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“Jesse Billauer inspires me through his every day appreciation of his life and the lives of others. I knew Jesse when he was a champion surfer in high school and I know him now. I have watched him grow every year. He was a great
young man in high school, and he is an even more impressive human being at this point in his life. I have watched
Jesse inspire others through his example, through his events that he runs and through his words of guidance and
leadership.”
- Michael Matthews, Ed.D. (Assistant Superintendant, Human Resources, Santa Monica - Malibu Unified School District)
“The initial idea that life has changed completely reminds me of nothing past the attachments to mobility and doing my own thing without limits. I was, and continue to be, inspired by Jesse's ability to see beyond just the physical limits to a place where life has more meaning with less. Challenges become welcomed opportunities to inspire people where they feel challenged and also where they feel content to not change what life is all about. Life can change in an instant. It's up to the individual to decide what that future means. We will all die but it's the living before then that matters. Jesse, thanks for giving hope and happiness to others in all areas."
- Kelly Slater (9x Surfing World Champion)
"The message was very powerful and if you can imagine being able to hear a pin drop in our auditrium with 750 middle school students, that speaks for itself!."
- Bill Laine (Vice Principal, Pacific Beach Middle School (former))
“Jesse Billauer is a lot of different things to different people. He represents strength to some and undying motivation to others. But personally, Jesse is inspiring to me because he used an otherwise devastating circumstance to his advantage. He saw opportunity where most others would see finality. Someone wise, someone once said that life is what you make of the hand you're dealt. I think it may have been Gandalf from the Lord of the Rings! But no truer words were ever spoken. And no one that I have ever known has risen to that occasion more effortlessly than Jesse Billauer. Then there's the fact that he charges Pipeline. I still get irregular heartbeats when I think about doing that.”
- Brandon Boyd (Lead Vocalist, Incubus)
“When I first met Jesse I was not clued in at all to his story or his vision, but I was blown away by his energy and
passion. It was clear that these things are the engine that drives him everyday. I was a bit daunted by the pace he set, but very quickly the story unfolded and the vision became clear. He had a mission and its simplicity is special for me; he wants to help others get the most for and from themselves. He finds his best, so should we, no more, no less. Pretty simple, pretty direct and very inspiring.”
- Tommy Kain (Director of Global Marketing, Nike, Inc.)
“Jesse Billauer's perseverance has inspired our family since we learned his story. Our good fortune to befriend him has allowed us to witness his courageous struggle of spirit over circumstance first hand. He proves that, when armed with passion, no obstacle can deter our will.”
- Chris Brady (Friendly Clothing)
"Through the use of video and lecture, Jesse illustrates how rich and meaningful human relationships have become to him since he was injured, and that his disability struck his body only, while leaving his spirit intact and powerful. Anyone who invites Jesse into their community will share this experience."
- Holly Korbonski (Pacific Palisades Charter High School, Teacher)
“You are amazing young man. I have been in a chair since January 1999 and have very little motivation. My friend Eric told me to look at your website to get some inspiration and he was right you are an inspiration and an honor.”
- Brian Manley (Student)
"Jesse's presentation truly showed his indomitable human spirit so full of joy and gratitude for life, I can't help but be a better person because of this experience. I know the students feel the same way. Thank you Jesse for being so brave and sharing your inspirational life story."
- Stacey Halboth (Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School, 5th Grade teacher)
"Your presentation was so powerful that it will stay in the hearts and minds of the children you spoke to for a very long time. I know that all of the adults present were touched by your honesty, courage and outlook on life. I am honored that we had the opportunity to meet in person."
- Nancie Hochberg (Founder and President of Deeds From The Heart)
“Jesse, you are the man. Everyone has obstacles and insecurities on a daily basis. The measure of a man is how he deals with things. Jesse is all about possibilities....What can be done? What can I do? Why not? How will I make a difference? How can I contribute......TODAY! These are questions that we should all ask ourselves...Jesse stands tall in my book. Every time I think of him, I am inspired to do more.”
- Bob Hurley (Founder and CEO, Hurley International)
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