Having retired early from Maritz Travel Company in late 2009, SDP Properties is the real estate arm of my post-retirement activities. I own and manage several small apartment buildings in St. Louis and have been actively involved in the rehabbing of all since leaving Maritz. Separately, SDP Consulting is my link to the hospitality industry where I will work on a project basis in areas that tie in with my 35+ year background in the industry. Areas of focus include supplier evaluation, selection and ongoing management, understandable business and legal contract term negotiations, procurement friendly client/vendor Master Services Agreements, Statements of Work ,etc. and overall destination/product expertise in the United States and Canada.

Responsible for the development, introduction and training of standard Maritz issued Master Services Agreements between Maritz Travel Company and its clients. Developed specific project Statements of Work formats and their addendum to support overall MSAs. Also involved in the negotiation and incorporation of Maritz terms in client issued MSAs (or similar documents) and assisting Maritz internal personnel in the proper handling of the MSA and supporting documents.

This position generically had the same focus from the time I joined MTC until I moved into the Director, Contract Administration role. My focus was initially the western United States - which expanded over time to include the entire United States and Canada. Responsibilities included the ongoing evaluation, selection, quality review and ongoing training of suppliers supporting Maritz client program operations, making adjustments as needed. Inherent in this was the development of strong relationships with the supplier community to ensure maximum benefit for Maritz clients and, where appropriate, such terms were negotiated and incorporated in formalized agreements and contract formats. As part of the territory focus, the cumulative in-depth product knowledge gained over the years was utilized in ensuring the best fit for clients' meetings, event and incentive travel program operations.