The American Dreams Seminar

Las Vegas, Nevada

Date: To be determined

*9:00 am - 4:30 pm*

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The Spirit of America

The seminar is based on the latest motivational book, The American Dreams Collection (2002) by Jim Bickford. In 1993, Bickford, an aspiring author, set out to find what America's top achievers did differently to achieve their dreams. What magic formula did they all have in common? What single skill or attribute did each have to beat out their competition and triumph?

The American Dreams Seminar is a unique full-day event in Las Vegas where six of America's top achievers share their incredible success stories and their life's experiences with an audience of over 1,000 business leaders, community leaders and entrepreneurs.

Welcome/Introduction (9:00 am)

Building A Better America. (9:30 am)

Linda Alvarado, President, Alvarado Construction
Early on, she excelled in school and participated in competitive sports. When she got out of college she couldn't find a job. She finally landed a job with a commercial development company and went back to school to learn about construction management. She began to dream about creating a project of her own and convinced her parents to mortgage their home to help her start her business. Today, Linda Alvarado is President of Alvarado Construction, a widely successful commercial general contracting firm in Colorado, as well as the first Hispanic female owner of a major league baseball franchise. More...

Success Is Failure Turned Inside Out (10:30 am)

Joe Sugarman, Chairman, BluBlocker, JS&A Corp.
He failed at practically everything he ever tried, yet he never gave up. Eventually, he made his fortune from his innovative ad copy, direct marketing campaigns, catalogs and infomercials. He introduced us to the first pocket calculator, digital watch, cordless telephone and toll-free order taking. As an advertising guru, he wrote all his own ad copy and sold over 20 million pair of “BluBlocker Sunglasses.” Today, Joseph Sugarman, Chairman of JS&A Group, BluBlocker Corp., and DelStar Publishing publishes The Maui Island Weekly--a weekly newspaper in Hawaii. More...

From Homeless To Multi-Millionaire (11:30 am)

John Paul DeJoria, CEO, John Paul Mitchell Systems
He grew up in the concrete jungles of East Los Angeles and refused to give in to tough times. He was homeless twice in his life and at one time collected Coke bottles to survive. In 1980, he joined forces with America’s most influential hair designer, Paul Mitchell. The two bankrolled a new company to sell hair care products with just $700 dollars. Today, John Paul DeJoria is CEO of John Paul Mitchell Systems, the hair care empire with sales approaching $200 million. He is also the owner of 17 other businesses ranging from The House Of Blues to alternative energy. More...

Lunch included (12:30) Special Guest?

From Iron Lung, To Illiterate, To Self-Made Millionaire (1:30)

Tom Harken, Chairman, Tom Harken & Associates
At eleven, he lived in an iron lung for 364 depressing days and later battled tuberculosis. In the 7th grade a teacher asked him to spell “cat.” He couldn’t, embarrassed, he dropped out of school. After a stint in the Air Force the only job he could find was selling Kirby vacuum cleaners. He later became a top seller of recreational vehicles and soon earned his first million. Today, Tom Harken is Chairman of Tom Harken and Associates and owner of several Mexican restaurants which employ over 800 in the Southwest. Tom’s passion is helping others battle illiteracy. More...

The Entrepreneur's Edge (2:30 pm)

Terry Giles, President, Giles Enterprises
As a child, it was always tough being the new kid on the block. Over a span of 10 years, he attended 21 different schools. After  graduating from Pepperdine University School of Law with honors, through the power of positive thinking, focus and hard work he built up the largest criminal law practice in California, created the fifth largest Toyota dealership in the world, and built from scratch the third largest Canon distributorship in the United States. Over the years he developed dozens of successful businesses ranging from computer technology to luxury travel accommodations. More...

It Starts With A Dream! (3:30 pm)

Rudy Ruettiger, President, Rudy International
You've probably seen the empowering, award-winning blockbuster movie - RUDY - a few years back...the story of the little guy with the big heart who continued to chase after his dreams against-all-odds? It took him nine long years to bring his true life story into a full length feature movie. Since 1993, his hit movie and motivational speeches have inspired millions worldwide to believe in their dreams. The passionate message of Rudy Ruettiger is - YES I CAN and he shows us the steps on how to turn adversity into triumph. More...

*Optional Networking and Cocktail hour (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm)

Investment: TBD

Admission includes lunch, book/workbook, networking session, cocktail hour, photo opportunities, special guests and special prizes.