Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld

Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished skydivers in history; a living legend. His journey from mid-western kid to winning multiple gold medals is remarkable, and his ability to distill his experiences into practical leadership strategies has allowed Dan to enrich, empower, and inspire people worldwide.

Dan’s fascination with human flight began at age five and never let up. He made his first skydive as a freshman at Ohio State, trading labor for jumps while earning a degree in Aviation. By graduation, he was a licensed FAA pilot, parachute rigger, and USPA instructor/jumpmaster.

Driven by a passion for competition, Dan moved to California to chase gold on the national and world stage. He soon joined Skydive Perris, where he now runs one of the largest and most respected dropzones in the world—home to over 100 employees and known for its safety, professionalism, and innovation.

In 1992, Dan survived a devastating plane crash that took 16 lives, including a teammate he considered a little brother. Dan spent six weeks in a coma and suffered extensive injuries. Doctors doubted he’d survive—let alone skydive again.

But within a year, Dan was not only back in the sky—he was back competing. His story of grit and resilience became the foundation of his acclaimed book, Above All Else, and launched a career as a sought-after speaker. From military units and elite universities to Fortune 500 companies, Dan inspires global audiences with powerful lessons on perseverance, teamwork, and mindset.

Still active as a coach and mentor, Dan is shaping the next generation of skydivers and leaders. With over 32,000 jumps to his name, he remains a living symbol of passion, purpose, and the power of never giving up.

https://www.danbrodsky-chenfeld.com/