A 1989 McDonald All-American and varsity basketball player for the University of Dayton in his hometown, former power foward Al Sicard has taken the art of owning a small business-insurance businesses, in particular- to a new level.

A widely-sought public speaker, Al is regarded as an authority on explaining corporate culture and developing best practices for insurance companies.

Al’s spectacular performance for his company and his commitment to the annual Read and Rise program, an annual scholastic event for youths co-sponsored by the National Urban League, have garnered the attention of top celebraties, including Oprah Winfrey, who is his mentor.  In supporting an annual fund-raising event attended by thousands who support the study program, Al has brought to Dayton, Ohio, speakers such as Oprah, poet and actress/ director Dr. Maya Angelou and Wall Street banker Raymond McGuire.  As a result of his community activities, Al was named 2006 Man of the Year by his hometown.

As a trainee agent with just three, full-time team members, Al captured his company’s “Fast Start Record” by submitting 367 auto applications in just three months.   More recently, Al elevated his team’s performance using a promotional concept he calls “The Perfect Day.”  In a single day, his team produced 102 insurance applications.

In 2007, Al’s small agency in Dayton surpassed all others in the Company for writing applications for fire insurance.  His company has recognized his outstanding achievements by making him an Exotic Traveler, a member of the Chairman’s Advisory Council, and a qualifier to the Chairman’s Circle and the President’s Club.

In 2006, Al was featured in a remarkable “True Story” commercial broadcast during Super Bowl XLI, when the Colts defeated the Bears.

Al has worked for other international companies.  He was a marketing manager for General Motors Leasing Division, and was selected to its Minority Dealer Owner Program. He also owned and operated an auto leasing company.

Al has been an invited speaker before the audiences at international corporations such as Yahoo!, Procter & Gamble Co., The Coca-Cola Co., The Walt Disney Co., and insurance companies The Allstate Corporation and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.

He is currently writing a book about how entrepreneurs can create a small business that runs smoothly without requiring their presence in the office.