Richard Avdoian

Richard J. Avdoian, CSP™, MS, MSW

Richard Avdoian is founder and CEO of Midwest Business Institute, Metro St. Louis a leadership coaching, and training group and Men Mentoring Men Network in Metro St. Louis.

Avdoian has worked with businesses, corporations, franchisees, and associations committed to training and retaining highly motivated productive employees. With programs and services in teamwork, leadership, employee development and customer service, he specializes in enhancing employee potential to provide exemplary customer service and increase productivity and profitability.

Nationally known as a high-energy speaker offering keynotes, seminars and workshops that inspire, inform, and entertain, Avdoian combines book smarts and street smarts to deliver content-rich, high-energy, and innovative carefully customized presentations. His credentials for employee development and teamwork expertise rank him amongst the top speakers in the United States and form the foundation for his ability to deliver excellent content rich material.

He has worked extensively in the behavioral health field and with clients in over forty different industries providing programs and services in teamwork, leadership, employee development and customer service. Avdoian's credentials for employee development and teamwork expertise rank him among the top speakers in the United States.

Richard is a pioneering figure in "Men's Work," dedicated to fostering a profound understanding of masculinity. With extensive experience as a psychotherapist in private practice, he founded the Men Mentoring Men Network and Voyager Men's Experience. Through these initiatives, Richard aims to empower individuals to achieve a more balanced life, enrich relationships, and realize their fullest potential. His expertise is highly valued, leading numerous states, counties, and local organizations to seek his guidance and insight.

In July 2003, Avdoian received the international designation of Certified Speaking Professional (C.S.P.) from the National Speakers Association (NSA), the highest earned level of excellence attainable in the industry that only about 17 percent of NSA members worldwide have earned. In October 2006 he was honored by Niagara County Community College and inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Gallery in recognition for his personal and professional accomplishments and community service.

He has contributed articles to various publications and appeared frequently as a guest on business radio stations and national and international podcasts. His monthly column, "Smart Business," was a fixture in the St. Louis Small Business Monthly for several years. Avdoian is also the author of several books, such as "Smart Business: Effective Practices for Business Success," "Your Journey to Franchise Ownership – The Path from Employee to Business Ownership," and "Successfully Working Trade Shows – Practical Tips to Attract New Clients, Strengthen Your Brand, Make More Sales."

He received his A.A. degree in liberal arts from Niagara County Community College, B.A. degree in sociology & minority studies and master's degree in counseling from Niagara University, New York. He also earned a master's degree in social work from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.

Clients include National Association of Postal Supervisors, American Bankers Association, Corning Glass Company, Peabody Coal Company, Associated General Contractors of America, Monsanto, Illinois City Management Association, United Meat Cutters Union, United States Air Force and Meeting Professionals International. He has also provided counsel to franchisees from State Farms, Mr. Appliance and McDonalds.

Interested in having Richard speak or present to your company, franchise, corporation, or association or to learn more about his programs and services, visit www.RichardAvdoian.com.

Richard is an active professional member of the National Speakers Association and served as President of the NSA/St. Louis, MO chapter.