About Aaron Cross

Biography

Born: Waterloo, I.A.
Grew-up: St. Cloud, MN

Education

• SEAL Adventure Challenge (SAC) first person in a wheelchair ever to attempt and finish a Navy SEAL (SAC) training course May 2005
• MN Department of Public Safety Underage Access to Alcohol Compliance Check Training September 2003
• National Archery Association Level II Instructors course September 2002
• Image 1 Model & Talent Agency University November 2002
• Mental Management University June 2002
• Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN, 1997; B.A., major in mass communication with emphasis in motivational speaking
• MN Speakers Assoc. Speakers University April 1997
• Currently studying for B.S. in Criminal Justice Brown College
• Currently, self-teaching (Arabic & Spanish).

Professional Speaker since 1997
After graduating college with a B.A., major in mass communication with emphasis in motivational speaking, Aaron has been traveling the country speaking to all types of groups and ages. Furthermore during this time his has kept his elite status to named to the last 3 U.S. Paralympic and last 9 World Archery Teams.

Aaron's training includes countless hours with Olympic and Paralympic coaches, Mental Management Systems courses along with many other training courses - gives Aaron an incredible edge when it comes to working with goal orientated groups and people.

Career highlights:

2004 Paralympic Bronze team medal, successfully finishing a U.S. Navy SEAL Adventure Challenge, Augsburg College's, Decade Award in Recognition for excellence, achievement and personal growth in my professional career, Augsburg College's "Keymaker Award", Toastmaster's Speaker of The Year District six, breaking 100 presentations in a single year.

Performed in: 13 states for speaking and 8 countries for Archery.

Television/video: Copies can be received on request @ your expense

• KARE 11(x2)
  • Extra
  • Perk at Play
• ABC Sports (x1)
• CH 13 Cable St. Cloud (x1)
• KMSP TV (x1)
• WCCO CH 5 (x3)
• CH 13 News Duluth (x1)
• "FOCUS on YOUR TARGET" (Motivation on Wheels/full length and promotional videos - Tell-A-Vision Productions By Jim McAllister)
• College project Vicki Olson - Highlights video of 1996 Paralympic Games

Radio interviews/CD recordings

• WCCO (x2)
• WJON (x6)
• KCLD (x1)
• KISS FM (x2)
• Disabled and Proud (x1)
• Rock House Productions (x4)

Newspaper and magazines interviews on request

• WE Media (x2)
• St. Cloud Times (x12)
• St. Joe Newsleader (x11)
• The Visitor (x8)
• Sports N Spokes Magazine (x3)
• Augsburg Now (x3)
• Inside Archery (x1)
• Nock-Nock (x3)
• Spirit Magazine (x1)
• National Archery Assoc. (x2)
• Rock-This (x1)
• MN Arrow (x2)
• Parachutist magazine (x1)

Promotional Booths and Trade Shows

• Mike's Archery Center booth (x9)
• Hollanders Liquor (x2)
• Millstream Arts Festival (x4)
• KCLD Radio & Tuxedo Junction Bridal Show (x2)
• K-Mart & M&Ms Black & White Promotion
• Wal-Mart & NASCAR YEAR KICK OFF
• Thermal Care heat wraps (Wal-Mart)
• Motivation on Wheels Professional Public Speaking (x6)
• KCLD Wedding Expo (x2)
• Image 1 Talent interviews (x12 helping interview new talent for them)

Accolades

• Three-time Paralympic team (archery RET.) member, 1996, 2000, 2004
• Bronze medalist team round
• Placed fourth in Paralympic Games in 1996 and fifth in 2000
• Member of the U.S. World Archery Team (x6)
• Augsburg College, Decade Award in Recognition for excellence, achievement and personal growth in my professional career Oct 2005
• Toastmasters International of District Six, Speaker of the year for Communication and Leadership in Community, State and Profession, 1999
• Augsburg College, Key Maker Award Recognition for academic achievement and personal growth in college career, May 1997.
• Technical High School Commencement Class Speaker, St. Cloud, MN, May 1993.

DVD for sale: 1 "FOCUS on YOUR TARGET" updated with highlights of 2004 Paralympic games October of 2004.

Top ten places I have spoke: They are all tremendous, but one of the most memorable was speaking to 35,000 students at the ELCA National Youth Conference in St. Lois, M.O.

What do I like best about being a performer? Having someone come up to you and say, "Aren't you Aaron Cross the speaker? You came to my school, you came and spoke at the conference last year; man, you were fantastic." Another great aspect that I live for, being on the road, being in another city, another stage sometimes three times a day. Meeting all the awesome people, knowing that they are here to hear me speak.

Talents/hobbies

Rider for speaking

Stage requirements
Ramp or lift (if not available, assistance for getting on and off stage)
30' or larger stage, can do it in less space; but easier with distance
Large screen projection system DVD capable or multiple TV systems hooked to on DVD player
One (1) small table, i.e. desk or small dinner table 3' high, no higher than 4'.
Fun audiences.