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August 2, 2008
Defied Odds to Stay True to Their Dream...

...and Created Major Multi-Million Dollar Business

Speakers' Spotlight founders Farah and Martin Perelmuter have been named finalists for the 2008 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, beating the odds stacked against them. Their story is one of sheer ambition amidst skepticism and roadblocks. Both gave up lucrative careers at a young age to go for their dreams. With no money, they had no choice but to be innovative - this forced them to create a way of doing business that was new, different, and got noticed.

During the last thirteen years, and a veritable rollercoaster of risk, determination, and creativity, the Perelmuter's business (www.speakers.ca) has emerged as Canada's largest, and most highly acclaimed speakers bureau with offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa. Their business philosophy catapulted them beyond their competitors to a business competing on the world stage.

In June of 1995, Farah and Martin got married, quit their jobs and started Speakers' Spotlight - an agency that represents the highest-acclaimed and best-selling authors, business visionaries, athletes, politicians, comedians, adventurers and the most inspiring individuals.  Speakers include; The Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, Justin Trudeau, Margaret Trudeau, Alexandre "Sacha" Trudeau, Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, The Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, David Suzuki, Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Ron MacLean, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, Erin Brockovich, Stephen Lewis, Jessica Holmes, Jeanne Beker, Valerie Pringle, Pamela Wallin, Wendy Mesley, Ron MacLean, Jay Manuel, Shaun Majumder, Cheryl Hickey, Evan Solomon, Ben Mulroney, Darryl Sittler, Ron James, and many more.  They have also worked with Jane Fonda, Robert Kennedy Jr., Gloria Steinem, the late Christopher Reeve and many others.

Corporations, associations and organizations worldwide contact Speakers' Spotlight to book these speakers for their events.an agency the represents the most extraordinary speakers, leading thinkers, and inspiring individuals.  

Although they were a young couple with minimal business experience, no contacts, no staff and no office, they poured their meagre savings into their business and pursued their vision with intense drive. While their friends were succeeding in large organizations, and they struggled to pay the rent, they did not allow themselves to be swayed by the judgements of family and friends. They cut costs by using their spare bedroom in their apartment as their first office, initially sharing a telephone and bestowing upon Martin the title of "company courier". 

Since 1997, they have invited their clients to experience, learn from, and be inspired by North America's most extraordinary speakers at their annual national fundraisers. 100% of the proceeds from these events have helped better lives across Canada and around the world.  From purchasing medical supplies for Canadian hospitals, to taking 100 kids affected with cancer to the theatrical production of The Lion King and a Toronto Raptors game, to adopting a village in the Maasai Mara region of rural Kenya - and building a schoolhouse there, paying a teacher's wages for a year, purchasing all textbooks needed, building a well to provide "their kids" in the village access to fresh water and to sending them $200,000.00 worth of medical supplies in 2007, this young couple places a huge amount of importance on "giving back". This year, Speakers' Spotlight will be providing 1,000 loans to entrepreneurs in the developing world through Kiva.org.

"I think that as entrepreneurs it is our opportunity to make a difference... somehow. At the beginning, when one doesn't have a lot of money, maybe that's the time to volunteer. Later on, as the bottom line grows, just a small financial donation can really change someone entire life.  I truly believe that helping others is the most inspirational thing you can do for yourself and your team. I'm so proud of how much the business has grown - can't believe it actually! - but I'm most proud everything else we have accomplished." Farah says.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Ontario award winners will be announced on October 16th, and the overall winner will represent the region at the national banquet in November.

For further information:
Joanna Van Viegen
Director of Communications, 416-345-1559 ext. 211
joanna@speakers.ca
www.speakers.ca