Marcus Bridgewater

You can expect the audience to be engaged, have a great time, and feel energized once the presentation is over. Audiences regularly comment on how inspired they feel after hearing Marcus speak:

"Marcus radiated such positive energy that uplifted and inspired all. His message of kindness, patience, and positivity is one that I hope we all will incorporate into everything we do."
R- Diaz | Engagement & Events Specialist | Capital Insurance Group -April-2021

"As the keynote and kick off to our virtual garden festival, Great Grow Along, Marcus was able to get the audience pumped about plants, inspire them to stick around for the 10-day event and entertain them. He has such a great presence in front of the camera, it feels like you are sitting there listening to a friend. I’d see him speak anywhere, anytime."
K-Debow | President | Garden Media Group - February 2022

“Marcus made an appearance at our inaugural all-company meeting. His words were powerful, moving and genuine. He further bonded our team and was a true source of inspiration for all of us." - G-Bremner | Chief Growth Officer| Bend Health- February 2023

“Coordinating with Dana to organize the event was an easy process from timing to logistics. Once the event was underway, Marcus commanded the show! He radiated a bright calmness and provided so much insight throughout the session. This was our 2nd time having Marcus back and the group really enjoyed his presence.”
D- Wilkins | Network Support Manager | Cisco Meraki - June-2024

Marcus Bridgewater is he internationally published author of How to Grow: Nurture your Garden, Nurture Yourself” and “Seasons of Growth: A Journal for Well-Being Inspired by Trees.” He is also the CEO and Founder of Choice Forward and the personality behind Garden Marcus on social media.

With over one million followers across social media, he has been compared to Bob Ross and Mister Rogers for his soothing videos that relate botany to humanity. A gardener “who shares tips about caring for one’s plants and oneself” (New York Times) and “is not only a trove of information if you’re looking to flex your green thumb, but a balm for the pandemic- induced chaos happening in the world” (Vogue), his soothing observations on plants and life have made him a social media star. In caring for thousands of plants, Marcus has gained invaluable wisdom. Life inside us yearns to grow; life plants, humans maximize their potential when presented with the right conditions. Through care and attention, he reminds us, we can successfully cultivate growth.

Known for his unique nature-inspired approach to personal development, Marcus has led programs for organizations such as Omega Institute, San Diego State University, and Cisco Meraki to name a few. He has been featured in press & media, including The New York Times, Vogue, Los Angeles Times, Dwell Magazine, Architectural Digest, The Houston Chronicle, Houstonia, and The Drew Barrymore Show to name a few.

Challenge is no stranger to Marcus.

He watched the backcountry town of his youth change, from a place of peace and wellness to one of violence, drugs, and a mental health crisis.

Growing up the odd-one-out, rejected by the people who he called family, schoolmates, and community members alike.

Marcus struggled with chronic health problems that threatened his life.

But he learned how to manage these challenges and kept moving forward, and now he helps others do the same.

In December of 2019, he began sharing videos online at the suggestion of a former mentee. That former student of Marcus' felt that Marcus' message of kindness, patience, and positivity would be well received by the internet, and thus he began a journey as a content creator.

When he's not gardening, writing, or filming content for his social media, he is speaking and leading programs for audiences ranging from schools to corporate teams.

Speaking is a way for Marcus to share his insight and techniques for improving wellness, communication, productivity, and positive thinking.

Marcus is extremely adaptable to all settings. With a background in production, both on and off stage, Marcus doesn't rely on the tech to make an impact. As a result of his expertise any lighting and sound elements are valuable bonuses to his engagements, but are not considered essential requirements to your partnerships's success.

Many venues don't have a screen, but for those who do, Marcus is capable of creating custom slides tailored to your event and audience.