“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." -Oprah Winfrey. Tim’s enduring passion since his growing years for magic, comedy, singing and personal development assisted him on his journey of becoming an effective education speaker. He has amazingly covered 45 states in the USA and Canada speaking to a wide variety of audiences including NASA, US Army, corporations like MetLife and human services organizations such as the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, North Dakota Mental Health Counselors Association and hundreds of schools. Tim is also a business consultant helping small businesses succeed and grow. His contributions also include service of over 30 years on the PA Tourette Syndrome Association as an advocate and on the Board of Directors.

How and when did you decide to focus on a career in professional comedy? What do you love about this profession?T: I actually knew I wanted to be a professional entertainer in 4th grade. But I thought that would take the form of being a singer. I’d been singing since I was 3 years old. But I started out as a magician at the age of 13. That was actually late for most magicians who grow up to either make it their profession or as a semi-professional. My typing teacher in 9th grade was a semi-pro magician (he got paid for shows but it wasn’t his full-time living. He was a teacher.) As soon as I saw that first trick, the “magic bug” bit me and I was hooked. Thereafter, I ate, drank, slept and breathed magic. It was a true passion. I spent every waking hour practicing and learning new tricks. I knew that I wanted to make it my life’s work at the age of 15 when I did my first “professional” show at the local YMCA. I was paid the enormous sum of $10 (if you saw my act at the time, you would have thought I was very overpaid!) I still remember that show vividly. There were over 100 kids packed into a room. It was a hot July day. Even though my show wasn’t that good, I came out of there knowing that was what I wanted to be when I grew up. And I thought that’s where I would stay— an entertainer. It took me another 18 years to fulfill that dream of being a full-time professional magician. I honed my craft in high school and then college performing at college fraternity parties, opening for rock bands and doing shows at nursing homes. In the mid-80’s I discovered comedy. I had always been a big comedy fan, even doing Bill Cosby’s “Noah” routine for my 6th grade class. I was always an entertainer in one form or another. In the 80’s I saw comedy magicians like Harry Anderson, The Amazing Jonathan and Harry Blackstone Jr., perform. They were hilarious to me, the best at what they did and became my mentors—unknowingly. I studied their style and unique character’s they had developed for their acts. My own “character” onstage is just a more broad version of myself. I still perform today and do it because it's not only a good source of side income but I love making people laugh and amazing them at the same time. That passion when I’m onstage has never waned for me, even a little.

What inspired you to become an education motivational speaker?T: I had started studying personal development around 1986 when a friend gave me a copy of Tony Robbin’s best-selling book, “Unlimited Power.” I was totally enamored of that book and the content. Basically, it was his version of using neurolinguistic programming to “program” your mind for success. In fact, I still use NLP principles in everything I do, from speaking to marketing consulting and copywriting.
From there, I started studying other icons of personal development and read dozens of motivational books and listened to literally hundreds of motivational tapes (those were in the days where cassette tape were the choice for audio learning). I implemented what I had learned—both personally and professionally. I graduated college and a short-time later stared an entertainment talent agency. So I was working a 40-hour a week job and running a talent agency on the side—in addition to performing whenever I could. Basically working 70 hours a week for a number of years.
I had heard a lot of bad speakers on these motivational tapes, as well as a lot of good ones. I then thought to myself, “I can impart a motivational message and be entertaining at the same time. I’ll use magic and comedy to put the points I want to make across to the audience.” So, that’s what I did. I had to figure out what my overall message was and who I wanted to speak to. I chose the education market speaking to both students and teachers and the human services field, where I had spent 10 years working after college. I specialized in mental health and physical disabilities and have spoken in 45 state and all over Canada.

What challenges did you face during your school days? What or who motivated you to face those challenges?T:  My biggest challenge by far was Tourette’s Syndrome. I had a severe case up until early adulthood, when it leveled off a bit. Not knowing from one day to the next whether I’d feel good or be ticcing uncontrollably could be frustrating but I was used to it and learned to deal with it. I didn’t let it stop me from attaining my goals. I always tell my audiences that “the passion you have for something has got to override any fears or other obstacles that stand in your way of being, doing, or having what you want.” And that’s what I did. It wasn’t a “magic formula.” I just persevered despite any setbacks or obstacles that were in my way. There is ALWAYS a way to do what you want to do.
A large part of my motivation at that time was simply, “I’ll show you!” Right or wrong, it was where I came from at the time. I was diagnosed with TS in 1975 when there wasn’t a lot of information about it. I endured a lot of negative attention in my community and downright cruelty in school because of it. I was driven to do better than everybody else. I felt “less than” in a lot of ways and developing my talent and expressing them through magic and speaking was a way to attempt excellence. But it was not just people’s negative perception of me that motivated me. I was always driven to pursue my passions. I don’t really know where that comes from. For me, it’s simply inherent. I do whatever I do for it’s own sake. That’s called intrinsic motivation. I didn’t pursue magic for the payment. I pursued it simply because I loved the art of magic and performing in general.

