Brad Daugherty Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Brad Daugherty's journey from a basketball standout to a prominent figure in motorsports showcases his versatility and passion across diverse fields. Born on October 19, 1965, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Daugherty's early life was steeped in athleticism. Standing seven feet tall, he excelled in basketball, leading Charles D. Owen High School to the state finals in 1982. His collegiate career at the University of North Carolina under Coach Dean Smith was distinguished; he earned First-team All-ACC honors in 1985 and 1986, was a finalist for the Wooden Award, and led the ACC in scoring and rebounding during his senior year. By the time he graduated, Daugherty had amassed 1,912 points and 1,003 rebounds, holding UNC's record for career field goal percentage at .620. In 1986, Daugherty's exceptional talent was recognized when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. Over eight seasons with the Cavaliers, he became a five-time NBA All-Star, averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds per game. His contributions were pivotal in leading the team to the Eastern Conference finals in 1992. Upon retiring in 1994 due to recurring back issues, Daugherty ranked among Cleveland's all-time leaders in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, and blocks. His impact was further honored with a unanimous selection to the All-Time Cleveland team during the franchise's 30th anniversary celebrations. Transitioning from basketball to motorsports, Daugherty co-founded JTG Daugherty Racing. His deep-rooted passion for NASCAR, cultivated since childhood, led to a historic milestone when the team secured victory at the 2023 Daytona 500. This win not only underscored his commitment but also marked him as the first African American team principal to triumph in this prestigious race. Beyond ownership, Daugherty actively contributes to the sport as an analyst for NBC Sports' NASCAR coverage, sharing insights drawn from his extensive experience. Daugherty's influence extends beyond sports. In 2021, he was appointed as the Dream Foundation's first Ambassador of Sports, working to fulfill the final dreams of terminally ill adults. His leadership roles include serving as Chairman of the Cleveland Cavaliers Team Board and as Vice Chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association, reflecting his dedication to community and industry advancement. Through these varied endeavors, Brad Daugherty exemplifies a life led by passion, leadership, and a commitment to excellence across multiple domains.