LAS VEGAS - James Malinchak is considered to be one of the top motivational coaches in the nation, making a living teaching others how to make big money.
He's banked a few dollars himself along the way, too.
The Monessen native's unusual occupation and wealth earned him an invitation as a guest on the reality television show "How'd You Get So Rich?" hosted by Joan Rivers.
The Malinchak segment will be telecast 10 p.m. Wednesday on the TV Land network.
Malinchak, a 1988 Monessen High School graduate, said the experience was a lot of fun.
"Joan is a sweetheart. We had a great time," said Malinchak, who lives in Las Vegas.
On the show, Rivers interviews people who have generated wealth in unusual ways. Malinchak was named one of the "40 Under 40" business people for 2009 by "In Business Las Vegas."
"How'd You Get So Rich?" is produced by Mark Burnett, creator of "Survivor," "The Apprentice" and "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"
Malinchak's sister and executive assistant Cindy McLane appear with him on the show. She is a 1978 Monessen High School graduate.
McLane said she lives near Jacksonville, Fla., but travels regularly to Las Vegas.
She said filming the show was an exciting experience because she is used to working behind the scenes.
"It was a lot of fun and everyone was so helpful," she said.
The show will detail Malinchak's career as a public speaker.
He has delivered more than 2,200 motivational presentations at conferences and meetings worldwide. He was named Consummate Speaker of the Year by Sharing Ideas professional speakers' magazine. He has appeared in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and hundreds of other publications.
He owns three businesses, and has authored eight books.
Malinchak is a contributing author and associate editor for the top New York Times Best-Selling book series "Chicken Soup for the Soul," with his own stories published in "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul," ""Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul" and "Chicken Soup for the Prisoner's Soul."
He is the co-author of the upcoming book, "Chicken Soup for the Athlete's Soul."
For all his success, Malinchak remains humble.
"I always say I'm just a steel mill kid who happened to do some things right," he said.
His mother, Betty Malinchak, lives in Monessen. A brother, Wally, lives in Monongahela.
Malinchak began his sales career right out of college in his 20s as a Wall Street stockbroker. He quickly became a partner in a company that handled the investments for many entertainers, authors and professional athletes.
Long before becoming an in-demand speaker, Malinchak had dreams of becoming a professional basketball player.
He was a guard on the Monessen High School basketball team that won a state championship. His talent landed him a basketball scholarship from the University of Cincinnati.
He transferred to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and moved on to the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where he received a business degree.
During his basketball career in Hawaii, he damaged his knee, ending his pro-basketball dreams.
He has fond memories of his days on the court in his hometown, and often tells stories during his speeches of growing up in a blue-collar family.
"I wake up every day knowing how blessed I am, but I never feel like I've made it. I'm always striving to do better and I think that's the key," he said.
To see behind-the-scenes pictures and video from Malinchak's encounter with Rivers, visit www.JamesMalinchakAndJoanRivers.com.
