Meet the Team

Alice has been with VisionPoint since 1999. Alice is a writer, director and producer of audio, video and multimedia programs. Alice has written and produced hundreds of projects for custom clients and has directed all VisionPoint programs since 2004, including Peer Today, Boss Tomorrow, The Right Side of the Line, Generations and many others. Alice graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and has a bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with a concentration on Radio and TV Communications. In her free time, Alice enjoys spending time with family, reading and scouring hours of good (and bad) television and movies for ideas and inspiration!

Angie has been with VisionPoint since June 2002. As a Senior Learning Consultant, Angie is experienced in recommending the best and most cost-effective training solution to meet the different challenges that customers face in the present work environment. She specializes in the following areas: Accommodation and Food Services; Manufacturing; Transportation and Warehousing; Reatil Trade; and Accommodation and Food services. Angie was voted by her peers as "rookie of the year" her first year at VisionPoint, and she continues to receive numerous accolades from her colleagues and customers. Angie attended Des Moines Area Community College concentrating on the development of Business and Marketing. In her spare time, Angie enjoys time with her family and friends and playing softball and volleyball.

Beulah joined VisionPoint in April 2003 and has over ten years experience working in the training industry. Years of experience brings a lot to the table as she’s worked with diversified customers through the years. Her current focus serves those in natural resources, mining, construction, manufacturing, transportation as well as trade and professional business services industries. Beulah received a business degree from Central College in Iowa and was fortunate to study a semester abroad taking classes in London, England. When she's not working, Beulah enjoys spending time with her family which keeps things hopping as Eric and Beulah are the proud parents of three children including twins. She also enjoys singing and traveling when time allows.

Billi joined VisionPoint as a part-time marketing specialist in March 2007. In June 2007 she has become a full-time member of the team. Billi will be assisting Kate with promotions, conferences, and collateral development as well as maintain the company website and manage e-marketing promotions. Billi received an Associate in Graphic Arts from Des Moines Area Community College and is currently attending Upper Iowa University for her bachelors in marketing. In her free time she enjoys biking, photography, spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Hurley.

Candace has been a member of the VisionPoint team since 2003 and is the assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and other members of the executive team. Within her duties, she is responsible for recruitment, supporting company-wide initiatives, contract administration, and provides support to domestic and international distributors. She attended Iowa Central Community College focusing her studies in Psychology, and in her spare time enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Dave celebrated his fifth year anniversary with VisionPoint in January 2007. Dave has extensive knowledge in many aspects of business—accounting, operations, human resources and IT—allowing him to support and provide unprecedented customer service to the internal and external customers of VisionPoint. His main focus is to maintain the company’s daily operations and provide management oversight for all financial decisions. Dave obtained his Computer and Associate Accounting Degrees from the American Institute of Business and has served as the senior accountant in several organizations. In his spare time, Dave enjoys coaching soccer and spending time with his family.

Gretchen Covine joined VisionPoint in January 2008. Gretchen began working with VisionPoint in May 2005 as a Marketing Consultant based out of Tampa, Florida. Formerly a Marketing Strategist with Paradigm Learning, Gretchen brings ten plus years of marketing experience with seven years in the learning industry to VisionPoint. As the Marketing Manager, Gretchen leads the strategic planning for marketing and public relations efforts and serves as a valuable team member and contributor to everyday decision making and creative brainstorming. In her spare time Gretchen enjoys reading, listening to music and spending time with her family boating, hiking and adventuring.

Hap joined the VisionPoint team in January of 2008, bringing with him complementary consulting skills developed in his previous work with video-based training. As a member of the VisionPoint team, Hap is looking forward to the challenge of successfully matching our product offerings to the unique needs of his customers. Outside of work, Hap enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and also being the Assistant Scout Master for Troop 10 in Bondurant, Iowa, where he resides.

