Choice Forward LLC is the company I created to empower individuals and strengthen communities. I spent years traveling and studying, learning about mental health, physical fitness, and spiritual awareness. My journey led me to develop a philosophy that guides me in leading a positive and productive life. I share this philosophy through life-coaching, mentoring, seminars, workshops. Garden Marcus is the embodiment of the Choice Forward philosophy.
We offer services for a variety of topics including productivity, communication, positivity, wellness, self-improvement, and community consciousness. We tailor all our services to specific needs of our clients. Our services are available in-person and virtually. Please read out FAQ to learn more. We would love to help you and your community. Please contact us to book Choice Forward today!
Presentations & Workshops
Our presentation & workshop combination is informational and engaging. After explaining our tools & concepts, we facilitate activities that demonstrate how to apply them. Contact us to learn how we can enrich your organization.
Seminars
Using our unique philosophy, our seminars/webinars focus on positive thinking and wellness. We will bring your organization tools and resources to improve productivity. Contact us to learn how we can enrich your organization.
Motivational Speaking
Marcus is passionate about encouraging others to work towards self-improvement and contribute positively to their community. His enthusiasm will leave your organization energized and excited to tackle their goals. Contact us to book Choice Forward for your organization.
Content Creation
Choice Forward is available to partner with brands & organizations to create educational and uplifting content. Check out examples of our work here.
Guided Meditation
With experience in various forms of meditation, Marcus can help your team relax, recharge, and refine their focus. Group meditation is a great practice for cultivating connection, managing stress, and stimulating one's well-being (mind, body, and spirit).
Past Events
Book People, Austin TX
Book Event #4
Writer's Block Bookstore, Winter Garden FL
Book Event #3
Kindred Stories, Houston TX
Book Event #2
Village Books, The Woodlands TX
Book Event #1
Houston Public Library's Mental Health Awareness Fair
Keynote Speaker
"As the keynote and kick off to our virtual garden festival, Great Grow Along, Marcus was able to get the audience pumped about plants, inspire them to stick around for the 10-day event and entertain them. He has such a great presence in front of the camera, it feels like you are sitting there listening to a friend. I’d see him speak anywhere, anytime."
-Katie Debow, President of Garden Media Group
TikTok
Family Fest Virtual Event Series
Plant-Care for Beginners
Project Vida
Vida Talks Conference
Keynote Address
"What a joy it was to have Choice Forward and the wonderful Garden Marcus join us for a night of insights, inspiration, and PLANTS. Our student attendees love his workshop and the warm, comforting presence he brought to our virtual space. As a business, Choice Forward is amazing to work with, they are quick to respond, flexible, and patient with the virtual world we are in. Marcus was beyond prepared for the session and came in excited, encouraging similar energy by all those on the call! We hope to continue to learn from Marcus in the future, and we know our students feel the same!"
-Michelle Halverson, Student Life Advisor
San Diego State University
Midnight Study Break Virtual Event
Life Lessons from Garden Marcus - Air Plant Workshop
We were lucky enough to partner with Marcus and Dana of Choice Forward for an event at our school and we couldn’t be happier with our experience.
After going through the pandemic and the many changes that came along with it, we wanted to host a virtual event that would both honor what we had been through as a community and inspire hope for the future. We had been familiar with Choice Forward and Marcus’ online content which spoke to the very themes we wanted to touch on — patience, growth and community. It felt like a perfect match and a wonderful opportunity to kick-off our annual fundraising campaign.
The entire process of working with Marcus and Dana was a pleasure. They listened to our ideas, collaborated with us and really understood the ethos of our community. The evening of the event was seamless and Marcus’ presentation held the attention of even our youngest elementary school viewers. Marcus drew from his experience to speak about our aforementioned themes, answered questions and provided some highly sought after gardening tips for guests — and may have even saved a struggling basil plant!
Directly following the event we heard wonderful feedback from community members about how the event had inspired them. We are so thankful to Marcus and Dana for creating a wonderful experience for our school and providing a bright spot in a difficult year.
-Candace Silva, Communications Coordinator
The Calhoun School: Planting Seeds
Life Lessons from the Garden Virtual Event
2021 Annual Giving Campaign
“In honor of Earth Day, we recently invited Marcus Bridgewater to lead a discussion on gardening for wellness, and it was the most engaging webinar that we’ve had since the beginning of the pandemic. When asked in a survey what attendees enjoyed most, one participant said, ‘Everything but the end. I wanted it to continue.’ I think that sums it up perfectly! Even virtually, Marcus radiated such positive energy that uplifted and inspired all who attended the session, but especially those who are struggling with the isolation and burnout of the pandemic. His message of kindness, patience, and positivity is one that I hope all will incorporate into their lives moving forward.”
-Renee Diaz, Engagement & Events Specialist
Capital Insurance Group
Gardening for Wellness Webinar
Society of American Florists - The Big Plant Event
The Power of Plants: Joy, Healing, Creating Connections and Fighting Isolation
"Marcus led our employees through an inspiring, engaging, and uplifting hour of connecting gardening & nature back to positive personal wellness.
His thoughts on vice, mindfulness and the power of getting your hands in dirt were particularly insightful. The attendees loved the event and I highly recommend booking him."
-Stephanie Fields, Employee Experience Manager, Cisco Meraki
Cisco Meraki: Connected Black Professionals
Wellness Workshop: The connection between plants & personal wellness
Herbivore Botanicals: Bakuchiol Serum Event
Plant Propagation Workshop
"Marcus Bridgewater of Choice Forward talked to the Women at Microsoft Charlotte about the power of kindness, patience, and positivity all while teaching us about our plants! I woke up this morning with a renewed sense of energy and a calm, deeper breath. I feel like both myself and my plants would be better off if I listened to Garden Marcus daily. His insights and wisdom can lead to a literal breath of fresh air. Just ask your plants 😊 Thank you Garden Marcus! You truly are an inspiration."
-Brandy Paul, Principle Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft
Microsoft: Women at Microsoft in Charlotte, NC
Wellness Presentation: Care for your plants, care for yourself
FAQ
How much does a service cost?
Our rates are generally determined by the length of the service and the size of the audience. Our standard presentation/workshop is 45-minutes (30-minute service + 15-minute Q&A) but we are flexible.
My budget is minimal/nonexistent but I would love to work with you. Do you do anything for free?
We are currently focusing our pro-bono services in our local community of Houston, TX and Marcus' home of Zellwood/Apopka FL.
I am located outside of Houston. What does that mean for an in-person engagement?
We are available to travel and will factor travel expenses & accommodations into our package.