Michael “Bird Dawg” Bergdahl
Keynote Speaking Testimonials

NOTE: To see "Bird Dawg" in action, check out the video clips page.

"Michael Bergdahl provides a glimpse into the "Wal-Mart Big Box" that only an insider could provide. He has written a great book around the acronym P.O.C.K.E.T.S which unveils the detailed secrets behind Wal-Mart's competitive strategies and tactics. In his speech, his stories about Sam Walton and the Wal-Mart culture provided Tesco's leaders and our top suppliers with competitive ideas we can implement in our businesses in Ireland. Bergdahl is a 'Wal-Mart Authority' who is open and honest about what it takes to compete, survive and thrive in direct competition with Wal-Mart or any other aggressive competitor. He took the time to meet with our attendees and even conducted an extensive Q&A session at a luncheon following his speech. I highly recommend him as an International speaker to other retailers, non-retailers manufacturers and suppliers who are looking for a competitive edge."
Paul Slevin, Director of Food & Impulse, TESCO Ireland

“Many thanks for a sensational session, you brought the conference home in a way that only someone of your caliber and experience could. All of our members and suppliers did enjoy your talk and got a lot out of it. My members, suppliers and staff are pumped up and filled with optimism for the future, and I am extremely pleased as your comments validated the strategy we have developed for these Pharmacies.”
John J Koot, Executive Director, Chemmart Pharmacies®, Australia

"Wal-Mart is one of the most recognizable brands in the world today, yet much of it's success remains a mystery to many people. Michael Bergdahl provided the audience with a fascinating look inside this incredibly successful company. His natural ability to share stories and engage the audience, really bought to life not only how Wal-Mart operates but the man behind the brand, founder Sam Walton. I would highly recommend any company looking to think outside the nine dots and understand the power of innovation and unconventional thinking, engage Michael to speak".
Carson White, ICMI Speakers Bureau (Australia)

"On behalf of the Texas Bankers Association, thank you for your great presentation at the 123rd Annual Convention & Exposition. Our attendees gained valuable information and insight from your presentation. Your topic, How to Compete and Thrive in a Wal-Mart World was of huge importance and interest to all of the bankers. I look forward to working with you again!"
Kimberly Pargin, Professional Development Specialist, Texas Bankers Association

"As Wal-Mart goes so goes the retail industry. The trouble is that insight into the Bentonville behemoth is hard to come by. Insiders don’t talk, which is why the knowledge Michael Bergdahl brings to his presentations is invaluable. Bergdahl was the opening keynote speaker for our biggest executive summit of the year in 2007. He knows how Wal-Mart became Wal-Mart. And his intimate knowledge of Sam Walton, who Bergdahl worked for, adds color and richness to his well-spun stories."
Joe Skorupa, Group Editor-in-Chief, RIS News

"Michael Bergdahl was an easy choice when we were determining this year’s Keynote Speaker. Bergdahl’s experience in retail and with Sam Walton was a natural fit for an association whose life blood is the retail community. However, what was surprising to all in attendance was his means of adapting a message to our members and his desire to provide insight into an industry that has various nuances. Bergdahl was a spectacular start to a very memorable Spring Conference."
Daniel C. Borschke, CAE, President/CEO, NARMS International

"Michael, what a great pleasure to hear your stories! Storytelling is a lost art, and you've brought it back to life!"
Kreta Chandler, Manager, Hewlett-Packard

"The Leading Edge Conference in Mont Tremblant (Quebec, Canada) was a fantastic event. The feedback we received from the attendees on-site and post conference was overwhelmingly positive! Thank you for sharing your insight and expertise. I look forward to working with you again in the future!"
Lorraine Mazza, VP, International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)

"I want to thank you for your time and your presentation here in Venezuela about how to compete & thrive in a Wal-Mart World. Most of the messages about Sam Walton's legacy are very applicable in this part of the world, especially his focus on Wal-Mart's customers, his six rules of success directed to employees/people and his view of suppliers as valued partners. The thought that “high expectations are the key to everything” is something we need to have in mind every day."
Eduardo Benatuil, President, Heinz-Venezuela

"Your insight on the Wal Mart business case is inspirational, a good story in discipline, minimizing waste and setting a gold standard on supply chain excellence. However, sharing your story on how you converted your personal family situation into an opportunity and wrote your first book is even more inspiring."
Ashok Bhaseen, M.Pharm, MBA - Director, National Accounts Ims Health Canada

"Michael Bergdahl speaks with enthusiasm and expertise. The small business owners in the audience were especially invigorated by his remarks. They appreciated the insights into how Wal-Mart works and the applications that could be transferred to their own businesses."
Ellen Sherberg, Publisher, St. Louis Business Journal

"Michael's analysis of Wal-Mart's case is lucid and inspirational at the same time.  It gave me and my top leadership a great example of how amazing and consistent results can be achieved also thru Focus and Simplicity."
Andrea Ragnetti, CEO Philips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care

