Dave Anderson

Dave Anderson is an Inspiring Speaker, Successful Entrepreneur, and Best Selling Author, whose “Against All Odds” story is living proof that the American Dream… no longer has to be just a dream!
Dave Anderson, is best known as “Famous Dave” …the founder of Famous Dave’s of America, with over 180 restaurants and growing, Famous Dave’s has received unprecedented recognition as one of the “Hottest Concepts in America” by Nation’s Restaurant News reaching over $480 Million in sales. He has helped found several publicly traded companies on Wall Street creating over 20,000 new jobs and billions in sales.
Famous Dave holds nothing back as he shares his incredible real life story of overcoming tremendous odds, adversity, and failure to go to create one of America’s best loved restaurant companies. With the spirit, energy, and enthusiasm that can only come from being in the trenches… Dave’s heartfelt story is the real deal…When Dave shares how he overcame his own personal challenges to become America’s Rib King…Dave connects directly to the spirit of every heart in attendance. The “Famous Dave Story” is inspiring, humorous, and motivating. Dave’s remarkable story gives hope to all audiences… that they too can achieve their dreams… but more than that… people get jumpstarted , rejuvenated, and re-energized… ready to take on life’s challenges.
Famous Dave has shared his business success secrets and leadership insights with millions throughout the United States and Canada to both Small Businesses, Fortune 500 companies, University Commencements, National Youth Organizations, Community Organizations, and Student Body Keynotes. Dave’s passionate inspiring story has caused four governors to ask Dave to be their keynote speaker for their state wide Governor’s Prayer Breakfasts. Dave has been the keynote speaker for the states of: Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, including The Twin Cities Prayer Breakfast in Minnesota. Dave was also a contributing Author to the HIghly Successful Chicken Soup for the Soul Series.
Dave has appeared on all major networks NBC, CBS, ABC including: Regis and Kathy Lee, CNBC’s The Next Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, the Discovery Channel, the Food Network, FOX Morning Show, and The Travel Channel. NASDAQ honored Famous Dave’s of America for the 15th year Anniversary by ringing the NASDAQ Bell and featured Famous Dave’s on The World’s Largest 10 Story TV on Times Square! In 2002, Dave was had the honor of being an Olympic Torch bearer. Dave’s life story was featured on a Special Oprah Winfrey Show honoring six individuals who made a special difference in the lives of others. Dave received Oprah’s Angel Award for his leadership work with at risk youth.
Dave’s life story has also been featured in several best-selling books on the New York Times Best Seller List…Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur’s Soul features The Famous Dave Story as their first story in the bestselling book. Nationally recognized Leadership Guru John C. Maxwell uses Dave’s life story to sum up his book Failing Forward. Motivational expert Zig Ziglar features Dave’s “Against All Odds” story in his bestselling book on Success. Dave’s own cookbook Famous Dave’s Backroads and Sidestreets Award Winning Recipes won “Best Barbecue and Grill Cookbook” by The National Barbecue Association and is in its third printing. After much demand… Dave authored Famous Dave’s LifeSkills for Success which has received high praise and endorsement by Anthony Robbins; Mark Victor Hansen of Chicken Soup for The Soul; and Gene Kranz of Failure Is Not An Option, The story of Apollo 13.
Dave has received a prestigious Presidential Appointment, which required a full Senate confirmation serving as Assistant Secretary for The US Department of Interior in Washington, D.C . Mr. Anderson has served several governors in advisory positions regarding community economic development and small business. Dave has also provided key testimony that has been used in Congress and several US Senate Select Committees.
Always tackling the impossible, this highly successful entrepreneur was in the bottom half of his high school class but has earned his Master’s Degree from Harvard University without an undergraduate degree and has received an Honorary Doctorate Degree for his life’s work. Today, Dave believes his higher purpose in life is to make a positive difference in his community and in the lives of others less fortunate. With a gift of $1.5 Million…Dave and his wife Kathy founded The LifeSkills Center for Leadership, an incredible life-transforming leadership program. www.lifeskills-center.org
A highly sought after keynote speaker, Dave shares his heartfelt optimism using his life’s story to share valuable insight and life lessons in dealing with today’s fast changing and challenging world. Dave is an enthusiastic advocate of the American Dream, he stresses that no matter how tough things may seem today, if you never give up your dream and work hard tomorrow’s rewards will always come.