J.R. Martinez
Army Veteran, Burn Survivor, TV Actor, and Best-Selling Author, J.R. Martinez shows audiences how to adapt, overcome, and redefine what is possible through resilience and perspective.
J.R. Martinez Booking & Availability
Speaking fees, availability and booking details for corporate events, keynotes and private appearances.
How do I book J.R. Martinez for a corporate event?
Use the Check Availability form above to send your proposed event date, location, audience size, event format and program goals. The Mollie Plotkin Group will follow up with availability and next steps.
What is J.R. Martinez’s speaking fee?
J.R. Martinez’s current speaking fee depends on the date, location, event format and scope of the appearance. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group for current pricing.
Is J.R. Martinez available for my event date?
Submit your proposed date and event details and the Mollie Plotkin Group will confirm current availability.
Who is J.R. Martinez’s booking agent?
Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to inquire about booking J.R. Martinez.
What types of events can J.R. Martinez be booked for?
Corporate events, conferences, leadership meetings, keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, private events and virtual programs may be available depending on the engagement.
J.R. Martinez Biography & Credentials
J.R. Martinez is an Army veteran, burn survivor, actor, New York Times best-selling author, and motivational speaker who has inspired audiences around the world with his story of resilience. After surviving a life changing injury while serving in Iraq, he turned his recovery into a mission to help others, discovering the power of connection and shared experience along the way.
Today, J.R. speaks to corporations, nonprofits, and organizations about overcoming adversity, embracing change, and choosing how to move forward. His message centers on a simple but powerful idea: your path in life is shaped by your ability to adapt and overcome.
J.R. Martinez is available to be booked for corporate and private events. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group today to inquire about J.R. Martinez’s fees.
Want to book J.R. Martinez for an event?
Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at (215) 995-0905 to book J.R. Martinez for corporate or private events, keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances. Our agency will work directly with your organization and our keynote speakers to create an unforgettable event.
The Mollie Plotkin Group is the leading keynote speakers agency and entertainment bureau bringing excitement to audiences, clients, and employees. We represent subject-matter experts in every possible field. So whether we’re your partner in creating a memorable meeting or your meeting planner’s secret weapon in securing the perfect keynote speaker, we’re in this with you.
From Service to Survival
J.R. Martinez was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to his mother, Maria Zavala, an immigrant from El Salvador. He grew up in Arkansas, where he played football and stayed closely connected to his family. In 2002, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and became an Infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division.
In 2003, while deployed in Iraq, the Humvee he was driving struck a roadside bomb. The explosion left him trapped inside the vehicle and resulted in severe burns. He survived and went on to endure more than 34 surgeries during his recovery. While in the hospital, a simple request to speak with another burn patient became a turning point. That moment sparked his commitment to helping others facing similar challenges and shaped the direction of his life’s work.
From Recovery to Impact
Following his recovery, J.R. began sharing his story with wounded service members and others facing adversity. His ability to connect through honesty and vulnerability led to a career as a global keynote speaker, addressing Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and military audiences around the world.
His career expanded into entertainment when he was cast on the television series All My Children, where he remained for three years. In 2011, he gained national recognition after winning season 13 of Dancing with the Stars. He later authored Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit, which became a New York Times best seller.
J.R. continues to dedicate time to nonprofit work, serving as a spokesperson and advocate for several organizations that support survivors and underserved communities. He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and children, balancing his time between speaking, acting, and family life while continuing to share his message of resilience and perspective.
