Testimonials About Motivational Speaker & Magician Amazing Jeffo
To Book Speaker Jeffrey Smith, Please Call 651-457-7300
"Appreciated your message to use our god given abilities to encourage others. God uses you because you said YES!"
Gene Engebretsen, Christo Vive International, Big Lake, MN ~ 763-263-1526
"I’ve seen Jeffo before so I expected the show to be outstanding. But I’m always surprised at the great job he does, especially his positive, can-do message with so much humor."
Tom Cloutier, North Suburban Summer Academy, Columbia Heights, MN ~ 763-755-0937
"You are a blessing and inspiration to all. A positive, enlightening, can-do message."
John and Deborah Wasylko, Brunswick High School, Brunswick, OH ~ 330-441-2259
"It was a perfect fit for Trio Day about overcoming adversity. Liked best your use of humor to present lessons on perseverance."
Tallie Sertich, Hibbing Community College\Trio Association, Hibbing, MN ~ 218-312-1509
"The message sunk in with both kids and adults. They got it!"
Chris Reeves, Our Redeemer Lutheran, Oakdale, MN ~ 612-816-6427
"Liked best the humor, tricks and how Jeff treated the audience. Appreciated message that disabilities do not have to hold you back from anything."
Shannon Pieh, Medina Creative Housing, Medina, OH ~ 330-591-4434
"I enjoyed how you interspersed the Gospel with your show. It was natural and inviting. Liked your positive attitude and audience involvement."
Judy Peterson, Excelsior Covenant, Excelsior, MN ~ 952-474-2537
"Side-splitting comedy!! Your message was universally positive."
Denise Wycherley, West Virginia Northern Community College, Wheeling, West Virginia, 26003, 304-214-8938
"We liked everything! Really appreciated the message that you can do anything if you really put your mind to it."
Nancy Willis, DDDC, Mankato, MN, 507-344-0929
"We loved your wonderful personality and Bible verses."
Lillian Carlson, Seniors Coordinator-Pairs & Spares, Hope Church, Richfield, MN, 612-869-0444
"Thank you so much for being a part of this special day. Your message during the commencement address taught us all a little about life! Thanks again."
Nicole Zweber, Teacher, MN State Academy for the Blind, Faribault, MN, 507-384-6725
"You included the audience and made them feel comfortable. I appreciated your message to accept yourself and realize you can do anything."
Julie Mersch, Neighbors\Come As You Are - S. St. Paul, MN 55075, 651-306-2145
"I liked the good pacing, bible points and scripture spread between illusions and humor."
Sarah Storvick, Resurrection Lutheran - Woodbury, MN 55129, 651-730-1000
"I liked the variety of things, between music, jokes and magic. Great audience participation. Jeffo encouraged our campers to not give up and know that they can do anything they set their mind to."
Kayla Anason, Friendship Ventures - Camp Eden Wood - Eden Prairie, MN 55346, 952-858-0101
"Liked how you involved the crowd. Appreciated your message of perseverance and getting over the fear of failure."
Deb Holmgren, Club West Community Coop - Blaine, MN 55449, 763-792-9073
"Very entertaining and held the attention of the audience."
Joann Weldon, Frank Gelles American Legion - Plum City, WI 54761, 715-647-4581
"Funny, Witty, Revealing disabilities. Appreciated how he combined sacred scripture with humanity."
Dick Adams, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic - Big lake, MN 55309, 763-263-2863
"Upbeat; filled with bible truths and passages. Shows us how not to think of ourselves as victims. Shows how to concentrate on God’s gifts to us."
Ellen Linhart, Christ Lutheran School - Pittsburg, PA 15221, 412-271-7173
"Funny, sweet and Mr. Amazing Jeffo was easy to work with. Better than expected. Loved the message of perseverance."
Jen Redrup, Belmont Technical College - St. Clairsville, OH 43950, 740-699-3815, X 1054
"Interactive. Always fantastic! Loved all the scripture references."
Julie Ryan, North Point Church - Andover, MN 55304, 612-812-8852
"I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful job you did today at our church. Your show was fantastic! My wife and I couldn’t stop talking about your great jokes and tricks. You are truly amazing and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to meet you. Until the next time, many thanks again."
Pastor Amery Gaines, Grove Christian Center, Maple Grove, MN, 763-424-6812
(Your message was well orchestrated and intertwined perfectly into our program mission. It was a motivational jump-start to people who have damaged self-esteem. It encouraged our clients to overcome hardships. Your humor and ability to improvise comedy was hilarious. You live to amaze.