Jeff has been with VisionPoint since 1999. As an award-winning Director of Photography, Jeff specializes in cinematography and lighting, as well as having an extensive background in all facets of video and film production. Jeff collaborates in all aspects of product development, but his primary focus is making sure the production value of each VisionPoint program is the highest quality possible. Jeff is also responsible for keeping abreast of new audio, visual and multimedia technologies. Jeff obtained his Bachelor of Arts from Iowa State University. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys boating, golf, reading, video games and music.

Jesper recently joined VisionPoint in March 2007. He previously worked for Briggs Corporation as an Account Manager, where he sold medical supplies to hospitals, physicians and clinics, and long-term care facilities. This previous career was highly competitive, which will bring an advantage to VisionPoint's customers as well as his competitiveness and ability to follow through on promises. Jesper will specialize in the following areas: Educational and Health Services, West Division; Federal Government; and Public Administration, West Division. Jesper received his M.B.A. from Drake University, a B.A. with a Finance Emphasis, from Graceland University, and a A.A. from AIB College of Business. In his spare time, Jesper enjoys home improvements, home theatre, and learning about wines.

Kate has been a member of the VisionPoint team since October 2001. She is a specialist in the marketing and communications department, providing support through promotions, advertisements and collateral development as well as product management. Kate obtained her degree from Wartburg College with a major in Communications and a minor in Business Administration. In her free time, Kate enjoys trail running, teaching swim lessons and spending time with family and friends.

Kathy joined the VisionPoint Production Team during the summer of 2005 after previously working with the team on a contract basis. Kathy is responsible for organizing all aspects of a video production and supports custom clients through the process of development, preproduction, production and post production. Kathy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. When she's not working, Kathy enjoys producing and casting independent films and attending and participating in theatrical productions.

Kendra joined VisionPoint as the company's very first employee in 1999. Having touched most aspects of the business, Kendra is now responsible for accounting activities as well as supporting our domestic and international distributors. Kendra is currently finishing up her Accounting degree at the Des Moines Area Community College and in her spare time enjoys boating, reading and spending time with family.

Laura joined VisionPoint in December 2001 and is now leading the company toward becoming one of the most sought-out training vendors of choice. Laura has spent 17 years in the training industry working with both public and private sectors. She is now applying best practices mixed with innovative business processes to assure the experience of working with VisionPoint is unforgettably superb. Laura holds an executive M.B.A. from Michigan's Northwood University, a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Saginaw Valley State University and several internationally-recognized training certifications. In her free time, Laura enjoys yoga, playing the piano, reading and spending time at her husband's wine shop. View a video message.

Lori has been a Learning Consultant with VisionPoint since January 2002 and currently works with our government, healthcare, and education customers. Her past experience working with colleges, workforce development agencies and independent training consultants has given her extensive knowledge and skill building curriculums to meet diverse training needs on tight budgets. She is committed to providing customers with timely information and resources. Lori attended Des Moines Area Community College concentrating in the field of marketing. In her free time, Lori enjoys reading, movies and spending time with her family.

Lori has worked at VisionPoint since December 2001 and has been in the training and human resources arena for over ten years. Instrumental in establishing VisionPoint's original learning consultant philosophy, Lori has achieved the ultimate respect from her peers and customers alike. Lori now specializes in working with Fortune 1000 companies, particularly in the manufacturing and trade industries. Lori has helped several organizations roll out large training initiatives to meet their ethics and compliance and every day training needs. Lori attended Iowa State University and majored in Psychology and Sociology. When she's not working, Lori enjoys music, any sport, reading and spending time with her friends and family and especially spending time with her Mother in the Northwest Iowa town of Whiting.

Matt has been a part of VisionPoint's senior management team since September 2000 and is responsible for all product development efforts from conception to research to design to market testing. Matt also works directly with clients seeking customized solutions and has been directly involved with over 400 custom solution projects. When he's not working, Matt enjoys anything outdoors, especially fishing, hiking and skiing.

