Tom McNeal is a youth speaker, human resources professional who has hired over 3,000 people and action sports athlete who has tasted both failure and success.

From small town to big city; from store cleaner to Fortune 180 company; from a kid that liked riding bikes to representing the US in world competition.

Tom is a story teller and with some pretty unique experiences over the years he has acquired many hilarious, scary, insightful and inspiring stories.

He inspires students with life stories that are relevant and connects on a deep personal level. He provides tools and processes that are clear and easy to understand. He instills hope and an understanding that success is within their reach.

Tom McNeal is a native of Arab, Alabama. As a teenager his goal was to be an extreme sports athlete who wouldn’t need further education. However, his participation in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) during high school helped him see the world differently and he realized the need for developing skills and furthering his education. While in high school, he moved up the ranks to become the #2 Pro trials bicycle rider in the U.S. as well as representing our country in the world championships. McNeal took off a few years from competitive riding to attend Wallace State Community College. He graduated from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, and then graduated from Athens State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in human resources.

McNeal started his career in Huntsville, Alabama as a technical recruiter; after 2 years he joined Southern Company in Birmingham, Alabama where he has worked in the roles of recruiter, human resources consultant and currently works in the role of workforce development specialist. Over his career he has hired more than 3,000 people, many who have come from technical schools and universities. In addition he holds the certification of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Through his company BringtheMessage.com, Tom inspires youth and educators with vibrant passion, honesty and stories of success and failure to help them build a solid foundation for success.

Tom is married, has 3 children, is actively involved in the children’s and adult ministries at his church, serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization Designs For Hope and is an active member of the Alabama Technical Education Committee and Central Gulf Industrial Alliance workforce development committee. In addition, Tom competes in national motorcycle and bicycle trials events and manages the ‘On The Edge 2-Wheel Action Shows’ which performs extreme sports shows throughout the country.