ARDIS BAZYN

Ardis Sue Bazyn is an inspirational speaker, coach, and writer. As the owner of Bazyn Communications, she's written three books on image building for churches, organizations, and businesses. She's also written many articles and manuals; some are included within this website.

Ardis Bazyn, Born in Alvord, IA, to parents, Arie and Gert Kiel, graduated from West Lyon high school, Inwood, IA. When she lost her sight in a car accident at the age of 20, she had worked as a bookkeeper-receptionist for The Book Store in Sioux Falls, SD, and as a proof dispatcher for the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader newspaper. After completing rehabilitation and food service management training, she was given the opportunity to manage a snack bar in the Argus-Leader. Later, she moved on to other food service facilities in South Dakota and Iowa.

Through the years, Ardis has been active in local churches and a variety of organizations including Christian Women's Clubs. She was frequently asked to speak on different topics and to work on writing projects. As wife of a husband with multi-disabilities and parent of two pre-teen daughters, she took the additional challenge of going back to college while working full-time in her food service business. After attending Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and receiving her A.A., she transferred to Coe College. In 1996, she received two BA degrees in Public Relations and speech Communications. In 1998, she received her Master's Degree in Arts in Teaching. She wanted the necessary skills to become a more accomplished speaker, coach, and writer.

She says, "Several life changing events have taught me patience, courage, and the importance of a positive attitude." Her youngest sister, Julie, had been killed in a car accident months before the accident in which she lost her sight. Years later, she struggled with the death of her father, caring for her spouse, changing careers, moving across the country, and having a mild heart attack. She realized she enjoyed helping others cope with challenges and change and improve their lives.

After leaving the food service management field, Ardis decided to start her current business. She moved to Burbank, CA, in 1999, and found a demand for printed and audio materials in the subjects on which she speaks. Having written many articles and manuals on a variety of subjects in the past, she felt compelled to start this new project.

Despite a mild heart attack in May of 2000, she did not stop her efforts to write her books. In the spring of 2002, she published her first book: BUILDING BLOCKS TO SUCCESS: Does the Image of Your Church Attract Members? Her second book, BUILDING BLOCKS TO SUCCESS Does the Image of Your Organization Attract Members?, was printed in July 2002. She was excited when her third book in this series, BUILDING BLOCKS TO SUCCESS: Does the Image of Your Business Attract Customers and Motivate Employees? was released. She offers all of her books in audio format as well.

Ardis enjoys reading, singing, dancing, walking, cross country skiing, swimming, and other recreation, as well as socializing with friends and family. She has 2 daughters. Gwen lives in Cedar Rapids, IA, and is an information technology specialist, married to Keith Evans, a Human Resources manager. April lives in Fayetteville, NC, and is an accountant. April is married to Matthew Gallagher, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, and has a daughter Rebecca Renee who is six.

Ardis is also an active volunteer. She is the immediate past treasurer of the American Council of the Blind and Secretary of the California Council of the blind, active in two local chapters. She is currently President of the Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers, and Secretary of Randolph Shepherd Vendors of America. In 2003, the CA Secretary of State appointed her to the advisory committee for the "Help America Vote Act". She has also served as vice president and Educational Coordinator for the Burbank Chapter of Business Network International. She was a member of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce for 4 years and is an Elder of 1st Presbyterian Church in Burbank.

Ardis has designed several basic presentations highlighting her specialties and expertise. Her basic speech and coaching topics are: coping with challenges and change, developing/Maintaining a Positive Attitude, successful Business strategies, setting Reachable Goals, diversity training, team building, time management, and image building for organizations or churches. She explains, "In every presentation, I consider the audience to which I'm speaking and make it most applicable to that group. I use personal experiences and humor when I speak for organizations, churches, and businesses. I want to inspire others to reach whatever goals they choose."

Her services include coaching one-on-one; leading group workshops or retreats, giving banquet or luncheon speeches; facilitating brain storming process and providing Written summaries of discussions; analyzing and initiating research using surveys, interviews, or focus groups; developing follow-up questionnaires, profile cards, and referral cards; compiling how-to manuals, booklets, and presentations; and writing/transcribing all forms of media.

Ardis's father passed away in 1988 and her mother, Gert, married Abe J. Van Roekel and lives in Boyden, IA. She has three sisters: Barbara Arends in Lester, IA; Charlene La Frenz in Bemidji, MN; and Laurine Gerritsen in Rock Rapids, IA. Her brother, Russell, lives in Alvord, IA.