Running a business is different from advising one.
For more than 30 years, I've run companies. I've started them with my own capital, built a new region from its first employee, and led a national homebuilding franchisor to $774M in annual systemwide sales. Today I work with a select number of owners, CEOs and senior executives, and bring my experience to the challenges they're facing now. I'm based in Colorado Springs and work with clients here in Colorado and across the country.
The view is different when you've been in the seat.
There's a difference between advising from the outside and carrying the responsibility yourself. I've held nearly every seat at the table, over more than 30 years.
- Co-CEO of The Challenger Group, a top-50 U.S. homebuilder
- President and CEO of National Builder Group, a national network of owner-operated homebuilders, and a personal investor in 10 of its startup companies
- 14 years at Arthur Rutenberg Homes (now AR Homes), rising from Regional VP to President of the Southern Group, COO, and CEO. Led its rebrand to AR Homes, and grew systemwide sales to $774M
- Co-founder of Paragon Homes of Charlotte, AR's first franchise in North Carolina
- Partner at Weitzer Communities for nine years, with successful developments including Las Brisas and Artesa in Palm Beach County
- VP of Sales and Marketing at Weitzer Homebuilders, and named Marketing Director of the Year by the Builders Association of South Florida
- Six years with Dryclean USA, rising to Director of Marketing for the U.S. holding company of Johnson Cleaners PLC, then the world's largest drycleaning company. Led national marketing and domestic and international franchise marketing, and was named Marketer of the Year by the American Marketing Association's Miami chapter
I've worked my way up from VP to President, COO and CEO, and I've hired and developed leaders who made the same climb.
I came up through sales and marketing, and I've stayed close to both in every role since. It's where I see many companies fall furthest short of their potential, and it's usually very fixable.
Each role looks different from the inside. Having held each one, I can usually see what a leader is really up against, and help them think through what it will take to solve it.
See the results →
He helped me understand, refine, and master the many facets of the sales and development process. Twenty-one years, 23 projects, and more than 5,000 units later, I consider Jim one of the most influential people in my professional journey.
Coaching isn't new to me. It's how I've always led.
When people who worked for me describe how I lead, they use words like coach, mentor, and advocate. Developing people has always been the most rewarding and memorable part of the job, and advisory and coaching work let me do it full time.
As a coach, my job isn't to have all the answers. It's to ask the right questions and help you reach your own decisions. When a client wants more direct advice or hands-on help, I'll give that too.
I've been fortunate as an entrepreneur and leader, so I limit the number of clients I work with and only take on clients I believe I can genuinely help.
I've always played to win. Now I help other leaders win.
Executive coaching →What sets Jim apart is how he builds and motivates teams, especially under pressure. He coaches people through adversity rather than around it.
Jim was willing to push me when my work or leadership didn't meet his expectations, but he did it in a way that motivated me rather than discouraged me.
He is a very proven player in the homebuilding industry and an exceptional team builder and manager of people.
Recognition
Outside the office
When I'm not working, I'm usually headed up a mountain, or skiing down one, with my wife, Amy. I've trekked extensively in the Himalayas, the Andes, the Rockies, and the Alps, most recently the Condoriri circuit in Bolivia, and some of our favorite miles were in Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash with our sons, Jake and Max. In winter, you'll find me skiing in Colorado or the Alps. I'm also an avid reader who enjoys a good glass of wine.
If your company is facing something I've seen before, let's talk.
A first conversation is a candid discussion about your business and whether I can help. If I'm not the right fit, I'll tell you.