Read what others are saying about Dan Holdridge

Thank you so much for sharing your story with my students. We all got a lot out of your presentation. There were tears in the audience... but there was not a sense of hopelessness. You took a horrific event, which changed your life and those around you and made it into something positive. You opened our eyes to the collective nationalism felt after that tragedy and helped us to realize the strength there is in numbers. You are truly an inspiration and a commendable hero in my eyes. Good luck with your future endeavors and always remember "Imagine, Believe, Achieve" and anything is possible!
Ms Decker
Southington High School, Southington CT

I am pleased to recommend Dan, not only because he is an inspirational speaker and competent business leader, but more importantly, because he is a young man of high integrity, who walks the walk. Faith, family, friends- Dan lives his message.
Jim Abbiati
President, ABBS, LLC

Dan is skilled as a business leader and mentor. A man of the highest integrity and character, Dan's has built a successful company with a highly functioning team in a few short years. Don't be fooled, though, by his willingness to share credit for his company's successes. He's tough as nails.
Henry Kates
Partner, Reavis Cianciolo, LLC

If you are looking for a story of courage, triumph, patriotism and good old fashioned guts. You must hear Dan Holdridge's miraculous tale as a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. His message is not one of hate and revenge, but of hope and humanity. You need look no further than Dan Holdridge if you need an inspirational infusion that your group will never forget!
Steve Tyra
Owner, Steve Tyra & Company

Dan is a gifted speaker who both inspires and motivates. His insights and sharing of his near death experience on 9/11/01, are not only a tribute to his lost colleagues but an example of the good that can come from every hardship.
Pat Yandell
Independent Marketing Consultant, EventsPlus Consulting

Dan guest lectured at several of my master's-level leadership classes at University of New Haven. The insight and inspiration that the students gain from Dan's story and life's lessons are the bright spot for the course. Embedded in student's final papers, Dan is referenced often and the profound impact he offered from his speech. His delivery and message are first class and truly transformational in nature.
Thad Henry
Professor, University of New Haven

Dear Dan,
Thank you so much for speaking at the 4-H Teen Leader Weekend. Your words and actions were truly inspirational to all of the teens and chaperones alike. Everyone was talking about your speech throughout the weekend. You have made a lasting impact.
Best regards,
Steve Dolat

Dear Dan,
Thanks for the clarity on setting priorities and seeing how God works through people to take tragedies and make them into gifts. Godspeed !
Scott

Dan,
Thank you for sharing your story today. I was very moved and have been thinking about how blessed I am to have my family and the life that god has given me. I am very appreciative of all I have.
Thank you.
Ken Surdin

Dan,
Your message was so clear and right on. I am so tired of people not wanting to be appreciative, but feeling they are entitled. Thanks so much for your sharing and willingness to say what it is we all feel. Only appreciation and it\'s accompaning love can truly bring America back to where we all know it should be. God Bless
Coach Tony

Dan,
It was a sincere pleasure listening to you while you were in Columbia, MO. Your experience is a true testament to the power of God. While you were discussing the fine line between appreciation and entitlement I thought of the many people I come into contact with through my job that are always waiting for the next hand out. It bothers me to see how are country has progressed to a nation of people who believe that they are entitled solely because they exist. I tell my children and my family that if we spend more of our time thinking about what we can do to make other people feel appreciated we won't have time to waste thinking about all the problems in our life and createing a "woe is me" attitude. I would be honored to enlist in your "Army of Appreciation" to help spread the word. Your story needs to get out to the masses.
Chad Stewart

Dear Dan,
It was a pleasure for you to join us for the 74th National 4-H Conference. The Conference was a huge success thanks to so many individuals. Thank you for both your presentation to the entire delegation as well as your work in supporting a workshop.

Thanks again for all your hard work at the Conference, as well as for your continued follow-up with the delegates who participated in your workshop. Your ongoing interest and support of their work will surely make the Conference a more memorable experience for them.
Sincerely,
Cathann A. Kress
Director, 4-H Youth Development, National 4-H Headquarters

Dear Dan,
I was fortunate enough to attend your speech at the conference. I came to watch Ashley do her Ambassador duties and to watch her receive and to watch her receive her Golden Clover award (proud mother), and was so moved by your speech. I am so glad that 3 of my children were also watching and listening to you on that day. I feel that you reached so many of us that day, not just me but everyone in that room. I thank you for making such a difference in the lives of us all.
May God continue to bless you,
Sincerely,
Julie

Dear Mr. Holdridge,
It is with sincere gratitude that I write you in thanks for speaking to the students of Guilford High School's Civics class. Your presentation was not only informative but engaging and moving as well. The way that you were able to bring the realities of your experiences from September 11, 2001 into the classroom had a tremendous impact on several students. Your message of transforming a tragic event into an opportunity for renewal is unparalleled and should be shared as often as possible.

I hope you will be available for future presentations. I cannot think of a more appropriate forum for public education and outreach than presenting at a public school.
Sincerely,
Mr. James M. Colandrea
GHS Faculty Member

Dear Dan,
On behalf of the Daughters of Isabella, St. Mary Francis Circle, thank you for the wonderful presentation describing your experience of 9/11 and your faith-affirming response to that horrific event. May we all take to heart your message - "one person can make a difference."
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Patricia Menno-Covenry, Regent

Dear Daniel,
Please accept our most sincere thanks for your participation in our September 11th tribute at Old Saybrook Senior High School.

The faculty and students were touched by your experience and moved by your presentation. Many of the students were in elementary and middle school at the time and didn't truly understand the impact of this horrific tragedy.

Your efforts will continue to strengthen their understanding and continue to remind us of how fragile life is. If I could be of any assistance in the future please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Scott Schoonmaker
Principal, Old Saybrook High School, Old Saybrook, CT

Dear Mr. Holdridge,
On behalf of the faculty and students at Old Saybrook High School, I would like to thank you for spending the anniversary of September 11, 2001 with us. We especially appreciate your sharing your memories of that day while the Pentagon was being attacked, and how tragedy can bring out an individual's inner strengths. Your message about turning something negative into something positive was appreciated by all of us. You know that students are really listening when you can hear a pin drop during a presentation; and I don't remember our students ever being that captivated by a speaker-- but they were with you. Thank you so very much for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Carol B. Moakley
District Social Studies Chair
Old Saybrook Senior High School, Old Saybrook, CT