J.R. Martinez

J.R. Martinez

Keynote Speaker: Actor, Bestselling Author, Advocate, Wounded U.S. Army Veteran, Motivational Speaker on Resilience & Optimism

J.R. Martinez Biography

J.R. Martinez is an actor, best-selling author, motivational speaker, advocate, and wounded U.S. Army veteran. He is many things. But perhaps most significantly, he is an inspiration.

Martinez’s career path has been incredible, and perhaps even a bit improbable. Once a high school football player from a small town in Georgia, the only son of a single working mother who emigrated from El Salvador, Martinez’s trajectory is nothing if not surprising. Even to him.

Jose Rene Martinez was born June 14, 1983 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Maria Zavala. His two sisters, Consuelo and Anabel, were raised in El Salvador with his mother’s family. He never met Anabel, who died as a young child. At nine years old, Martinez moved with his mother to Hope, Arkansas, where he lived until he was 18. He then moved to Dalton, Georgia, a place he proudly calls his hometown. Martinez always loved playing football and had aspirations of making it to the NFL.

After high school, he joined the Army. Martinez was proud to serve, as a way to give something back to a country that had already given so much to him and to his family. In September of 2002, Martinez underwent Basic and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he gained skills as an 11-B Infantryman. After reporting to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in January of 2003, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

In March of 2003, Martinez was deployed to Iraq. On April 5, he was driving a Humvee in Karbala when his left front tire hit a roadside bomb. The three other soldiers were ejected from the burning vehicle, but Martinez was trapped inside. He suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns to 34 percent of his body. Martinez claims that while he was fighting for his life and awaiting medical help, his sister, Anabel, appeared to him giving him the strength to live.

Martinez was evacuated to a local medic station in Iraq and then on to Landstuhl, Germany, for immediate care. He spent 34 months in recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC/SAMC) in San Antonio, Texas. He has undergone 34 different surgeries, including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery, in the years since his injury.

During his recovery, a nurse asked him to speak to a burn patient, who had just seen his body for the first time and had become withdrawn. After a brief visit, Martinez realized that he had a positive impact on this patient and decided to use his own experiences to help others. He continued to visit patients every day, sharing his story and listening to theirs. He learned that inspiration is often a two-way street.

Martinez has since become a highly sought-after motivational speaker. He travels the world spreading his message of resilience and optimism. He devotes himself to showing others the true value of making the most of every situation. He has spoken to troops at various bases around the world, as well as to groups such as the Clinton Global Initiative, the Red Cross, and dozens of universities, non-profits, and Fortune 500 companies. His story is unique, but his message is universal: your path in life is decided by your own ability to adapt and overcome.

Many also know Martinez as “Brot Monroe”, a combat veteran who was injured in Iraq and returned home to face the new challenges of reintegrating to civilian life, on the Emmy Award-winning daytime drama, "All My Children." In 2008, Martinez’s friend noticed an open casting call from the show, looking for a veteran to join their famed cast, and encouraged Martinez to try out. After several meetings with producers, he was cast, and an actor was born. Due to his runaway popularity, what began as a three-month story arc developed into a three-year role.

After "All My Children" ran its final season, Martinez went on to surprise and inspire a nation on ABC’s "Dancing with the Stars." Along with partner Karina Smirnoff, he won the coveted mirrorball trophy, and they were named Season 13 champions.

Martinez costarred on the syndicated action series, "SAF3" (CW Network), as a Los Angeles County firefighter, paramedic, and veteran USAF pararescue jumper, “Alfonso Rivera”. He also guest starred on the Season 6 finale of "Army Wives."

Martinez has been featured on many shows, such as Oprah, 60 Minutes, Ellen, The View, The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, CBS Nightly News, and on CNN, Fox, HLN and Univision. He narrated the CNN documentary series, "In America: Vets Wanted?" In 2013, he also guest hosted on The View. He hosted The J.R. Martinez Show on KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on J.R. Martinez and other top speakers and celebrities.

J.R. Martinez Speaking Topics

Facing Adversity with Optimism and Resilience

None of us knows what we're capable of until we're faced with a tough or unexpected challenge. Often this means having to adjust your dream or vision and sometimes event to create an entirely new goal.

It can also mean getting through a tough time a week, day, hour or even minute at a time.

By focusing on shorter term goals and keeping optimism (and even humor) at the forefront, your entire outlook and perspective can be transformed. We are all stronger and more resilient than we think. In facing challenges and recovering from setbacks, we have new opportunities to develop the unique gifts that have been given to us.

It's about being able to become more what you can envision at the moment.

Plugging into Your Potential

True potential can only be realized by believing, trusting and not quitting.

JR explores the power of goal setting, staying motivated, and developing the perseverance that will get you to your destination. Each fork in the road is a chance to make a decision that will take you either closer or further from your goal. If you choose correctly, there are endless possibilities.

And, while keeping focused on your goal is a good thing, you shouldn't do it to the point of 'getting stuck.'

JR shows the importance of being open minded to new opportunities and fluid enough to respond to circumstances that, while unexpected, take you further than you ever thought possible.

Respecting Yourself and Others

The best things come when we respect ourselves, and others. While we tend to see ourselves as "normal" we should see others as normal in their own way. In their own skin. Be proud of who you are, and recognize that every single person has worth. Every person has something they bring to the table.

