Craig Grossi

Speaker, Bestselling Author & Marine Corps Veteran

Craig Grossi

Speaker, Bestselling Author & Marine Corps Veteran

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Biography

Raised in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., Craig Grossi is a Marine Corps veteran, bestselling author of Craig & Fred and Second Chances, recipient of the Purple Heart and Georgetown University graduate.

In 2010, Craig served as a member of an elite team of US Marines in Sangin, Afghanistan. Sangin was his most dangerous assignment, not the place he thought he would meet an incredible stray dog that he named Fred. The story of Craig & Fred has captured the hearts of readers across the globe. Craig has appeared on the TODAY Show, Rachael Ray and countless other programs across the country.

At his talks, Craig shares the captivating story of how he rescued Fred from the battlefield: stuffing him in a duffle bag aboard a helicopter and eventually to the United States. This however, was just the beginning of their incredible journey together. Upon returning home it was Fred’s turn to rescue Craig in incredible and unexpected ways.

It is a story of love, loyalty and the power of Stubborn Positivity.

From corporate to colleges, schools and nonprofit fundraisers, Craig Grossi’s message of Stubborn Positivity is universal. His dynamic presence, humor and authenticity along with the incredible story of his service and rescuing Fred is why he’s chosen as a keynote speaker for hundreds of events around the country. Similar to his writing style, Craig’s engaging nature creates an immersive and fun audience experience, where he welcomes participation (if nobody stopped him, he would take questions all night), smaller breakout sessions, one on one conversations, and book signings that feature Fred’s paw-print stamp.

Speech Topics

What It Means to Be Stubbornly Positive

It's Not What Happens To You, But How You React That Matters

Strength & Vulnerability

Overcoming Challenges

Success Through Failure: The Obstacle Is the Way

Second Chances & Living Life As If For the Second Time

Embracing Grief with Stubborn Positivity

Testimonials

"We have used Craig & Fred A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other for the last two years on our campus for our common read and students, faculty, and staff all loved reading the book. Students cannot stop talking about how incredible it was to welcome Craig & Fred to campus and to hear their story in person. The message of stubborn positivity really resonates with our students, and they loved meeting Fred and hearing about how they two of them changed each other, and are now changing the lives of others through their messaging and their work in the prison system. Their story speaks to the heart of what it means to be dedicated to both a sense of purpose and another being, and you will leave loving them even more than you did when reading the book. The time they took to speak to students and sign books was remarkable, and getting to give Fred a pet was a special bonus for those who wanted to do so."

- Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Georgia Southwestern State University

"We so enjoyed having Craig and Fred speak at our event! We had an audience of over 500 people, and had such a phenomenal response. From the mayor, to other leaders in our community, everyone LOVED Craig and Fred!! Their message of "stubborn positivity" impacted the hearts of so many people. In all my life, I have never heard such great feedback from an event like this, and that is due to Craig and Fred's amazing story. We had a dozen people who drove more than three hours to hear this story. Craig's honesty about his experiences was so genuine, and we loved the whole "pack" of Craig, Nora, Fred, and Ruby."

- Micah's Promise, Columbus, Ga

"Craig Grossi's presentation at our school was one that we will be feeling the effects of for years to come. His book brought together everyone in our community--from sixth graders to silver-haired seniors, veterans and so many in between. Watching Fred play around as he shared his story with us, meeting him in real life, and seeing the genuine person Craig is was incredible!"

- C.A.R.E.S Community Read Program, Hillsboro, Wisconsin

"Craig and Fred are rock stars! They spoke with over 1500 middle school students yesterday about the power of being positive in tough situations. You could hear a pin drop in the auditoriums; the kids were hanging on his every word. Craig was engaging, authentic and funny and Fred was adorable. Craig & Fred have impacted the lives of countless students and adults in our community by sharing their story. We are so thankful for the opportunity to host them and hope to have them back again soon."

- Grosse Point Public Schools, Michigan

"Planning a program that is engaging and relevant for boys in grades 3-12 is no easy task, and Craig was the perfect speaker to capture our boys' hearts and minds. His message of 'vulnerability as strength' is an important message for boys and young men and we are so grateful for the opportunity to have hosted Craig and Fred. According to one of our Upper School students who helped lead the program, 'Craig was very engaging and he answered a lot of questions--- nothing was off limits. He was easy to work with and made me think about being vulnerable."

- Director of the Center for the Study of Boys, St. Christopher’s School

“In my forty plus years of hosting and attending library programs (including many fabulous concerts), Craig and Fred were one of my favorite programs ever! Craig really is extraordinary--smart, funny, warm, modest, kind, thoughtful and a natural speaker. People LOVED him and his message—I don’t think I have ever had so many people thank me for arranging a program or tell me how much the program meant to them. Honestly, it was a remarkable experience."

- Cheshire Public Library (Cheshire CT)

“We had a spectacular visit and people are still thanking me for hosting Craig and Fred!”

- Russell Public Library (Middletown CT)

“Our events with Craig & Nora & Fred & Ruby were awesome! The kids (and adults) were thrilled and enthusiastic and the signing was crazy-good. Our event room was mobbed with people, and it was standing room only in the back. It was so heartwarming to see how people were touched by their story. It really was a special day for everyone involved!”

- Browseabout Books (Rehoboth Beach DE)