Al Balzer
Balzer Business Development
President

Al Balzer is the president of The Balzer Companies, a business development firm dedicated to contributing to the success and development of growth oriented companies for over 20 years. In addition to focusing on basic strategic planning and implementation issues, the mantra of the company is "helping others achieve direction and results." This extends the effort to mentoring and coaching executives in leadership initiatives.

In addition to being a certified TAB (The Alternative Board) facilitator and certified strategic planner, he is also a certified Birkman behavioral assessment consultant and a coach/consultant for Gazelles International. He is a past president of the local chapter of the National Speakers Association and has been honored as a John Wolfe Speaker of the Year.

Cell: 832-654-5113
Ph.: 281-261-7747
Fax: 713-243-8595
Email: albalzer@comcast.net

Scott Bolton
RBC Wealth Management
Investment Planner

I specialize in designing and implementing tax efficient, risk diversified, wealth management plans for high net worth individuals, their families, and businesses by focusing on their long-term goals and needs. I graduated from Abilene Christian University with a bachelor of business administration degree in finance and from The University of Texas at Austin with a master of business administration degree in finance and marketing. I have worked as a commercial loan officer, adjunct professor, taught business and investment-related seminars and attended Texas Tech School of Banking.

RBC Wealth Management is the nation’s seventh largest full-service investment brokerage firm. The firm serves individual investors in more than 149 offices in 40 states coast-to-coast. Individual and institutional investors can choose from a broad range of investment products, account types and advisory services — as well as personal wealth management strategies and solutions — to help them achieve their financial goals.

Cell: 832- 978-3949
Ph.: 713- 623-9290
Fax: 713-623-9283
Email: scott.bolton@rbc.com
Web: www.rbcdain.com

Mary Collins
Collins Benefits Solutions
Owner

At Collins Benefits Solutions, our team is comprised of seasoned individuals with a “server” attitude. Each team member has either owned a business or been in upper management. We tailor our services to meet the unique management style and challenges each company is facing. Many of our clients are growing very rapidly and have changing requirements and priorities as they grow. We work with them to make sure the benefits and our services support them as their needs change.

We focus exclusively on group employee benefit packages for companies ranging from two to 1,000 employees. We specialize in creating custom, business-friendly programs for your employees. We then automate the administration using a variety of tools and vendors. The insurance products for your business include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Group Life, Disability Insurance, Long-term Care, Supplemental Insurance, Cafeteria Plans, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Health Savings Accounts.

Cell: 713-816-8446
Ph.: 281-345-1235 x2221
Fax: 281-855-9913
Email: mary@collinsbenefits.com
Web: www.collinsbenefits.com

Gary N. Cooper CPA, CVA, M&AA
Certified Public Accountants and Consultants

GARY N. COOPER, CPA, CVA, M&AA is a certified public accounting firm which was formed in 1991, assisting small businesses and individuals with accounting, consulting and income tax planning and compliance. Services provided include Quickbooks consulting, business valuation, assistance with buy/sell transactions, due diligance, development and implementation of policies and procedures, accounting services and tax compliance and planning.

Address: 1616 South Voss, Suite 530, Houston, TX 77057
Cell: 713- 261-2411
Ph.: 713- 243-8591
Fax: 713- 243-8595
Email: gcooper@garycoopercpa.com
Web: www.garycoopercpa.com

Kathi Crawford, SPHR, IAC-CC
People Possibilities LLC
CEO

People Possibilities LLC offers a range of consulting and coaching services to address the culture and activities a company must have in place to attract, develop, reward and retain its workforce. Whether you’re looking for guidance in developing an integrated talent management strategy, enhancing your talent assessment and selection process, creating or improving your leadership development program, or implementing an internal coaching program – you can call on us.

Kathi Crawford, CEO of People Possibilities, has over twenty-five years of progressive business experience and has held the position of Vice President Human Resources. Kathi serves as a trusted advisor in the human capital management profession. She brings a strategic mindset to her clients as they look for ways to improve their culture and effectiveness of their people processes. She encourages a trusting and open dialogue with her clients to identify key challenges and focus on solutions that make an impact on the individual and the organization.

Address: 1909 Branard, Suite E, Houston, Texas 77098
Ph.: 281-450-6316
Fax: 713-523-1474
Email: kcrawford@peoplepossibilities.com
Web: www.peoplepossibilities.com
Blog: http://peoplepossibilities.com/blog/

Leroy Eaglin
Onsite Network Support Solutions
Computer & Network Repair

Small businesses are often unable to hire full time computer support, that’s why we provide on-site computer services, eliminating the need to transport computer equipment to repair shops. Having us on your team is like having your own computer staff to repair and maintain your computers and network.

Ph.: 713- 376-3735
Email:leroy@onsitenetworksupport.com

Mike Elliott
Paychex
Payroll Provider

Mike Elliott is a Sr. Consultant with the recognized national leader in Payroll & Human Resource services, Paychex, Inc (PAYX). Having been with Paychex for almost 7 years, Mike specializes in offering an ever-growing variety of payroll and human resource products and services that help clients do what they do best — run their business. From calculating payroll and filing tax payments to administering retirement plans, Paychex gives its clients relief from administrative hassles so they can focus on their bottom line.

