Bestselling Author of The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change
Damon West: Biography at a Glance
- Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, and internationally known keynote speaker.
- A former Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, West suffered a career-ending injury and turned to hard-core drugs to cope.
- While serving a 7-year prison sentence, West had a fateful discussion with a seasoned convict that taught him The Coffee Bean theory - the idea of changing the environment around you rather than letting it change you.
- He is now the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change, which Forbes’ listed in the “Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020.”
- On stage, he inspires audiences with his story of redemption, grit, and determination while teaching them how to incorporate The Coffee Bean message into their own work and lives.
Videos
Biography
Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, and internationally known keynote speaker. He is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change, which Forbes’ listed in the “Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020.”
His autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, vividly tells how he transformed the pot of boiling water that is a Texas maximum-security prison into a pot of coffee.
At 20 years old, he was a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, when he suffered a career-ending injury. He turned to hard-core drugs to cope with the disappointments of life. After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress, was a national fundraiser on a U.S. Presidential campaign, and eventually trained to be a stockbroker for the United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.
After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison as a changed man. His story of redemption, grit, and determination continues to inspire audiences today.
The Coffee Bean message has inspired thousands. Damon’s clients include such companies as Walmart, AIG, Chick-fil-A, Southwest Airlines, and sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Timberwolves, Clemson, Alabama, and Georgia. The U.S. Army has even incorporated the #BeACoffeeBean mindset into their resilience training. Damon’s story has been featured both nationally and globally.
He is passionate about the Coffee Bean message and loves sharing how it changed his life and how it can change yours, too.
His Wall Street Journal bestselling book, The Locker Room: How Great Teams Heal Hurt, Overcome Adversity and Build Unity, is being optioned for film adaptation.
His children’s book, The Coffee Bean for Kids, is the genesis for Coffee Bean Clubs being started by students at schools all over America.
Today, Damon lives a life of recovery and service, sharing his story all over the world. Of all the hats Damon wears, however, the two most important to him are being a husband to Kendell and a stepfather to Clara.
Topics
Be A Coffee Bean: Becoming a Positive Force for Change
Servant Leadership: The Secret To Life
Designed for any group, this presentation is focused and personalized for audiences who are working to positively change their culture. Before coming in to speak to your group, Damon will learn your most serious issues and address them as part of his presentation. Damon emphasizes the need to become servant leaders in their teams, schools, communities, organizations and families. Additionally, Damon will end with a Call To Action, to be like the coffee bean from his story. At the conclusion of the event, Damon will field questions from the audience on any and all topics he discussed.
Overcoming Adversity: The Damon West Story
In this intimate and personal presentation, Damon shares his cautionary tale and message of hope in a brutally honest presentation. Damon takes his audience on an emotional journey from childhood sexual abuse, adolescent addiction and living with ADHD, playing Division 1 football, working in the United States Congress and ultimately working for one of the biggest Wall Street banks, UBS, before being introduced to meth. His nightmare life of meth-addicted crime and receiving the maximum punishment (Life) is vividly described. The survival stories on the life-sentence building inside a Texas maximum security prison and the lessons he learned while incarcerated, which ultimately delivered him into recovery, are spell-binding and riveting. Additionally, Damon will end with a Call To Action, to be like the coffee bean from his story. At the conclusion of the event, Damon will field questions from the audience on any and all topics he discussed.
Core Values of Your Team: Inspire to Your Full Potential
This presentation is designed for businesses, corporations and teams to realize their full potential and stay ahead of the competition. For maximum effectiveness, Damon will personalize his story with your core values and goals, splicing valuable lessons and life-changing realizations he learned along the way with your organization’s story and mission statement. The themes of character, grit, goals, determination and winning the day are paramount in this presentation. Additionally, Damon will end with a Call To Action, to be like the coffee bean from his story. At the conclusion of the event, Damon will field questions from the audience on any and all topics he discussed.
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FAQs
How do I book Damon West for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book Damon West to speak at corporate or private events, keynote speeches, speaking engagements, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances.
Quick booking process- Email CAA Speakers with event details
- Get availability confirmation within 24 hours
- Review speaking fee and contract terms
- Sign agreement and finalize logistics
As one of the most influential talent agencies in the world, CAA handles all speaking engagements from contract to event day coordination.
Who is Damon West's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for Damon West’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all Damon West in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact Damon West's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: caa.com/caaspeakers
- Response: Within 24 hours
CAA Speakers can check Damon West's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list Damon West, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is Damon West's speaking fee?
Damon West's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, Damon West's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
- Travel distance and logistics
- Presentation length and customization
- Virtual vs. in-person delivery
Additional costs: Travel, accommodation, A/V requirements, and optional meet-and-greets.
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for Damon West's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book Damon West as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book Damon West as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
Total booking cost includes:- Damon West's keynote speaking fee
- Travel and accommodation
- Technical requirements and A/V setup
- Optional add-ons like book signing and meet & greets
- Virtual presentations
- Local/regional events
- Off-peak booking periods
- Flexible event dates
Email speakers@caa.com for Damon West's exact booking cost and customized pricing proposal.
How to contact Damon West for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all Damon West speaking engagements.
Official contact for Damon West bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/damon-west
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking Damon West.
Is Damon West available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, Damon West speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
Damon West's virtual event options:- Live virtual keynotes with Q&A
- Interactive workshops and breakouts
- Hybrid events (in-person + virtual)
- Pre-recorded presentations
Virtual events offer global reach, flexible scheduling, and reduced travel costs while maintaining Damon West's engaging presentation quality.
Contact CAA Speakers for Damon West's virtual event availability and technical specifications.
What events can I book Damon West for?
Book Damon West for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. Damon West customizes content for any audience size or event type.
Event types:- Corporate meetings and conferences
- Industry summits and trade shows
- Private executive retreats
- Educational institution events
- Virtual and hybrid conferences
Damon West engages audiences from private executive meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
Contact CAA Speakers to discuss how Damon West can customize their presentation for your specific event.
Damon West booking information and availability
Check Damon West's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
- Lead time for booking
- Peak conference seasons
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Contact CAA early in your planning process to secure Damon West for your preferred event date.
Book Damon West keynote speaker through CAA
Book Damon West through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for Damon West, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
CAA booking advantages:- Direct access to Damon West's calendar
- 24-hour availability confirmations
- Professional contract negotiation
- Full logistics coordination
- Industry-leading client service
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies for their most important speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com to book Damon West for your next event.
Will Damon West speak at private events?
Yes, Damon West speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
Private event types:- Executive retreats and board presentations
- Client entertainment and VIP gatherings
- Corporate celebrations and award ceremonies
- Private dinners and exclusive functions
Private event benefits: Customized content, enhanced interaction, complete confidentiality, and flexible scheduling.
Contact CAA Speakers for Damon West's private event availability and confidential pricing proposals.
How quickly will I get a response about booking Damon West?
CAA Speakers responds to Damon West booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
- Urgent requests: Same-day priority response
Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Damon West?
Book Damon West 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get Damon West pricing information?
Get Damon West pricing information by contacting CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com with your event details. Receive detailed cost breakdown within 24-48 hours with no obligation to book.
For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
- Audience size and type
- Event format and duration
- Budget parameters
CAA provides transparent pricing with all costs included - speaking fee, travel, accommodation, and technical requirements.