Marty Coates is a Waymaker! He has built his life and business as an unconventional speaker, author, consultant and trainer. As a passionate trainer and speaker, he energizes audiences with his humor and "preacher-like" approach and drives individuals and groups to get all they can out of life and work. In various consulting roles across the years, he has steered many organizations toward success. Marty marches to the beat of a different drummer and his strategy is to help organizations look for different ways of doing things while remaining focused on their customers’ needs. Marty passionately encourages, pushes and guides his clients to new horizons every year. His work spans a number of areas including leadership, organizational development, marketing and continuous improvement. Marty developed his skills as a salesman, manager, and executive in insurance, finance and healthcare. His leadership background also includes nearly fifteen years in the United States Army and Army Reserves as a field soldier, staff officer, and commander. He is a veteran of Desert Storm, where he was awarded a Bronze Star. In 2000, he was elected to serve as a legislator in the South Carolina House of Representatives, a position he held until 2006 when he chose not to run for re-election. His reputation in politics is one of tackling the tough issues and standing firm on his principles. His compassion is evident in his work and his mission relief efforts. Marty continually seeks ways to give back and help people all over the world. He is the Co-Founder of Waymaker Learning Corporation, a company determined to develop and equip people to make a significant difference in this world. He holds the position of President and Senior Consultant at Coates and Associates, Inc., a consulting and training firm he started more than twenty years ago. Visit Marty’s website at www.coatesandassociatesinc.com or reach him by calling 843-229-3546. He is married to his wife, Bridgette. They have two children, Luke and Rachel. Marty enjoys splitting his office and work schedule via his primary residence in South Carolina and his hideaway home along the North Carolina coast.