Best-Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, Advocate, and Wounded U.S. Army Veteran
J.R. Martinez: Biography at a Glance
- J.R. Martinez is a bestselling author, motivational speaker, advocate, and wounded U.S. Army veteran.
- He has spoken to troops at various bases around the world, as well as to groups such as the Clinton Global Initiative, the Red Cross, and dozens of universities, non-profits, and Fortune 500 companies.
- His New York Times bestselling memoir, Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit, details how he was able to take his personal tragedy and turn it into an inspiration for others, a message he also brings to worldwide organizations.
- He has been featured on All My Children, Dancing with the Stars, SAF3, and more.
Videos
Biography
After high school, J.R. joined the army. In September of 2002, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.
In March of 2003, J.R. was deployed to Iraq. On April 5, he was driving a humvee in Karbala when his front left tire hit a roadside bomb. The three other soldiers were ejected from the burning vehicle, but J.R. was trapped inside. He suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns to 34 percent of his body.
He spent 34 months in recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC/SAMC) in San Antonio, Texas. He has undergone 34 different surgeries since his injury.
Since then, he’s traveled the world as a motivational speaker. J.R. has had the privilege of speaking with troops at various bases around the world, as well as serving as the keynote speaker for Delta, Wells Fargo, Verizon, State Farm, General Motors, Red Cross and numerous other Fortune 500 companies,
Nonprofits and Universities. His story may be unique, but his message is universal; change isn't bad if you are willing to adapt. Your path in life is decided by your own ability to Adapt & Overcome℠.
Many may remember J.R. as “Brot Monroe,” a combat veteran who was injured in Iraq and returned home to face the new challenges of reintegrating to civilian life, on the Emmy Award winning ABC Daytime drama All My Children.
After All My Children ran its final season in 2011, J.R. went on to surprise and inspire a nation as a contestant on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Along with partner Karina Smirnoff, J.R. won the coveted mirror ball trophy, and they were named season 13 champions.
Later J.R. co-starred on the syndicated action series, SAF3 (CW Network). He also guest starred in the season 6 finale of Lifetime’s Army Wives.
J.R has been featured on many shows, such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, Ellen, The View, The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, CBS Nightly News, CNN, Fox News, HLN, and Univision. He narrated the CNN documentary series In America: Vets Wanted? He’s served as a guest host on The View and ultimately hosted his own radio show, The J.R. Martinez Show, on KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles.
He has also been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, New York Times, US Veterans Magazine, and was featured on the cover of People Magazine, and in their annual Sexiest Man Alive issue, and was also named one of their Most Intriguing People of 2011.
J.R. is the author of the New York Times best-selling book Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit, a memoir about how he was able to take his own personal tragedy and turn it into an inspiration for others.
As a firm believer in giving back, his dedication to the nonprofit world is something about which he is very passionate. J.R. serves as an ambassador for Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Glasswing International, No Barriers and Debra of America.
J.R. currently resides in Austin, TX with his wife, daughter and their two pups, Romeo and Ellie.
Topics
Facing Adversity with Optimism and Resilience
None of us knows what we're capable of until we're faced with a tough or unexpected challenge. Often this means having to adjust your dream or vision and sometimes event to create an entirely new goal. It can also mean getting through a tough time a week, day, hour or even minute at a time. By focusing on shorter term goals and keeping optimism (and even humor) at the forefront, your entire outlook and perspective can be transformed. We are all stronger and more resilient than we think. In facing challenges and recovering from setbacks, we have new opportunities to develop the unique gifts that have been given to us. It's about being able to become more what you can envision at the moment.
