About

Steve helps organizations find new answers to old questions. His most requested program is “Making Thunder.” Thunder comes from lightning and lightning is sparked by ideas. In this economic environment, you need lots of new ideas to succeed. Steve provides a solid foundation and easy to use tools that help all stakeholders come up with ideas that can positively impact the future.

Historically, Steve’s technical background started by writing his first program at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1965. He was hooked. Over the years, he has been involved in projects related to integrating business and technology. He has learned that no matter how much technology you apply, you must solve real business problems to succeed.

Steve is widely published and recognized in industry. He has authored or coauthored 7 books, over 800 articles and has made over 300 presentations to business and association audiences. Steve is a member of the faculty of the Saint Louis University Graduate School of Business, The University of Industrial Distribution, and the Manufacturers’ Representatives Education Research Foundation Certification Program at Arizona State University.

In 1976, Steve started his own business, The User Group, Inc. The name reflected his belief that the end user was the most important element in a computer system. He started the Independent Computer Consultants Association, was a founding member of the EDI Coalition of Associations and he is responsible for the creation of the Distribution Solutions Council.

In 1991, he started publishing the Distribution Software Guide. The 20th annual edition will be available in January 2010 online at www.software4distributors.com. Over 15,000 businesses subscribe to the guide.

In 1994, Steve’s consulting firm merged with Brown Smith Wallace, a business and financial advisory firm. Today, they have over 200 employees in 3 offices. The firm works nationwide from their headquarters in St. Louis MO. More information is available at www.bswllc.com.

As a professional presenter, Steve was awarded the Certified Speaking Professional designation in 2000 from the National Speakers Association.

In May of 2007, Steve received a Master’s of Science degree from the Purdue University School of Technology. That fall, he was appointed Innovator in Residence at Saint Louis University.

Steve’s latest project is working to establish an Innovation Center in St. Louis. The goal will be to reach out to the business community and provide assistance to organizations that need to find new ways to accomplish tasks or goals.