Testimonials – Dave Alwan Speaks

“Dave Alwan is an exciting, passionate speaker. The story of his entrepreneurial journey is inspirational and restores our faith that America is the land of opportunity for those willing to work hard. His speaking style is relaxed, humble, and humorous. I would recommend Dave as a speaker for any organization that wants to showcase and example of what is possible if a person has big dreams and dedicates himself to achieving success."

- Ken Klotz; Director-Programs Turner Center for Entrepreneurship; Managing Director Turner School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Bradley University

"I wanted to thank you for coming especially with your flight situation. I thought that your speech was inspiring, and it has lead me to think about the many possibilities out there for starting my own business. Your story is quite remarkable, and I hope that I can be just as driven and successful as you have been. Good luck with the continual expansion of your company."

- Emily Cardosa; Student at BUNEEC

"Dave Alwan was the keynote speaker at our 18 Chamber Spring Lunch & Business Expo this year and he delivered one of the best presentations we’ve ever had in the nine years hosting this event! Our Chamber members and guests were energized and inspired by Dave’s story and the unique journey he has taken to grow his business from a small mid-western operation to a nationwide success that continues to prosper and grow! We were so excited to have him share his experience resulting with great feedback from our members in having a highly successful event – thanks to Dave!"

- Jan Anderson; President & C.E.O. at Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce

"Thank you so much - out of all the guest speakers I've brought to the University you are hands down in the top 1% and then some. This morning was truly one of the best opportunities for the students to learn not only what it takes to make a business successful, but also what it takes to make one's life successful. Your story is very inspiring, and I truly appreciate your willingness to take the time out of your busy schedule to share it with us - we are better for it."

- Cindy Byrd; Robert Morris University Illinois

"Thank you so much for being part of our Agri–Business Breakfast. You are such an engaging speaker and our members thoroughly enjoyed your presentation."

- Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

"Dave is an amazing speaker who connects instantly with a crowd. His style is high energy and experiential. Dave's demeanor is totally "real", with not even a hint of egotism. Despite his success, Dave remains humble and in touch with his family roots. Audiences find him inspirational."

- Ken Klotz; Director-Programs Turner Center for Entrepreneurship; Managing Director Turner School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Bradley University

"Awesome job last night at Bryant. Thanks for making the long trip. Getting to listen to stories like yours is one of the reasons I have a great job."

- Scott Kingsley; Duo Pictures

"Dave Alwan has worked and presented to many groups within our organization ranging from summer interns to middle mangers to senior leaders. Dave’s journey is unique and his enthusiastic and dedicated approach to life and business is an inspirational and educational experience that all would enjoy and learn from. I would highly recommend Dave to any who hold engagement and personal development as a core organizational value."

- Sean Cain; President & CEO, Morton Buildings

"Few embody the essence of perseverance, self-belief, and sales expertise like Dave Alwan of Echo Valley Meats. As a captivating speaker, Dave has an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences, making him both relatable and deeply motivating. His unwavering commitment to excellence and belief in the products he represents have propelled him to success, turning challenges into triumphs. Beyond his personal achievements, Dave’s skills have been invaluable in shaping and strengthening our sales teams, crew teams, and leadership teams. His ‘sticktoitiveness’—his relentless determination—combined with his ability to inspire others makes him a true asset in any setting. Whether engaging an audience or driving a team toward success, Dave’s authenticity, passion, and strategic mindset leave a lasting impact. For anyone seeking a speaker who exemplifies resilience and mastery in sales, Dave Alwan is the ideal choice."

- Cindy Byrd; Robert Morris University Illinois

- Kevin C. Lawrence; VP & GM, Morton Buildings, Inc.

"We had the privilege of having Dave speak at one of our sales meetings, and if his story doesn’t inspire you to take your business to the next level, you might want to check your pulse. His journey is a powerful reminder that the American Dream is still very much alive.

To know that our company played even a small role in his success fills us with pride. After Dave’s presentation, there was a noticeable buzz among our sales team—renewed energy, belief, and a reinforced sense of purpose in the impact we make with our clients.

Dave masterfully combined hard facts—backed by impressive numbers he knew inside and out—with the emotional elements of his story. That balance made his message hit home on every level. The Q&A session was especially valuable for our group, as it gave everyone a chance to dig deeper and walk away with actionable insights.

Every time Dave engages with someone at our company, it’s a positive experience—and frankly, we always see a boost in our sales afterward.

- Cindy Byrd; Robert Morris University Illinois

- Michael Chung; Director of Sales, International Services, Inc.