About Earl Hipp

Earl Hipp knows a lot about man-making.
Since 1982, he has consistently been involved with groups and organizations that focus on men’s issues and development. He has led and participated in many rites of passage initiations and group mentoring activities for men and boys.

As a direct result of his interest in man-making, he works with boys who are or have been incarcerated, maintains a number of ongoing mentoring relationships, offers coaching to mentors, and personally sponsors boys-and-men events. Today he works with a variety of groups and organizations who are trying to call men into service to boys.

Earl describes himself as a man who was under-fathered and under-male-mentored in adolescence. A man who was “left with the women and children to figure out manhood on his own.” His personal mission is to do whatever he can to ensure fewer boys and men will be left to wander alone in the dangerous never-never land between boyhood and manhood. He intends to inspire men to turn their natural skills as man-makers into action. He holds a vision that, someday, all adolescent males will be surrounded by good men who will intentionally launch and then support them on their journey into manhood.

Earl has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Applied Psycho-physiology, and a background as a clinical psychotherapist. Beginning in 1985, Earl has written seven books about and for adolescents, which together have sold more than a quarter of a million copies. His books for adolescents are on themes such as coping with the stresses in their lives, moving through grief and loss, and understanding the violence in our communities.

As a professional speaker, Earl has spent the last 18 years delivering educational and motivational programs on the topics of his books and business topics to a wide variety of audiences, including corporations, associations, teachers, parents, and youth-serving professionals.

Earl Hipp lives with his wife Gwen Barker. They spend summers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and winters in Tucson, Arizona. Earl enjoys spending time with his family and friends of all ages. Earl loves to hike in the mountains, play at the ocean, bike, roller blade, and travel to beautiful places. He also enjoys just sitting, reflecting, experiencing gratitude, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.