while rizzo was transitioning from being a stand-up comedian to a motivational speaker, after one of his shows at a new jersey comedy club, he met al parinello, president of the national speakers association (nsa)—new jersey chapter, he encouraged rizzo to attend a workshop of the national speakers association. after the workshop, rizzo was asked to present "how to add humor to your presentations" at a national convention of the national speakers association. at this transitioning period, rizzo also met nancy lauterbach, the founder of five star speakers and trainers after a show in orlando, florida, and according to kelli vrla in "speaker" (a publication of national speakers association) of september 2010, "she took him under her wing and helped him structure his presentation. in his first showcase, rizzo ranked dead last out of 23 speakers because he tried to sound like a "serious motivational speaker." he soon realized his humor was the key to his authenticity. "i was light years ahead of many professional speakers because i had command of an audience," rizzo says. when rizzo incorporated humor in his next showcase, buyers immediately hired him. he signed an exclusive agreement with five star, and his speaking business took off. rizzo credits lauterbach with helping him establish a foothold in his new career."