Larry Führer

for a complete profile . . .

Twenty-Five Years Creating and Leading One Firm

    In economic development circles, it's often said that it is serendipity when academic research gives rise to a successful business venture. Using that criteria the research for my first master's program proved to be serendipity.

    The findings led to the creation of a from to assist private college presidents and trustees. Teams of senior professionals proved that a well-defined, client service plan linked to sound research and analysis could make a difference.

    When a firm succeeds at a private college, trustee notice. Those that observed the work of the fledgling company asked to have the client service concept and service model applied other organizations that interested them-- businesses, major corporations, international projects, special purpose organizations and government. The rest, as they say, is history.  Here's a slice. . .

Chairman, Presidential Services Ltd. (1966 to 1991)

    A private investment banking and management services firm which provided assistance through Presidential Services^® and The President's Counsel^® to small and medium-sized businesses, private liberal arts colleges, small cities, special purpose organizations, denominations and churches, commissions and government officials with organizational design and implementation, strategic planning, business development, problem solving, management, fund raising and public relations and financial programs.  

    (In 1991, management acquired the rights to continue the corporation while affording me the opportunity to create a non-profit firm that retained the name, intellectual property, client files and data. The new firm also retained equal access to the proprietary resources of the firm. This repositioning freed me to pursue projects of personal interest that did not fit the commercial firm's operating and profit objectives.)

    The firm consisted of three separate divisions that served owners, boards, trustees and CEOs. These divisions provided (a) continuing management services (The President's Counsel^©), (b) transaction, project and problem resolution, private investment banking, and (c) creation and management of owned and operated businesses. The created businesses fit niches in the marketplace. Each presented a special opportunity--some continue today and others ran their course.

The key business created included:

The Centre Capital Group Inc. (CCG) (1980-1985) an investment group, which grew from sales of $375,000 to $1.7 Million in a year and a half through aggressive business development.

The Executive Communications Centre Ltd. (a CCG Co.) (1981-) owned and managed a communications group, as well as a film and video production center, in Rockford, IL. The business grew from $250,000 to $1.5 Million of revenue in 15 months. The firm assumed its original name, Rockford Equities Ltd., in 1991 and continues the private investment business.

Rockford Productions Inc. (a CCG Co.) (1981-1984) A film and video production company which specialized in services to corporations, institutions and agencies. Broadcast standards applied on all production. TV series like "Sports Afield TV Magazine" and The Coors Western Outdoorsman," two TV movies, two social documentaries, a five-part physical fitness series and commercials for True Value Hardware^® were produced or edited by the company's staff.

Quadrus Media Ministry, Inc. (a CCG Co.) Quadrus specialized in film and video production and distribution of these products, to churches and schools. Quadrus produced documentaries, and topical films and video on music, youth, children and family topics. Quadrus produced 11 low-budget productions at a combined cost of over $1 Million. CCG sold its interest to management in 1985.

The Financial Services Group Ltd. (1973-1986) invested in and supported entrepreneurs moving from the start-up phase in their business to the growth phase. Special emphasis rested with black businesses. Transactions over 10 years exceeded $237 Million with supporting financings in excess of $450 Million. Businesses included banks, savings and loan associations, distributors, manufacturers, retail, financial services, TV production, radio and TV broadcasting.

The Equity Realty Group Ltd. (a CCG Co.) (1972-1984) The firm served real estate investors and corporations. It also created and tested a "municipal" model for condominium community management. Over 1,000 units were managed and a title insurance firm acquired the model and contract rights in 1984.

Family Programming Inc. (1985- ) exploits the value of research data and experience gained while serving small market, public and suburban radio station owners. The firm acquires under-performing, small-market radio stations, principally in the Midwest. It is also developed a management, programming and sales approach for other small market radio stations-- Hometown Radio Network^©.

The Craftsmen's Clearing House, (1979-1981: a pilot project) a service team provided physical property services to condominium associations and individual owners. Using methods proven by firms such as Sears and Wards, the service team carefully specified maintenance, repairs and improvements. Then, it secured bids, contracts and managed the projects through to completion.

