Gary Surdam is an educator, entrepreneur, businessman and visionary whose unique career experience has made him one of America's top leaders in educational consulting.

After 13 years of classroom teaching experience, and having dealt first-hand with obstacles to learning and literacy, he realized that simply "following the lesson plan" wasn't enough to create a spirit of lifelong learning. Surdam developed a vision of empowering parents, teachers and school administrators to help children succeed in school and life. He called his vision "The Bright Start Way”.

Surdam appeared on the KTLA Channel 5 television show "Making It." The show, which profiles up-and coming minority business people, praised Surdam's humanistic approach to business, citing this "heart" for education as a significant part of Bright Start Educational Programs’ success.

Research has proven the impact of Surdam's educational innovations. The Pomona Unified School District reported an 80 percent retention rate for the 500 teachers who have received his new teacher training. Not only are Bright Start Educational Programs-trained teachers staying in their jobs—they are also better teachers. The University of Tennessee showed a 33% increase in Math and Science for students that attended the STEM Camp in which Bright Start helped to develop and deliver. An International High School located in the Los Angeles showed an unprecedented change in positive school environment after implementing the intervention program Surdam created.

Surdam's articles have been published in The Brooklyn Parent Magazine, Frontier Journals . His book entitled: "Cooking with Papi, Everyday Strategies for Raising Great Kids" - was published in November of 2015, Surdam shares ways that every parent can use to build their own relationship with their children. He gives parents positive tools and activities they can immediately use. Children need their parents to spend quality time with them, and it is through cooking that Surdam has found spending quality time with each of his children to be the joy of his life.

Gary Surdam's innovations have united business and education to make academic success a reality for students, teachers and administrators throughout the nation. He continues to share this vision, providing access to the heart of education and helping other people reach their potential in academics and in life.