I first learned about communication-based leadership while studying my grandfather and father’s stewardship of our family business in Youngstown, Ohio. Over the years, I watched them successfully manage a diverse workforce during both good and bad economic times. I am currently Chairman of the Board at Compco; the steel products company my grandfather founded in 1954.
In 1996, I reluctantly attended the Willow Creek Leadership Summit, and it was there I was introduced to John C. Maxwell, who became my friend, mentor and leadership teacher.
This was when I realized my love of leadership… and this passion became my mission. Today, I’m devoted to empowering others to lead with a focus on training tomorrow’s excellent public speakers and presenters.
In 2018, I authored a comprehensive guide for improving public speaking and presentation skills: Speak Like a Pro without Looking Like a Jack@$$.
I earned an MBA in Executive Leadership from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and have begun doctoral study in Communications at Liberty University. I am a Founding Member of John C. Maxwell Team, and studied Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) with Tony Robbins, Bill Thomason and Jonathan Altfeld. I developed public speaking expertise working alongside John Maxwell, Bo Eason, Roger Love, Jonathan Altfeld and Mary Kincaid. I am also a Gallup Organization Strengths Performance Coach and one of 100 TAI Certified Performance Development Coaches in the world.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I am a director emeritus on the board for the Bruce Lee Foundation and a sixth-degree black belt in Kenpo Martial Arts.
I live in Poland, Ohio with my wife and four children.