Josh Kohman, Correctional Transition Services, Mpls, MN, 55412, 612-588-7530
"Non-stop humor and great magic tricks. I appreciated his message be positive and see a challenge as an opportunity."
Tom Cloutier, North Suberban Summer Academy, Coon Rapids, MN, 55448, 763-755-0937
"Engaging, funny and creative, everything about the show was the best. I appreciated how simple and heart felt the message was."
Sarah Place, ISD 623-Friendship Connection, Roseville, MN, 651-482-0420
"Jeff presented a clear message of Easter and God’s love."
Sara Galligan, Wayzata Free Church, Plymouth, MN, 763-473-9463
"Liked the crowd participation throughout. Showed us that anything in life is possible."
Jenny Bergmann, Clayton Fire Department, Clayton, WI, 715-948-4155
"Great magic tricks and liked how the kids got to be involved. What a great fun way to meet a blind person."
Natalie Friend, Southside Family Charter School, Mpls, MN, 612-872-8322
"The magic and the humor and the gracious friendly way you present is what I liked best about the program. More than expected. Uplifting without being too pushy."
Diane McLane, Senior Apartments, Eagan, MN, 651-455-6956
"Great humor and routines aimed right at the kids. Great show. Positive and great use of humor."
Tom Cloutier, North Suburban Academy Summer Program, Columbia Heights, MN, 763-755-0937
"It moved along and I liked the joking. Can’t believe what all you can do being blind. Amazing, an inspiration to all."
Dianne Fiala, Ann Kreuth, Oak Ridge Assisted Living, Hastings, MN, 651-438-0418
"Good magic and humorous. We loved it!"
Joan Hartman, White bear Lake United Methodist, White Bear Lake, MN, 651-429-9026
"Great sense of humor. Positive and upligting."
Meddie Williams, Crayon Box Child Care, Fridley, MN, 763-784-4386
"Amazing Jeffo is funny, talented at magic, good with all people, and overall a delight to watch and experience. He delivered in all ways beyond all of our expectation! The adults with special needs enjoyed hearing about their abilities and not their disabilities."
David Miller, Neighbors Inc. - Come As You Are, South St. Paul, MN, 651-306-2145
"Really appreciatred how the show was geared to the disabled audience."
Nancy Willis, Different Drummer Dance Club, Mankato, MN, 507-343-0929
"Inspiring performance of spiritual values through humor and illusion."
Sister Felissa Zander, OSF, Stone Lake, WI, 715-865-3662
"Loved the illusions and wit. It was fun and encouraging."
Jane Dibbern, Coordinator, Soaring Eagles Seniors, Woodbury Lutheran, MN 651-739-5144
"Liked best your personality and humor. It was entertaining and evangelical."
Tricia Morrill, Children’s Ministries, Knox Presbyterian Church, Mpls., MN 612-822-2181
"Appreciated the most how Jeff intertwined his illusions with living for the Lord
and dealing in compassionate courage with disabilities.
I’m going to spread your information to our principal’s’s conferences."
Phil Moll, Principal, St. Matthew Lutheran School, Winona, MN 507-454-3083
"Enjoyed how the audience was listening so well to the message."
Nanette Marsh, Ebenezer DayBreak, Hastings, MN 651-438-7800
"Kept all of our attention. Terrific message! - We are all special. We can CAN DO IT."
Cathy Greeder-Wiegert, ESL Teacher, Carver Elementary, Maplewood, MN 651-702-8236
"You made people laugh."
Julie Boyland, Le Sueur Retail and Business Expo, MN 507-665-2501
"You encouraged Great participation. Liked the Gospel message and your wonderful sense of humor."
Juanita Vanderpoel, Hope Lutheran Church, Mpls, MN, 612-521-3547
"Students and staff gave rave reviews. We love having you hear and look forward to having you again."
Erin Wisness, Southside Family School, Mpls, MN, 612-872-8322
"Your program was creative, had a lot of variety, and kept the attention of the kids. Appreciated your messages about having self-respect, perseverance, a sense of humor."
Anne Miller, Regions Hospital - Burn Center, St. Paul, MN, 651-602-6893
"This was much, much more than I expected. Jeff’s faith based presentation fit this club to a "T."
Mike Fratto, Serra Club of St. Paul, St. Paul, MN, 651-771-4972
"He was very funny and entertaining. Appreciated Jeff’s message about God’s love."