The American Dream Personified
As a Latino-American, J.R.’s story goes beyond his time in the U.S. Army. He is the proud son of a single mother from El Salvador, who came to this country out of desperation and to give her child a future. She soon grew to love this country as much as any citizen. She worked hard, gained her American citizenship, and in doing so, she instilled in J.R. the notion of service: service to family, service to community, and service to country. J.R. truly relates to the millions of first generation Latino-Americans who were born with that inherent drive to serve, and to make their world a better place for the next generation. As a proud American citizen and an example of the American dream, J.R. celebrates what is possible in this great country of ours with hard work and a dream. As a proud American citizen and an example of the American dream, J.R. celebrates what is possible in this great country of ours with hard work and a dream.
Respecting Yourself and Others
The best things come when we respect ourselves, and others. While we tend to see ourselves as "normal" we should see others as normal in their own way. In their own skin. Be proud of who you are, and recognize that every single person has worth. Every person has something they bring to the table. JR has spent countless hours listening to people through the stories they tell. People can teach you so much if you just listen-accept them for who they are, flaws and all…and that begins with respecting.
Plugging into Your Potential
True potential can only be realized by believing, trusting and not quitting. JR explores the power of goal setting, staying motivated, and developing the perseverance that will get you to your destination. Each fork in the road is a chance to make a decision that will take you either closer or further from your goal. If you choose correctly, there are endless possibilities. And, while keeping focused on your goal is a good thing, you shouldn't do it to the point of 'getting stuck.' JR shows the importance of being open minded to new opportunities and fluid enough to respond to circumstances that, while unexpected, take you further than you ever thought possible.
Paying it Forward: The Return is Priceless
All of us have the power to make an impact on a life, either positively or negatively. Our words, our actions are powerful. How we treat others not only affects them, it shapes us. And, frankly, why should we do something for someone else? The payoff is bigger than you can imagine. When you use the unique power and gifts you have inside to help others, not only do you benefit, but the person you help can teach you things about yourself in a positive light.
For Faith Based Groups
J.R. can tailor a talk specifically for faith based groups. His faith helped him through his ordeal and recovery, and he truly believes that God was in his corner. As J.R. says, "God doesn't always put you in it, but having solid faith pulls you through it."
People also viewed these speakers.
FAQs
How do I book J.R. Martinez for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book J.R. Martinez 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 J.R. Martinez's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for J.R. Martinez’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all J.R. Martinez in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact J.R. Martinez's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: caa.com/caaspeakers
- Response: Within 24 hours
CAA Speakers can check J.R. Martinez's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list J.R. Martinez, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is J.R. Martinez's speaking fee?
J.R. Martinez's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, J.R. Martinez'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 J.R. Martinez's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book J.R. Martinez as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book J.R. Martinez as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
Total booking cost includes:- J.R. Martinez'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 J.R. Martinez's exact booking cost and customized pricing proposal.
How to contact J.R. Martinez for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all J.R. Martinez speaking engagements.
Official contact for J.R. Martinez bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/jr-martinez
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking J.R. Martinez.
Is J.R. Martinez available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, J.R. Martinez speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
J.R. Martinez'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 J.R. Martinez's engaging presentation quality.
Contact CAA Speakers for J.R. Martinez's virtual event availability and technical specifications.
What events can I book J.R. Martinez for?
Book J.R. Martinez for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. J.R. Martinez 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
J.R. Martinez engages audiences from private executive meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
Contact CAA Speakers to discuss how J.R. Martinez can customize their presentation for your specific event.
J.R. Martinez booking information and availability
Check J.R. Martinez'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 J.R. Martinez for your preferred event date.
Book J.R. Martinez keynote speaker through CAA
Book J.R. Martinez through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for J.R. Martinez, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
CAA booking advantages:- Direct access to J.R. Martinez'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 J.R. Martinez for your next event.
Will J.R. Martinez speak at private events?
Yes, J.R. Martinez 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 J.R. Martinez's private event availability and confidential pricing proposals.
How quickly will I get a response about booking J.R. Martinez?
CAA Speakers responds to J.R. Martinez 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 J.R. Martinez?
Book J.R. Martinez 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 J.R. Martinez pricing information?
Get J.R. Martinez 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.