What life decisions have helped you to reach where you are today?T: I’ve made my share of mistakes in life (and continue to) but what I’ve found is that the people who have succeeded the most are the ones who have also failed the most. Why? Because they’re out there continually trying different things. Things that matter to them. Things that they simply HAVE to do. It’s about self-actualization. The famous psychologist Abraham Maslow developed human being’s “hierarchy of needs”. The self-actualize human who is truly fulfilled is driven internally to pursue their passion. Maslow put it best when he said, “What man can be, he must be.” That pretty much sums it up for me. It's about finding what ignites your spirit. Finding what you love—no matter what form or shape that takes.

What are your other hobbies?T: As I said above, I’ve been singing since I was 3 and about 15 years ago I got serious about that again. Although karaoke is my main hobby now, I have been the lead singer in a couple of rock bands an am now adding singing to my magic shows. Pursuing singing with a band was something I’ve always wanted to do, so I just did it. I also love anything marketing. It’s been a passion of mine since my early magic days. I recognized there were two parts to show business. The “show” and the “business”. Most entertainers hate the "business” end of things. Entertainers are creatives by nature. But I loved marketing of my show. I look at business as a game to be won. I’m now a full-time marketing consultant and copywriter and am having a great time helping others grow their businesses.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?T:  I have been all over this country and Canada and have worked on a couple cruises in the Caribbean. I currently live in Florida and love the tropical weather. I’m originally from PA so I don’t miss the winters up there. :) I can’t put my finger on any one place but I’ve seen a lot in my travels including Elvis’ mansion and grounds and museums at Graceland. Also, Kennedy Space Center in FL where I once spoke and had breakfast with the director of the entire space center, among others. I’ve visited the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, The Magic Castle in Hollywood and dozens of places in between. I’ve honeymooned in Maui but can’t put my finger on what place is my favorite. I want to visit Europe next since I've seen this country.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?T: I tell all of my audiences and parents to do what my parents taught me: teach their kids to focus on their ABILITIES, not their disabilities. Focus on what you CAN do, not what you can’t do. Don’t argue for your limitations. Accept them and keep going! ANYTHING is doable if you’re committed enough. ANYTHING is achievable if you’re willing to put in the work, overcome the obstacles and setbacks and never give up!

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to pursue their talent?T: Just that: PURSUE IT!! Don’t listen to people who tell you you can’t do it. They’re simply projecting their insecurities— or lack of commitment many times—on you. A lot of people told me I couldn’t become a professional magician living in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. It was not near New York, or LA or Las Vegas where the entertainment industry lives. It was a small town in rural PA with only 5000 people living in the whole town. I proved them wrong. I’ll be the first to tell you that I didn’t do anything special. I simply figured out what I wanted and went for it. I didn’t let anything stop me—no matter what. Was it worth it? You bet it was! And I would do it all over again given the chance. I found that success is about the journey and not the destination. I love the thrill of building something—whether that's a skill like magic or music or a business. I love the passion that makes me stay up late and get up early to work on my latest venture. It’s the “juice of life” for me.

Any special message for our community?T: In six decades of living on this planet, I’ve hopefully gained a bit of wisdom. And here’s what I’ve found: We all have disabilities in some form or another. Some are “hidden”, like mental illness and some are things like childhood abuse, being raised by an alcoholic parent or other issue from the past that you may not have healed. We’ve all got “something”. My entire message when I speak is summed up in the title of my talk, “The Magic of Your Potential”. Everybody’s got it. Nobody has been left out. If you were born, you’ve got this invisible thing inside of you called “potential”. The problem is that most people don’t “max it out”. They don’t live up to it. In this community, we need to acknowledge what those limitations are and then get to work. And then work some more. And then keep working. And the bigger the goal the more obstacles you’ll encounter. But its worth it. We live in an age where any information you want about any subject being at our fingertips 24/7 via the internet. Get out there and explore. I’ll end with a Thomas Edison quote which encapsulates my message and belief system: “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.”