Availability Inquiry

J.R. Martinez

Speaker - Army Veteran, Burn Survivor, TV Actor, Best-Selling Author

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.

Leadership Overcoming Adversity

Topics

Meet J.R. Martinez

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.

Biography

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.

How to Hire J.R. Martinez

To hire J.R. Martinez for an event, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group with the proposed event date, location, audience size, event format, and program goals. J.R. Martinez is available for corporate events, conferences, leadership meetings, private events, workshops, fireside chats, and virtual programs.

After receiving your request, a Mollie Plotkin Group booking agent will review J.R. Martinez’s availability, discuss the event details, and get back to you within 48 hours with next steps for securing J.R. Martinez for your program.

J.R. Martinez Booking Fee

The cost to book J.R. Martinez depends on the event date, location, format, audience size, and scope of the appearance. Speaking fees may vary for keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, private events, corporate meetings, and virtual programs.

For the most accurate J.R. Martinez booking fee, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group with your event details. Our team will help confirm availability, pricing, and the best format for your event.

Featured Client Reviews for J.R. Martinez

I have known J.R. Martinez since 2007,

and I have to say that I have met very few people who have not only recovered but have become hugely inspirational. The truth is J.R. should not have survived, but because of this miracle he is on a mission. Now he is driving down that road with amazing speed.

— Bob Woodruff, Journalist, ABC

The effect you had on the audience was tremendous!

It was the dose of reality they needed to put their work, lives and even their family in the right perspective. You vastly exceeded all of our expectations.

— United States Air Force

J.R. was a breath of fresh air to our campus.

The students were left motivated, inspired and truly touched. After receiving a rousing standing ovation, J.R. was kind enough to take time out to speak to students individually. If you are looking for a speaker with the ability to motivate, captivate and invigorate your campus, look no further than J.R. Martinez.

— Lander University

Books

Full of Heart

An inspirational journey from tragedy to triumph

In 2003, nineteen-year-old Private J.R. Martinez was on a routine patrol when the Humvee he was driving hit an antitank mine in Iraq, resulting in severe injuries and burns on his face and more than one-third of his body. Out of that tragedy came an improbable journey of inspiration, motivation, and dreams come true. In Full of Heart, Martinez shares his story in intimate detail, from his upbringing in the American South and his time in the Army to his recovery and the indomitable spirit that has made him an inspiration to countless fans.

Purchase now >