Biography
• Mike Rowe is best known as the host of the groundbreaking television hit Dirty Jobs. • Each week he took on the tasks and responsibilities of difficult, strange, and often messy jobs such as sheep breeder, garbage collector, and coal miner. • He can also be seen as the host of Somebody's Gotta Do It, originally developed for CNN. • Mike has become one of the nation’s leading advocates on the need and honor of blue-collar work, challenging white collared Americans to change their perception and valorization of various necessary jobs and the workers who do them. • He launched the mikerowesWORKS foundation to help debunk the idea that a four-year degree is the only path to success and to raise awareness of the millions of jobs that need to be filled in the U.S. Mike Rowe is best known as the host of the groundbreaking television hit Dirty Jobs, in which each week he took on the tasks and responsibilities of difficult, strange, and often messy jobs such as sheep breeder, garbage collector, and coal miner. Mike can more recently be seen as the host of Somebody's Gotta Do It, where he scours the country for people who, he says, "do what they do because of a weird mix of love, compulsion, obsession, dedication -- whatever it is." Mike was inspired to create the program Dirty Jobs by his grandfather, a man who didn’t make it to the 8th grade but could fix anything. Throughout the show's eight-season run on the Discovery Channel, Mike completed over 300 jobs and traveled to all 50 states. The show challenged white collared Americans to change their perception and valorization of various necessary jobs and the workers who do them, who are often demeaned by mainstream society. Outside of his work on television, Mike has become one of the nation’s leading advocates of the need and honor of blue-collar work. He launched the mikerowesWORKS foundation to help debunk the idea that a four-year degree is the only path to success and to raise awareness of the millions of jobs that need to be filled in the U.S.
Speech Topics
Why Dirty Jobs Matter
Why has America declared a war on work? In this talk, Mike Rowe gives an illuminating account of the true nature of skilled labor, and why it’s being devalued by the media, advertising, and even the government. Why are people who do dirty jobs some of the happiest people you’ll ever meet? How do they achieve a work-life symmetry others can’t? What lessons can we learn about teamwork, determination, efficiency, and our definition of success? With conviction, humor and deep humanity, Mike Rowe brings us face-to-face with Americans who are simply doing their jobs, happily and well. In the process, he reminds us of the enormous but forgotten benefits of hard, honest work, and how it affects everything from our national identity to our infrastructure to the economy.
Videos
Books
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How can I check Mike Rowe's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Mike Rowe'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 Mike Rowe's speaking fee?
The typical range for Mike Rowe's speaking fee is $200,000–$300,000. 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 Mike Rowe 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 Mike Rowe for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Mike Rowe'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?
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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?
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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 Mike Rowe 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 Mike Rowe
Carly Fiorina
• Carly Fiorina is the former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard, and the first woman to lead a Fortune 50 company. • Carly’s experience spans from secretary to CEO, from public to private, and from for-profit to non-profit. Under Carly’s leadership, HP's revenue grew, innovation tripled, growth quadrupled, and HP became the 11th largest company in the U.S. • As one of the most high-profile business leaders in the world, Carly passionately believes in the power of people to transform organizations and change the world. From the stage, Carly shares her proven leadership playbook that anyone can apply to transform their own business. Her keynotes outline tools and strategies that facilitate growth, teamwork and effective problem solving. • She is the founder and Chairman of Unlocking Potential, a non-profit organization that invests in human potential by supporting local leaders who are solving problems in their communities and places of work; equipping them with the behaviors, characteristics, disciplines and tools to increase their leadership and problem-solving capacity. • Carly is also a bestselling author, with three books including Tough Choices, Rising to the Challenge, and Find Your Way.
Fee Range: $38,000–$75,000
Travels From: VA
Chris Gardner
Chris Gardner is the author of the autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, a New York Times and Washington Post #1 best-seller. Gardner is also the inspiration for the acclaimed movie "The Pursuit of Happiness", for which Will Smith, starring as Gardner, received Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Academy Award nominations for his performance. A series of adverse circumstances in the early 1980's left Gardner homeless in San Francisco and the sole guardian of his toddler son. Unwilling to give up Chris Jr. or his dreams of success, Gardner climbed the financial industry ladder from the very bottom. Surmounting acute obstacles throughout his life, Gardner is an avid motivational speaker, addressing the keys to self-empowerment, beating odds, and breaking cycles. Gardner is also a passionate philanthropist committed to many charitable organizations.
Fee Range: $50,000–$94,000
Travels From: IL
Charles Payne
Charles Payne is the host of Making Money with Charles Payne and joined FOX Business Network (FBN) in October 2007 as a contributor. Payne is also a contributor to FOX News Channel (FNC), frequently appearing on shows such as Your World with Neil Cavuto and Fox & Friends. He began his career on Wall Street as an analyst at E.F. Hutton in 1985. In 1991, he founded Wall Street Strategies, an independent stock market research firm where he serves as chief executive officer and principal analyst. He published his first book entitled "Be Smart, Act Fast, Get Rich" in May 2007. Payne attended Minot State College and Central Texas College during his time in the United States Air Force.
Fee Range: $18,000–$38,000
Travels From: NY
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