Testimonials

A huge thank you to all of the businesses, organizations and industries we have had the honor to speak for. Below you will find a small selection of the testimonials and feedback we’ve received throughout the years. We’ve included the industry from which each testimonial represents.

I've worked for a large GC for 21 years in my career and over half of that in safety. I've had to plan safety meetings, standdowns, safety weeks and trainings on all kinds of projects. When you bring guest speakers in to talk to your employees you expect them to listen and learn. I would say maybe 50% of the employees do that. But when we had Laurel and Russ come to our site it was probably the quietest intense wake up moment for the craft in our field. They seen and heard firsthand what can happen if you do not follow the procedures and the safety rules on site. Russ and Laurel are an amazing couple with such a passion for not just the craft but for their families too.

If you want to have a safety meeting on site that basically slaps everyone in the face, then I would recommend Russ and Laurel Youngstrom.

CONSTURCTION - Beau Bune

Health & Safety Manager

WOW! I wish I had adequate words for the impact Laurel and Russ have had on me professionally and personally. Their story is both heart wrenching and inspiring.

My biggest take-away from my first time hearing their message is simple, CHOICE. Choices lead us down a path to different outcomes, whether it is in safety or other areas of responsibility. I am blown away by the bravery it takes for them to share their painful story, for Russ to continually accept responsibility for his outcome, and for them to challenge others to make their choices carefully.

Their mission is so important: inspire every person to make the RIGHT choice when it comes to their personal safety. To take ownership in their own life, their own safety. Russ and Laurel are not victims, and they do not sing a "poor me" song, rather they inspire you, and show you that life is PRECIOUS and worth making the right choices for. I have heard them speak many times now, and the experience is every bit as impactful every time. It is not a canned speech or glossy presentation. It is two real human beings talking to you about their very REAL situation. They aren't bashful, they answer tough questions, and they share tough answers.

It has been my privilege to get to know them personally and see that they are every bit as inspiring and wonderful in real life as they are on a stage.

I HIGHLY recommend having them speak to your audience about safety.

GENERAL SAFETY - Mandi Kime

Director of Safety at Associated General Contractors of WA

Laurel and Russ Youngstrom spoke at our safety conference, (Upper Michigan Workplace Safety Conference, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the audience. These two wonderful people are the most courageous and honest people I think I have ever met. Laurel really hits home with her side of their "story", and Russ nails it with his brutal honesty.

Just a few of our comments from our attendees:
• Extremely poignant and moving. Attention getting in the way you would hope and what you were shooting for. Thank you for sharing your story of pain & triumph. God Bless You.
• Russ & Laurel’s honesty was incredible & heartbreaking, excellent presentation!
• I felt their presentation hit home. The type of speaker all employees should hear.
• Wow, really makes one think about their choices and the repercussions. Laurel said something that will stick with me forever: “Being unsafe is a selfish choice” Thank you.

I enjoyed getting to know Laurel and Russ and highly recommend them to any group, big or small, because they really really make you think.

GENERAL SAFETY - Renee Lundberg

Russ and Laurel's presentation was extremely moving and captivated everyone's attention. Both Laurel and Russ told their sides of the story, Russ injuring himself on the job and Laurel receiving that phone call. Both of them taught me that safety depends on myself, as well as those around me. I can impact others' lives from the choices I make, as well as co-workers can impact mine. Their presentation related to safety at work as well as safety in everyday life. Russ and Laurel gave 5 presentations throughout the day starting at 7am and ending at 6pm. It was a long day for them but each of the 5 presentations was just as impactful as the first. They are very open to any questions and really get down to the details of how their lives have changed. There were many wet eyes as Russ and Laurel told their stories. It was evident that changes were already starting to take place, at least in people's minds, as many people came up at the end of each presentation to thank them for sharing their story. Russ and Laurel really put life into perspective of what can happen when we have the attitude of "it won't happen to me". I couldn't be more pleased with our Safety Day speaker duo and I look forward to keeping an open line of communication with them both because I think their story is absolutely worth everyone hearing it.

PHARMACEUTICAL - Kristen Stanford

There may be no more impactful safety message than the one that Safety Advocates Russ and Laurel Youngstrom shared with us for our award-winning SafeMatters Jobsite Safety Orientation program. We deeply appreciate all that the Youngstroms have meant to our team members and our safety culture.