Paychex gives all companies, no matter the size, the assurance of payroll tax filings and compliance, and the ability to provide the competitive edge to keep and maintain quality employees for the long term.

Cell: 713-805-5162
Ph.: 281-588-1500 x 21711
Fax: 281-588-1554
Email: melliott@paychex.com

Tom Ferguson
Visible Applause, Inc.
Chief Encouragement Officer

Visible Applause elevates the ability of senior executives to influence performance excellence. Their presentation of uniquely crafted symbols of appreciation satisfies the universal human desire for respect. We seek leadership of medium size organizations where human performance is paramount. We are perceived as the firm that converts leadership satisfaction into fulfilled emotions. Our work elevates how organizations say “well done”.

Tom Ferguson launched Visible Applause in 1997 following a 27 year career in the energy industry in Houston that progressed along the technical track as an engineer, project manager and business development executive. Tom and his wife Nancy of 41 years, have two grown children and four grandchildren. He is a member of the Business Advisory Council of Goodwill Industries of Houston and a member of CEO Netweavers, an organization dedicated to supporting CEOs in transition and advancing the principles of servant leadership.

Ph.: 281-980-3304
Cell: 281-451-7663
Email: tom@visibleapplause.com
Web: www.visibleapplause.com

Guss Ginsburg
Beechnut Consulting Services
Managing Principal

Guss Ginsburg is the managing principal of Beechnut Consulting Services. He has over thirty years of information technology and business experience. Since establishing this consulting practice in 2000, he has applied his technology and business skills to provide project solutions in areas such as recovery auditing, desktop applications development, data conversions, auditing for contract compliance, and fraud. Prior to establishing Beechnut Consulting Services, he held management and analyst positions with companies in the Software, Aerospace, Oil and Gas, and Service Industries.

Address: 5247 Beechnut Street, Houston, TX 77096
Ph.: 713- 667-8216
Email: guss@beechnutconsulting.com
Web: www.beechnutconsulting.com

Darrell T. Hail
USI
Risk Management Division

Darrell Hail is a member of the Risk Management Division of USI and caters to upper middle market companies in clarifying risk profiles, valuing total costs of carrying risk, and structuring programs to transfer, retain or mitigate risk. He is married to Cassandra and has a 9 year old daughter and a 1 year old son. He is afflicted by golf and plays every time his family schedule allows.

Address: 840 Gessner, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77024
Direct: 713-490-4536
Cell: 713-502-4485
Ph.: 713- 223-9797
Fax: 713-490-9480
Email: darrell.hail@usi.biz
Web: www.usi.biz

Steve Hansen
Crestmark Capital
Vice-President, Business Development

Steve Hansen advises business owners about their financing options to improve cash flow or acquiring assets through debt. By thoroughly understanding the clients’ goals and objectives, Steve offers a “hands on” solution to business owners’ financial needs. He accomplishes this through understanding all financing options and matching them with the option that best suits their business goals and objectives, discussing the effects their personal spending habits have on their ability to obtain financing for their Company, and developing a plan to stabilize their personal financial situation to maximize their ability to obtain financing for their Company

Crestmark Capital provides transitional working capital solutions for Accounts Receivable and Inventory to companies up to $50,000,000 in revenue. Crestmark offers both Asset Based Lending and Factoring products. We offer inventory lending with either product. With Crestmark Capital, our customers receive better service at a more competitive rate.

Cell: 713-628-0101
Ph.: 713- 868-1350
Fax: 866-334-6459
Email: shansen@crestmark.com
Web: www.crestmarkcapital.com

Kevin Mims
TeleVoice

TeleVoice is a Microsoft Certified Provider of Business Phone Systems and Service. "Desktop Synergy”. Do you have a calculator and a typewriter on your desk? These business appliances have been replaced by the personal computer (PC). Microsoft’s Unified Communication platform has connected the PC and the Business Telephone. Putting phone traffic and customer data together amplifies your responsiveness to the marketplace, professional presence, agility, and productivity.

Address: 10497 Town & Country Way, Houston, TX 77024
Ph.: 713-574-4866
Fax: 281- 496-7712
Email: kmims@televoice.com
Web: http://www.televoice.com

Garrett Pye
Wells Fargo
Senior Business Relationship Manager

Garrett Pye is a Senior Business Relationship Manager with Wells Fargo Bank. He has 12 years of commercial banking experience in Houston, TX. He has extensive experience in a wide variety of commercial accounts including commercial lines of credit, commercial real estate, equipment lending, and SBA loans.

Cell: 832-584-1033
Ph.: 281-870-0928
Fax: 281- 870-9329
Email: garrett.pye@wellsfargo.com

Ro Royall
Business Extension Bureau
Direct Mail Marketing

Graduated from University of Texas in 1987 with a degree in Advertising. Worked for TRW Information services (which was later bought out by Experian) in list sales selling mainly to list brokers nationwide . I have been with Business Extension Bureau for the last 16 years selling mailing services, printing & multiple lists to brokers and end users nationwide. Thorough background in the direct mailing industry. Married and have 4 children.

