Strategy and leadership coach for executives and business owners seeking realistic training ground to tap their talents, build disciplined and vibrant teams, and deliver breakout performance.“Working with Chris was a game changer in preparing me to hit the ground running in my transition from COO to CEO. He’s a skilled questioner and listener who brought broad real-world experience, expansive strategic thinking, and strong values to his executive coaching practice.” Dean Niese, CEO, The Mannik and Smith Group“Chris truly sought to fully understand the position I was coming from and all the complexities before trying to dive in. He caused me to think through problems in a different way through thoughtful questions rather than just offering stock advice.” Matt McAlear, CEO, The McAlear Group"Chris’s coaching process made change a positive event. It eliminated fear and uncertainty, allowing me to achieve more than I thought possible. Every coaching session yielded significant value." Jim Whalen, Chairman & CEO, GEM City Engineering

Previously Chair of this Family-controlled, Colorado-based. multi $M niche ski company.

R/E development and construction management business. Lead role in family CEO transition from 1st to 2nd generation and driving force behind major expansion into commercial construction.“Chris had the seasoned perspective and critical thinking ability to help us breakdown and address our problems and opportunities. I appreciated his ability to apply appropriate pressure at the right time, helping us to move more quickly from contemplation to decision to action. He appreciated what it took to build our reputation and the ongoing effort required to fortify our culture as we grew.” Kurt Miller, CEO, Miller Diversified, Inc.

Proprietary vegetable seed breeder.“Chris was instrumental in helping us work through our family business transition issues. He helped us get issues above the table, see past the emotions, and recognize that our differing views were not as far apart as I thought. Chris helped me communicate more effectively.” Phil Rupp, President, Rupp Seeds, Inc.

Bioremediation and alternative energy company."We were facing difficult times. Chris was a level head who aimed us at the tough decisions we had to make to right the ship." Jim McHugh, CFO

Taught the capstone course in Family Business & Entrepreneurship.“Chris was by FAR the best business professor I had while studying at the University of Toledo. I never met another teacher who cared so little about the insignificance behind silly educational "norms" and who cared so much about giving us an education that would be beneficial for years to come. One item in particular that I use in my day-to-day career (and personal life as well) is his semester-long emphasis on asking the right questions.” Hana Nemec, American Marketing and Communications Executive“Instead of Chris slamming us with content and giving us a memory test at the end, he showed us how to think and analyze business problems. He taught us how to look at all aspects of a situation, key players, turning points, and ways to uncover the questions behind questions. We found ourselves stumbling into great conversations, scrapping the days agenda, grabbing a shovel, and digging into the trenches of what business is all about. His class was exactly like the business environment I faced in my own family's business.” Kyle Keiser, President, Basilius Inc.

Chief Strategy Officer and advisor to the CEO on all matters pertaining to strategy for this $1.2B highly diversified public company with 3,000 employees, and 4 operating groups: Agriculture, Rail, Lawn Products, and Retail. (NASDAQ: ANDE). www.andersoninc.com. Guided the company through the 1st cycle of top-down corporate strategy development and change management process that set the stage for a four-fold increase in stock price. Supporting role to the CEO in board executive sessions on matters pertaining to corporate strategy."Chris had a tough job and he was worth every penny." John Barrett, ANDE Independent Director and Chair & CEO of The Western & Southern Financial Group"Chris incorporated both the hard and soft skills in his work with senior leaders - running numbers, assessing management development needs, and grounding strategy in reality." Don Mennel, ANDE Independent Director and Chairman of The Mennel Milling Company

One of three group presidents on the corporate leadership team directing a high potential $150M group with four hundred employees and three divisions: Rail, Turf Products, and Auto Service.“Chris installed the platform, discipline, and team that transformed ANDE’s rail start-up into its most profitable business.” John Barrett, ANDE Independent Director and Chair & CEO of The Western & Southern Financial Group"Chris was a skilled trouble-shooter with the "hard leadership skills" required to help management teams fix their problems and maximize their opportunities." Dave Nichols, ANDE Independent Director and former president of a Division of Federated Department Stores, Inc.

One of seven leaders on the corporate leadership team managing a troubled $62M division spanning four states, three hundred employees, and seven operating businesses. Rationalized businesses from seven to three, reduced headcount by 50%, prepared three leaders for division VP roles. The three businesses were subsequently absorbed into the newly formed Processing & Manufacturing Group.”Chris’s ability to simplify complicated issues down to their essence was unmatched.” Randy Jones, CEO, Tireman Auto Centers

Diversified medical device company. Pivotal support role to CEO in repositioning the business for breakout sales and profit growth.