Nate joined the VisionPoint team in January 2008. Nate’s enthusiasm as a Learning Consultant aligns with his background in phone sales and relationship building through his previous work in the real estate and mortgage industry. Nate is excited about the opportunity to help customers achieve their goals. Nate attended the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) where he studied Business Finance and played for the UNI football team. When Nate isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, playing with their son, laughing with great friends, reading books that stretch him and dreaming about his future.

One of VisionPoint's original owners, Paul is part of the senior management team. In addition to executive leadership, Paul provides creative direction and oversees instructional design, script writing and quality assurance in our product development efforts. Paul has been personally involved with 90% of VisionPoint’s current product line and is directly involved with custom client projects involving multi-media and blended learning solutions. Paul is a graduate of Drake University. In his spare time, Paul enjoys listening to classical music, visiting his daughters in Minnesota, spending time on the Oregon coast with his wife, and reading historical fiction and science fiction novels.

Rex became a VisionPoint Learning Consultant in January 2008. Rex’s many years of work in the education industry as a Drake University instructor, coupled with his work as a training manager in the Restaurant Industry, brings him a unique and refreshing perspective on the value of training. Not only does his ability to communicate and articulate his passion around education and training characterize him, but it is the reason he’s at VisionPoint. Rex has a BA and BS in Philosophy from Drake and in his spare time enjoys scuba diving, disc golf, and trying to keep up with his wife and four daughters.

Steve joined the VisionPoint team in 2006 bringing with him over 13 years of sales and sales management experience within the training industry. A former business owner and valued sales professional, Steve manages our direct sales efforts in a way that helps us meet the specific priorities and business needs of both our private and public sector clients. When Steve is not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to live music, and following pro and college sporting events.

Steve joined the VisionPoint team in March 2008. With an extensive background in consultative selling and business management, including owning his own business for 15 years, Steve's an "old pro" when it comes to providing helpful and friendly service to customers and companies of any industry. As a VisionPoint Learning Consultant, Steve is looking forward to the opportunity to listen and help customers identify the training product best suited to their training needs. In his spare time, Steve enjoys camping, hunting, fishing and spending time with his wife Melissa, their dogs, family and friends.

Sue joined VisionPoint in November 2002 and has 19 years of experience working in the training industry. Sue provides leadership and training expertise to our direct clients as well as our alternative sales channels. Sue also assists the product development and marketing teams with curriculum review and trainer testing. Sue obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Marquette University, her master's degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and has several internationally-recognized training certifications in leadership, teamwork and customer service. When she's not working, Sue enjoys spending time outdoors and with her family.

Suse recently joined the VisionPoint team in September 2007. Prior to working at VisionPoint, she worked in the Direct Marketing Industry as a List Broker and List Compiler and has an extensive background in consultative sales, inside sales and building relationships. Suse is excited about representing a quality product line of employee training solutions to organizations facing workplace challenges. In her free time, Suse enjoys shopping, traveling, volunteering at her children’s community religious school and helping her children become caring and responsible adults!

Ann Kiernan, attorney since 1981, has been with Fair Measures, LLC, since 1997. In addition to her many successful achievements in law, Ms. Kiernan's employment law articles have been published in many books and magazines. VisionPoint partnered with Ann for legal advice during the recent creation of the training program, The Right Side of the Line.

Barbara Glanz and her universal message in Johnny the Bagger has inspired people and organizations across all seven continents to improve morale, retention and customer service by rediscovering purpose and joy in their work and lives. Barbara is a Certified Speaking Professional and the best-selling author of eleven books, including The Simple Truths of Service, co-authored with Ken Blanchard.

Ben Alexander, a principal of Alexander Consulting & Training, Inc., has designed and implemented system-wide programs in the areas of Human Resources Management, EEO and managing diversity. He is a nationally known keynote speaker on the topics of cultural diversity, civil rights and issues of social change and structural inequality. Since 2001 the Alexanders have worked closely with VisionPoint to produce several popular training programs on the topic of diversity and respect, including the best-selling M.E.E.T. on Common Ground™, We Need to M.E.E.T., M.E.E.T. Zero Tolerance and the new Generations program.

