Biography

As a seventeen-year-old volunteer firefighter, Brian Walsh had so much to
look forward to—then, in an instant, caught in a burning building where
everything went wrong, he found himself clinging to life, his face burned
beyond recognition. He wasn’t expected to live; once it was clear he would, he
wasn’t expected to achieve any of the dreams he once had. Even loved ones
encouraged him to pursue a career and life that would keep him largely
hidden.

Brian chose another route.

At nineteen, from behind the mask he wore for two years, and after three
dozen facial surgeries, he met the love of his life. At twenty-one, he became an
insurance agent, one of the nerviest, most “face-to-face” jobs imaginable. At
twenty-six, he co-founded Walsh & Nicholson Financial Group, which today
serves over 1,000 clients in wealth management, estate and retirement
planning, and more.

While it’s hard for people to believe that Brian’s tragedy was a blessing in
disguise, so much of the success he’s enjoyed and the joy he’s experienced –
and certainly the life lessons he’s learned – he’d probably never have known.
Forced to grow up faster and harder than almost everyone he knew, he
realized what a gift he’d been given. He understood that people would not
forget him because of his face; he was determined that they never forget him
because of the life he lived.

In his book, Beyond the Mask: How My Tragedy Sparked an Incredible Life:
Lessons I Might Never Have Learned, Brian explores – in his irreverent,
straightforward, story-rich style – what others “lucky” enough to have escaped
such tragedy need to know. With a deep radio voice and easy manner, Brian
has been keynote speaker to rapt audiences across numerous industries.

Brian holds the esteemed designation of Certified Financial Fiduciary, is a past
President of the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation Board, and is deeply
involved in charitable pursuits, including finding a cure for juvenile diabetes
and supporting firefighters. A sometimes cursed Philadelphia sports fan, Brian
lives in Haverford, Pennsylvania, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina,
with his wife Mary Ann. They have three children and two beautiful
granddaughters.