The Haskell Safety Team

I would trade knowing Laurel and Russ for absolutely nothing in this world. We see videos like Big Blue or other's personal injury stories but none like theirs. When I started as a site safety coordinator, I had no knowledge of the field or goal of where I wanted to take it. When I moved from that role into my first full time safety professional role I was tasked with training and really took it to heart. I looked at how I would want to receive training and what would matter to me as an employee. I came across Russ Youngstrom's message it hit home with me in ways I cannot describe. You see I had to teach myself and learn with no help from the company I started with, and Fall Protection became the fire inside me that ignited my passion to move into the safety professional role full time and here was someone who had a message to spread to others. When I first talked to Laurel she gave me a side of the story I or many like me would not ever think of and that is the story of the spouse and child. I have had Laurel and Russ at my current company twice and there is no amount of money in the world that would be worth not having them again. This message will change your heart and mind. It is the reason I continue today and strive to reach my employees hearts and minds like they did with me.

CONSTRUCTION - Brandon Wicker, CHST, CIT
Safety Director at Rick Shipman Construction

Thank you, Russ and Laurel, for the very impactful presentations you made to our employees here at Pierce Transit. Making yourselves available to present at 6 meetings over 3 days (including our graveyard shift) was a big task, and to deliver the message in such a personal way made an impression on our employees. I am sure that the over 600 employees that attended will not soon forget your message about personal accountability and responsibility.
I had many people respond that it was the best safety meeting they have ever had in their time at Pierce Transit. Your very honest style and delivery of the message of how life can change in a second made an impression on everyone. Your story hits very hard on how complacency and blatant disregard for safety practices and rules can have dire consequences. The “it won’t happen to me” mindset is a real problem in the workplace and your story presented a wake-up call to everyone in attendance. Russ’s honest confession that the delinquent behavior of not following safety rules was solely his and not placing blame on anyone or anything else was impressive and moving. It was great getting to know you both and your willingness to share your story will save lives and prevent people from getting injured. It was exactly the tone we needed to help build our culture of safety. Thank you again!

TRANSIT - Mike Griffus
CEO Pierce Transit

The door opens to a meeting room full of rough and tough roughnecks (drilling rig workers) and in walks this small, attractive lady. No one in the room has ever seen this lady before. She walks directly through all of the gazes and stares to the front of the room as they are trying to figure out: "Who is she?" and "What is she doing here?". She says: "My name is Laurel. I am the wife of an injured worker." The room draws deathly quiet to hear what she has to say. Then...she proceeds with the most powerful and moving story of getting that dreaded call and realizing your life has been forever changed.

She, then, introduces the group (as they are wiping away their tears) to the culprit of this story: "My husband, Russ." Russ proceeds to relive the timeline that led to his catastrophic date with destiny.

At the conclusion of the trip down memory lane; if you will, Russ starts introducing the meeting to what life is like for a paraplegic. He discusses the pain and heartache that he has put his family through and the broken dreams. Laurel and Russ continue by inviting the people in the audience to ask any and all questions they may have about how life has changed since the incident. They answer each question bluntly and honestly. They really know how to make an impact on worker's mentalities towards safety.

I have had the opportunity to witness several of the Youngstrom "talks". Each one is uniquely different from the others. Their talk is definitely not scripted; which, allows them to cater to the attitudes of the audience as well as keep the message fresh.

I wish I could take this message to every worker across America. I know the Youngstrom's story could greatly and positively affect the overall attitude of workers in America. GOD BLESS Laurel and Russ Youngstrom!

OIL DRILLING - Cody (Tiny) Ashle
HSE Director at Latshaw Drilling and Mustang Heavy Haul

We have used Russ and Laurel as guest speakers for numerous safety and management leadership meetings around the United States. They are genuine, and deliver a powerful safety message with a unique combination of brutal honesty and approachable humor. Our audiences were so engrossed, you could hear a pin drop in the room. No matter the safety warning, no one thinks something can happen to you. Russ and Laurel's presentation puts a REAL face and family to what can happen when you take risks on a construction site. I would highly recommend them for your next meeting or safety event. I am honored to have worked with them and will never forget their story.

CONSTRUCTION - Liza Mulkowsky

Director - Communications and Change Management at Genuine Parts Company

Russ and Laurel made their presentation to our group of drivers this week, and you could have heard a pin drop during the presentation. Their story is one that hits home, especially when your associates deal with risks everyday, and sometimes incorporate "shortcuts" to save them a few minutes. Their story presents a "wake up call", to take Safety seriously, for yourself, and your co-workers.

THANKS Russ & Laurel, for making us ALL think about our actions, everyday. It was great getting to know you!

AUTOMOTIVE/LOGISTICS - Kirk Welch

Safety/Compliance Manager at Toyota Logistics Services, Inc.

Russ and Laurel's presentation was definitely one to remember. Their presentation was about the life altering impact one safety "shortcut" can make and the repercussions from it. It gave over 500 workers a little glimpse of the personal hardships they go through on a daily basis, which really opened up the eyes of all the workers hearing the presentation. They also work very well with an interpreter and still managed to get the important safety message across to each person in the room. Russ and Laurel are genuine, honest people who share their story in order to help the future of others. It was a great pleasure to get to meet them and have them in Houston. We hope they come back soon!

