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Speaker & entrepreneurial strategist

Mike Ciprari

Transform business culture with Mike Ciprari, speaker and entrepreneurial strategist. Mike works with brands and creative teams to build authentic community, scale passion projects, and develop purpose-driven leadership, delivering insights from his globally recognized SJC Custom Drums success story.

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Mike Ciprari, Speaker | Creative Entrepreneur, Founder
Mike Ciprari

Mike Ciprari

Charlotte, United States

Typical fee range

$2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Charlotte, United States

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$2k–5k

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Mike Ciprari's biography

At a glance

  • Co-founder of SJC Custom Drums
  • Founder of Loyal to the Craft media platform
  • Advocate for passion-led careers and DIY culture
Mike Ciprari is a creative entrepreneur and founder of Loyal to the Craft, a media platform and movement focused on passion-led careers, DIY culture, and authentic connection. Known for co-founding SJC Custom Drums, Mike took a teenage hobby from his grandmother’s basement and turned it into a globally recognised brand, endorsed by artists like Slipknot and Twenty One Pilots. Mike’s journey is rooted in community rather than competition. He believes that success comes through relationships, and his approach challenges conventional metrics of achievement. Drawing on decades in the music and branding world, he explores how purpose, persistence, and people drive sustainable growth in business and in life. His talks offer audiences more than motivation. Whether addressing entrepreneurs, creatives, students, or sales teams, Mike shares the practical tools and mindset shifts that helped him scale a niche product into an international success. His delivery is candid, humorous, and emotionally grounded—blending the ethos of punk rock with lessons from Stoic philosophy and modern brand-building. Now leading the Loyal to the Craft Academy, Mike provides resources and guidance for creators and parents navigating alternative paths. He also hosts the Loyal to the Craft podcast, celebrating behind-the-scenes stories of musicians and entrepreneurs staying true to their mission. Mike’s impact as a speaker lies in his relatability and lived experience. He brings authenticity, not abstraction; insight, not instruction. His story is proof that creative integrity and commercial success don’t have to be mutually exclusive—and that generosity can be the cornerstone of a lasting legacy.

Mike's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

The DIY Mindset: Turning Passion Projects Into Purpose-Driven Businesses
Mike Ciprari reveals how to transform a grassroots idea into a sustainable business by embracing the do-it-yourself mentality. Sharing his journey from a basement drum shop to a global brand, he breaks down practical steps for building with limited resources. The session offers real-world strategies on storytelling, value creation, and momentum through community. Expect a hands-on, no-frills approach that empowers creators to act, adapt and launch with what they already have.
It’s a Web, Not a Ladder: How Human Connection Wins in the Age of Influence
Mike Ciprari challenges the myth of linear success, showing how genuine human connection outperforms status-driven ambition. Drawing from decades of creative entrepreneurship, he reveals why relationships, not résumés, build lasting growth. With insight shaped by community and collaboration, this session redefines influence for the modern age. Attendees will come away with tools to grow networks rooted in generosity, shift from hustle to harmony, and lead with integrity over image.
Own Your Name: Amplify Your Voice and Value in the Creative Economy
In this talk, Mike Ciprari explores how to craft a personal brand that earns trust, reflects identity, and stands up in a fast-changing landscape. Speaking candidly about pricing, positioning and authenticity, he equips creatives to step into their value without compromise. Whether building a career or protecting your voice, this session cuts through the noise and brings clarity to personal branding in a world driven by influence and attention.
Raising Brave Kids: Creative Leadership for the Next Generation
Blending business insight with lived experience, Mike Ciprari shares how to nurture creativity, grit and independent thinking in the next generation. This session is for parents, mentors and educators seeking practical, values-led approaches to raising resilient kids. With humour and heart, Mike shows how punk rock philosophy and hands-on leadership can unlock leadership in young people, encouraging them to stand out, speak up and stay true to themselves.
From Basement to Billboard: Lessons for Brands & Startups from the Music Industry
The music world is a masterclass in adaptation, storytelling and loyalty - and Mike Ciprari knows it from the inside. This session draws lessons from working with globally recognised bands to highlight how brands and entrepreneurs can create lasting impact. With vivid stories and sharp takeaways, Mike uncovers five essential principles to help businesses grow authentic communities, stand out in crowded markets, and build culture-driven movements with global reach.

Why we recommend booking Mike

Unlock your potential with Mike Ciprari, founder of Loyal to the Craft and co-founder of SJC Custom Drums. His insights on collaboration and community-building help teams navigate challenges and drive success. Book now for a transformative experience.

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Featured Projects

Mike Ciprari - Loyal To The Craft podcast cover

frequently asked questions

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I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

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Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.