Why Nick Wears
The Jacket

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss

This was Nick’s favorite jacket in high school. It said all the right things; it was confident, fun, bold, and unique. Nick adopted his style from Kenny, a garbage man who was also an extremely talented golfer.

Nick, a former caddy, met Kenny on Nantucket Island at a highly prestigious and ultra-exclusive golf course. Kenny played golf any chance he could. As a garbage man, he did not make much money. Seeing Kenny’s love for the game, one of the club members paid for his yearly membership so he could play for free.

Nick and the club members loved Kenny’s attitude. He was positive, loved life and treated everyone with the utmost respect.

The private golf club held an annual member-guest tournament. Some club members would put on an extravagant show; flying their guests in on private jets, trying to out-impress everyone else.

Second day of the tournament, Kenny shows up in an all pink suit: pink shoes, pink pants, pink shirt. He was making his statement: he was a garbage man, he had the worst clubs in the bag and was going to out-golf everyone there.

When Nick saw the wild, multi-colored jacket at a clothing store, it reminded him of Kenny’s bold statement and attitude. He fell in love with the jacket and immediately bought it. It was fun. It made him feel free. Sporting the jacket was Nick’s way of saying, “I’m going to live life my way.”

Nick wearing the jacket was not without controversy. Several people hated it. He was told to take it off. He was called homosexual slurs, he was berated… Eventually enough people psychologically wore him down to the point he gave in to the harsh criticism and voices. He stopped wearing the Kenny-inspired jacket. He hung it up in the closet where it remained for years…

Over time, Nick began to hear his own voice louder and louder – the voice that told him to pursue his dreams, no matter what others thought. He followed his calling and those derogatory voices were silenced. Nick put the jacket on.

Today, Nick wears the jacket every event he speaks; encouraging others to ignore the outside critics and own who they are.

Just like his own experiences in high school, many students hide who they are. They do not pursue their life goals and dreams. Most young adults only want to be accepted and avoid criticism; the opinions and pressures of others sometimes guide them in the wrong direction in life. Nick’s mission is to change this thought process. He wants students living to their full potential, unafraid to be who they are and show their true colors.

Nick believes when students learn to love themselves and own their individuality, they will be much happier, live life to the fullest and share their true gifts with the world.

Find out more about Nick’s Speaking programs by clicking below

Speaking Programs

Testimonials

It was the best presentation I’ve seen to date.
- Gary Licalzi
Music Teacher, South Kortright Central School
Nick was a hit with our student audience. We really appreciated the extra effort he put into making his presentation something to remember.
- Heidi Walsh
Program Director at SkillsUSA
One of the best youth presenters I’ve ever seen in nearly 2 decades in the business.
- Jason Hewlett
Hall of Fame Speaker
The moment he stepped on stage he connected and captivated the students, so much so that he received two standing ovations.
- Cole
NSA Youth Counselor
From start to finish, Nick is a person that I recommend for working with school audiences without hesitation. He is professional, respectful, relatable, and above all else, passionate about inspiring students- exactly the role model that many of our youth need in today’s world.
- Rachel Wright
Professional Learning Specialist, ONC BOCES
Nick’s day at our school created memories that will last a lifetime.
- Christine Heinig
Academic Coach, Owen D Young
Nick is real, and connects to students in a way that many speakers don’t, the standing ovation at the end of his presentation is proof of that.
- Kelli Kennedy
Assistant Director for CTE, Manatee County School District
Nick did an amazing job and held everyone in the audience so well you could hear a pin drop. I was never left in the dark through communicating with him and most importantly, he left a message that truly made a difference for our students.
- Bruce Potter
SkillsUSA NY Director
Definition of someone who can tell a story and change a life.
- Emanuel C.
Student, Hartford Community College
Nick’s animated personality, commanding presence, and overall sincere demeanor gained him the respect of both my students and staff so much that he received a standing ovation at the close of his story!
- Carrie Auffrey
Assistant Principal at Holyoke High School
His presentation captivates and engages the audience from start to finish and his authenticity and fun personality makes students feel like they can truly connect with him. Nick was such a joy to work with!
- Emily Harris
Coordinator of Orientation & New Student Programs, University of North Texas
It was our pleasure to have Nick with us and we hope to have him back again next year. I would highly recommend him!
- Hank Girardin
Assistant Principal at West Springfield High School
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