Chicago Women's Sports Ltd. (1984-85) was organized to sponsor, own and manage a Women's American Basketball Association pro basketball team -- The Spirit of Chicago. The league lasted one year due to poor management in the league office and by the commissioner.

The Financial Services Centre Ltd. (1983- ) an investment company currently exploring business opportunities in The Czech Republic and other Eastern European countries.

Chicago Sports Productions Limited, (1981- )radio and television sports production with experience in basketball (CBA & WABA) and Tennis (Domino's TeamTennis).

The Marketing Centre,(1989- )created market research, marketing plans and programs in support of Midwestern manufacturing and service firms.

Corporate Development, The Lady D Group, Inc. (1987-93) a housewares manufacturing firm in Rochelle, IL.

This firm, owned by a Dutch national, started as an idea (1984), outgrew its capital and required recapitalization (1987) through the sale of a patented product to a national firm. In 1991, the investor had the opportunity to exchange a cash-value contract to reacquire the product and two others. That exchange resulted in a new company, in Illinois, manufacturing housewares with a consolidated book value of over $3 Million and economic development financing of over $1.1 Million.

Chairman, Mt. Vernon Properties, Inc. (1990-91)

A development firm, organized to develop a 63 acre tract of land within the Enterprise Zone in Mt. Vernon, IL. Direct responsibilities included site and building planning, market research, financial planning, feasibility analysis and capital formation. The 256 condominium units provided new-home choices for young families, executives, professionals and empty-nesters. The planned project--$25 million--was the largest to be built in Southern Illinois.

Joint Venture Partner, INEX Trading Company Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), (1987-1989)a Far Eastern trading company that imported products suitable for the American market.

Director, Gamel Broadcasting Inc., WFXW, Geneva, IL., (1985-1988) that owned a suburban, small-market, AM radio station. The project provided data to create a management model for small market management and radio ownership.

President, Killian Associates Inc., (1973-1975) during this period new offices opened in Los Angeles and Phoenix and management intensified research into acquisition, merger and financing activities. More than 20 transactions, mostly middle market firms, were completed totaling $305 Million in transaction value. The firm was acquired by CCG.

EMPLOYEE ASSIGNMENTS

Executive Assistant to the President, The Robert Johnston Corporation (1968-1969) Los Angeles, Chicago and NYC. The Robert Johnston Corporation became a national firm by reorganizing the West Coast company, opening and expanding in the Midwest and acquiring another major institutional consulting firm. The company increased its fee income from $.5 Million to $2.5 Million through internal growth, in one year. This management role encompassed reorganization, acquisition, staff development and administering operations in Geneva (Switzerland), New York, Chicago and Los Angeles by a professional staff of more than 30 and direct client services.

Associate Director of Development, Illinois Institute of Technology (1967-1968 ) (Offered Vice Presidency in 1968.) (IIT) (Chicago, IL) Managed the Development Department during the $25 Million "Investment In Tomorrow Campaign" which resulted in $32.5 Million being raised. Responsibilities included organizing and soliciting gifts from 22,000 alumni throughout the U.S., managing a staff of 15, assisting with University development and provided staff support for IIT's trustees.

Director, National Alumni Campaign, IIT, (1966-1967) Directed alumni fund raising in 68 United States cities while assisting Trustee Chairman, Robert Pritzker.

Assistant to President for Public Relations & Fund Raising, Youth for Christ International, (1965-66)(Wheaton, IL) (Appointed Vice President/Development 1966.) A special assignment to design and organize a public relations and development program for this multi-national organization of autonomous programs. Planning took nine months and formed the basis for the next five years' development at YFCI.

Publications Manager, "Campus Life" Magazine (1962-1965) (YFCI) During these years, circulation doubled, advertising tripled and the magazine became viable. Today, it remains as the only national periodical catering to the life development interests of both male and female, adolescent readers.

Member, Editorial Board, "Campus Life Magazine" (1966-1970)

Director of Development, Youth for Christ in Marion, IN, (1962) In three months raised funds equal to three years' operations, increased staff and services.

Executive Club Director, Youth for Christ in Miami, FL, (1961-1962) A three-year, campus-development program, designed in the fall of 1961 and scheduled for completion in 1964, was accomplished in seven months. Sufficient leadership had been trained to complete the organization of a campus program for every public and private high school in Miami and Dade County. Also, served as youth advisor to Miami Mayor Robert King High and religion editors Adon Taft and Louise Leyden.

