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I have a good friend named Joe Martin who resides in Tallahassee, Florida. Joe and I first met a few years ago when we were speaking at the same conference. When I first met Joe, there was something that I immediately liked about him. However, I couldn't quite figure out what it was. After the presentations, I invited him to dinner. I thought we would spend an hour eating and talking. The more Joe talked, the more I wanted to listen and learn more about him. Fascinated by stories of people who have overcome tremendous challenges in order to create a successful life. What Joe had to overcome amazed me.

Joe grew up in Liberty City in Miami, FL which is one of the worst inner city ghettos in the United States. He said, “James, you would not believe some of the things I saw growing up as a teenager such as drugs, prostitution and people killing people.” Joe said that one time he called his mother on the telephone, but he could not hear her because of a lot of loud noise in the background, which he thought was coming from the television. So he asked his mother if she would turn the volume down. She responded by saying that she did not have on the television. With amazement, Joe asked, “Well, what’s all that noise in the background?” Shockingly, Joe’s mother responded, “Oh, people are just out back shooting at each other!”

Joe stated that when he heard this he instantly new he had to do something to help get his mother, his sister and himself out of that ghetto, or he knew they might be killed. So he changed his attitude and made a decision to make a commitment to educate himself. Joe said, “It wasn't a big change; I just changed my attitude and looked at myself and my future differently.” When Joe did that he learned that his grades in school improved. They improved enough to get him through high school and into college.

In college, Joe continued to keep his attitude tuned to the proper station, and, because of this, his grades and overall success improved greatly. In fact, he went on to graduate with a 3.8 grade point average (GPA) and status as the leading student in his class. Joe then went on to become the youngest person in the history of the state of Florida to be a college professor. He managed it by age 24. At present, Joe’s a professor at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL where he motivates students to overcome challenges and go after their purpose by teaching them his core life philosophy:

“It does not matter where you start in life. It matters where you decide to finish.” -Joe Martin

Today Joe Martin is among the most requested motivational speakers in the educational system. He's successful, ambitious, as well as brilliant. He's among the best role models for young adults who live in conditions that are less than favorable. He's a living model of showing people that although you can't change your past, you could make your own future.

“Sometimes the best fighting position is on your knees; we call it prayer - the ultimate in hand to hand combat.” -Joe Martin

James Malinchak, Showcased on ABC’s Hit Television Show Secret Millionaire, is considered by many specialists as the World’s #1 Big Money Speaker Coach and Trainer. For Free of charge Video Trainings regarding how to get paid to speak and how to be a become a motivational speaker, visit www.BigMoneySpeaker.com.