A spark plug

is the part of a car that takes the current from the ignition system and

forms the spark for combustion. It is needed if a car is to run properly.

Another definition is a person who inspires or energizes. That is the

definition most closely associated with Fayetteville resident Anthony

B. Thomas, better known as "The Spark Plug," a motivational

speaker and author of two books. He will sign copies of his new book "When

Times Are Tough, Everybody Needs a Spark Plug," at Barnes and Noble

in Fayetteville tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Before becoming

"The Spark Plug," Thomas grew up in Greenville and Columbia,

South Carolina. He served in the United States Navy for five years. In

1991, he was asked to speak at a career day at a school and he was terrified.

He had never done any public speaking before. He got through career day

and soon after joined Toastmasters, a group designed to help people become

better public speakers. "The Spark Plug," is a dynamic speaker

who strives to inspire and give hope and encouragement to others.

Thomas has

been known as "The Spark Plug" since 1985 and in that time he

has become a popular speaker at corporate and governmental gatherings.

He has become so popular that on May 14, 1997 the mayor of Flint, Michigan

declared it Spark Plug Day. "The Spark Plug" has been to 17

countries around the world, has graduated from Mercer University's Leadership

Program, Organization Leadership, with a 4.0 grade point average, started

his own company, Spark Plug International, and authored two books with

the help of his wife, Jacqueline.

"The Spark

Plug" has been a Fayette County resident since 1996 and though his

company is located in Fayetteville he is often on the road. One of his

recent speaking engagements has been speaking around the Southeast with

the Georgia Bulldog Touchdown Club.

In 1998, "The

Spark Plug" released his first book, "125 Ways to Add a Spark

to Your Day," which features a variety of things that will, as he

puts it, "spice up your life." Perhaps the most important part

of the book is that Spark Plug has done many of these things himself.

For example, #20 is to be a mentor/tutor in the community and #35 is to

visit an elderly person at a nursing home. "The Spark Plug"

has mentored a student at East Fayette Elementary School and he and his

wife visits a nursing home in Griffin, Ga. a number of times during the

year. He is also a volunteer for the American Lung Association, Habitat

for Humanity, American Red Cross and the recipient of Atlanta's prestigious

Phoenix Award for community service.

"The Spark

Plug" does a lot of things, especially if he is afraid of it at first.

That is why his new passion is hang gliding. He will treat it the same

way he treated public speaking, something he has to do because he is afraid

of it. "If you have the desire to do something, even if you're afraid

of it, you can do it," said "The Spark Plug." The results

speak for themselves, especially when he relates the highlight of his

career.

"I was

asked to speak at a very large conference and when the head of the conference

told me that I wasn't their first choice it was a little disheartening.

I asked the man who their first choice was and he responded, "President

Jimmy Carter," said "The Spark Plug." "When you can't

get a former President, call "The Spark Plug."

So where does

a man who oozes inspiration get his inspiration? Biographies. "The

Spark Plug" confesses to being an avid reader of biographies and

has been inspired by people like Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods and Bill Cosby

among many others. He has also had the chance to meet a number of people

who inspire him including Hank Aaron, world renown artist Gilbert Young

and Dr. Leila Denmark.

As for future

plans, "The Spark Plug" plans to keep touring the country and

speaking and has already begun work on his third book, "Georgia -

Spark Plug Style." As an avid traveler, "The Spark Plug"

has seen every part of the state and he plans to publish his things to

do and sights to see in Georgia book soon. "It will really illustrate

the beauty and magnificence of the state," "The Spark Plug"

said. "There have been so many places that my wife and I have found

inspiring."

As for why

people should pick up his newest release, "The Spark Plug" says

this, "It is a book about hope, encouragement and inspiration. Life

is difficult and this book is meant to brighten your day." A portion

of the proceeds from the book signing will benefit the Fayette Samaritans.

For more information,

visit www.sparkplug.net.

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