Rene Godefroy has a passion for empowering others to excel and succeed. His personal story of struggle, grit and perseverance epitomize triumph and the American dream.

Born in a tiny, isolated village on the island of Haiti, Rene was an impoverished child tormented by extended illness. Abandoned by his father and left behind while his mother sought work in the city, he survived primarily on breadfruit and the occasional rare fish he caught with a string and hook.

Unable to speak English, Rene arrived in America with just five dollars, two shirts and one pair of pants housed in a tattered briefcase. Where many would see nothing but overwhelming odds stacked against them, he saw an abundance of opportunity and a chance to pursue the American dream.

A truly self-made man, Rene summoned his keen survival skills and natural instincts to pursue his ambitions. He worked menial jobs from New York to Miami and wound up working as a doorman in Atlanta’s upscale Renaissance Waverly Hotel. He taught himself English and read voraciously. As his knowledge increased, his quality of life improved and his dream of making an impact in America was sure to be realized.

Today, Rene is opening different doors for people. As one of America’s most sought-after and inspiring motivational speakers, his unique insight is opening doors for himself and others nationally and internationally.

HIGHLIGHTS

Provided major companies like AT&T, Coca-Cola, and Charles Schwab with winning ideas to impact their bottom line.

Received national publicity on CBS's 60 Minutes along with Colin Powell, Zig Ziglar and Anthony Robbins. He has also appeared on The Glenn Beck Show, Power Minute Syndication and Selling Power Audio Magazine.

The City of Smyrna dedicated an entire day to him, and Fort Lauderdale’s mayor presented him with the key to the city.

Spotlighted in feature articles in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Miami Times, Fort Lauderdale's Sun–Sentinel and in other print and radio media around the country.

Authored the hot-selling inspirational book, “No Condition is Permanent!” which advises people to relentlessly pursue personal growth and take the actions necessary to make their dreams come true.

Established Chief Executive Officer of Village Hero, Inc., a philanthropic, Atlanta-based company dedicated to raising money to help children in his native village and elsewhere in the Caribbean. Rene has begun organizing a medical clinic in Haiti and also plans to help start a school there.