I started my career as a corporate speechwriter.
Then, for thirty-one years, I was a self-employed consultant. I coached accountants, Fortune 500 senior executives, and consulting firms to present and win in competitive pitches or to deliver major addresses at national meetings. I eventually specialized in rehearsing entrepreneurs for funding presentations. Occasionally I invested in the start-ups that I coached.
I teach the presentation workshop for SCORE Chicago.
I have written two books on the skills and tactics needed to deliver persuasive presentations. The latest is Visual Selling: Capture the Eye and the Customer Will Follow, John Wiley & Son Publisher.
I am a serial entrepreneur and hold two patents. My success in presentation consulting allowed me to start five other ventures. I still run two of these companies.
Seven years ago, I joined Chicago's Heartland Angels to continue investing in start-ups and to coach entrepreneurs to enhance their presentations. I strongly believe that founders can dramatically increase their odds for funding if they communicate their pitches creatively and persuasively.