Charlie Krebs, former director of Lakeland University plays and musicals and former teacher of acting, public speaking, interpersonal communication and set construction, parted from Lakeland back in 2022 and now has spent about a year away from the place he called home for 15 years. Krebs currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he is spending his time in retirement with his family and continuing his passion of motivational speaking.  

Since Krebs’ departure, Lakeland has been a quieter place. Although his voice is not heard around Lakeland anymore, his voice can now be found all around the country through him starting his own motivational speaking business and writing a book. 

“I feel like I changed careers instead of retired,” said Krebs. 

Krebs has taken all of his knowledge gained from teaching to start a business where he helps people with public speaking through private coaching. To help with his business, Krebs has now joined the National Speakers Association, Toastmasters and the Chamber of Commerce.  

His book, “Mental Engineering,” is going to be about managing thinking to automatically produce the successes we imagine. To help promote his new business and book, he has been going to many business and social gatherings. He has also been pulling many excerpts from his book and posting them on social media to share with others. 

Having more leisure time than he has ever had before, Krebs has also found new hobbies and activities to do. He has been going to the theater a lot, and has been attending many baseball and football games. He also has found pleasure in urban photography and reading. 

On top of his new career, he has also been able to see more of his family. When Krebs lived in Wisconsin, he only got to see his family once or twice a year, and now that he lives closer to his family in Western New York, he gets to see them every couple months. 

“We just feel more a part of each others’ lives,” said Krebs. 

If you had the chance to interact with Krebs you would know that he thrived off of connection, which made it hard for him to leave. 

“I miss all the people terribly. I miss all the human interaction and good will. I miss watching my students grow into the people they want to be. And I miss the camaraderie of being part of a team  producing shows,” said Krebs as he recalled what he missed the most about Lakeland. 

When Krebs left Lakeland, he did exactly what the sign on his office door in the Bradley said to do. “Do one thing every day that scares you a little,” the sign read. Although he misses everyone terribly, he doesn’t regret leaving and is having the best time in Philadelphia. He wants to remind everyone to get out of their comfort zone and take that step that scares them as well. 

Link to his business: https://www.charliekrebs.com/coaching