Ron Gustafson - Who is Gus?

Raised on a farm in Lyons, Nebraska, Ron "Gus" Gustafson was a standout basketball player in high school in spite of having lost his right arm and shoulder in a tragic childhood farm accident. After a knee injury ended his collegiate basketball career, he was devastated. But, once again, his faith and courage sustained him and he redirected his energies, building outstanding academic and business careers.

Gus is founder and president of Ron Gustafson - My Story, located in Omaha, Nebraska. He and his wife, Julie, have three children: Isaac, Josiah and Hannah.

When you face an obstacle in your life, think of Ron "Gus' Gustafson. Gus battled for his life at age 9 following a tractor accident that took his right arm and shoulder and crushed his right leg. In spite of his injury, he was determined to excel in athletics. He played varsity basketball (Honorable Mention, All-State) and earned the respect of the coach who once said he'd never make the team.

For Gus, each set-back has presented an opportunity to grow. Today, Gus is a remarkable motivator. To experience his message is to lose all self-doubt and to find the strength to succeed. He'll show you how, with three simple keys:

You'll marvel at everything this "one-armed-guy" can do! For all his amazing accomplishments, however, Gus does not try to be a larger-than-life hero. Instead, he connects with people, recognizing that everyone struggles with challenges. In Gus's story, you'll find the inspiration to rise above your own limits - whether they're imposed by circumstances, other people or yourself.

Gus is the speaker everyone wants to own. Once people hear him speak, they can't wait to share him with others. From a single presentation in a corporate setting, he'll be invited to speak to every branch of that company throughout the country and abroad. Or, someone in an audience will arrange for him to speak at their child's school. Gus is equally at home sharing his keys to success at a board retreat, sales meeting or high school banquet.

Companies, schools and organizations that have benefited from Gus's presentations include:

New York Life
Cingular Wireless
Next Level Communications
Sterling Collision Repair
Union Pacific Railroad
Physicians Mutual Insurance
National Association of Financial and Insurance Advisors (NAIFA)
State Farm Insurance
Principal Financial Group
Northwestern Mutual Life
National Life of Vermont
American Express Travel Services
Nogg Chemical and Paper Company
Corporate Express Document and Print Services
Farmer's Commodities Corporation
Future Farmers of America
Young Farmers of America
Rummel Senior High School, New Orleans, LA
Millard South High School, Omaha, NE
Greenville Senior High School, Greenville, SC

Ron "Gus" Gustafson was the first recipient of the annual award named in his honor. Click here to find out more!