About Ron Graves

Ron first became known as “Mr. Optimistic” when he served in leadership positions with Optimist International. He is Past President of the Optimist Club of San Antonio and was its 1994-95 Optimist of the Year. He is a Past Distinguished and Outstanding Governor, South Central Texas District, Optimist International and a Life Member of Optimist International. He now serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Optimist International Foundation.

Ron has co-authored three motivational and inspirational books about overcoming adversity with Ron Palermo. He also compiled and edited a book of 250 optimistic quotes. He writes a blog and monthly motivational newsletter titled “Have An Optimistic Day” and hosts his own one-hour radio talk show (also streamed live on the Internet from 9-10 p.m. Sundays) called “Achieving the Extraordinary” on San Antonio Radio Station KTSA 550AM. You can hear past shows on iTunes, or visit his radio show archives here. Ron knows from personal experience how important a positive attitude is for success in one’s business and personal life.

Ron Graves is an honor graduate of Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee. In a 34-year career in the insurance industry, he became certified as a Chartered Life Underwriter, a Registered Health Underwriter, and a Registered Employee Benefit Consultant. He held key insurance management positions for 25 years and served as the President of the San Antonio Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and as the President of the San Antonio Association of Health Underwriters. He served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Health Underwriters. Ron is the recipient of that organization’s 2004 Ken Martin Award for Excellence in Communications. He presently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the TAHU Honorees Corporation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. He is a member of the San Antonio Toastmasters.

Ron retired in 1997 as a U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel with 32 years of service as an enlisted soldier and an officer. He is a graduate of the Army Basic and Advanced Infantry School and the Army Command and General Staff College. He earned two National Defense Service Ribbons, three Meritorious Service Medals, a Humanitarian Service Ribbon and many other commendation medals and ribbons for his service.