Deb Alexander, a principal of Alexander Consulting & Training, Inc., has designed and conducted numerous system-wide projects for organizations in the areas of EEO and HR program evaluation, managing diversity and organizational change. The Alexanders first partnered with VisionPoint in 2001 to produce the multi award-winning and best-selling video M.E.E.T. on Common Ground™ and have since worked with the team to produce We Need to M.E.E.T., M.E.E.T. Zero Tolerance and the new Generations program.

Dr. Paul Green, experienced writer and instructor of training on the topic of Industrial Organizational Psychology, first began working with VisionPoint's production team (then employed at American Media) in 1998 during the creation of the best-selling interviewing video, More Than a Gut Feeling. Since then he has been the primary contributor to VisionPoint's Get the Whole Picture and A.C.E. It!

Jack Zenger is the co-founder and CEO of Zenger/Folkman, an organization focused on bringing empirical research, innovative thinking and new technology to the challenge of developing more effective leaders. He is the author or co-author of 50 articles and 7 books on leadership, productivity, e-learning, training and measurement. VisionPoint partnered with Jack in 2002 to create The Extraordinary Leader training program based on his book by the same name.

Joe Folkman has spent the last 25 years helping organizations to find better ways of measuring customers, employees, leaders and individual contributors. As co-author of the book The Extraordinary Leader, VisionPoint credits Joe for his contribution to the creation of The Extraordinary Leader training program.

Ken Blanchard is the chief spiritual officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies and cofounder of The Center for Faithwalk Leadership. Ken is the author or coauthor of over 30 books, including the giant business best-seller One Minute Manager. In 2002, Ken Blanchard and VisionPoint teamed up with SeaWorld animal trainers Thad Lacinak and Chuck Thompkins to create the best-selling training program, Whale Done!™ based on their best-selling book, Whale Done!™.

Lisa Ford is an expert in the field of customer service, customer retention, managing, hiring and training for service excellence. Author of How To Give Exceptional Customer Service, she partnered with VisionPoint to produce the popular training program, Glad I Could Help!

Marcey Uday-Riley is a high-energy, dynamic trainer and organizational development consultant with over 25 years in practice. As a human performance engineer for IRI Consultants, Marcey helps organizations achieve business objectives through the design and implementation of training and non-training solutions targeted at leadership development and the modification of individual behavior. Marcey contributed to VisionPoint's best-selling program, Peer Today, Boss Tomorrow™.

Michele Matt, founder of Inspiring Solutions, has positively influenced the attitudes and actions of more than 50,000 people across the nation. Michele's drive to inspire people with practical solutions for positive change led VisionPoint to partner with her in 2000 for the creation of the best-selling video training program, Bad Apples™.

Rita Risser, author of the book Stay Out of Court! The Manager's Guide to Preventing Employee Lawsuits, has been an attorney since 1979. Rita was the primary contributor to VisionPoint's most recent and top-selling harassment-prevention training program, The Right Side of the Line.

Stan Slap, president of the consulting company, slap, is a keynote speaker around the world for major event presentations by Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies. VisionPoint’s training program, Bury My Heart at Conference Room B™, features Slap in action.

Stewart Levine, or "empowerment guru," is founder of Resolution Works, a consulting and training organization dedicated to providing skills and ways of thinking people will need to thrive in the next millennium. VisionPoint and Levine teamed up in 2002 to create the best-selling training program Everybody Wins.

Ted Williams, J.D. is co-principal of The Williams Group, a Des Moines-based full service human resources management consulting and training firm. With his law degree and years of executive-level human resource experience, Ted has been a major contributor to the material and success of VisionPoint's Legal Briefs™ Series, Be S.A.F.E. (Not Sorry)™, and It's Not Just About Sex Anymore™.