Christina Carlton, Highland Catholic, St. Paul, MN, 651-690-2477
"Jeff, Thanks so much for coming to Word of Grace last Sunday. We thoroughly enjoyed your humor, music and audience rapport. Explained pertinent matters about salvation and Jesus very plainly. Thanks again for your great performance!"
Audrey Dahl, Word of Grace, Mpls., MN, 612-721-6271
"All great how you taught kids to be comfortable around people with disabilities."
Joy Haasan, Lake Harriet Montessori Preschool, Mpls., MN, 612-825-8517
"I liked best the humor, yet a strong, solid message."
Carol Gustafson, MN Valley Free Lutheran, Lakeville, MN, 952-432-7197
"I liked how you emphasized within your show differences among people and that differences make us special."
Allie Kob, St. David’s Child Development and Family Services, Minnetonka, MN, 952-548-8777
"I liked Jeff’s sense of humor, timing, delivery and use of scripture and Biblical application."
Shari King, First Baptist Church, Mpls., MN, 612-332-3651
"Got into the humor."
"Liked your style."
Joel Luker, Salvation Army, Austin, MN, 507-437-4566
"I want to say thank you for performing at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneapolis last
weekend! My two daughters and their three friends haven’t stopped talking about how good you are!
So thank you so much for what you do! You have blessed us!"
Denise Hoidal, Hope Lutheran Church, Mpls, MN, 612-521-3547
"We appreciated the focus on the central theme of Christ. Entertaining and non-threatening outreach."
Melani Sherbet, First Baptist Church, Cokato, MN, 320-286-4562
"I liked the positive attitude of Jeff and fun humor."
Bruce Pap, Teacher, Centennial Middle School, Lino Lakes, MN 763-792-5476
"Appreciated how you incorporated our mission and information about us into your act. It was great!"
Beth DePoint, Rise Inc., Spring Lake Park, MN 763-783-2822
"I thought it was great, I love the subtle humor and pace of the show. How do you do it?"
Michelle Kappes, Best Foundation, Inver Grove Heights, MN 651-450-2210
"Illusions were great and harmonica wonderful."
Sister Lisa Kittock, St. Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, MN 320-363-7114
"Thank you, Mr. Smith, for a very enjoyable evening. You are an inspiration."
Dawn Huso, First Covenant Church, St. Paul, MN 651-774-0344
"I liked your sharing of faith and "bad jokes"."
Janet Boland, Normandale Lutheran Church, Seniors Group, Edina, MN 952-929-1697
"Liked how you incorporated Jesus into so much of your act; It was great."
Deb Diederich, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fridley, MN 763-574-7445
"Thank you! Wow! That was awesome. You really got a laugh out of us. I hope you come again."
"Thank you Amazing Jeffo. May you give happy years of magic to all. Oh and my family bisniss is taxpayers and your taxes are due! Just kidding. Ha-ha."
"I liked the interaction you had with the kids. They really loved all of it."
Chelsie Lind, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Faribault MN 507-331-2276
"The best part of your program is your message of perseverance and not letting a disability prevent you from doing what you do. It was great and then some!"
Mary Beth Plaschko, Northview Elementary PTA, Eagan MN 651-683-6820
Your show conveyed to me "I am an energetic, alive, faith-filled person. Look what I can do - What disability? This is who I am!"
Carole Zempel, Transfiguration Catholic Church, Oakdale MN 651-501-2204
"Loved your interaction with the audience, your HUMOR and quick wit. We’re still asking, "How did he do that??" You truly are the Amazing Jeffo!!"
Linda Gorr, All Seasons Wild Bird Store, Eagan MN 651-459-0084
"Jeff is an excellent illusionist and had a great connection with our kids."
Jay Ludwig, City Hill Fellowship, Eden Prarie 952-941-7291
"I like Jeff’s Bible references that were sprinkled throughout the show - Show was better than expected."
Peggy Rollins, Resurrection Lutheran, Woodbury 651-730-1000
"Great humor, great message. It was all great. Better than expected."
Jeff Dougherty, Aquarius Water Conditioning Inc., Oakdale MN 651-777-0448
"It was truly amazing! Everyone was asking, "How did he do that?" More than what we could have expected."
Mary Ann Doyle, Seniors’ Group, Rosemount, MN, 651-344-2722
"Humorous. Nice exposure to diversity. Tone appropriate for the little ones."
Becky Maki, Pine City, ECFE Fallfest, Pine City, MN, 320-629-7331
"Liked the humor, involvement of the audience and messages. More than expected."
