The UP Guys, Nels Ross and Richie Derwald, are speakers and entertainers who have uplifted and empowered one million+ people through #1 fun and #2 programs lauded as "TED Talks meets America’s Got Talent!” (See VIDEOS.)
As conference, keynote, and motivational speakers, they promote wellness, mental health, leadership, team building, and more. As clean comedians, emcees, and edutainers, they have won 5-star reviews from the National Comedy Center and for business, educational, government, healthcare, professional development, corporate, training, and other events. (See BOOKING INFO.)
2 reviews
Denise M. C.
June 7, 2023My family was mesmerized by the "UP Guy."..gathered to celebrate an 80th birthday with the theme "Live, Laugh, Love," Nels hit all the notes with his humor, juggling feats, and amazing storytelling.
Hired as: Comedian, Motivational Speaker
Dustin B.
June 7, 2017I have seen Nels a couple of years now and he always inpresses me with his ability to juggle and add comity to the show. If you are looking for a juggler that your audience will never forget, book Nels. you will not be sorry you did.
Hired as: Juggler
The UP Guys
Thanks for the positive review. Jest wishes!
Price range: $1k-$100k +/-
Languages: English, Spanish
Gig length: 30 - 120 minutes
FEATURED PROGRAM
*for adults and close approximations
"FUNdamentals" with The UP Guys
The UP Guys share fun mindset training for wellness, mental health, growth, and more – reinforcing proven principles through humor, variety arts, music, and interactive activities. It is evidence-based edutainment, described as "TED Talks meets America’s Got Talent!”
Participants learn powerful mindsets, foundations, and life skills, applying them with experiential learning.
• Mindsets – Positive, Present, Purposeful, Playful
• Foundations – Values, Relationships, Purpose, Fun (?!)
• Life Skills – Improvise, Adapt, Overcome, Win
[!] Ask about a focus on change, stress, team building, teamwork, safety, leadership …
[!] Applies to educational, government, healthcare, business, and motivational goals.
[!] Adapts to professional development, corporate, keynote, event host, or emcee content.
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REVIEWS
"NOTHING SHORT OF EXTRAORDINARY"
United States Air Force
"AMAZING… FANTASTIC… DELIGHTED EVERYONE!"
National Comedy Center
"STANDING OVATION"
National Center for Education Research & Technology
"HIGHLIGHT OF THE CONFERENCE!"
Michigan Society of Professional Engineers
"YOU HAD EVERYONE IN STITCHES!"
Chautauqua Institution
"ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!"
Corning Museum of Glass
"CAPTIVATED EVERYONE... POWERFUL!!!"
Holiday Valley Resorts
"A SMASHING SUCCESS!"
Texas Association of Magicians
"FANTASTIC PRESENTATION... MARVELOUS!"
Association of California School Administrators
"20,000 FANS WERE DELIGHTED"
Buffalo Bisons
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REFERENCES
1,000+ Colleges & Schools • 3M Company • Akzo Nobel • Albright-Knox Art Gallery • American Heart Association • ArcelorMittal • Artpark • Association of California School Administrators • Benderson Development • BorgWarner • Buffalo Bills • Buffalo Bisons • Buffalo Sabres • Calspan • Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership • Chautauqua Institution • Cognigen Corporation • Cornell University • Corning Inc. • Corning Museum of Glass • Creative Problem Solving Institute • Dresser-Rand • Fisher-Price • Gold Wing Road Riders • H&R Block • Harley-Davidson • Holiday Valley Resorts • HSBC Bank • Independent Health • Ingram Micro • M&T Bank • Mack Trucks • Mental Health Association • Moog • Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute • National Center for Education Research & Technology • National Comedy Center • National Hockey League • Niagara Power Project • NYS Payroll Conference Association • Ortho Clinical Diagnostics • Peek ’n Peak Resort • Philips Healthcare • Praxair • Rich Products • Rochester Institute of Technology • Roswell Park Cancer Institute • Ryerson • Shea’s Performing Arts Center • Society of Professional Engineers • Strong National Museum of Play • Subway • Uniland Development • U.S. Department of Defense • University at Buffalo • Via Rail Canada • Volvo • Wellness Institute • Who Reads This Stuff??
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FUN FACTS
• Contrary to popular opinion, Nels and Richie are more than just idiots.
• Nels has a MEd. Both have "PHD’s" in Personal Humor Development.
• They value Rotary “gffts” of goodwill, friendship, fairness, truth, service…
• Nels goes by his first and middle names. It’s easier for him to remember.
• Richie was a pro wrestler and producer of a national TV show. Really.
• They’ve worked across the U.S., Canada, the world… And other places.
• As seen at events with Margaret Cho, Jeff Foxworthy, Jim Gaffigan, Gabriel Iglesias, Kevin James, Rob Schneider, David Spade, and Taylor Tomlinson.
[!] Book The UP Guys for a sure hit!
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TAGS
Clean Comedians, Conference Speakers, Corporate Events, Educational, Emcees, Entertainers, Event Hosts, Government, Healthcare, Inspirational, Keynote Speakers, Leadership, Mental Health, Motivational Speakers, Professional Development, School Programs, Staff Training, Team Building, Virtual, Wellness
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 6:15pm
•
Orchard Park, NY
Saturday
Festival
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Angola, NY
Motivational Speaker
