Wesley Hamilton was born and raised on the east side of Kansas City, Mo., where it was difficult for a young African American male to find opportunity outside of the streets. By the age of 16, he became too much for his mother to handle (which was a common lifestyle for kids in his neighborhood) and moved out to be on his own. By the age of 22, he became a father to his daughter, Nevaeh.
Two years later, at only 5-foot-4 and 230-pounds, Hamilton was non-athletic and vastly overweight as a single father, working full time at an auto finance company and had just won sole custody of his then 2-year-old daughter. But only 5 days after his 24th birthday (January of 2012), everything about Hamilton’s life changed dramatically. As he was walking back to his car, Hamilton was shot multiple times, with one bullet slicing through his chest and fracturing a rib. The other entered his abdomen, partially severing his spine and paralyzing him below the waist. The shooter was a guy he’d never met.
Hamilton spent the next three years in recovery, which also included two of those years fighting the severe emotional depression that arose from his belief that his life would forever be bedeviled by medications, surgeries, and limitations.
But for the overwhelming love he had for his daughter, Hamilton knew he had to set an example for Nevaeh. He started down a path of taking ownership back in his life. He started a fitness and nutrition regiment, which was completely foreign to him – as he never ate healthy a day in his life, nor had any experience exercising. Hamilton learned everything he could about nutrition and started cooking (and now is known for his culinary skills). The fitness side of everything also took off, and in the first year led him to lose 100 pounds – which is incredible, especially for a man who doesn’t have the use of his legs. He became a powerhouse of inspiration and felt his transformation had the potential to help others who are struggling similar battles, so he founded a non-profit called, Disabled But Not Really (DBNR). DBNR has helped so many individuals with disabilities (not just physical) to feel empowered and has helped so many lives overcome any mental limitations they may have – which is the driving force of the organization. The passion Hamilton has for DBNR is passion for DBNR is evident by its expansion. DBNR joins community events to raise awareness about the role of good mental and physical health in overcoming life’s challenges. It has expanded a scholarship program for disabled individuals who learn ways to improve their nutrition and fitness, as well as support the homeless population in his hometown of Kansas City providing dignity care packages, water, and food. Hamilton has been recognized many times for his entrepreneurial success, and has been honored with a number of philanthropic awards.
Hamilton has also spent the past four years being recognized role-model in the Crossfit Community, winning a number of bodybuilding competitions, even being featured in Men’s Health Magazine climbing a rope with his wheelchair. He has had the opportunity to speak to many community groups, schools, universities, organizations and associations sharing his story and inspiring so many lives. He has a stack of hero letters from all ages thanking him for sharing his story. Hamilton transformed yet again when working with the Fab Five on Season 4 of the Netflix hit show, Queer Eye, who taught him how to be true to himself, leaving him humbled by the experience. Hamilton believes that the highest human act is to inspire – and knows that is his purpose in life.
Wesley Hamilton's journey after surviving multiple gunshots in his abdomen will inspire every human on the earth. His quintessential stories of courage, strength and perseverance resonate with participants long after any talk he’s ever delivered. Wes instills the essential tools of positivity, self-awareness, empowerment, resilience, and acceptance in the face of any challenge. He believes “the highest human act is to inspire” - and that is exactly why he is profoundly affecting human hearts of all ages, races, lifestyles and backgrounds worldwide.
This keynote teaches people how anyone can take control of their life, specifically addressing wellness, nutrition, well-being and personal/professional development. Wesley shares his stories on how he started a successful non-profit organization; how he stays fit, even winning bodybuilding competitions; how he never lost hope or accepted failure - and teaches his listeners how to do the same. Wes also has a culinary passion, and shares his success secrets on how he lost over 100 pounds. This is a great keynote for all ages, and will leave you with key insights and action steps to improve and master your own life. People can relax and sit back, laugh, learn and feel supported.
Prepare to be taken on a journey. In this moving, inspiring and thought-provoking keynote, Wesley Hamilton teaches his audience to find peace, purpose, and happiness and motivates them to rise above any obstacle or challenge they may face so they can live their best life. As a survivor of multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, Wesley shares his personal journey from how he went from hopeless and depressed to a life full of purpose, understanding, acceptance, joy and forgiveness. Now that he lives a life filled with love, happiness, gratitude, and success beyond what he could have ever imagined prior to his accident, he helps inspire others to do the same. Through the power of storytelling, Wesley entwines powerful life lessons, encouragement, and inspiration allowing his audience to understand the answers to some of life’s biggest questions, and how to continue to remain positive during the toughest times in our lives. Wes leaves his audience beyond motivated and with a rejuvenated perspective on life.