Thank you, Russ and Laurel, for the very impactful presentations you made to our employees here at Pierce Transit. Making yourselves available to present at 6 meetings over 3 days (including our graveyard shift) was a big task and to deliver the message in such a personal way made an impression on our employees. I am sure that the over 600 employees that attended will not soon forget your message about personal accountability and responsibility.

I had many people respond that it was the best safety meeting they have ever had in their time at Pierce Transit. Your very honest style and delivery of the message of how life can change in a second made an impression on everyone. Your story hits very hard on how complacency and blatant disregard for safety practices and rules can have dire consequences. The “it won’t happen to me” mindset is a real problem in the workplace and your story presented a wake-up call to everyone in attendance. Russ’s honest confession that the delinquent behavior of not following safety rules was solely his and not placing blame on anyone or anything else was impressive and moving.

It was great getting to know you both and your willingness to share your story will save lives and prevent people from getting injured. It was exactly the tone we needed to help build our culture of safety. Thank you again!

CONSTRUCTION - Jessi Jeansonne

Asst. Project Manager at D.E. Harvey Builders

Those of us working in the construction industry face risks to our health and safety each and every day. In most cases there are fantastic state of the art methods for mitigating the risks we all face except for one….our own personal decision to take an unnecessary risk. The reality of Russ’ injury coupled with his frank and open discussion about why his accident occurred and how it has affected him is trumped only when his wife Laurel talks about how Russ’ injury has impacted their family. Russ and Laurel’s message is eye opening, humbling, shocking, powerful, and life changing. Everyone should hear their message and everyone should want to know why Russ says “You should immediately fire employees like me”. Thank you Russ and Laurel for having the courage to share your story. It is extremely powerful!!

CONSTRUCTION - Mark Johnnie

I have had the opportunity to witness several of the Youngstrom "talks". Each one is uniquely different from the others. Their talk is definitely not scripted; which allows them to cater to the attitudes of the audience, as well as keep the message fresh.

I wish I could take this message to every worker across America. I know the Youngstrom's story could greatly and positively affect the overall attitude of workers in America. GOD BLESS Laurel and Russ Youngstrom!

I have been in the construction industry for well over 40 years. However, I have never been personally and professionally impacted as much as I was with the Youngstrom Safety presentation. Russ and Laurel have a genuine and clear message that is simple. Don’t do anything stupid. The impact that they will have on you and your team will make you have pity. Not for them! They have a mission, and are absolutely saving lives. Instead, you will have pity for any workers that we don’t help get this message to. I really feel that if you are a leader and care about your team, you will at least encourage, if not demand, that all of them listen to this amazing couple.

When you go to a safety meeting, sometimes, they have low or no impact (as the Youngstrom presentation will verify!). I can guarantee you that this meeting will save lives and heartache. Changing hearts - not just adding rules.

Not only should you encourage your team, but also your direct family and the team's families to see, or at least listen to them. How much is a life worth in time or dollars? We always say you can’t put a price on it. Spend a few minutes getting in contact with them - it will be worth every minute and dollar that you spend.

DRILLING - Cody Ashley

Highly, highly recommend the Youngstrom's as keynote speakers for your next event. Russ and Laurel are a wonder couple sharing their powerful message on workplace injuries and how it affects family and friends.

Stacey Hannover
President at Minnesota Mine Safety Association

Laurel and Russ I’m forever grateful for having the opportunity to meet you and hear your story told in front of our ASSP chapter. I can honestly say that was the most impactful meeting I and all of us ever attended.
Thank you for sharing your story and quite an example of turning lemons into lemonade. You guys are an inspiration and the definition of gratitude. You truly are blessed and us even more for knowing and hearing your story…

ASSP Chapter (Orange County, CA) - Karl Lehman, CSP
Loss Control Specialist at CopperPoint Insurance Company

Laurel and Russ Youngstrom spoke at our safety conference (Upper Michigan Workplace Safety Conference), and I don't think there was a dry eye in the audience. These two wonderful people are the most courageous and honest people I think I have ever met. Laurel really hits home with her side of their "story", and Russ nails it with his brutal honesty.

Just a few of our comments from our attendees:
• Extremely poignant and moving. Attention-getting in the way you would hope, and what you were shooting for. Thank you for sharing your story of pain & triumph. God Bless You.
• Russ & Laurel’s honesty was incredible & heartbreaking, excellent presentation!
• I felt their presentation hit home. The type of speaker all employees should hear.
• Wow, really makes one think about their choices and the repercussions. Laurel said something that will stick with me forever: “Being unsafe is a selfish choice” Thank you.

I enjoyed getting to know Laurel and Russ and highly recommend them to any group, big or small, because they really, really make you think.

Renee Lundberg
Workforce Training and Business Development Manager at Bay College

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