As Vice President and Corporate Curator of Animal Training for Busch Entertainment Corporation, Thad Lacinak directs animal training and enrichment efforts at SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, Busch Gardens Tampa and Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Lacinak, colleague Chuck Thompkins, Ken Blanchard and VisionPoint teamed up in 2002 to make Lacinak's philosophy into a best-selling and highly successful training program, known as Whale Done!™.

Todd McDonald, PHR, is President of ATW Training & Consulting, Inc., in Des Moines, Iowa. McDonald works with individuals and organizations on an international basis to develop their human potential. In 2001, McDonald partnered with VisionPoint to turn his book, "I Wish My Manager Would Just…" into a popular training program.

Tony Jeary, also know as Mr. Presentation™, is the leading authority on Presentation Mastery. As CEO of Tony Jeary High Performance Resources, Inc., he serves as personal coach to CEOs and presidents at such companies as Ford Motor Company, Texaco, Shell, Wal-Mart and New York Life. Tony partnered with VisionPoint in 2004 to produce a highly successful communication skills program, Life IS a Series of Presentations.

As Manager Member of Ethics & Compliance Strategies, Victoria Wesseler assists corporations in defining and developing responsible business practices in the workplace. Wesseler's knowledge combined with VisionPoint's passion has resulted in the creation of great training programs like VisionPoint's A.C.T. with Integrity™ and L.E.A.D. with Integrity.

Prior to retirement in June 2000, Austin "Augie" Groden spent over 35 years in sequential roles as Professor of Education at Wittenberg University, Director of Training and Development at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Manager of Client Services at AchieveGlobal/Zenger Miller. As an instructional designer for VisionPoint, Austin has designed materials for programs such as A.C.E. It!, The Extraordinary Leader, Once Upon a Leader™ and Fearless Facilitation!™.

Mary S. Held, president of Mary Held & Associates, LLC, is a nationally recognized human resources consultant with 20 years of management and organizational development experience in both large and small private and public sector organizations. Mary has partnered with VisionPoint for nearly four years to write materials for programs such as The Right Side of the Line, Peer Today, Boss Tomorrow™, TrainingBytes™ and several custom projects.

Maureen Caughran, president of Caughran Associates, LLC, is a nationally recognized management trainer, course developer, and consultant with over 20 years experience working with groups at all levels in both private and public sector organizations. She has over five years experience doing diversity workshops using the M.E.E.T. video series. Maureen has partnered with VisionPoint to write materials for the new Generations: M.E.E.T. for Respect in the Workplace video program.

Brenda Descamps currently serves as the Program Developer of the Training Resource Group at Ozark Technical College, Missouri, where she is responsible for the development and delivery of training programs for business and industry throughout southwest Missouri. As a VisionPoint Master Trainer, Brenda brings 15 years of experience in facilitation and working with teams to provide training in the areas of Leadership Development and Personal Performance.

Carl D. Moore, Esq., CEO of The Associates, LLC in Orleans, Virginia, is an employment law attorney specializing in EEO, Diversity, Dispute Resolution and Supervisory and Leadership Skills training and development. Carl has partnered with VisionPoint for two years to help them train companies across the nation on topics such as Diversity, Management and Supervisory Skills, and Leadership.

Dan Bialas is good at helping organizations realize their potential. A proprietor of Professional Systems Assurance, Director of the Customer Service Institute, and an Instructor at Muskegon Community College in Michigan, Dan's involvement in continuing education, customer service, and management keeps him abreast of the latest trends and current topics facing the business world. As a VisionPoint Master Trainer, Dan's strengths lie in training on the topics of Customer Service, Leadership and Teamwork.

As Executive Director of the Center For Workforce Development at Marion Technical College, Ohio, Jay is responsible for all of the services provided to business and industry. A veteran of 28 years of educational experience, he has taught at the secondary school level, the college level, and through his own consulting business facilitates planning sessions and presents seminars regularly. Jay has partnered with VisionPoint to train in the areas of Leadership Development, Teamwork, and Personal Performance.

