TONY HOFFMAN

FROM PRISON TO RIO OLYMPICS

After paroling prison on December 13, 2008, Tony Hoffman started living out his dream, with his addiction behind him. Tony is a Former BMX Elite Pro and placed 2nd at the 2016 World Championships in Medellin Colombia in the Masters Pro class. Tony coached Women’s Elite Pro, Brooke Crain, to a 4th place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil. His story is full of redemption as he has seen some of the highest highs, and the lowest lows. Tony has presented on the prestigious TEDx stage and is the Founder and Director of The Freewheel Project, a non-profit organization that mentors thousands of youth through action sports. Today, Tony is one of the most requested substance abuse speakers in the country, traveling 200 days a year to share his inspiring story with various audiences. Tony’s future goal is to open the Tony Hoffman Wellness Center where he hopes to redirect the lives of those struggling with addiction onto the path of sobriety and purpose.

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Biography

World Ranked

After paroling prison on December 13, 2008, Tony Hoffman started living out his dream, with his addiction behind him. Tony is a Former BMX Elite Pro and placed 2nd at the 2016 World Championships in Medellin Colombia in the Masters Pro class. He is a 2016 Rio Olympic Games Coach, with Women’s BMX PRO, Brooke Crain, in his lineup. His story is full of redemption as he has seen some of the highest highs, and the lowest lows. Tony is the Founder and Director of The Freewheel Project, a non-profit organization that mentors thousands of youth through action sports: BMX, skateboarding and after-school programs. The Freewheel Project focuses on teaching kids leadership skills, and making healthy life choices, including substance abuse prevention, each year.

The Early Years

Tony has been sober since May 17th, 2007. His BMX career started in high school, as he was a top-ranked BMX amateur with multiple endorsements. As a native of Clovis, Ca, where he attended Clovis High School, Tony started drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, and using prescription painkillers such as Vicodin and Oxycontin by his senior year. His life took a turn for the worse as he became addicted at such a young age, losing everything.

In 2004 Tony committed a home invasion armed robbery, and was ultimately sent to prison for two years in 2007. Tony had violated his probation and knows the depths of addiction, and understands the despair addicts go through as even a ten-year prison sentence threat, could not stop him from using during his probation. Tony began rebuilding his life’s purpose while he spent two years in prison. As soon as he was released, he used the positive and negatives of his life to get to where he is, today.

Today

Tony is a changed man, and inspires so many to live their life with purpose. Tony has dedicated his life, to bringing awareness around the country, describing how dangerous prescription pill and heroin abuse are, as well as advocating a shift in thinking towards current addiction-recovery processes.

Speaking Programs

EXPERIENCE

With nine years of speaking experience and at the age of 35, Tony is the youngest & most relatable national speaker on substance abuse in the country. He has experience in the following youth markets

Middle Schools
High Schools
Preparatory Schools
Youth Conferences

MORE THAN A “DON’T DO DRUGS SPEECH”

It’s a presentation unlike any other substance abuse presentation because it’s not a drug speech, it’s a life story. Tony’s life story contains messaging in the following areas. Speech length (45min-70min) Includes Q&A

Depression/Anxiety Mental Health
Vaping, Marijuana, Opioids
The Truth About Addiction (It’s not a choice)
Overcoming Adversity
Choices
Attitude
Goals
Bullying

Reviews

“Tony’s “The Choice” was provided to our secondary students in light of our community and students being impacted by the national mental health and addiction crisis. Tony’s story in itself was powerful; but what had the greatest impact was his raw and poignant authenticity that cut through economic or social status. His story truly reached the students. After each presentation, Tony made himself available for individual conversations and genuine human kindness. It is clear that this is his calling and that his story and wisdom will prevent so many others from making a choice that will adversely alter the course of their lives forever. I have not seen anyone better do this kind of transformational work that is desperately needed in all communities Michelle Savko- Assistant Superintedent – Dixie Sierra Sands Unified School District

“Tony’s talk made an indelible mark on our school. He is down to earth, engaging, funny, and real, and our students connected well to his message. Schools today, more than ever, need social and emotional support for all students. Tony reinforced our work in this area in ways that we could not have on our own.

Tony is one of the most sought after speakers in the country, and his message is one of hope, resilience, and the small things students can do to bring their gifts and talents to life.” Ian McFeat – Snow La Canada High School

“This was hands down the most amazing event I have ever been a part of since coming into this community. I would suggest that every Drug Council and School take a look at Tony Hoffman’s presentations and somehow raise the funds through sponsorship, fundraising or grants to get him in to your area. It was by far, the most powerful thing we have done in this town in the years I have been here.

Tony’s presentation left us speechless, he was inspirational, motivational, encouraging and parents left with eyes wide open. Community leaders shook their heads and said we need to connect and talk with Tony, He has some great ideas and we need to tap into them. Thank you Tony!” Melanie Wilde-Lane –Branford Public Schools

“We had the pleasure of having Tony Hoffman speak to our 8th grade class at the Dingman-Delaware Middle School. I expected another, “Don’t do this because I did that” presentation. What I didn’t expect was such a powerful presentation that would reach kids so close to their hearts that you could see them crying during the presentation. I was shocked, not just at the number of students that were visibly emotional and touched, but also the students that I would have never guessed were dealing with issues in their own lives. Our students hugged and thanked him for now understanding WHY loved ones in their family were acting the way they were. The time he took individually after the presentation to listen to and give advice about seeking help was unbelievable. Tony Hoffman not only delivers a powerful presentation, he conveys a message of how important it is to him that these students find the help they need to change their lives. Everyone in the auditorium could sense not only how sincere he was but how much it really mattered to him to make a difference in any life he could reach. He replied to every student who messaged him last night from our school! If you book Tony Hoffman, my only recommendation is to be prepared to deal with the many students that his message hits home with! My staff still cannot stop talking about his presentation. Outstanding!”. Brian McCarthy – Dingman – Deleware Middle School

“Tony Hoffman delivered a powerful message about addiction to our students during his keynote at our HOSA-“Future Health Professionals” Region 3 student conference. Students gained a new perspective into addiction listening at the edge of their seats as Tony shared his personal struggles and his amazing story of recovery. Everyone in our auditorium left our conference knowing that addiction is not a choice and that we should be treating addicts with more compassion and empathy. Tony’s presentation will have you questioning your own views on addiction and mental health. Thank you, Tony, for making an impact in each of our students’ lives and breaking the stigmas that we have about addiction.” Tony Pena – Career Washington Union High School