From Sallisaw to sin and back again — speaker tells of his transformation

By Keith Purtell
Phoenix Staff Writer

October 23, 2007 02:10 am

— TAHLEQUAH — The man now known as Apollo ran away from home in Oklahoma and landed on the wrong side of the law in California.
His transformation from crime lord to motivational speaker is at the heart of his upcoming appearance at Northeastern State University.
Born Paul Roppolo, he left his family’s home in Sallisaw at age 16 and headed straight to Hollywood.
Dreams of an exciting lifestyle gradually turned into a sordid reality. Ironically, Roppolo had natural leadership ability that helped him become a key player.
“The prostitution and the girls; I was over all of it,” he said. “I was a street person. I was almost killed several times. I was dragged through the adult (film) industry. Finally, I hit rock bottom.”
By age 30 he had been in prison and was a convicted felon. The excitement was gone. But, seeing his illusions fall apart turned out to be what sent him along another path.
“The thing that changed me was adversity,” he said. “I’m a Christian man now. Apollo was my street name, but Apollo is also a good man.”
Now age 42, Roppolo said he has been a motivational speaker for five years, and is “just starting to get serious” about it.
He uses audience interaction, humor, and learning techniques in his business seminars. Some have been in collaboration with corporations like Wal-Mart.
Roppolo also works with young adults and offers a Christian ministry presentation. He said he wants those who attend his NSU appearance to gain something useful in life.
“When they leave, they will have tools,” he said. “I want them to understand that I shouldn’t be alive. And it’s not an accident that I’m still here. It’s going to be an emotional event.”
Roppolo said that, as Apollo, he relies on stories from his life to illustrate key points about courage and determination. He believes that his unusual background has certain fundamental similarities to the people he meets.
“Everyone is going through the same struggles,” he said. “The same things disappoint everyone. I want to present things the audience can relate to.

If you go
WHAT: Apollo Motivates.
WHERE: Redbud Room, University Center, Northeastern State University, 600 N. Grand Ave., Tahlequah.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday.
ADMISSION: $15. Proceeds to benefit a local police K-9 unit.
ETC.: Call to reserve seating.
INFORMATION: (888) 320-2476.
”Reach Keith Purtell at 918-684-2925 or Click Here to Send Email

Photos

Roppolo