I have been a part of growth companies, strategic and business planning all my career, including one start up and one VC funded so understand the issues confronting new business owners. I have also sold 4 companies and bought 30 businesses so I know M&A well. My last role was CEO of a global consumer products company across 5 continents with 1,100 team members so I know how to scale and run larger businesses but my real passion is growing a great idea or innovation organically. It is all about people first, with great products that solve problems and customers who appreciate them all built around efficient/lean business processes. Never forget the importance of differentiation via service, quality, technology delivery and product innovation. In addition to being a SCORE mentor, I am also on the Board of Junior Achievement and teach young Entrepreneurs on financial literacy and how to start and run a successful business.