JR has spent countless hours listening to people through the stories they tell. People can teach you so much if you just listen-accept them for who they are, flaws and alland that begins with respecting

Paying it Forward: The Return is Priceless

All of us have the power to make an impact on a life, either positively or negatively. Our words, our actions are powerful. How we treat others not only affects them, it shapes us. And, frankly, why should we do something for someone else?

The payoff is bigger than you can imagine. When you use the unique power and gifts you have inside to help others, not only do you benefit, but the person you help can teach you things about yourself in a positive light.

The American Dream Personified

J.R. Martinez Videos

J.R. Martinez - Bestselling Author, Speaker, Veteran & Actor
Illuminating the journey from trauma to hope with JR Martinez
Cubic | GRIDSMART, J.R. Martinez Speaks at INTERSECT 2020

How do I book J.R. Martinez to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like J.R. Martinez for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for J.R. Martinez, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for J.R. Martinez or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book J.R. Martinez for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for J.R. Martinez, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire J.R. Martinez, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does J.R. Martinez speak about?

J.R. Martinez is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Inspirational, Television & Film, World Affairs, Faith & Religion, Overcoming Adversity, Storytelling, Disability, Hispanic Heritage, Health, Motivational, Military, College, Veterans, Authors, Culture, Resilience, Commencement, Diversity & Inclusion, Addiction & Recovery, Christian, Reality TV, Sales, Human Resources, Virtual, Retail, Teamwork & Teambuilding and Personal Growth.

Where does J.R. Martinez travel from?

J.R. Martinez generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for J.R. Martinez?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like J.R. Martinez for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book J.R. Martinez for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host J.R. Martinez or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


J.R. Martinez is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Inspirational, Television & Film and World Affairs. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. J.R. Martinez generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Eric Boles, Inky Johnson and Rudy Ruettiger. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling J.R. Martinez for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/11/2024.

J.R. Martinez Speaking Topics

  • Facing Adversity with Optimism and Resilience

    None of us knows what we're capable of until we're faced with a tough or unexpected challenge. Often this means having to adjust your dream or vision and sometimes event to create an entirely new goal.

    It can also mean getting through a tough time a week, day, hour or even minute at a time.

    By focusing on shorter term goals and keeping optimism (and even humor) at the forefront, your entire outlook and perspective can be transformed. We are all stronger and more resilient than we think. In facing challenges and recovering from setbacks, we have new opportunities to develop the unique gifts that have been given to us.

    It's about being able to become more what you can envision at the moment.

  • Plugging into Your Potential

    True potential can only be realized by believing, trusting and not quitting.

    JR explores the power of goal setting, staying motivated, and developing the perseverance that will get you to your destination. Each fork in the road is a chance to make a decision that will take you either closer or further from your goal. If you choose correctly, there are endless possibilities.

    And, while keeping focused on your goal is a good thing, you shouldn't do it to the point of 'getting stuck.'

    JR shows the importance of being open minded to new opportunities and fluid enough to respond to circumstances that, while unexpected, take you further than you ever thought possible.

  • Respecting Yourself and Others

    The best things come when we respect ourselves, and others. While we tend to see ourselves as "normal" we should see others as normal in their own way. In their own skin. Be proud of who you are, and recognize that every single person has worth. Every person has something they bring to the table.

    JR has spent countless hours listening to people through the stories they tell. People can teach you so much if you just listen-accept them for who they are, flaws and alland that begins with respecting

  • Paying it Forward: The Return is Priceless

    All of us have the power to make an impact on a life, either positively or negatively. Our words, our actions are powerful. How we treat others not only affects them, it shapes us. And, frankly, why should we do something for someone else?

    The payoff is bigger than you can imagine. When you use the unique power and gifts you have inside to help others, not only do you benefit, but the person you help can teach you things about yourself in a positive light.

  • The American Dream Personified

J.R. Martinez Videos

J.R. Martinez - Bestselling Author, Speaker, Veteran & Actor
Illuminating the journey from trauma to hope with JR Martinez
Cubic | GRIDSMART, J.R. Martinez Speaks at INTERSECT 2020

J.R. Martinez Reviews

  • JR was amazing and so personable. He captured the audience with his presence and storytelling ability and he has an amazing story to tell. Our members gave him a standing ovation as he closed our conference!
    Florida Local Government Information Systems Association - Jul 24 2024

  • JR is very nice and genuine, and I am happy that we brought him in front of our members. Most of the comments about his keynote were positive. I did get feedback that he took a bit of time to get to his point and did not relate his topic to the audience. However, there were many happy attendees!
    NC REALTORS® - Oct 30 2023

  • Abilene Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc. - Sep 23 2022

  • J.R. is a dream. He is so friendly and approachable. I can't wait to hire him for another client event!
    The Predictive Index - Apr 19 2022

  • Responsive, knowledgeable and great team to work with.
    Thrivent Financial - Nov 17 2021

J.R. Martinez News

  • How do I book J.R. Martinez to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like J.R. Martinez for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for J.R. Martinez, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for J.R. Martinez or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book J.R. Martinez for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for J.R. Martinez, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire J.R. Martinez, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does J.R. Martinez speak about?

  • Where does J.R. Martinez travel from?

    J.R. Martinez generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for J.R. Martinez?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like J.R. Martinez for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book J.R. Martinez for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host J.R. Martinez or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOKING INFORMATION REQUEST
J.R. MARTINEZ

We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.

Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.

Tell us about your event!

We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.


This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.