Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Ken Schmidt

Authentic Leadership and Customer Loyalty Expert; Senior Role in Harley-Davidson Turnaround; and Author, Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance

Ken Schmidt Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Authentic Leadership and Customer Loyalty Expert; Senior Role in Harley-Davidson Turnaround; and Author, Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Ken Schmidt
Speaking Fee:
$20,000 to $30,000

Travels From:
DCA - Washington, DC

Primary Topic Category:
Customer Experience / Service

Secondary Topic Category:
Leadership and Management

 

Ken Schmidt Speaker Profile: At A Glance

As the former director of communications for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, he played an active role in one of the most celebrated turnarounds in corporate history – and got paid to ride motorcycles. He is widely known and respected as one of the business world’s most outspoken, provocative, and entertaining thought leaders on competition, brand management, positioning, reputation management, human behavior, and loyalty.

Ken Schmidt is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and former Director of Communications at Harley-Davidson. With a career spanning over three decades, Ken played a pivotal role in the dramatic turnaround of Harley-Davidson, transforming it from a struggling company into one of the most respected and profitable brands in the world. His innovative approach to brand management and customer engagement has made him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the fields of business and leadership. Ken's career in the motorcycle industry began in 1985 when he joined Harley-Davidson as a specialist in corporate positioning and media relations. His strategic vision and expertise in nontraditional communications helped revive the brand's image and competitiveness. By focusing on the emotional connection between the brand and its customers, Ken was instrumental in fostering unshakable loyalty and driving sales growth. His tenure at Harley-Davidson saw him serve as the company's primary spokesperson and a key figure in its corporate and financial communications. After leaving Harley-Davidson in 1997, Ken co-founded VSA Partners, a Chicago-based marketing firm, before establishing his own business, Ken Schmidt Company. Through his company, Ken combines his passions for motorcycling and public speaking, using his unique experiences to inspire and educate businesses and individuals. He is also the co-founder of Torque Sessions Leadership Training, which offers hands-on training and interactive workshops to help organizations become dominant competitors and foster a people-first culture of innovation. Ken is the author of the best-selling book "Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance," which provides a roadmap for business leaders to improve their competitiveness. He also hosts the popular podcast "Tailgating with Geniuses," where he interviews innovative leaders from various industries. Ken's engaging and high-energy speaking style, combined with his deep insights into customer loyalty and brand building, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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