Shari Selensky, St. Stephen Church, St. Joseph, MN, 320-251-5066, 320-251-1520
"Colorful tricks. The message about Jesus was wonderful. Absolutely use me as a reference."
Sandra Altendorfer, North Emanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN, 651-489-0623
"You are truly gifted. Your ministry touches so many people, children and adults alike, with a very faith based Christian message. Thanks again for coming to Calvary Church."
Russ Abrahamson, Calvary United Methodist Church, Shakopee, 952-445-2722
"Greetings. We spoke last night following your performance at Cross of Glory. As I
mentioned last night, I first caught your performance at Minnehaha Academy
about 10 years ago. This time, I enjoyed watching my own three children taking in
your show. I love your style!
I want to thank you for the impact you have. I appreciate the different messages you
provide, from the price Christ paid for our salvation to moving away from
disabilities to abilities. My daughter (in the audience last night) wears two
prosthetic legs and I have worked with folks with developmental and physical
challenges so I am a big proponent of focusing on abilities. Thanks for your message
and impact; hope we "see" each other again!"
My best,
Lonny Evans, Director of Admissions, Chapel Hill Academy, Chanhassen, MN 55317
"I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful
show for the first graders at our
school on Valentine’s day. My son came home very excited, he talked about the show
for hours, describing all tricks to my husband. He was especially impressed by the
pages of the book you flipped, that went from colored to black and white to empty
and back. The next day at school I asked several kids what trick they liked best and
the favorites where superman, the invisible scarf, the flowers and (of course) the
underwear trick. There were several kids that were not convinced that you were
really blind, they had the wildest theories about how you may have painted your
pupils to fool us. They just could not believe that you could do all these things
without being able to see. Your show was full of amazing tricks, and also very
funny! The boy posing as superboy was hilarious! I also liked the joke about the
sunglasses! I am especially impressed by the way you connected with the audience,
how you knew that children were raising their hands, and so on. Several parents
thanked me for bringing such a wonderful performer to the school. I will for sure
recommend you to everyone who is considering getting a magician for an event. Your
good attitude and energy are truly an inspiration, and your show was great!"
School in Eden Prairie, MN
"Thank you for your wonderful performance. It was entertaining for not only our
children, but for us parents as well. As a school psychologist by day, I work
almost entirely with children in special education. I am always thrilled to see
people with disabilities not only be successful, but to also educate those not
fortunate enough to know just how capable a person with a disability can be. Thank
you and good luck with what appears to be a rewarding career."
Chris Belmont, Cub Scout Pack 211, Treasurer, Sartell, MN
"Jeff - Your show was wonderful. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and was still talking about it days later. You have a very quick wit and put people at ease right away. It was a pleasure meeting you. Thanks again for a great show!"br> Diane McLane, Lakeside Point Senior Committee Chairperson, Eagan, MN 651-455-6956
"We were very pleased with what you so graciously shared with us - the Christian witness clearly of God’s grace through faith in Jesus. Even more than expected! - The audience participation was great!"
Pastor David Frederickson, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Plainview, MN, phone: 507-534-3700
"I just want to let you know how well received you were at our Christmas party. So many people came up to me today to say how much they and their children enjoyed your show. (I hope you get quite a few parties booked from this exposure)
As discussed, please contact me about any future products you have developed for corporate awareness events. I think your approach is wonderful."
Janet Raycraft, HR, Lockheed Martin, work phone: 651-456-4391
"Jeff always draws a big audience and he keeps the pace of his show quick, keeping the audience involved and, of course, always entertained."
Chris Madsen, Events Manager, Children’s Museum, St. Paul, MN
"We liked best your message and modeling of; No matter how big the challenge, never give up."
Julia Jaakola, Anoka, MN, 8 Year Old’s Birthday Party
"On behalf of everyone who attended your rousing shows today, I’d like to say a huge "THANKS!" Your performances were just outstanding! I have no doubt you’ve inspired many a young magician-to-be in Faribault today! Thank you too for reminding us of our own talents and abilities through your courageous and talented example. We’d love to have you back again sometime! Thanks for helping our summer to be so "magical"!"
Kathleen Ahern, Buckham Memorial Library, Faribault, MN
"I thought you did a wonderful job teaching important Biblical messages in a memorable way. We won’t soon forget that we all have a gift from God to use and share."
David Knox, Pastor, West Union Lutheran, Carver, MN
"The Amazing Jeffo provides proof positive that a sense of humor and a sense of self-worth can more than make up for the loss of the sense of vision. For many of us, the magical part of his act wasn’t the tricks and the gags. It was watching him perform so effortlessly and easily. His warmth and sense of humor help underscore the real message: You can overcome adversity and make significant contributions to your self and your community."
