Dryden, Mack
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About Mack Dryden
Whether you’re looking to inspire the troops or just make them laugh ’til they hurt, Mack is a guaranteed hit, as hundreds of thrilled clients are happy to attest. He’s been delighting audiences for years with his relaxed stage presence, hilarious material, and uniquely engaging delivery. As a comedian he’s performed on dozens of TV shows, including The Tonight Show with both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. As an actor he’s appeared in several movies and on many other TV shows, including JAG and a recurring role as a judge on ABC’s The Guardian.
Creating hilarious custom humor for each client comes naturally to the former staff writer for Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, and his stories of surviving two battles with cancer, a stay in an African prison, “sharks in showbiz who stab you in the front,” and one “near-fatal marriage” are as inspiring as they are laugh-out-loud funny. Watch his videos and see for yourself!
Several years ago, after hearing of Mack’s harrowing survival stories, a friend asked him to speak to a group of graduating students. Mack’s presentation was so moving and funny that he was asked to speak to other groups, and since then has shared his inspiring story and unique, clean humor with thousands at corporate and association meetings nationwide. His ability to create custom comedy constantly amazes. As one client put it,
“You took a dry subject like manufacturing software and made it funny, like you’d been in the industry yourself!”
From humble beginnings as “the funniest paper mill employee in Mississippi,” Mack earned a black belt in karate even as he was earning his Masters in Creative Writing. He won two Associated Press writing awards as a reporter in his home state, and finally became a professional comedian whose talent and perseverance landed him numerous TV appearances and got him hand-picked by Bill Maher to write on the acclaimed show. Now based in Louisville, KY, he spends his time writing and traveling the country bringing his special brand of Motivation, Inspiration and Jubilation to thousands each year. It hasn’t been an easy road; but, as he says, “Falling on your face is still moving forward!”
“Laugh to the Top”: A Hilarious Guide to Achieving Your Goals
Your group has been working hard, soaking up invaluable information and practical solutions from a dynamic, hard-hitting line-up of no-nonsense presenters and workshop leaders.
Now, wouldn’t it be terrific if you could get a speaker to relax the mood for a moment, entertain them with some belly-laughs, and at the same time inspire and motivate them to put the lessons they’ve learned into practice?
Mack gets huge laughs while demonstrating the power and practicality of his Seven Step Formula for goal-achieving—and he walks the walk. He’s been a super-achiever since he was a young man who earned a black belt in karate, won a major literary prize, and traveled across Europe for 15 months living by his wits in exotic lands. In North Africa, a brawl with a would-be robber landed him in a Moroccan prison, and that terrifying experience taught him many powerful lessons that he shares with his fascinated audiences (“Falling on your face is still moving forward!”).
The Perfect Host
Whether your event is a general session, an award show, or anything in between, your Emcee can be the difference between a couple of hours of drudgery and a rollicking good time. As a comedian, actor, and host, Mack Dryden has delighted corporate audiences for more than a decade with his quick wit and uncanny ability to customize his clean material for any situation. He has Emceed major events for such Fortune 500 companies as International Paper, Southwestern Bell Global, Pfizer, and Peterbilt Trucks.
As a staff writer on ABC’s Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, he honed his skill at writing hilarious, up-to-the minute special material. He’s performed on everything from The Tonight Show to An Evening at the Improv and shared the stage with such stars as Rosie O’Donnell, Jerry Seinfeld and the Osmonds. All this experience has given Mack an astonishing ability to put an audience at ease and turn a usually-dull occasion into a fun-filled laugh-fest, as these delighted producers and clients happily attest.
Testimonials
“The (award show) was a tremendous success, and Mack was the reason. He was professional, funny, and his mix of humor and sincerity was perfect. His presentation the following day was a wonderful mix of inspiration, motivation, personal insight, and rib-cracking humor.”
– Douglas Dougherty, President, Illinois Telecommunications Association
“From start to finish, the audience loved him…I heard nothing but compliments, PLUS he was very easy and pleasant to work with, a rare treat.”
– Pug Scoville, Tennessee Association of Realtors
“Mack has my recommendation for any group that wants a great, personalized message delivered in an entertaining, thought-provoking manner. He set the stage for our convention’s success!”
– Richard Dean, Exec. Dir.,Air Force Sergeant’s Association
“I have heard nothing but rave reviews about the meeting. Your style and facilitation skills were just excellent, and your use of humor was quite appropriate. You helped us address a very serious subject in a fun and enjoyable manner and you related well to the audience. What more can I say? I hope we have the opportunity to work with you again.”
– Robin Sitver, Pfizer Meeting Coordinator
“Thank you for making this closing event very special. I have to tell you that we laughed all the way home — and it was a 7-hour trip!!! Your evaluations were rated OUTSTANDING by the attendees, and the message so POWERFUL that many participants commented on what a difference you have made in their lives.”
– Gail Matillo, Director of Housing and Program Development, Flordia Association of Homes for the Aging
“Thank you for sharing you wit, your talent and your great motivating speech. You were outrageously funny! There was not a single moment that we weren’t thoroughly entertained and totally engaged. It was certainly a pleasure to see the members of HDMG get a real chance to laugh and relax. I can assure you that when an opportunity like this arises again, you are on top of our list.”
– Tess Enriquez, Director of Marketing, Heritage Health Care
“I wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did for us at the SBC Global Markets President’s Masters Pinnacle Club Awards in Hawaii. You were extremely professional, flexible, and you were only concerned in doing what was right for our program, not simply seeking laughs. I want you to know that if we need an Emcee in the future, we will definitely keep you in mind. Thanks for a great job!”
– M.E. Chabalowski, Human Resources, SBC Global