjoying a happily married life.

He has a bunch of tools to help with the challenges and uncertainty of the disease. He is going to share some of them with us tonight and let us know where we can find the rest.

He also has a poster taped to the ceiling above his bed. Maybe he will tell us what it says.

Please join me in welcoming Rick Simon.

AV Specifications

• Headset Microphone
• PC/Windows 10
• Projector
• Screen
• Flipchart

Travel Specifications

• First Class Flight
• Non-Smoking Hotel Room

Other Specifications.

Rick has MS, so:

• Sometimes standing is too difficult for him. He will need a table or sturdy bar-stool type chair that he can sit or lean on.

• He will likely bring his scooter on stage. He will need a ramp or lift to get it on stage. Alternately, a backstage area with steps and someone to help get him and his scooter onstage.

Contact Rick

• rick@ricksimon360.com
•  780-982-3368
• ricksimon360.com/speaker