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The UP Guys, Nels Ross and Richie Derwald, are overcomers who have uplifted and empowered over a million people – Nels as a clean comedian, juggler, and educator; Richie as a singer, impersonator, and "The Mental Health NUT"; and both as inspirational speakers and edu-tainers.

Fun Fact: They have rave reviews from the National Comedy Center and from education, healthcare, business, government, military, and other events... And still don't know why.

Nels Ross, MEd PHD VA GF is "The (Original) UP Guy" – an uplifting speaker, entertainer, and co-founder of The UP Guys and UP Team LLC. His background includes degrees in math and education, touring with a nonprofit circus, working across the U.S. and abroad, and empowering wellness, growth, and juggling life.

Fun Fact: He has a Masters in Education plus "degrees" in Positive Humor Develop­ment, Variety Arts, and General Foolishness.

Richie Derwald, CLC is "The Mental Health NUT" – a speaker, entertainer, and radio personality who promotes Nurturing Uplifting Thinking. He fought depression, addictions, and his fear of stuttering to do pro wrestling, acting, singing, and impressions at events and resorts across North America. Now he uplifts and empowers others with The UP Guys.

Fun Fact: When he was a pro wrestler, he sometimes teamed up with his dad, who was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in 2024.