Meet Dustin!
Laughter, Transformation & Connection
At My Core…
I’m all about connection and creativity! With authenticity as my compass, I invite my audience to embrace their uniqueness. I sprinkle in humor to turn learning into a joyride, making every moment memorable. And let’s not forget trust—it’s the glue that holds us together, creating a safe space for exploration and growth. Together, we’ll embark on an inspiring adventure filled with laughter and shared stories!
1. AUTHENTICITY
Authenticity drives who I am, as I believe in sharing my true self and experiences with my audience. By fostering genuine connections, I inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and share their own stories with confidence.
2. HUMOR
Humor is a vital part of my speaking style, transforming complex ideas into relatable and enjoyable experiences. By blending laughter with valuable insights, I create an engaging atmosphere that resonates and leaves a lasting impact.
3. TRUST
Trust is the cornerstone of my relationship with the audience, built through transparency and integrity. I strive to create a safe space where participants feel valued and empowered to explore their own potential and growth.
My Story
Let me take you back to a pivotal moment in my life. I was just four years old when I tugged on my mom’s shirt, looked up with wide eyes, and declared, “I want to be a circus clown!” That innocent proclamation I echoed into the universe set in motion an extraordinary journey that would eventually lead me to the dazzling world of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, The Greatest Show On Earth!
It all began in 1990 during my first circus performance in my hometown of Kansas City. From that moment on, I was completely enchanted by the magic of the big top. But let’s be honest—who actually runs away to join the circus? Those kinds of tales are usually left for Hollywood. Yet, deep down, I was determined to prove that such dreams could transform from mere fantasy into reality.
As I pursued my goal of donning the colorful wig and oversized shoes of a circus clown, I faced a myriad of challenges that tested my spirit and resilience. By the time I turned 16, I found myself at my heaviest weight of 298 pounds, dangerously close to hitting the 300 mark before my 17th birthday. Depression loomed over me, but paradoxically, making others laugh sparked a flicker of purpose within me. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that a crucial piece of my life’s puzzle was missing.
Then came the summer of 2004, a turning point that changed everything. I reached out to a former Ringling Bros. clown, pouring my heart into a letter that urged me to shed the weight holding me back from my dream. His response ignited a fire within me. With unwavering determination, I transformed my mindset and eating habits, shedding an incredible 127 pounds in just nine months. I realized that if I wanted to grasp that childhood dream, I had to first believe in my own abilities. And believe I did!
Fast forward a year, and I was handed a performing contract as one of the fourteen professional clowns with The Greatest Show On Earth. For seven exhilarating years and 3,500 performances, I traversed North America, living out my dream, 13 shows a week. Along the way, I made over 400 public relations appearances on platforms from The New York Times to Good Morning America, and even The Biggest Loser and The Wall Street Journal. At just 22, I reached a milestone, becoming the second youngest person in Ringling’s 147-year history to be promoted to “Boss Clown.” This role allowed me to craft new clown routines, manage my fellow clowns, oversee the integrity of our performances, and handle public relations appearances.
After an incredible journey with the circus, I chose to embrace a new chapter in my life. I took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles, California, before settling in Tampa, Florida, to embark on a short-term contract with a physical comedy show at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Just a week into that exhilarating adventure, my path took an unexpected turn when McDonald’s Corporation expressed interest in flying me to Tampa to audition for the iconic role of Ronald McDonald.
A week later, I found myself auditioning in front of 40 screaming kids at a local inner city school, The next day I was awarded the contract to represent the character in the Tampa Bay region and at high-profile national events, including the illustrious Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Over the next four years, I became the familiar face of McDonald’s, making over 800 appearances, from hospitals to grand openings and even the McDonald’s Worldwide Conference. My work as Ronald McDonald caught the attention of Caspers Company, a legacy franchise within the McDonald’s system, leading them to recruit me as the face of their community relations efforts.
In this new role, I oversaw a remarkable $1.9 million budget dedicated to giving back to the Tampa Bay community, all while fostering the morale of the company’s 4,200 employees. It was a privilege to create meaningful connections and make a positive impact on so many lives. In the fall of 2022, Caspers Company sold their 60 restaurant locations back to McDonald’s corporation. The acquisition also led to my role and the community relations department being eliminated.
In the months that followed, I embarked on a profound spiritual journey of self-discovery, uncovering the superpowers and strengths that had always resided within him but had failed to see. By early 2024, he celebrated the release of his bestselling book, It’s Okay To Be An IDIOT.
Now, as a full-time hospitality speaker, I draw on my unique experiences in entertainment and hospitality to uplift and empower teams, encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves and recognize the vital contributions they make to their organizations. Dustin’s mission is clear: to inspire individuals to step into their own spotlight, igniting both personal and professional growth while cultivating a vibrant culture of joy and connection.
Connect with Dustin for unforgettable events filled with inspiration, humor, and transformation! Reach out to bring his unique energy and expertise to your audience.
