Randall Reeder

Randall Reeder has been speaking as "Will Rogers" since 1996 when he was "discovered" by an Oklahoma professional speaker from Woodward, Dale Minnick. Dale, who died two years later, told Randall that "God put you together to remind us of the most admired man in the U.S. in the 20th Century."

Although Randall does not claim to live up to that high calling, he gives a lot of talks to businesses and organizations all across the country. He also writes a "Weekly Comments" in Will Rogers style and puts them on his web site: www.WillRogersToday.com.

He grew up on a farm in West Virginia and was on the faculty at Ohio State University as an Extension Agricultural Engineer from 1979 to 2011. At Ohio State he worked with farm machinery, conservation tillage systems, bioenergy, and 4-H youth programs. He is a member of several organizations including the National Society of Professional Engineers and Farm Bureau.

Will Rogers (1879-1935) is synonymous with Oklahoma, and continues to be it's most beloved citizen. He was a humorist, newspaper columnist, movie star, political commentator, radio entertainer and professional speaker. He was one-quarter Cherokee and grew up on a ranch in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). He rose to fame in Vaudeville as a trick roper, starred in the Ziegfeld Follies, and eventually became the highest paid movie star in Hollywood. In the 1920s he typically received at least $1000 per speech.

Will Rogers' son, Jim, told Randall several years ago, "I sure liked your speech." Randall brings to life the warmth and humor of Will Rogers as he speaks to a variety of business, community and agricultural groups. He is more than a Will Rogers impersonator; you'll feel you are in the presence of Will Rogers.

Randall draws on Will Rogers' published writings and other sources to customize his presentation based on the interests of the audience. He adds observations about life and politics today, just as Will Rogers always did, with humor and grace.