"We have heard so much positive feedback regarding your presentation!!  Our members walked away feeling they learned valuable information they can use in their business when implementing a plan of action.  Thanks again for a wonderful educational session!" 
Missy Najolia,  Event Manager, Louisiana Oil Marketers & Convenience Store Association

"Your presentation was great and you are a talented speaker."
Bob Ballantyne, Global Beverage Group

“Thank you very much for you contributions to the Axess Brand meeting. Your presentation was very enlightening. The top retailers in Turkey did certainly enjoy listening to the ‘Bird Dawg’ of Sam Walton Fame.  We learned a lot from his experiences at Wal-Mart.”
Hakan Binbasgil, Executive Vice President Akbank/Axess, Istanbul, Turkey

"I would like to thank you for speaking at our SNAXPO 2005 Convention and Exposition.  We are committed to providing timely and professional information to the snack food industry and your knowledgeable presentation delivered just the right message to our audience.  Thank you again for your excellent presentation."
James McCarthy, President & CEO
Snack Food Association

"Michael's presentation unveils the model and vision of Sam Walton and helps others understand how it applies to them. Most people forget that Wal-Mart did not become what it is today based solely on price; but rather started as a single store with the commitment to outstanding service.  Any retailer today can gain useful insight from Bergdahl on how to better their company's performance and ultimately compete against the Wal-Mart's of the world.  If you are a retailer of any kind, you want to hear Michael's message."  
Michael Robbins, Director of Marketing, Cequent Towing Products

“Mr. Bergdahl’s presentation was most topical and addressed a critical challenge in our industry.  The audience was enthused by the message and was able to take away workable ideas and meaningful thoughts”  “Michael’s presentation was supported by a well written and instructive book." 
David Tucker, SVP Industry Relations, National Association of Convenience Stores

"Your "P.O.C.K.E.T.S." speech at our annual meeting exceeded our expectations. I heard nothing but positives from everyone who attended. One of our petroleum marketers expressed it best, saying he was "spellbound". Thanks for being so easy to work with and for your contribution to making our convention a great success!"
Bobbi Wettach, Meeting Planner, Mississippi Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association

“Your speaking ability coupled with your exceptional experience with great leaders gives you something that everyone who wants to succeed should hear.”
Lou Holtz , Head Football Coach, Notre Dame 1986-1996

“He’s a sales and service guy who know how to motivate people to reach their full potential. Speaking from his hands on experience, he inspires people to give that extra effort that yields big results. If you haven’t heard him, you’ve got to hear him speak!”
Roger Dow, SVP Global & Field Sales, Marriott International

“Dynamic, exciting, no nonsense, no pie in the sky, no wishful thinking but nuts and bolts, guts and glory as to how to become successful delivering your product to the world…speaking directly to people, communicating directly to people, with a timely and important message.”
Richard Blockson, Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages

“Michael Bergdahl is not a public speaker...he is a storyteller…every great speaker is a storyteller. He makes a point and tells a story. Whether it’s a keynote, luncheon or after dinner speech, Bergdahl might very well be your man!”
Bill Gove, First President of the National Speakers Association

“When was the last time a speaker held your attention for three hours?”
Jim Barr, Nationwide Insurance

“Your presentation was right on target for our group. You have an ability to make the stories come alive and relate to the audience.”
Al Pell, Anchor, AgDay Television

“By understanding exactly what I was looking for, you provided us with an extremely informative and entertaining presentation. Thank you for your expertise”
Marlo Alpern, BASF Corporation

“We have been extremely pleased with the reaction from attendees – high marks all around for your program content…your participation was key. Congratulations on a job well done!”
Rebecca Mangan, The Electrification Council

“Your presentation was terrific! There were a lot of nuggets there…your stories really brought ideas to life!”
Jay Liebowitz, Professor, Organizational Behavior & HRM, Duquesne University

“Your keynote presentation met and exceeded every expectation! You were dynamic and motivational. Your expertise made a difference in the lives of many people.”
Vaughn Benjamin, Vice President, Media Credit Association

“Your talk was not only captivating but really drove home many of the principals from a real world perspective. Your discussions were insightful, educational and entertaining.”
Mark Ciccarelli, Attorney

“I want to thank you for the exciting and instructive presentation you gave. For your major contribution to the success of our anniversary meeting we will be eternally grateful!”
Jim Connor, Executive Vice President, American Yarn Spinners Association

“Your presentation and materials were excellent. The Sam Walton stories were some of the favorites.”
Tim Boender, Regional Sales Manager, Farmland Industries

“You are eminently professional. The ideas you express and materials are cutting edge.”
Sam Foreman, Former CEO & President, County Seat Stores

“Your presentation fit the bill exactly! Your experiences and insights gave everyone something to take away and apply.”
Kendra Resler, President, Mid America NAMA

“Your presentation was right on target. Your energy level and your sense of humor added to each workshop.”
Florence LaHood, Advertising Manager, Agway Retail Services

“I have never been more impressed by either a program or the presentation of it!”
Cheryl Swineheart, Employers Association of Western Michigan