"Keeping Up" (A publication of the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association)
"Mr. Smith was fantastic. Wonderful sense of humor, very quick witted and had a sound message."
Karen Leistico, St. Paul’s Lutheran, Hanover, MN
"The audience really enjoyed the humor and getting some time to laugh."
Jennifer Willette, Dakota County Dept. of Employment and Economic Assistance
"Enclosed is a check for $100 as an additional
tip to show my appreciation for making our company picnic a huge success. You
far exceeded my expectations in presenting a show that was entertaining for all ages.
The humor you brought into the show was great. The way you involved the audience made it especially
fun and of course the magic tricks were amazing for all ages. Thank you!!"
Debbie Stang, Director of Employee Services, Midcontinent Media, Inc., Mpls., MN
"Combination of humor and illusion was great. The spiritual content was great. You are a walking testimony of how god can use us if we let him, even with big obstacles like blindness. Thank you for your testimony - We were blessed!"
Jan Carlson, Cross of Glory, Hopkins, MN
An Old Dog Learned A New Trick
Jon Alexander
Director of Operations, Kaposia, inc.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to an Ice Cream Social for the individuals supported by our Kaposia Hennepin services. As the event happened in the evening I had to juggle a couple of family responsibilities. My older son, David had a Little League baseball game and my wife had to work, so I brought my younger son, Ben (6) with me. Ben likes ice cream, so I figured he would have a good time. When we got there, we realized that there was also entertainment.
The Amazing Jeffo is a magician/comedian/inspirational speaker. As a young adult, Jeff Smith gradually lost his sight and is now blind. He uses his disability as part of his act with jokes like, "Long time, no see," and has the world’s biggest set of Nerf binoculars. The Amazing Jeffo of course got the crowd into the act. He first gave our CEO, Jackie Mlynarczyk a device that made a loud noise whenever the jokes weren’t too funny. Then he called someone from the crowd to help him with a magic trick. He went on for over an hour, and a good time was had by all.
We unfortunately had to leave before it was over to pick up David from his baseball game. When we got in the car, I told Ben to tell his brother where we had been. Ben told him we went to a party and there were root beer floats.
"What else was there?" I asked.
"Oh, yeah, there was this guy. And he was really funny," Ben said.
"Anything else about him?" I asked.
"Yeah, he did magic tricks and stuff," Ben said.
"And what else about him?" I asked.
"Oh, yeah, he gave this box to Jackie, and she kept pressing the button every time he told a joke. It was really funny," he said.
One more try.
"Ben. Anything else about the guy?"
"Ummm. Yeah, he did this trick where he made these handkerchiefs disappear."
You see, I had been trying to get Ben to say that the Amazing Jeffo was blind. I figured that I could talk with them about how cool it was that the Amazing Jeffo had overcome his disability to become a magician. I could do a little speech about how the Amazing Jeffo was living out his dream. The lesson I learned was that the Amazing Jeffo had already done my work for me. Ben didn’t care that the Amazing Jeffo was blind. Ben just thought he was funny, and could do tricks. Ben didn’t see the Amazing Jeffo as a blind magician/comedian/inspirational speaker. Ben just saw the Amazing Jeffo for who he was.
At Mount Carmel Family Camp we saw the "Amazing Jeffo" do magic tricks, share the Gospel, make us laugh so hard we nearly lost it, and inspire us with how a person can overcome disabilities and God can do something super with his life. Jeff Smith is blind and has arthritis which has disfigured his hands. Still he manages to do magic tricks very well. I was so impressed with him I took business cards and told our school principal and church about him.
Susan Bonluver, 9/9/04
Dear Amazing Jeffo:
Thank you for being with us for Sunday School today. Your illusions, as usual, were seamlessly performed and you brought us laughs along with spiritual lessons. Our African dad, who was very confused as to why a magician would be brought in to a church, was introduced to a new concept. His children were pleased at the chance to participate. Your lessons were not just spiritual but your ability to function independently through your disabilities was also a powerful lesson for our children who have not seen that from people who struggle with disabilities in their cultures. For children who have suffered much in refugee camps, you gave them a chance to laugh and be amazed in church. Your audience of 25 ranged from 3 to 67 and all were blessed. Thanks again.
Eleane Ekstedt
Elim Covenant Church, Minneapolis
To Book Speaker Jeffrey Smith, Please Call 651-457-7300