 SERVING AS A VOLUNTEER

Pathfinder Bible Studies^® (1988- ) a continuing, inductive Bible study to assist adult Christians with their mastery and life application of the Bible. Pathfinder' studies include book studies, topical studies ( using the text of the New International Version (NIV) and Revised Common Lectionary Studies (1997) using the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Board of Directors,The Urban Ministry San Marcos. (1997- 1998) An inter-cultural youth program on Chicago's near north side (Humbolt Park). Helped establish the transition from the founder to a new Executive Director. Secured first major foundation grants.

Vice Chairman, Co-Founder, The Dakota Partnership. (1989-1995) a private initiative to work with Dakota Indian communities and the Dakota Presbytery (Presbyterian Church (USA)) and Dakota Association (UCC) assisting tribal councils, schools, churches and leaders in community development, leadership training, capital formation, public radio, education, youth and family assistance.

Board of Directors, DuPage Prevention Partnership, (1993)

Chairman, Co-Founder, The Naperville Conference^® a non-profit, grass roots initiative to benefit the families and youth of Naperville through organizational collaboration, a forum for community issues & action, community research, fund raising and advocacy.

President, International Christian Broadcasters, (1990-1995 ) a non-profit Illinois corporation, Director (1989-1995 ) ICB has developed a low power FM radio station and installed it in over 20 South and Central American communities. These stations serve as an extension of a country's cultural ministry. A native manager programs the station to meet the personal, spiritual, cultural and local informational needs of a community. ICB's primary interest lies in presenting the Gospel and strengthening the spiritual fabric of each community.

Founding Chairman, Illinois Association of Corridor Councils, (1989-90) The statewide organization created to increase the effectiveness of the 22 Corridors of Opportunity created by Governor James Thompson in 1986 to stimulate private, regional economic development initiatives.

Chairman, Illinois Research & Development Corridor Council, (1988-1989) The Corridors of Opportunity program, a community and economic development program, created by Governor James Thompson in 1986. The IRDC serves DuPage, Kane, DeKalb and Kendall Counties along I-88, the East/West Tollway in Illinois.

Member, Community Task Force for Economic Development, Business and Professional Institute, College of DuPage, (1988-1989)

Member, Mission & Stewardship Committee,(1990-1995) Member, Congregational Mission Planning and Strategy Council (1993-1995)Presbytery of Chicago, Presbyterian Church (USA)

Chairman, The Washington Conference, (1980) A one-year series of fact-finding conferences, staged across the United States, that ended in a seven-day conference in Washington, D.C. The conference combined national leaders, major city leaders and collegians in an examination of city issues and the programs and roles for young adults in American cities.

Trustee and Secretary, The Forward Planning Commission Taylor University, (1972-73)

President, Taylor University Alumni Council (1971-1972); Council Member, 69-72.

Associate, Taylor University, (1968-1972); Chairman, (1969-1970.)

Chairman, West Suburban Swim Conference (1976-82) U.S. Swimming Official

As a Youthful Entrepreneur

Taylor University, member of college student recruitment and college promotion staff an Varsity Quartet (paid position 1957-58); Director of the student recreational project; news editor, "The Echo."

Served YFC as Executive Director in Kokomo, IN 1961; Executive Club Director in Marion, IN (1959-1960); Club Director in Marion, IN (1958.)

Sportscaster, WMRI Radio, Marion, IN 1958-61

Delegate and speaker, World Congresses of Youth Mexico ('59), Great Britain, ('60.)

Traveled nationally as youth speaker and bass/baritone soloist, (1958-1963.)

College tuition, expenses and extensive travel funded by reorganizing an acquired print shop, collecting overdue accounts (minimum $1,000), serving as a project manager for quality control with A. D. Delegrange Construction in Ft. Wayne and operating a laundry and dry cleaning service at three college.

From age 13 until 17, managed a 1037 acre farm operation of owned and leased land in Northern Indiana, at 16, sold farm equipment (over $250,000 in 1956) and at 17, sold insurance (over $970,000 in 1957).