About the author
Rich Ferguson, AKA "The Ice Breaker" is an award-winning magician, creative consultant, inventor and motivational speaker. For full details about Rich, visit his official site.
Rich is a spokesperson and mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2005, a Telly award winning documentary was made revealing Rich's unusual childhood. Rich has been recognized from city, state and congress for his community and business excellence receiving Congressional Certificates, The Everest Award and has been showcased during special events for groups like Social Services. Rich is seen on the cover of the San Luis Obispo city map, visitor's guide and business membership directory 2009-2010.
Some career highlights include several segments with Ellen Degeneres, multiple world records, 2007 NBC Phenomenon finalist, 2008 Best Entertainer (Central California Readers Poll - New Times), 2004 Magic Castle Gold Medal, 2005 Grand Champion Magician Nominee, 40 under 40 Business Award, 20 under 40 Business Award and 2008 Trick of the Year. Some prominent events and performances include touring with Full Tilt Poker in Europe doing workshops and performing magic for 10,000 fans on jumbo screens as well as numerous high profile events for a wide range of celebrities such as Jay Leno, Chuck Liddell, Jack Hanna and Weird Al. In 2009, The United States Playing Card Company made Ferguson's decks of cards.
Rich Ferguson has been featured on the front page of The New Times, Pacific Coast Business Times, The Tribune and featured as a center spread in BLUFF, a popular gaming magazine which Rich wrote a monthly column for over two years. Numerous appearances on news, radio and television around the US and Europe made Ferguson a popular internet and YouTube magician. Ferguson showcased his Chip Tricks and Card Handling skills at the World Series of Poker in 2006. In 2011, Ellen Degeneres had Rich as a special guest on The Ellen Degeneres Show.
In 2004, Ferguson produced and hosted a series of poker chip and card handling DVDs sold by WEA and seen in mainstream stores like Costco. Currently, Ellusionist distributes his magic and mentalism DVDs of which one was awarded "Trick of the Year" by the magic community.
In addition to performing for clients and creating books and DVDs, Ferguson is a creative consultant to other entertainer like The Pendragons and companies like Apple and Sam's Club. Rich is currently presenting his Magic Makers™ motivational speaking programs for at risk youth groups.