About Brad Barton

He's an honors graduate, NCAA All-American, and a 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier. He served ten years as a Prevention Specialist, developed substance abuse and violence prevention programs, and received official recognition from the governor of Utah. He's a master magician, member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, so he can convince you to believe in something, even if you don't see it.

Long before he learned his first card trick, Brad Barton was an 85-pound high school freshman with learning disabilities and terrible self-esteem. Growing up on a cattle ranch in Idaho, Brad had difficulty in class and struggled to make friends. It took the insights of one athletic coach to see past the self-defeating illusions Brad had surrounded himself with. This coach helped Brad to see the potential hidden inside his awkward frame. One mentor was all it took to make the difference in Brad's life, and he would grow to learn in time how he could return the favor.

Armed with an athletics scholarship and a relentless sense of determination, Brad achieved immediate success in college athletics and academics. He also continued to seek out the guidance of strong mentors, who would push him to reach beyond his perceived limits. He was 1991 Weber State University Athlete of the Year, he earned NCAA Academic All-American honors, and was nationally ranked in the 3000 meter steeplechase. Brad graduated in 1991 with Cum Laude honors and even served as adjunct faculty for 3 years.

In 1992, Brad accepted a position as a Prevention Specialist with Weber County Human Services in Ogden, Utah. Brad was eager to work on some of the most difficult issues facing his community. He introduced new strategies and innovations to the Governor's Youth Council, a statewide network of drug abuse and violence prevention programs. Recognizing a growing population base with minimal access to services, Brad created Soundly Senior. Built from the ground up, Brad developed this education series that promotes healthy aging and substance abuse prevention. This program design was so effective at addressing risk and protective factors that Soundly Senior continues to be a success at senior centers, nutrition cites, and assisted living facilities throughout Northern Utah. Brad also created an after school program for middle school children that emphasizes healthy life skills training and community service. The Teen Thing was such an effective program that it was adopted by several schools around the county. This success drew the attention of Utah Governor Mike Leavitt, who awarded the program additional funding and personally commended Brad for his contributions to after school-age care.

A decade later, Brad still lives in Ogden with his wife of 12 years and their four children. Now, Brad shares his principles for success with students, educators and business professionals across the country. He teaches that his own success was not a trick of fate or luck, but a deliberate course of continual self-reflection, determination, and service. As an athlete, Brad illustrates how even the smallest idea, or person, can unlock tremendous power and unlimited possibility. As a Prevention Specialist, Brad teaches the importance of challenging the dangerous illusions in life. And as a master magician, Brad shows how reality is not always what it seems and that we all have the power to create true magic.

Even if you don't see it.