Raised on a farm in Lyons, Nebraska, Ron ‘Gus’ Gustafson was a standout basketball player in high school in spite of having lost his right arm and shoulder in a tragic childhood farm accident. After a knee injury ended his collegiate basketball career, he was devastated. But, once again, his faith and courage sustained him and he redirected his energies, building outstanding academic and business careers.
Gus is Founder and President of Ron Gustafson – My Story, located in Omaha, Nebraska. He and his wife, Julie, have three children: Isaac, Josiah and Hannah.
When you face an obstacle in your life, think of Ron ‘Gus’ Gustafson. Gus battled for his life at age nine following a tractor accident that took his right arm and shoulder and crushed his right leg. In spite of his injury, he was determined to excel in athletics. He played varsity basketball (Honorable Mention, All-State) and earned the respect of the coach who once said he’d never make the team.
For Gus, each setback has presented an opportunity to grow. Today, Gus is a remarkable motivator. To experience his message is to lose all self-doubt and to find the strength to succeed. He’ll show you how, with three simple keys: Process the garbage in your life; Never give up; and Have the courage to face the next challenge.
“Turning a Setback Into a Comeback”
Gus speaks his life story and is the speaker everyone wants to own. Once people hear him speak, they can’t wait to share him with others. From a single presentation in a corporate setting, he’ll be invited to speak to every branch of that company throughout the country and abroad. Or, someone in an audience will arrange for him to speak at their child’s school. Gus is equally at home sharing his keys to success at a board retreat, sales meeting or high school banquet.
Fully Armed: Turning a Set-Back Into a Come-Back Buy Here
Are you facing challenges in your life? This book is for you! This inspiring story of a young boy who loses his arm and has his leg crushed in a farm accident at the age of 9 will change the way you look at your challenges! Ron ‘Gus’ Gustafson will share his life with you and show you how to deal with real-life challenges and turn these setbacks into comebacks!
“We booked Ron Gustafson for our 2021 Aurora Cooperative FFA Day and I must say he was incredible! He was so personable and engaging and really did a tremendous job. He had many wonderful conversations with the students and our team before and after his speech. He really helped make the entire experience a success. I also enjoyed working with Tyler and Barry at MidAmerica Speakers Bureau and look forward to doing so again for future events.”
Traci Menke, Member Services Representative, Aurora Cooperative
“We booked Ron Gustafson through MidAmerica Speakers Bureau to speak at our Customer Appreciation Banquet and he did a wonderful job! He kept the entire audience’s attention better than I can ever remember any speaker doing. Gus also took the time, both before and after the meeting, to visit with my customers and he really left an impression. I received a number of calls and text messages the next day from our attendees telling me how much they enjoyed Gus, and that he was ‘the best speaker we have ever had!’ My kids were still talking about him at breakfast the next morning! Thanks, Barry and Tyler for steering me in Gus’ direction…he was GREAT!!”
Dallas Choat, Owner, DC Seed & Chemical, LLC
Gus’ speech was excellent. His ability to accept challenges and determination to overcome obstacles is remarkable. The students were engaged and I have only heard good things. Our staff and I appreciated his sense of humor, and the students loved seeing his talent for spinning various items on his hand. And it was great getting to speak with him personally; his story is truly inspiring.
Zach Springer, Dean of Students, Central City Public Schools
“Thank you VERY much for the wonderful presentation you delivered at my recent conference in Washington D.C. The Seaboard VPA All-Stars event has historically been the most well-received function of the year by the qualifying agents. Your presence elevated the meeting to a level of quality that we had not seen before. Your talk was entertaining, inspirational motivational and humbling. You are a person who truly practices what you preach. It is obvious the word ‘surrender’ is not part of your vocabulary.”
Ray Melcher, Vice President Agency, State Farm Insurance
“I want to thank you for giving so much of yourself and the long-lasting impact you have made. We are better for knowing you and having you as a part of our meeting.”
Joe Neely, Vice President Agency, State Farm Insurance
“A total of 1,000 employees attended the four sessions over the two days. During the presentations, one could ‘hear a pin drop’ to quote an old phrase to describe the attention of the participants focused on Mr. Gustafson’s story of his life in ‘turning setbacks into comebacks.’ The verbal and written evaluations were 100% positive with statements like ‘the best CARE Days ever,’ ‘well worth the time spent,’ ‘a message of life for everyone,’ and ‘ wow, what more can one say!'”
Sister Mary Jaeger, Vice President of Mission, Avera McKennan Hospital
Omaha, Nebraska