Kevin J. Pokorny, Consultant and owner of Pokorny Consulting in Des Moines, Iowa, brings 28 years of expertise to the VisionPoint team in delivering training on such topics as employment law, sexual harassment, respect in the workplace, behavioral-based interviewing, emotional intelligence, teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership. Kevin also serves as a conference speaker, workshop presenter, meeting and project facilitator, facilitator of management team retreats, and a management coach.

Mitch Plott is founder of the Almaden Consulting Group in San Jose, California, where he is responsible for the design and delivery of organizational development, change management and training programs for business and industry throughout the US. With his 20 years of experience in facilitation, training and teaching, Mitch has partnered with VisionPoint to provide successful training in the areas of Leadership Development and Personal Performance.

Paul Kostreski is the CEO and President of Consulting TecKnowledgies in Fredrick, Maryland, a management education, performance improvement, wireless and business consulting company. VisionPoint first partnered with Paul two years ago to deliver training on VisionPoint's Leadership Development programs. With over 20 years of diverse experience in management, Paul's expertise includes business consulting, development, leadership, management, marketing, planning, sales, technology development and training.

Steven Welland is owner and senior consultant for Strategic Development Institute in Champaign, Illinois. As a trainer and facilitator, Steven inspires individuals, as well as organizations, to reach their full potential; to drive themselves to their unique differences; and to operate consistently at their optimal level of performance. VisionPoint has partnered with Steve to provide experienced training in the areas of Leadership, Customer Service, and Team Development.

Bridget Penick, Attorney at Law, Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen, P.C., practices primarily in labor and employment law. Bridget has provides legal content and review for VisionPoint's ethics and compliance products, serves on the legal review team for compliance-related custom projects, and writes legal articles for the Straight to the Point ethics and compliance newsletter. As an attorney Bridget represents employers of all size in all aspects of employment law, including drafting employee handbooks and policies; counseling on disciplinary issues; responding to charges of discrimination and unemployment claims; defending employers in all levels of litigation, from unemployment compensation claims to federal appellate cases.

Jill Jensen-Welch, Attorney at Law, Dickinson Mackaman Tyler & Hagen, P.C., practices primarily in employment law. Jill provides legal content and review for VisionPoint's ethics and compliance products, serves on the legal review team for compliance-related custom projects, and writes legal articles for the Straight to the Point ethics and compliance newsletter. In her own work, Jill is involved in a variety of litigation matters and counsels employers regarding discipline, termination, reasonable accommodations, leave, employment contracts, handbooks and policies, and training programs.

Joe Trueblood is a dynamic, strategic leader with proven ability to conceptualize, develop and implement changes in processes and structure. He has leveraged individual and team development to bring about increased revenue and profits for organizations in both Domestic and International business arenas. Joe is recognized in his field for cultivating positive relationships and strategic alliances. Joe has more than 20 years experience in education, sales, sales management and training and development. He currently resides with his family in Dallas, TX. Joe is working with VisionPoint on strategic planning and accelerating sales growth.

Lisa Fagan is a consummate sales professional with a successful track record as both an individual sales contributor and sales leader. Lisa's practical experience inspires a higher performance of the sales professionals she has coached and directly managed. As the head of Global Accounts team, Lisa designed and managed learning and development initiatives involving translation, cultural adaptation and implementation within multiple countries around the world. She is a graduate of Florida Southern College and resides with her family in Tampa, FL. Lisa is serving as VisionPoint's sales and marketing vice president, helping to expand market reach and grow the business.

Richard (Rich) Layton is Principal and Creative Director of TransForm Communications, a results-focused, strategic marketing consultancy in Portland, Oregon. He began working with VisionPoint in January of 2004 to redefine the company's communication strategy, which then led to the rebranding of the company’s identity, image and voice. Rich continues to help VisionPoint with internal and client projects requiring communication expertise.