Matt Potratz is a former professional snowmobile athlete, motivational speaker, and author who has transformed a near-fatal accident into a life dedicated to inspiring others. His journey from extreme sports to motivational speaking is one of resilience, faith, and the power of perseverance.
The Life-Changing Avalanche
As a top snowmobile athlete, Matt Potratz was featured in seven snowmobile motion pictures, capturing breathtaking stunts and technical riding. His career took a dramatic turn when a deep snow climb triggered a massive avalanche, burying him under the snow and crushing him against a tree. The impact left him in a coma for 41 days, with a broken neck, femur, ribs, a collapsed lung, and severe brain damage. Doctors gave little hope for his survival, let alone recovery.
Yet, through sheer willpower, faith, and the support of his family, Matt defied medical expectations. His family refused to give up, mobilizing prayer networks and seeking a second opinion. Miraculously, despite being declared brain-dead, he responded to stimuli, marking the beginning of an incredible recovery journey.
The Road to Recovery
Matt Potratz’s rehabilitation was grueling. He had to relearn how to walk, speak, and even write his name. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive therapy became daily routines. His left arm remained paralyzed, but his determination to regain his life never wavered. Doctors believed he would never walk again, yet he moves, speaks, and inspires audiences worldwide today.
A New Mission: Motivational Speaking
Rather than dwelling on his losses, Matt turned his tragedy into a message of hope. As a motivational speaker, he shares his story with audiences ranging from high school students to corporate executives. His powerful message of resilience, responsibility, and faith resonates deeply with those facing challenges in their own lives.
Key Themes in Matt Potratz’s Speaking Engagements:
- Overcoming adversity – How to turn tragedy into triumph
- The power of faith and prayer – How his survival defied medical science
- Focusing on what you can control – A mindset that drives success
- Taking responsibility – Owning your choices and outcomes
- Resilience and perseverance – Pushing past obstacles to achieve greatness
“Two Hands: A Life Radically Changed in 12 Seconds”
Matt Potratz authored Two Hands: A Life Radically Changed in 12 Seconds, a book detailing his life-changing accident and the following journey. The title reflects the mere 12 seconds that separated him from life as a professional athlete to fighting for survival. The book recounts his accident and recovery and delivers a message of hope and determination to anyone facing hardship.
Matt narrates the Two Hands audiobook for those who prefer listening, making the experience even more powerful. The recording includes a special song, You Never Let Go, which his children sang to him while he was in a coma—an unforgettable moment in his miraculous recovery.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Matt frequently speaks at high schools, where his impact is profound. Students, captivated by his story, often shed tears, realizing that adversity doesn’t define a person—it’s how you respond that matters. Despite the financial challenges of booking school events, he remains committed to reaching young minds, understanding that his message can change lives.
Beyond high schools, Matt’s speaking engagements include corporate events, conferences, and leadership seminars. His ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level makes him one of the most sought-after motivational speakers today.
Turning Adversity into Opportunity
Rather than letting his injuries define him, Matt Potratz found new ways to thrive. He not only speaks professionally but has expanded into entrepreneurship. Alongside his wife, an ICU nurse, they run an insurance business, offering life and disability insurance solutions to help others secure their futures.
He is also writing another book, The Short Little Book for a Long Big Life, which focuses on simple yet impactful principles for living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Booking Matt Potratz for Speaking Engagements
Matt Potratz is available for keynote speaking engagements, workshops, and conferences across the United States and internationally. His powerful story of overcoming adversity resonates with diverse audiences, from business professionals to students facing life’s uncertainties.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Mindset
Matt Potratz’s story proves that no setback is too great to overcome. His journey teaches us that challenges don’t have to define our future—our response to them does. By focusing on what we can change, embracing faith, and persevering through hardships, we can all turn adversity into an opportunity for greatness.
For those seeking inspiration, guidance, or motivation, Matt Potratz is a living example of miracles that happen when resilience meets faith.
Get the Book
If Matt’s journey inspires you, grab a copy of Two Hands: A Life Radically Changed in 12 Seconds on Amazon or listen to the audiobook on Audible.
Matt Potratz continues to defy the odds, proving that no matter how difficult life gets, the right mindset can change everything.