John Ratzenberger
Actor, Director, Writer, Producer, Inventor, Philanthropist; Known for his Role in the TV Series Cheers
Biography
During more than three decades of movie making and theatre, John Ratzenberger has enjoyed success as a screenwriter, director, producer and multi Emmy-nominated actor. He is also an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist. John's career began in earnest in the early 1970s, when he formed the improvisational theatre duo "Sal's Meat Market," which performed to standing-room-only crowds throughout Europe for 634 straight performances. To help pay the bills, John also worked as a house framer, archery instructor and deck hand on a fishing boat. Learning a few trades allowed him to pursue his dream of acting. In 1982, John accepted a writing assignment for CBS in Los Angeles. On the day he was scheduled to return to London, he auditioned for a role on the upcoming Cheers. At the time of his audition, the character of the postman did not exist. As he walked out of the audition, he turned and asked the creators in the room "Do you have a bar know-it-all?" They didn't know what that was, so John gave them five minutes of improv, demonstrating exactly what it meant with the perfect Boston accent. They loved what they saw and Cliff Clavin was born. In the history of television, only a handful of series have achieved the worldwide success of Cheers, on which John portrayed Cliff for the show's entire 11-year run. To this day, thanks to daily syndication, Cliff continues as one of America's most beloved characters. John is better known to a younger generation for his Pixar roles. He is the only actor to voice a character in every Pixar film. Pixar artists always find a way to include John's recognizable eyebrows and mustache. Pixar's Chief Creator Officer John Lasseter calls John his "good luck charm." In all, John has acted in 38 major motion pictures including blockbusters such as Superman, Star Wars: Episode V -The Empire Strikes Back and Ghandi to independent films like his hit The Woodcarver. He has written, directed or produced hundreds of television projects over the span of his career making him the 6th largest grossing actor of all time based on box-office receipts. Since climbing off the barstool at Cheers over a decade ago, John has immersed himself in what makes America great, a country in which a truck driver's son wound up being a TV icon. He wrote the book: We've Got it Made in America, A Common Man's Salute to an Uncommon Country, a collection of essays from his five years on the road visiting factory towns throughout the country on the Travel Channel show "John Ratzenberger's Made in America." John is Hollywood's most outspoken advocate for American manufacturing, skilled labor and the companies that are the foundation of our great country, working tirelessly to shine a light on the importance of manufacturing and trades. He addressed the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus with his oft-quoted speech "The Industrial Tsunami Heading Our Way"; the House Small Business Committee on the "New Faces of Manufacturing" and the Senate Commerce Committee about "Saving American Manufacturing" - all three speeches detailed the crushing regulations on American enterprise and the fact that we are running out of skilled tradesman to fill the hundreds of thousands of available skilled trades jobs in America. To combat this issue, he works with legislators on both sides of the aisle to bring back trades training in schools, build apprentice programs for returning veterans and support the reshoring of American companies. John created "Nuts Bolts and Thingamajigs", a foundation that creates and funds manufacturing summer camps and scholarships nationwide - inspiring the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs. The program took off and John eventually handed it over to the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association to run it. In October 2017, John was appointed to the President's Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion whose mission is to identify strategies and proposals to promote apprenticeships, especially in sectors where apprenticeship programs are insufficient. He speaks to groups across the country about eliminating the stigma around the trades while providing much-needed training opportunities for students, returning veterans and out of work Americans. "Our country's infrastructure is falling apart and there aren't enough skilled tradesmen to fill the jobs. Parents are encouraging their kids to go deep into debt to pay for a college education while more than half of our graduates are working jobs that don't require a college degree." And for the innovators who are studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), they will need the final piece of the puzzle - manual arts including welding, machining, carpentry, etc. - to bring their ideas to life. Technology is nothing without the skilled workers who turn that invention into an actual product (even if the product is the computer used to create the technology). "My mother used to give me old radios and toasters," said John. "She told us to take them apart and put them back together. Growing up, everyone we knew could make something and knew how to fix things." It's the common-sense problem solving he learned as a kid that he credits for his role as developer and founder of ECOPACK, a biodegradable shipping material that replaces Styrofoam and is now used worldwide, most often seen as the shredded accordion paper used in gift bags. His latest entrepreneurial endeavor is as co-founder and Chief Creative Strategist for TheGiftBox.com - the only online subscription box store that offers multiple verticals under one umbrella including pets, sweets, fishing, travel, cooking, moms and more with a patent-pending proprietary platform. Every purchase benefits one of three charitable partners: Music Drives Us, Pets for Patriots and Family Reach. Born on April 6th, 1947 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, John attended St. Ann's School in Bridgeport, Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut and presently sits on the University Board of Pepperdine University. John is an avid sailor, shooter, fisherman, and billiard player. He plays the drums and belongs to a bagpipe band as part of the Emerald Society. He has one son and one daughter and lives in Connecticut with his wife Julie.
Speech Topics
THE INDUSTRIAL TSUNAMI COMING YOUR WAY
• The average age of a machinist in America is 58 years old. We aren’t training our youth to fill these jobs or the millions of others available now in the skilled trades • How did we go from celebrating the trades to denigrating them? • Is a $100k education worth it when millions of high-paying, highly-trained jobs in the trades are available? • What can companies, communities, schools and the government do to stem this skills-loss that is crushing our manufacturing base?
I'M SORRY I RUINED THE WORLD
• Apologies from the Woodstock generation by someone who not only was there but was on the carpentry crew that built the stage at the famous festival • As the Beatles advised us "Picture yourself in a boat down the river with tangerine trees and marmalade skies" In other words, do a lot of drugs and float along hallucinating. My question has always been...who built the boat?
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO NATTY BUMPO
• The joys and rewards of being a capable and self-reliant adult • How the main protagonist in the James Fenimore Cooper, Deerslayer and Hawkeye novels influenced my life to the point of knowing how to build a house and everything in it • I still get food on my shirt front when I eat out but I know where North is and can tell time by the shadow of a tree
WHEN IN ROME & OTHER LITTLE KNOWN FACTS
• The do's don'ts and other tips gleaned from having lived and travelled throughout Europe for ten uninterrupted years • Did you know that asking someone in England what they do for a living is considered an insult? If you pour wine backwards in Italy, it is considered the "curse of the devil"?
PIXAR’S OLD SCHOOL WAYS
• How setting high standards and sticking to them propelled Pixar to become the most successful film studio in the history of Hollywood • An insider’s peek backstage after twenty years of enjoying the company of show business royalty • From the hysterical stories of Don Rickles to the elegance of Ellen DeGeneres orchestrated by the talent and passion of John Lasseter
MADE IN AMERICA
Educating, Motivating & Empowering Americans to Expand Skills & Entrepreneurship
Videos
Books
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check John Ratzenberger's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about John Ratzenberger'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 is John Ratzenberger's speaking fee?
The typical range for John Ratzenberger's speaking fee is $40,000–$60,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for John Ratzenberger to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.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 John Ratzenberger for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm John Ratzenberger'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?
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Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book John Ratzenberger 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.
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