Steve LeFever, Chairman and Founder

Steve LeFever, part comedian, part financial manager, former commercial banker, current entrepreneur - and 100% world-class presenter. Steve drives home his message with a no-nonsense, laugh-out-loud approach that makes him the top-rated presenter at virtually every conference he attends. 
 
Driving financial discipline and initiating change in diverse types of organizations (distribution networks, trade associations or franchise groups to name a few) can be a big challenge – and in this area, Steve LeFever can do it like no one else. The thousands who hear him speak every year applaud his distinct “tell it like it is” perspective on independent business, financial management, and commercial banking. But it’s his interaction and  connection with his audiences that brings his message home.

Whether your goal is to hit a ‘home run’ with a keynote convention presentation, or to introduce the Profit Mastery process to your network or staff – Steve will do the job.

Carl Forssen, Senior Vice President

Carl Forssen is no ordinary instructor. Combining 21 years of commercial banking experience and 13 years at BRS, he brings an in-depth understanding of the financial challenges that confront business owners large and small. He attributes his past and current success to working side by side with the business community. 

A University of Washington graduate, Carl has instructed and advised small businesses through SBA classes, vocational-education institutions, and professional associations. He continues to lead the way at BRS in training new instructors and facilitating peer performance groups - in both live and online formats.

As Senior Vice President of Business Resource Services, Carl has been a featured speaker for clients such as: Ace Hardware, Anheuser-Busch, Bank of America, the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, Burger King Franchisee Association, FastSigns, Little Caesars Pizza, Kwik Kopy Printing, and numerous other franchises, trade organizations, and banks throughout North America, Australia and Great Britain. 

Laurie Owen is a Senior Vice President, business coach, and partner with Business Resource Services. Laurie manages online programs, performance groups, and software development. Prior to joining BRS, Laurie was a Vice President with the Seattle-King County Economic Development Council, where she delivered assistance and training to independent businesses in the local community. She also headed her own company for five years.

Laurie received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and an MBA from the University of Washington. She recently completed the Core Essentials program from Coach U, the world’s leading trainer of personal and business coaches. Laurie specializes in helping clients develop “financial intelligence” and strategic planning skills in her business coaching practice. She is a member of the International Coach Federation.

Laurie also heads up the BRS Performance Group division and has been instrumental in forming groups in the jewelry and pharmaceutical industries. Her clients include Xerox, American Rental Association, Allegra Network, Sir Speedy, and 1-800-Got-Junk.

David Ashcraft, Associate Instructor

In addition to his role as an Instructor at Business Resource Services, David is president of Edutainment LLC, a private organizational consulting and training firm based in Seattle, specializing in financial and sales management training. Prior to Edutainment, LLC, Ashcraft was managing director for a private consulting firm that assisted owners to prepare and proceed with the sale of their businesses.

Ashcraft has been a highly-rated faculty member at the Graduate School of Banking, Colorado and Southwestern Graduate School of Banking. He received his BA from Washington State University and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School where he later served as an associate director.

Among his satisfied clients are JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, Cal Portland, Cushman and Wakefield, and the Mechanical Contractors of Western Washington.

Steve Hegg, Associate Instructor

Steve Hegg brings to BRS the combined understanding of business and banking. He has fourteen years experience in small business with skills not only in finance and marketing, but in sales, manufacturing and operations. The pinnacle of his seven successful years in the banking industry was serving as vice president at a major commercial bank where he established a much needed small business lending unit, and served on both the lending and CRA committees. Steve received his BA in Economics from the University of Michigan, and his MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Toledo.

His nine years with BRS have afforded him numerous opportunities to meet with business owners and lenders around the world, serving to sharpen his insights and affirm his instincts. BRS clients routinely benefit from his custom case study design and development skills. 

Included on his satisfied client list are: Harley- Davidson, Cooper Tire, Herman Miller, Fifth Third Bank, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), the Risk Management Association (RMA), National Ground Water Association, Two Men And A Truck, and John Deere (Australia).

Louise Hurtubise, Associate Instructor

Louise Hurtubise has been a member of the BRS team since June 1994. She has translated and delivered BRS programs in the French language throughout Canada. Louise is a seasoned professional with over 20 years experience in privately held business - both as an owner and a consultant. Her consulting experience includes four years with the international consulting firm of Peat Marwick and Partners. In September 1991, Louise started her own company M.O.T. Strategy located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Louise specializes in strategic planning, communications and training programs that lead to positive change. She is credited with the turnaround of several floundering corporate divisions. Her work as coach and adviser to industry associations and members groups challenged with adapting to a new environment keeps her in the know.

Louise’s client base is extremely varied and includes small businesses, professional practices, trade and member associations, large corporations, para-governmental and governmental agencies. She works at all levels within an organization - for its employees, for its customers, and for its board.