Matt Potratz is not just a former world-renowned snowmobile athlete; today, he is a highly respected motivational speaker, author, mentor, and advocate for resilience, perseverance, and growth. His journey is one of extraordinary transformation—both physically and mentally—after surviving a life-threatening avalanche in 2009 that left him with severe injuries, including a broken neck, punctured lung, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). What followed was a remarkable story of survival, recovery, and an inspiring new life focused on helping others navigate their own adversities.
Though he was once one of the elite mountain-free-riders in the nation, featured in seven snowmobile motion pictures, Matt’s life took a dramatic turn on that fateful day in March 2009. While filming a hill-climb segment in the rugged mountains of Idaho, he triggered a massive avalanche that buried him, nearly taking his life. After a challenging and lengthy rescue operation, Matt was airlifted to a trauma-specific hospital, where he was placed in intensive care and remained unconscious for an extended period. His condition was critical, and early prognoses from medical professionals were grim, with his family prepared for the possibility that he might not survive.
Despite the dire prognosis, Matt defied the odds. He survived, but the road ahead was long and filled with challenges. His physical injuries were severe, and he faced significant cognitive and emotional obstacles. While doctors had concerns about his recovery, including doubts regarding his ability to walk again and speak fluently, Matt proved the experts wrong. Not only did he regain his ability to walk, but he also became a motivational speaker and author, inspiring audiences with his story of hope and resilience.
Matt’s transformation didn’t stop at his physical recovery. He became an advocate for others facing challenges, showing that with the right mindset, adversity can be turned into an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. Through his writing and speaking engagements, he shares the lessons he learned from his own journey, encouraging others to view their struggles through a new lens and embrace change as a powerful catalyst for growth.
His book, Two Hands: A Life Radically Changed in 12 Seconds, chronicles his journey from professional athlete to author and motivational speaker. In it, he shares how the avalanche that nearly took his life became the defining event that propelled him toward a new mission: to help others see their adversity as a gift and a source of strength.
Whether he is speaking to corporate leaders, teen students, or members of faith-based organizations, Matt’s presentations are known for their authenticity and emotional depth. His message is clear: you cannot change the world, but you can change your world—one person at a time. By sharing his story, he challenges audiences to take control of their lives, face their challenges head-on, and make a difference in their communities.
In addition to his speaking and writing, Matt is a licensed life-insurance agent and retirement consultant. He also serves on the advisory board for the local Salvation Army Corps with his wife, dedicating time and energy to giving back to those in need. His work in both personal and professional settings reflects his unwavering commitment to helping others succeed and find purpose, no matter their circumstances.
Matt Potratz’s story is one of profound resilience, and it has resonated with audiences around the world. His message is simple but powerful: adversity is not the end of the road, but the beginning of a new journey. When we embrace the lessons that come from hardship, we can emerge stronger, wiser, and more capable of making a meaningful impact on those around us.
For organizations looking to inspire their teams and individuals facing challenges, Matt Potratz is a speaker who brings more than just a motivational message. He brings a lived experience of overcoming the impossible and a call to action that encourages change. His talks inspire audiences to reflect, connect, and take action in their own lives, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to navigate life’s toughest moments.
To learn more about Matt Potratz’s journey, his speaking engagements, or his work, visit his websites Life Radically Changed and Matt Motivates. You can also connect with him on social media at Facebook or Facebook Profile.
For more information about his story, how he overcame adversity, and how he can inspire your organization, reach out today to schedule a presentation that will make a lasting impact.