5 States, 6 Days, 9 Events

NY, NJ, PENN, IL, MINN

On April 5, Greg went to a dinner for young professionals in NY. On April 6, he keynoted the last day of a conference in NY, where all of the attendees were going to read The First Thirty. That night, he dined with a group of Rider students in NJ, before speaking at an event on Multiculturalism & Education followed by a signing. The next morning, April 7, he spoke about service at a high school in NJ, followed by a signing, then took part in a discussion on the college process with the school's seniors. That night, he was honored by Princeton University's Entrepreneurship Club as one of the nation's top social entrepreneurs under forty. Before receiving the honor, he spoke at an event co-sponsored by the eClub and eight other Princeton clubs and organizations.

The next night, April 8, Greg spoke to students & parents at a local synagogue. Later that night, he went to dinner with friends in Pennsylvania, flew to Illinois the following day and then on April 10, spoke to teenagers in Minnesota, followed by a book signing. As usual, the trip was marked by a number of memorably unusual moments. At the first event on April 6, two audience members each ordered 50 copies of Greg's 2nd book. They purchased them sight unseen -- because the book does not yet exist! On the train from New York to New Jersey, the woman sitting next to Greg bought a book right there on the spot. At Rider University, after Greg spoke, he said he was thirsty and wanted to get a milkshake. The audience got up and went with him. At Princeton University, the same thing happened -- in the rain.

Here are some photos from the trip, along with feedback from those who attended the various events.

Want to order the book? Go to www.TheFirstThirty.com Want to book Greg for an event? Email Events@GregForbes.com

"...when you first see Greg, he looks as if he is a college student...I would give him an "A" for his speech...He had great eye contact and humor. He had good volume and was articulate with his pronunciation. He had great facial expressions...The purpose of his talk was fulfilled...[After the event], Greg asked the audience to go [for milkshakes]. Now every time I go to the diner, I think of him...He did an awesome job getting his point across and making a lasting impression." - Jennifer, Rider University

"I'm still trying to figure out what exactly happened tonight. One second, we're sitting in an auditorium listening to a speech. The next thing you know, the whole room is getting up and following the speaker to go get milkshakes down the street. I'm going to try and explain this to people tomorrow, but I can tell you now, nobody's gonna believe it." - No name given

"It was cool having Greg come to our school. I always get a kick out of someone famous or important coming to our school to speak...The [decision to go get milkshakes after the speech] was a good idea, although I should have gotten chocolate..." - S.P., Rider University

"Everyone enjoyed his presentation, especially my students. I think he will have a fan club here at Rider! I thank him again for inspiring us all!..." - Sharon, Rider University (NJ)
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"We got very positive reviews on the Conference, especially about Greg as a speaker..." - Elaine, Justice Squared (Minnesota)

"Greg came and spoke to my high school today. I bought his book, and have already read about half....[His story] inspires me because I feel like I am like him in a way...Greg said that he hoped that his speech made some small difference in our lives...I just thought I would say that his speech did affect my life today and every time I see his book, I'll be reminded of his speech...I thank him for stepping into my life even if only for a few minutes, I appreciate listening to his speech and being able to read his story..." - Allison, HS student (NJ)

"It was truly an honor to have Greg speak here at Princeton...his talk was absolutely incredible...it was a really personal story that served as an inspiration rather than a lecture...In fact, I've shared a lot of Greg's story with friends of mine because I think the message is so beneficial. I know my friend Tim was equally blown away, and he sat through the entire thing writing down all Greg's good quotes!" - Kira, Princeton University

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"His remarks were phenomenal." - Kris, Princeton University

"Just wanted to say that Greg is totally amazing!!!!!!! I thank him for speaking to our kids tonight. Please let me know if he is going to be back in the area. We would like to have him back to speak at one of our community middle school and high school programs." - Sue Weiner, New Jersey

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I just wanted to thank him again for helping make our event such a success. He was great!" - Gita, high school student (Minnesota)

"It was definitely a great day altogether! The feedback was great and I am glad it went so well..." -Emily, Rider University
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"The speech was like that lyric from that song by The Cars, "just what I needed". It really was the kick I needed to keep me scholastically focused. Due to the curriculum, this is kind of a soft time in my four years, and the speech really has gotten me to work harder. The book is really great, I'm just over half way through, and I wish I had read it before I started college." - Andy, Princeton University

"I think Greg really hit his goal -- trying to tell an entertaining story while allowing us to analyze the many different subtle messages that he wanted to communicate without blatantly saying them. It was especially nice for him to meet with us afterward so we could talk with him briefly on a more individual level...I have a habit of...placing our speakers on some sort of pedestal. In Greg's case...he was an accomplished person who had an amazing life experience to share...yet, when I had the chance to talk with him afterwards, he was just like one of us. He asked us what we thought of the discussion and was genuinely interested in what feedback we had to give...Its events like this that help remind me everyone is human. We all want to be connected, share memorable experiences, and enjoy what life has to offer..." - Brian, Princeton University

"...[I got the book after the event and] I know it's going to be a book I won't be able to put down. I just want to say that all of us would LOVE to have Greg come back and speak [again]...we're still talking about it when any of us who were at the event see each other...he has inspired me to be tougher and know better that life does go on & the best is yet to come...I know his book is going to ensure that in my mind..." - Jill, Rider University

"Wow, that was really intriguing sitting there listening to Greg and watching him give that incredible talk tonight!...he speaks so eloquently, making perfect eye contact and remembering everyone's name [the people he calls on during the talk]! That is so AMAZING!!!!!...my kids were totally captivated...They are usually tugging at me asking me when we can leave, especially my younger two...I totally look forward to reading the book, if my kids will let me at it." -Jill, parent of three, New Jersey

"I really enjoyed meeting Greg. He did such a great job for our event. I can see why it is so hard to describe who he is and what he does in a short blurb. He inspires and motivates others to be better people, to make a difference in roles that they already inhabit..." - Dr. O'Neill, Siena College

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"Greg is an amazing speaker with amazing things to say, and captivates his audience so well. I have to get up at 6:30 to go teach tomorrow and was about to go to sleep, but I saw Greg's book on my desk and couldn't resist opening it...so far it is great..." - Jamie, Rider University

"He really helped me apreciate everything I have..." - Dana, middle school student (Minnesota)

"Greg's speech was incredible...I had no idea what kind of talk it would be, [but] only minutes into it, I was hooked...I loved hearing, and subsequently telling, Greg's story. I called my girlfriend walking back from the event to tell her the story, I told my roommate as soon as I got back, and I called my dad after dinner to share it with him, too. Besides being an interesting, real-life coming-of-age story, the message behind it is so important...It makes you think whether youre pursuing a life track for the right reasons...I still had some questions about what exactly I wanted to do after college, but Greg's speech sealed the deal..." - Mike, Princeton University

Want to book Greg for an event at your school, company, conference, camp, college? Email Events@GregForbes.com

Check out The First Thirty - the new book by Jillip Naysinthe Pasxson about Greg's journey from college reject to honored graduate to substitute teacher to social entrepreneur