Steve Ford

Biography

On August 9, 1974, Gerald R. Ford assumed the reins of the presidency following Richard Nixon’s resignation. Suddenly, Steve Ford was thrust into the role of “First Son.”

Steve’s unique perspective on life as the President’s son encompasses a broad range of fascinating subjects: being 18 years old and having 10 Secret Service agents as constant companions, his father’s pardon of President Nixon to help put an end to the infamous Watergate affair, two assassination attempts on his father’s life, and his mother’s bouts with alcoholism and breast cancer.

During Steve’s non-political presentation, you will learn the tools of his success in and outside Washington, DC. Focusing on issues such as the value of a strong family unit, living life with values and character, setting and juggling priorities, and making the right choices in life, Steve’s presentation is entertaining, enlightening, insightful, and inspirational.

Steve is also an accomplished actor. For six years he starred as Detective Andy Richards on the Emmy Award-winning “The Young and The Restless. Much to the delight of his fans, Steve has now returned to the show in that same role. His television appearances include “Suddenly Susan,” “Dr. Quinn,” “J.A.G.,” “18 Wheels of Justice,” Babylon 5 – In the Beginning,” “Walker Texas Ranger,” and “The Sentinel.” Steve also hosted the prime-time NBC series “Secret Service.”

He has appeared in more than 30 feature films. Most recently Steve appeared in the hit movie “Black Hawk Down.” Steve’s other credits include “Contact” with Jodie Foster, “Heat” with Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino, “Armageddon” with Bruce Willis, “Starship Troopers,” “Eraser” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and “When Harry Met Sally” as Meg Ryan’s boyfriend.

Before becoming an actor in 1979, Steve worked on the professional rodeo circuit as a team roper and still ropes today in his spare time. He owns a ranch in California. Steve was involved in the thoroughbred racehorse industry for years during the 1980s and 90s as an owner, breeder, racing manager, and race track executive. In 1994, Steve returned full-time to his acting and speaking career.

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Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Inside the White House and Hollywood: Getting to The Top with Character

On August 9, 1974, Gerald R. Ford assumed the presidency following Richard Nixon's resignation. Suddenly, Steve Ford was thrust into the role of "First Son."

Steve's unique perspective on life as the President's son encompasses a broad range of subjects: being 18 years old and having 10 Secret Service agents, his father's pardon of President Nixon, two assassination attempts on his father's life plus inspirational stories how the family dealt with their mother's bouts with alcoholism and also how Steve conquered his own alcoholism. Steve's focus is on such issues as character, integrity, overcoming adversity and leadership while helping the audience rethink their own role in those areas. He will give a behind-the-scenes view of the White House and the insider anecdotes.

Steve spent 25 years as an accomplished actor and appeared in over 25 major motion pictures such as the hit Transformers, Blackhawk Down, Contact, Armageddon and playing Meg Ryan's boyfriend in When Harry Met Sally. He has served as Chairman of the President Gerald R. Ford Foundation and currently serves as a trustee on that board.

Leadership

What makes a great leader?

History shows that those who have sought service over self-interest in times of indecision, turmoil, and crisis are considered true leaders.

On August 9, 1974, Vice President Gerald R. Ford became the 38th President of the United States when President Richard Nixon resigned his office in disgrace because of the Watergate scandal.

Today, most historians and political observers agree that President Ford's difficult (and, at the time controversial) decision to pardon Nixon was the right thing to do and was in the country's best interest. His leadership with character helped heal a nation and restored confidence in the office of the President of the United States.

President Ford's son, Steve, talks about what it takes to be a good leader and some of the traits of leadership.

Testimonials

Steve is the best there is! There is no way you can put a price on perfection but I can guarantee that you will receive a gift to be treasured and you will hear only great comments from each and every person that is fortunate enough to be in attendance…if you are planning an event and want it to be a success, you must use Steve Ford.

– Community Bankers Association of Alabama

It has been eight weeks since you were with us as the keynote speaker for our Annual Luncheon and Silent Auction, and still hardly a day passes that I don't get overwhelmingly positive feedback about your presentation at our event. You connected with everyone. Your stories of life's challenges and successes were both inspirational and entertaining.

– Event Planner, Community Bankers Association

For Meeting Planners

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Reviews & Ratings

     Excellent  
     Based on 56 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Waldo Waldman 
 May 19, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been Speaking professionally for 21 years and work with the largest agencies in the world. I’m a Hall of Fame keynote speaker and a New York Times best selling Author. I have can honestly say in full confidence that Seth Dechtman and his team at Keynote Curator is the best agency I have been honored to work with.
I’ve witnessed Seth’s client focused relationship skills On multiple occasions. His clients love him and he’s detail oriented and has great communication skillls.
But most importantly, I’ve been on the receiving side of his servant, focused leadership style. He treats me like a valued partner and emulates everything a wingman is.
  
 
       
   David Allison 
 May 17, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth and the Keynote Curators team are tenacious and determined to do right by their clients and their speakers. I appreciate our relationship so much, and highly reccomend this group to anyone looking to book a speaker for an event.
  
 
       
   Meir Statman 
 May 10, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It is wonderful to join Seth in helping people reflect on their financial and life well-being and enhance them.
  
 
       
   Trevor Wilde 
 April 24, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was an amazing experience. the Keynote Speaker we had was perfect for our event and will definitely be having another for our next one!
  
 
       
   Sandro Forte 
 March 22, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliantly hosted, with great content. An absolute ‘must add’ to any podcast list!
  
 
       
   Jon VanDeventer 
 November 18, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been working with Seth at The Keynote Curators for over 3 years. I always look forward to our meetings because of both his professional expertise and his enjoyable, engaging personality. We have fun during our virtual meetings while developing innovative strategies and accomplishing goals. It's obvious from working with Seth over a number of years that he is always making event planning and booking services an easy process and providing responsiveness that sets him apart. He's an excellent partner who gets invested in your business and collaborates through every step of a process that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
  
 
       
   Jason Galaska 
 November 7, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth and his team were fantastic to work with in 2023 and we look forward to working with Keynote Curators to find potential speaker matches for our events in the future.  Thank you, Seth, for your professionalism!
  
 
       
   Hailey Wilson 
 October 23, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A Treasure Trove for Anyone Involved in Speaker Selection!

As someone deeply involved in the intersection of marketing and technology at AImpact, I find the process of selecting the right keynote speaker to be a critical part of any successful event. Seth Dechtman's "The Keynote Curators" podcast is nothing short of a godsend for anyone facing the challenges and opportunities that come with this task.

Seth brings an almost poetic understanding to the power of words, acknowledging that a speech isn't just a scheduled event but a transformative experience that can change the dynamics of an entire room. His enthusiasm for the craft is contagious, making each episode a joy to listen to.
  
 
       
   Nicole 
 September 14, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is super knowledgeable about the needs of meeting planners to have a successful event and partners with you to find just that right fit!
  
 
       
   Duncan Sigurdsson 
 August 28, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Working with Seth Dechtman and The Keynote Curators is always true partnership.  In the three plus years that we have been involved in various projects, I can tell you that they always deliver.  We have done some really cool stuff together.  Any meeting professional, conference planner or event producer will greatly benefit from partnering with The Keynote Curators.  High praise to Seth and his team.