For the 50 years Business Extension Bureau has helped local and national companies develop and execute mail marketing programs. The company's expertise extends from strategy development, through list acquisition, mailer design, printing and mail handling, for small or large businesses, local or national in scope, for direct selling, lead generation or general advertising purposes.

Ph.: 713-528-5568
Email: ror@bebtexas.com
Web: www.bebtexas.com

Rorika Rueda
Scope Solutions Group Holdings

Rorika is a Senior Associate at Scope Solutions Group Holdings, a firm dedicated to implement software solutions for mid to large size process (batch) manufacturing companies as well as for corporations that require extensive functionality in international accounting. Scope Solutions was founded in 2001 and currently serves over 100 customers in Texas, Louisiana, Latinamerica and the Caribbean. Scope Solutions is in the top 10 resellers of Sage Software for the process manufacturing vertical solutions.

Rorika graduated from Universidad La Salle in Mexico City. Her multinational background, extended experience in the software industry and fluency in English, French and Spanish are valuable assets to provide quality service to Scope Solutions customers.

Address: 3730 Kirby Drive, Suite # 1200, Houston, TX 77098
Ph.: 713- 834-1177
Email: rrueda@scope-solutions.com
Web:www.scope-solutions.com

Yvette Scheiber
MBS Marketing & Business Consulting, Inc.
Founder and CEOct Mail Marketing

In a nutshell, MBS Marketing & Business Consulting, Inc. (MBS) helps small business leaders find the sweet spot where the business goals and market need meet. It’s at this intersection that the quality of a business’s marketing methods and strategies are optimized, and the best results of the marketing investment are realized in both the short and long term. Specializing in marketing effectiveness and management consulting for small business, MBS creates specific strategies that apply directly to each business’s needs. We join forces with the business to implement the strategies. But, we don’t stop there. Creating and implementing the strategies are only part of the solution. It’s vitally important that business leaders have metrics to be able to determine whether or not the plans are working. So, we put in place measurement processes to use during the post-implementation phase.

Yvette Scheiber, Founder and CEO of MBS, is a small business advocate and visionary, speaker and writer. Her ambition, tenacity and understanding of the power of knowledge led her to found her company. Yvette brings a refined skill set and broad knowledge base acquired through her work in Global Fortune 500 companies and small businesses. She writes and speaks on the geo-political environment and its effects on small business. Yvette holds Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Lamar University.

Address: P. O. Box 941234, Houston, TX 77094-8234
Ph.: (281) 265-3179
Fax: (281) 494-7223
Cell: (832) 444-3422

Email: yvette.scheiber@mbsmktpr.com
Web:www.mbsmktpr.com

Warren E. Sloan
Allstate Insurance Company
Exclusive Agent

I was born and raised in Houston and now live in the Cypress area. My wife Jana and I have two children, Alex is almost 4 and Megan who is 6 months old. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a BA in economics with a specialization in banking and finance along with a business minor.

I own and operate an Allstate Insurance agency that is 40 years old this year. My focus is on maintaining a reasonably sized office where I can be very active in directly supporting my customers with personal service and advice on all insurance matters. The following insurance products are available: home, auto, flood, life, boat, motorcycle, ATV/4 wheeler, jet ski, classic car, classic boat and business.

Cell: 713-417-1819
Ph.: 713-464-4442
Fax: 713-464-4689
Email: warrensloan@allstate.com

Gary Van Liew
Cal-Tex Citrus Juice, LP
CEO/President

Cal-Tex Citrus Juice, LP is a fifty-eight year old family-owned fruit juice processor located in the Houston Heights area of Houston. Cal-Tex packages single-serve juice containers sold to the school foodservice, health care, and retail grocery industries under the Vita-Fresh, Vita-Most and Citrus Pride brands. The company serves about two-thirds of the nation and has over 100 employees.

Gary Van Liew is a Houston native and has worked for Cal-Tex in several positions during a thirty-three year career. Gary’s “hands-on” experience in business management, sales, manufacturing and distribution offers valuable insight to the Houston Business Connection members. Gary is also a member of Vistage, the world’s largest CEO membership organization.

Cell: 713-256-5883
Ph.: 713-869-3471
Fax: 713-869-8491
Email: gary.van.liew@cal-texjuice.com
Web: http://www.cal-texjuice.com

Jeff is a partner with the law firm of Dickinson & Wheelock, P.C. He focuses on business and franchise law. He regularly helps clients buy and sell businesses. See Jeff’s full profile at: www.texasfranchiseattorney.com/attorneys.

Dickinson & Wheelock, P.C. was founded in 1998, our law firm is dedicated to business and franchise law. We represent both new and established businesses in all of their legal needs. Our specific practice areas include Business Transactions, Franchise, Employment, Start-Up/Business Organizations and Commercial Litigation.

Cell: 713-906-5333
Ph.: 713-722-8118
Fax: 713.722.7003
Email: jwheelock@dwlegal.com