EDUCATION: University of Miami with a chemistry degree. Les worked as a schoolteacher out of college in 1966. He then joined the United States Air Force completing pilot training, serving five years as a pilot in North America and Southeast Asia. After serving his tour of duty in the service, he went to work as an airline pilot in January 1971. Within two months, he began looking for something to fill up his large amounts of spare time. EXPERIENCE: Had own remodeling company for 15 years. In July 1971, he entered the industry by starting a small remodeling company. By 1976, the company was the largest remodeler in the area, employing approximately 35 people. In 1978, the company entered the COTY Awards Competition and won Commercial Contractor of the Year. They went on to win 14 more COTY Awards totaling 15 over the next 7 years. As a result, he was able to start a local NARI Chapter, serving as its first president. At the same time, he became involved at the national level of NARI and started working on the education committee. He was involved in developing the CR & CCR programs and the Convention Seminar Programs. In 1978, Les pioneered the idea of getting together with other remodelers from non-competitive areas around the United States and was the first host of the group. That group began with Les' company and five other companies. EXPERTISE: Numbers, software’s that work for construction companies JPP/POI trainer, competent in all phases of business. Has been a facilitator for 25 years—was the original BN facilitator, and mastermind of the idea.

Owner of a construction business since 1979, Gene has a BS in business management and an MS in industrial relations. He is a retired Navy Commander and past president of Utah HBA and Greater Salt Lake HBA.

After college years as a history major, Jim had a change of interest and began his career in construction as an apprentice cabinet-maker for a large remodeling company in San Francisco. After a tour of duty in Korea, Jim was offered a management position for Sears Roebuck & Co. Various promotions led to operating positions including Northern California Installation Manager, with 225 subs and 80 office staff and then as a Home Improvement Product Development Specialist. After twenty-one years, Jim took an early retirement to venture into the remodeling industry. He worked at two sales manager positions for private firms before opening his own design/build company. J. Fisher Construction, a custom remodeling company with showroom, was listed among the top 50 remodeling firms by Remodeling Magazine. His firm also had placed within the top 500 companies in Qualified Remodeling Magazine for seven years. In 2002, Kasmar Publications ‘KITCHENS By Professional Designers’ featured one of Jim’s kitchens. Teaching, writing and speaking on construction industry topics for NAHB, NARI and NKBA have taken Jim to different parts of the country. Jim most recently has authored a book, ‘Cash Out, Don’t Walk Out’, a step-by-step discussion how to prepare your business for sale Following his own advice, Jim sold his business in 2005. Jim’s wife Ginny, who accompanies him to Business Network meetings, has had an interesting background prior to working in their construction business from owning and managing her own business, to working for city government as administrative assistant to the Chief of Police in their home town. Ginny was very active in J. Fisher Construction handling major marketing activities, HR responsibilities and accounting systems for the company.

Les, a former owner of a construction company, was himself a member of the very first Network. He began facilitating in 1980 and developed the unique process of Peer Network Review.

Diane graduated from the University of Wyoming, and worked in education for 34 years. During part of that time, Diane worked as the bookkeeper at Business Networks, and she is now involved in special projects.

A native Oregonian, has worked part time for Business Networks for 2 years assisting hosts and members with the meeting process and helping coordinate special events. She lives in Springfield with her husband and three small children.

Diana moved to Oregon from Alaska in 1995 after leaving a family business where she kept the books. She has been with Business Networks since 1998 and has used her bookkeeping expertise to maintain and even improve the accounting systems. Diana is a valuable asset to the BN team.

Larry has more than 20 years of experience as a remodeling specialty contractor and extensive experience in database software. He helps clients use ACT! and the Business Networks web site. He works with clients on their numbers for the purpose of compiling industry charts and reports.