Mitchell A. Cerfus

Mitchell A. Cerfus
Executive Vice President – Corp. Communications and Media / Public Relations

Mr. Cerfus started his career with Nautilus Health Spas in Phoenix, Arizona, where he held positions in sales, marketing and advertising. During his tenure with Nautilus, they become the fastest growing chain of health and fitness in the Southwest.

After an accident, which left him a paraplegic, Cerfus made a remarkable recovery and set his sights on a future career in media and public relations. Mr. Cerfus accepted a position with Wal Mart Stores, Inc., and within eight months he was featured in a local television commercial to promote Wal Mart. This exposure led to him being featured in a national television commercial promoting Wal Mart and its non-discriminating hiring policies. As a spokesperson for Wal Mart, he held speaking engagements at rehabilitation centers and local schools to encourage others to overcome their life challenges.

Mr. Cerfus’ career continued to move into other disciplines. He then moved into the modeling field where he modeled for many disabled magazines and able-bodied magazines and brochures. Cerfus has modeled clothing from such brand names as Tommy Hilfiger, The Gap and Levis. He is currently under contract with The Ford/Robert Black Agency in Scottsdale, Arizona. Using his creative abilities, Cerfus started the first exercise video for the physically challenged. He produced and starred in the video Challenging the Challenged, which was distributed by Goodtimes Home Video from New York City.

Cerfus served as Promotion Director and Spokesperson for Back Basics LLC located in Scottsdale, Arizona. While employed with Back Basics, he spearheaded an international campaign for a back pain relief product called “The Wedge.” The product promotion included a half hour television infomercial featuring Olympic gold medallists Dan Obrien, Amy VanDyken and Shannon Miller.

As Director of Marketing and Public Relations for A.K.A. Sportswear, he created and designed logos and characters representing nicknames for professional and collegiate sport teams. In this capacity, he acquired the services of professional athletes such as, Cheryl Miller, Michele Timms and Bridgette Pettis of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury as spokespersons. The clothing line was sold at retail stores and sports arenas.
Mr. Cerfus was instrumental in developing the first non-profit amusement park called “The Oasis” in Phoenix, Arizona. It will be the first park to be totally handicapped accessible and will be for the general public use. He as assembled a number of well-known individuals from the motion picture and television industries and leading corporations in support of the project.