From the bottom up

Meet Chad:

Chad Pregracke is living proof that one person can make a difference. As the founder and president of Living Lands & Waters, Chad is an industry leader committed to sustainability and social impact and has brought together thousands of people for a common cause.

His journey from growing up along the Mississippi River to becoming globally recognized for cleaning up America’s rivers has inspired audiences and volunteers worldwide to take action for a better future.

Honored with over 40 significant leadership and stewardship awards, Chad is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and celebrated leaders in the field.

Inspiring Audiences to Take Action

Chad Pregracke brings an unparalleled combination of passion, experience, and authenticity to the stage. As the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year and founder of Living Lands & Waters, he has transformed his ambitious visions into tangible results.

Chad’s keynotes captivate audiences, and his ability to connect through humor and heartfelt storytelling leaves a lasting impact. He inspires people to believe in their ability to create meaningful change.

Chad’s presentations not only entertain but also empower attendees to tackle challenges, think creatively, and embrace leadership to make a difference.

From the Bottom Up

Chad Pregracke is a renowned leader, founder, and visionary. He founded Living Lands & Waters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cleaning America’s rivers, which has engaged over 134,000 volunteers and removed millions of pounds of trash from America’s waterways.

Chad’s inspiring story of leadership, innovation, and perseverance resonates with audiences worldwide. As a dynamic speaker, he motivates others to embrace their potential and drive change in their communities and beyond.

Chad is a leader that helps audiences recognize their potential and stresses the importance of teamwork to get the job done.

An Industry Pioneer

Chad’s groundbreaking work has earned him numerous awards, including the Jefferson Award for Public Service, often referred to as America’s Nobel Prize and was named the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year.

He received a standing ovation from four living U.S. Presidents at the Points of Light Tribute. Chad has also been named "America’s Hardest Working Person" by Mitchum and featured on platforms like ABC, CBS, CNN, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and NBC for his dedication to cleaning America’s rivers.

Full List of Chad’s Awards

The Power of Chad’s Keynotes

Chad inspires and energizes the audience with his powerful stories of perseverance, leadership, and innovation. His unique perspective as a hands-on leader brings fresh insights into problem-solving, teamwork, and creating impactful change.

Chad’s humor and passion make his presentations engaging and relatable, leaving attendees with actionable takeaways and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether addressing corporate teams or community leaders, Chad’s ability to motivate and empower ensures a transformative and memorable experience.

Chad’s Inspiring Journey

Chad Pregracke’s book, From the Bottom Up: One Man's Crusade to Clean America's Rivers, chronicles his inspiring journey from a young river enthusiast to an environmental hero. Published by National Geographic, the book highlights Chad’s personal challenges, innovative problem-solving, and leadership in mobilizing thousands to clean America’s waterways.

It’s an empowering narrative that showcases how determination and vision can create a lasting impact. Readers will find actionable insights and motivation to embrace change and make a difference.