29 Years Ago The New York Times Wanted Some More Fun In their Business Section.
On Sunday July 4th, 1992, I was fortunate enough to get profiled in the New York Times for my corporate comedy put-ons. My photo was on the cover of the Business Section where CEO’s and giants of industry were often profiled. The main article took up an entire page inside and included quotes from some of my clients Since that time, I have entertained companies and associations in virtually every industry. I have also performed shows above the New York Stock Exchange and below Carnegie hall. In addition, I have been a faux advisor to almost every president beginning with George HW Bush on anything from health care to homeland security. I’ve also served as a “new vice president” or “consultant” to the CEO’s or executives for American Express, Merck, The National Manufacturers Assn, Dell, Coca Cola, GM, GE, United Technologies, Los Alamos Nuclear Lab, The American Bankers Association, and too many to mention here.
When I first began writing my corporate comedy put-ons, I created new material for each new group. I got all my information by talking with the client and going to the library. I tried to learn everything I could about them so that I could write material that was believable. I also wanted to carry myself with authority during dinner and cocktails so that there was no doubt about my expertise. When I get hired now, I still talk to each client, but I also have access to the material I’ve created a funny fake expert from all my previous shows. And I still scour their websites for to write new material specifically for them.
How it began.
My first corporate comedy put-on was for Wykoff hospital in Brooklyn in 1989. The video from that performance got me 10 more jobs in the next 6 months. 3 years later, Wykoff Hospital had grown and so had I. They were now a midsized medical group, and they brought me back to their first event with all 5 of their hospitals to break the ice. The New York Times sent a photographer to get pictures of me at this show for my upcoming article. Things had truly come full circle.
Since that time, I have also emceed for many corporate events and created dozens of on-site funny interview videos that get played after my speech. I also create funny “this is your life” tribute videos for honorariums as well as private events. It’s been an interesting journey. I’ve travelled to some great places and met some amazing people. I’ve learned a lot about the world from a very unique inside perspective that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Still Going Strong.
I am a bit older now and what’s left of my hair has gone past 50 shades of grey. But I’m still quick on my feet at the podium or onstage at a comedy club. And I beat most challengers on Words With Friends. I also still go out in the ocean surfing, and my sense of humor has gotten sharper with experience. Thank you to all who helped me during this journey. To those I’ve missed along the way, I sincerely hope we can do something together. But not too far in the future. I figure I’ve only got another 25-30 years at the podium before I need a cane.