Gary Palmer has overcome many obstacles. He was raised in foster homes and became self supporting at the age of 18. After serving in the Navy, he enrolled in college and earned a football scholarship as a walk on. After graduating, he began a fifteen year career as a teacher and coach.

His business career began when he became co-owner of a small business. An interest in business and selling led to a sales representative position with a national sportswear company. Six years later he was promoted to Regional Sales Manager. Besides managing sales personnel, his managerial position involved hiring, training, and selling his company’s products in 25 states.

Gary’s passion for sports and writing led to a weekly how-to sports column in a daily Ohio newspaper. Several years later, he became a published author when his contest winning essay, The Ties That Bind, was published in The Navy Times. The essay reflected on how the Army-Navy football rivalry has influenced his life. His first published book was a memoir entitled, Chagrin Falls. Presently, he is researching and writing an historical fiction novel.

He participates in speaking appearances and workshop presentations. His interests and knowledge are very diverse. He has taught adult education writing, and health and fitness classes. His current involvement is a life management presentation called, “The Seven Building Blocks of Life.” The presentation enthusiastically addresses the life management skills that need to be mastered in order to lead a fulfilling life.

A philosophy to ‘give back’ and to never accept mediocrity has served him well. Through goal setting, preparation, and determination, he is living his dream, and teaching others how to live their dreams as well.

Gary and his wife, Barbara, married in 1968. They have two married sons, two grandsons, a granddaughter, and are expecting another granddaughter in November of 2008.