L o u   D i M a g g i o

BIO

Lou DiMaggio began his career in New York City in the mid-eighties as a stand-up comedian.   This led to acting jobs in Film, TV, and national commercials.  After moving to Los Angeles in 1989 Lou added writing and producing to his resume.  By the end of the nineties Lou had toured across America, co-authored a Broadway Show and won an Emmy.

In March of 2005 his continuous career progress met with an unexpected setback.  While writing and producing a network television show in Las Vegas Lou noticed that the fatigue he felt was unusually powerful - even for someone who worked under stress and deadlines all the time.  But despite these obvious warning signs Lou refused to believe it was anything other than just the result of working hard and putting in some long hours. 

In fact he was forty-eight hours away from a heart attack and he never saw it coming.   He could have easily seen it if he would have heeded the warning signs but during the whole experience he kept denying what was really happening.

“It can’t be a heart attack.  I’m too young, I’m too healthy.  This couldn’t happen to me.”

The circumstances were unusual in that Lou survived and didn’t seek medical care for a few days.  To say he was lucky is an understatement.  Upon his return to Los Angeles he was hospitalized and treated thus ending the first part of his old life and the beginning of his new one as a heart attack survivor.

Lou came away from this experience searching for the reason why he was spared.  He eventually found it in a place he could never have dreamed.   While still recovering from his heart attack his agent called and asked if he was taking a drug called Plavix.   It so happens he was - and the next thing he knew he was sent on an audition for Bristol-Myers Squibb’s new “Together We Can Prevail” ad campaign.  

They asked him to tell his story just as it happened.  He did and got the job, (video below) a national commercial supported by a huge print campaign.  Once it started airing there was a groundswell of letters, e-mails, and phone calls.  Lou had no idea how powerful his message was and how much it had touched the people who saw it.   Many people noted that it was refreshing to see a real guy telling a real story. 

This led to Bristol-Myers asking him to share his incredible story with their sales people.  It was here that Lou realized the true power of his story and not just for them.  The reaction was immediate and emotional and Lou also found that telling his story was incredibly therapeutic.   He saw and felt first hand what relaying this extremely personal event meant.   The people he met, influenced by his candid approach felt comfortable telling him their stories.   It made Lou realize that this was why he was still among us.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in our country.   It’s hard  to find someone who hasn’t been touched by this scourge.   Lou found himself talking to many of the people he met on these talks who relayed stories about their loved ones.   Some had happy endings and some did not but they were all intensely emotional.   But the hope and good wishes that these people imparted made Lou realize he was helping.

Hearing these people’s experiences made Lou realize that it was important for him to let as many people as possible know that what happened to him could be prevented and further, that if you were lucky enough to survive a catastrophic health issue like Cardiovascular disease that you could go on to lead an absolutely normal life.  In fact, in many ways - better.  And he managed to deliver this talk with the right blend of information and humor. 

2008 turned out to be busy year.  Six meetings in six different cites for BMS and other engagements for other pharmaceutical companies including Cephalon and OSI.  These other appearances gave Lou a chance to use his experience as a writer and improvisor because the demands of these meetings combined both hosting and impostor skills.   He worked very closely with the producers to customize the event to fit their needs. 

So whether you want a speaker specific to Cardiovascular Health and Prevention or hosting and customizing your event, your audience will come away with an inspirational, entertaining message that deals with adapting to change and information that is universal to everyone regarding their health, both physical and emotional.   As a TV Writer, Performer and Producer Lou lives in the kind of high pressure world your people can relate to.   The coping mechanisms and techniques he uses are ones your people can relate to and use in their own lives.

excerpts from Lou’s speaking appearance at the 2008 Bristol-Myers Squibb poa meeting in Chicago.

Lou in the “Dear Heart” National TV ad for BMs - (9o sec. version)

Bristol-myers squibb print ad that appeared in Time, newsweek, The Wall street journal, barron’s, and many others

testimonials and recommendations

"Lou has been a terrific spokesperson for our Corporate Brand.

Recently, Lou had the opportunity to speak to the entire Cardiovascular sales force. He was able to tell his story with wit, insight, and intensity, all artfully blended and appropriate for his audience and our company. This was all done in a very personal way, without notes or podiums. He was able to connect in a way that reminded our salespeople why they go to work every day."

Robert T. Zito

Senior Vice President, Corporate and Business Communications, and Chief Communications Officer  Bristol-Myers Squibb

“After many years of pharmaceutical sales and launch meetings and a long

list of so called motivational speakers, we wanted to do something a

little different. Lou DiMaggio brought to the stage a high energy mix of

comedy and compassion and emceed an interactive, audience driven new

twist on motivation. Lou used his skills to spoof the audience and have

them believe he was another typical speaker until he turned the tables

and unveiled his true identity. He then treated everyone to a hilarious,

upbeat and truly motivational session that highlighted the audience and

our mission. What truly makes Lou motivational is his ability to connect

with people, make them laugh and deliver the goods. If you want

something fun and different, Lou is the one for your next event.”

Craig Phillips

Senior Group Director

Sales and National Accounts

Cephalon Oncology

610.727.6215

“Having spent close to 16 years in professional Medical Sales, I was so

impressed with Lou's ability to connect with his audience during our

most recent National Sales meeting in Washington, DC. Lou has an uncanny

ability to get his message across in a humorous way but also brings in

the life's lessons and his own experiences. This allows him to connect

with his audience very quickly.

I was also very impressed with Lou's preparation leading up to the

meeting. He spent quality time customizing the program for us and it

clearly showed when he stepped up on stage. He was able hit on the key

elements that I wanted and never missed a beat in terms of what I asked

him to do leading up to his performance. This I can tell you is not the

norm with so called "motivational speakers".

At the end of the day if you want an upbeat different type of speaker

that can deliver a great performance for your organization than Lou is

your guy!”

Matt Roggenburk

National Sales Director

OSI Pharmaceuticals

908 227-3654

James M. Cornelius Chairman and CEO of Bristol-Myers Squibb (see below)

Contact Lou Dimaggio

you can email lou at ldimaggio@gmail.com

To see Lou’s Theatrical Demo Reel and other biographical information - please visit loudimaggio.com