"The Best Motivational Speaker We’ve Ever Had"- Lexis Nexis
Aron delivers customized presentations about his canyon entrapment and self-rescue that remind audiences of their indomitable resolve to overcome their own “boulders”.
Past Clients / Biography
Past Clients
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Wells Fargo (x4)
UBS
General Electric
American Express
Hewlett Packard
Microsoft (x2)
Intel
Barracuda Networks
LexisNexis
Siemens
Young Presidents Organizations (x8)
Allianz (x2)
ING
MetLife
Liberty Mutual
John Hancock
Nationwide
Transamerica
RE/MAX
Coldwell Banker
Sotheby's International Realty
ConAgra
Brunswick Corporation
Massage Envy
Shaklee Corporation
NuSkin International
Express Clothing
Turner Broadcasting
Swift Transportation
Freightliner Trucks
National Automobile Dealers Association
National Association of Home Builders
Schering Plough
McKesson Healthcare
Saatchi and Saatchi
Universal McCann
Tudor Investments
U.S. Air Force Academy
Penn State University
The Ohio State University
University of Arkansas
University of Missouri
Louisiana State University
University of Wisconsin
Duke University
Marquette University
University of Texas
Auburn University
Carnegie Mellon University
Washington and Lee University
University of Colorado
Rowan University
Biography
Growing up in Ohio and Indiana before moving to Colorado with his family in 1987, Aron Ralston had little exposure to the wild outdoors. But by the time he hiked into a remote area of Utah’s canyon country in April of 2003, he was an experienced outdoorsman out for a walk in the park. Seven miles into the canyon that day, Aron accidentally dislodged a boulder that crushed and pinned his right hand. After six days of entrapment alone, he freed himself with a cheap multi-tool knife and hiked to a miraculous rescue. Since his amputation, Aron has written an internationally bestselling book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, spoken to hundreds of audiences around the world, and interviewed with Tom Brokaw, David Letterman, and Jay Leno. With new prosthetic arms that he designed, Aron returned to his outdoor passions: he finished climbing Colorado’s 59 “Fourteeners,” in winter, solo; he’s skied from the summit of Denali, North America’s highest mountain; and, he’s led a rafting expedition through the Grand Canyon. Today, Aron lives in Boulder, Colorado, where he advocates for wilderness protection, and where, in February 2010, he embarked on his biggest adventure yet: raising his toddler son, Leo. 127 Hours, the major-motion-picture adaptation of his book, directed by Danny Boyle and starring James Franco, was nominated for 6 Oscars. Aron’s only disappointment was that the soundtrack didn’t have enough songs by his favorite band, Phish.
Aron is not only an avid adventurer but also a committed advocate for environmental causes and wilderness conservation.
Advocacy
Get involved with Aron’s favorite organizations.Wilderness Workshop
The Wilderness Workshop’s mission is to protect and conserve the wilderness and natural resources of the Roaring Fork Watershed, the White River National Forest, and adjacent public lands. WW is a non-profit organization that engages in research, education, legal advocacy and grassroots organizing to protect the ecological integrity of local landscapes and public lands. We focus on the monitoring and conservation of air and water quality, wildlife species and habitat, natural communities and lands of wilderness quality.
Take Action NowSouthern Utah Wilderness Alliance
The mission of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) is the preservation of the outstanding wilderness at the heart of the Colorado Plateau, and the management of these lands in their natural state for the benefit of all Americans. SUWA promotes local and national recognition of the region’s unique character through research and public education; supports both administrative and legislative initiatives to permanently protect the Colorado Plateau wild places within the National Park and National Wilderness Preservation Systems, or by other protective designations where appropriate; builds support for such initiatives on both the local and national level; and provides leadership within the conservation movement through uncompromising advocacy for wilderness preservation.
Take Action NowConservation Colorado
Our mission is to educate and mobilize people to protect Colorado’s environment and quality of life.
On January 1st, 2013, Colorado Environmental Coalition and Colorado Conservation Voters, two of Colorado’s preeminent conservation advocacy organizations, joined forces to become Conservation Colorado – a new, powerful defender for Colorado’s environment. With this bold move, we combined over 60 years of political and advocacy expertise and set our sights on the continued work for Colorado’s precious land, air and water.
Take Action NowParadox Sports
Paradox Sports seeks to recognize and foster an individual’s potential and strength, defying the assumption that people with a physical disability can’t lead a life of excellence. We provide inspiration, opportunities and specialized adaptive equipment so that the physically disabled can be active participants in human-powered outdoor sports. This mission, coupled with an individualized mentorship program and a strong volunteer ethic, ensures success by providing opportunities for everyone to give back to the community.
Take Action Now