Jesse Cole
Owner of Savannah Bananas and Founder of Fans First Entertainment
Biography
• Jesse Cole, known as “the guy in the yellow tuxedo,” is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the world-famous Savannah Bananas, as well as the Party Animals and Firefighters. • Jesse is known for his high energy and passion for his work where he consistently challenges the status quo, introducing groundbreaking ideas that disrupt traditional business practices. • His innovative strategies have led to significant success in his ventures including The Savannah Bananas which have sold out every game since their inaugural season, boasting a ticket waitlist of over 2 million fans worldwide. • Jesse is a bestselling author of Fans First and Find Your Yellow Tux and a sought-after international keynote speaker for leading organizations. • As a speaker, Jesse Cole captivates audiences with his dynamic and thought-provoking presentations, inspiring others to think outside the box. Jesse Cole, also known as “the guy in the yellow tuxedo” is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and the owner of the world-famous Savannah Bananas as well as the Party Animals and Firefighters. With the mantra “Fans First. Entertain Always”, the Bananas are on a mission to Make Baseball Fun by creating the Greatest Show in Sports. The team has sold out every game since their inaugural season in Savannah and has since grown a ticket waitlist of more than 2 million fans from all over the world. With more than 15 million social media followers and features on such outlets as The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, HBO Real Sports, and Access Hollywood in addition to Bananaland, a five-part documentary original series on ESPN+, the Savannah Bananas are just getting started. Jesse is the proud inventor of the fastest and most entertaining game of baseball, Banana Ball. Banana Ball puts a fun twist on traditional baseball with new rules featuring a two-hour time limit, no walks, no bunting, no stepping out of the box, no mound visits, and best of all, fans can catch a foul ball for an out. He is the not-so-proud promoter of the Grandma Beauty Pageant, the Human Horse Race, the Living Pinata, and Flatulence Fun Night. In addition to the wildly successful Banana Ball, Jesse continues to create raving fans all over the world as a best-selling author of Fans First, Find Your Yellow Tux, and as a highly sought-after international keynote speaker for some of the world’s largest and most respected organizations. Most of all, Jesse is a raving fan of his wife, Emily, his 3 kids, and peerless promoters like Walt Disney and PT Barnum.
Speech Topics
The Fans First Way: The 5 E’s To Create Raving Fans
In this keynote: • Learn how to eliminate friction, entertain always, experiment constantly, engage deeply and empower action with your team. • Evaluate your current customer map and customer journey. • Learn how to create Raving Fans that are loyal instead of customers that are transactional. • Using Raving Fans & Customer for Life techniques, you will learn to map the perfect customer journey with your company. • How to develop the Fans First mentality to create attention and word of mouth marketing from your biggest supporters. • Discover how to never lose a customer again with a step by step plan to Wow your customers even after the sale.
How To Design the Ultimate Customer Experience: 3 Words That Will Transform Your Business
In this keynote: • Evaluate your current customer map and customer journey. • Learn how to create Raving Fans that are loyal instead of customers that are transactional. • Using Raving Fans & Customer for Life techniques, you will learn to map the perfect customer journey with your company. • How to develop the Fans First mentality to create attention and word of mouth marketing from your biggest supporters. • Discover how to never lose a customer again with a step by step plan to Wow your customers even after the sale.
Videos
Testimonials
"“Jesse was far and away the very best presenter we’ve had at Trek World! He was transformative for our company and eclipsed all our hopes. It was truly amazing.”"
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Jesse Cole's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Jesse Cole's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Jesse Cole for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Jesse Cole's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Jesse Cole through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Jesse Cole
Jesse Itzler
Jesse Itzler only eats fruit 'til noon, loves Run-D.M.C., and enjoys living life "out of the box." In fact, he doesn't even have a box. The author of the New York Times bestseller, Living with a Seal, co-founded Marquis Jet, the world's largest private jet card company which he and his partner sold to Berkshire Hathaway/NetJets. Jesse then partnered with Zico coconut water, which he and his partner sold to The Coca-Cola Company. He's a former rapper on MTV and wrote and performed the NBA's Emmy Award-winning "I Love This Game" music campaign and the popular New York Knicks anthem "Go NY Go." When he's not running ultra-marathons, eating vegan food or being a dad to his four kids, Jesse can be found at the NBA's Atlanta Hawks games, where he's an owner of the team. He is married to Spanx founder Sara Blakely.
Fee Range: $32,000–$75,000
Travels From: GA
Jon Dorenbos
You might recognize him as an NFL All-Pro or as an elite magician who made the finals of America’s Got Talent and regularly appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. But Jon Dorenbos says that what he does is not who he is. Who he is is someone forced, at the most tender of ages, to coach himself into turning tragedy to triumph. He retired from the NFL after having successful open heart surgery to repair a defective aortic valve.
Fee Range: Inquire
Travels From: CA
Hoda Kotb
•Hoda Kotb is co-anchor of NBC News' TODAY joining Savannah Guthrie. •She is also the co-host of the fourth hour of NBC’s TODAY alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. •In her latest book, This Just Speaks to Me: Words to Live By Every Day, Hoda shares a collection of quotes to offer inspiration, wisdom, and hope 365 days a year. •Since the duo teamed up in 2008, the Gifford-Kotb hour has been hailed as “appointment television” by Entertainment Weekly, “uproarious and irresistible” by People, and “TODAY’s happy hour” by USA Today. •Hoda has covered the war in Iraq, the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza and the War on Terror in Afghanistan. •She is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of several books, including Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer and Kathie Lee, I Really Needed This Today, and I've Loved You Since Forever. •Hoda is a four-time Emmy nominee and winner of the Peabody Award, the Gracie Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award. •Breast Cancer Survivor
Fee Range: Inquire
Travels From: NY
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