How to book Wesley Hamilton?
Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Wesley Hamilton for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers. Fill out a booking request form for Wesley Hamilton, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Wesley Hamilton or any other celebrity of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Wesley Hamilton?
Booking fees for Wesley Hamilton, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. Pricing often varies according to the circumstances, including the talent's schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. Speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Wesley Hamilton, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.
Who is the agent for Wesley Hamilton?
All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Wesley Hamilton for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Wesley Hamilton for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service talent booking agency?
All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Wesley Hamilton or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Wesley Hamilton or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.
Wesley Hamilton is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Motivational, Sports Motivation and Personal Growth. The estimated speaking fee range to book Wesley Hamilton for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Wesley Hamilton generally travels from Kansas City, MO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Rudy Ruettiger, Amelia Rose Earhart and Coach Ken Carter. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Wesley Hamilton for an upcoming event.
Wesley Hamilton's journey after surviving multiple gunshots in his abdomen will inspire every human on the earth. His quintessential stories of courage, strength and perseverance resonate with participants long after any talk he’s ever delivered. Wes instills the essential tools of positivity, self-awareness, empowerment, resilience, and acceptance in the face of any challenge. He believes “the highest human act is to inspire” - and that is exactly why he is profoundly affecting human hearts of all ages, races, lifestyles and backgrounds worldwide.
This keynote teaches people how anyone can take control of their life, specifically addressing wellness, nutrition, well-being and personal/professional development. Wesley shares his stories on how he started a successful non-profit organization; how he stays fit, even winning bodybuilding competitions; how he never lost hope or accepted failure - and teaches his listeners how to do the same. Wes also has a culinary passion, and shares his success secrets on how he lost over 100 pounds. This is a great keynote for all ages, and will leave you with key insights and action steps to improve and master your own life. People can relax and sit back, laugh, learn and feel supported.
Prepare to be taken on a journey. In this moving, inspiring and thought-provoking keynote, Wesley Hamilton teaches his audience to find peace, purpose, and happiness and motivates them to rise above any obstacle or challenge they may face so they can live their best life. As a survivor of multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, Wesley shares his personal journey from how he went from hopeless and depressed to a life full of purpose, understanding, acceptance, joy and forgiveness. Now that he lives a life filled with love, happiness, gratitude, and success beyond what he could have ever imagined prior to his accident, he helps inspire others to do the same. Through the power of storytelling, Wesley entwines powerful life lessons, encouragement, and inspiration allowing his audience to understand the answers to some of life’s biggest questions, and how to continue to remain positive during the toughest times in our lives. Wes leaves his audience beyond motivated and with a rejuvenated perspective on life.
We appreciated Wesley's authenticity and vulnerability. He captivated our audience and motivated them to live their best possible lives. He charged our medical community to deliver exceptional care to all patients who come through our doors without judgement or bias but instead instilling hope as we send them on their way. Wonderful experience.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
- Oct 03 2022
Cerner - Jul 27 2021
Rutgers University Office of Leadership & Experiential Learning - Apr 20 2021
Thank you! A fabulous experience
Southern Oregon University
- Oct 25 2019
How to book Wesley Hamilton?
Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Wesley Hamilton for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers. Fill out a booking request form for Wesley Hamilton, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Wesley Hamilton or any other celebrity of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Wesley Hamilton?
Booking fees for Wesley Hamilton, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. Pricing often varies according to the circumstances, including the talent's schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. Speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Wesley Hamilton, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.
Who is the agent for Wesley Hamilton?
All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Wesley Hamilton for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Wesley Hamilton for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service talent booking agency?
All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Wesley Hamilton or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Wesley Hamilton or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.
Wesley Hamilton is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Motivational, Sports Motivation and Personal Growth. The estimated speaking fee range to book Wesley Hamilton for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Wesley Hamilton generally travels from Kansas City, MO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Rudy Ruettiger, Amelia Rose Earhart and Coach Ken Carter. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Wesley Hamilton for an upcoming event.
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All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.