MARTIN BROWN – INSPIRATIONAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER

 

On a warm summer afternoon in Cape Town, South Africa, Martin Brown entered the world. Growing up in the Mother City, his passions led him in many directions. After high school, he first pursued mechanicalGlobal Business speaker and entrepreneur Martin Brown.

 

engineering and later ventured into the emergency medical field. Alongside his studies, Martin excelled in sports and dance. He earned National Colours in Acrobatics, represented South Africa as part of the Acrobatic Federation, competed as a provincial athlete, and even became a professional Ballroom and Latin dancer.

 

However, his promising path took a dramatic turn in his second year of medical studies. A freak diving accident left Martin paralysed as a quadriplegic, able to move only his head.

 

Despite this life-altering event, Martin refused to let adversity define him. Drawing on his engineering expertise and medical knowledge, he took control of his circumstances. Step by step, he climbed the entrepreneurial ladder, transforming challenges into opportunities. Today, Martin is a multi-award-winning businessman and a sought-after keynote speaker.

 

Central to Martin’s philosophy is his unwavering belief in teamwork. He credits much of his success to his employees, whom he considers the heart of his business. By inspiring and nurturing his team, Martin has built a thriving company where every individual contributes to a shared vision of excellence.

Martin Brown’s journey is one of resilience and innovation. Over the past 18 years, he has built a successful global business designing and manufacturing custom all-terrain powered wheelchairs. This venture, however, was not planned—it was born out of necessity.

 

In December 1997, during a medical school break, Martin’s life changed forever. He broke his neck, becoming a C4-level quadriplegic, with only the ability to move his head. Despite this immense challenge, Martin refused to give up.

 

With a stick in his mouth and an unwavering vision, Martin, along with a dedicated team who truly understood his mission, worked tirelessly to build the company. Together, they overcame obstacles, leading to not just growth but recognition. As a result, they have won several entrepreneurial awards along the way, proving that determination and teamwork can conquer even the greatest odds.

Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year ® 2010 SME Award
SEDA Most Promising Job Creating Entrepreneur - 2012
Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year ® 2012 Finalist
Exclusive Entrepreneur of the Year® Alumni Society - 2015
ROCCI & FNB Business of the Year nomination - 2017
Nedbank / 702 Business Accelerator Finalist 2014
Inseta Business Leadership Award - 2011
SEDA Most Promising Entrepreneur with a Disability - 2012
Finalist for the Industrial Category the 2013 Africa SMME Awards Competition
ROCCI & FNB Small Business Achievement Award – 2017

By constantly reinventing his approach to life and business, Martin has become a leader in his industry. His success stems from pushing both himself and his team to think beyond limits and embrace innovation. Each year, they launch a new product, ensuring the company stays fresh and ahead of the curve.

 

Martin’s qualifications include an NTC 5 in Mechanical Engineering, NTC in Information Technology, and Advanced Life Support Paramedic certification. Within his company, Martin fosters intrapreneurship—encouraging employees to think and act like entrepreneurs while working within the organization. This mindset inspires proactive problem-solving and constant innovation.

 

From building a globally recognised company with only a stick in his mouth, Martin has become a sought-after keynote speaker. His blend of personal and business lessons makes him an authentic, captivating, and truly one-of-a-kind speaker.

 

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