ABOUT US
The Summit Continuity Program differs from traditional Exit Planning or as Summit Company prefers to call it Succession Planning (offered through a separate program). Succession Planning is a process for preparing the organization to transition to perhaps the next generation or perhaps to sell the organization after certain criteria are met such as annual revenue. Succession Plans involves the Key Officer and/or Key Team Members working with the Summit Management Advisor to develop a road map for the organization, which includes Strategic Planning, Organizational Develop, and Building Value to prepare a transferable organization. The Summit Continuity Program helps the organizations senior management to collect critical data regarding the present operations in such a way that should the unforeseen happen either a Summit Executive Manager will step into the key operational position or someone hired or promoted as directed by the co-owners or Board. Key elements of the Continuity Program are discussed
Curt Henry
Curt is a seasoned business executive with seven years general management experience and over 20 years in domestic and international marketing and sales. In 2000, Curt was chosen to lead the turnaround of a local manufacturing company with struggling product lines. Over the next six years, Curt and his team increased revenues from $9.3 to $16.2 million, improved both profit margins and cashflow significantly, and increased both productivity and product quality. Curt’s leadership resulted in improved employee morale and a significant reduction in personnel turnover.
Curt and his wife, Linda, have been married for 37 years. They have three adult children; Scott, Mark, and Lauren. Living in Greeneville, Tennessee, Curt has been Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America, Board Member of Hands on Museum, Board Member of Kiwanis, President of the board for The Capitol Theatre of Greeneville, and a Deacon at his local church.
A graduate of Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a Master of Science in Business Administration and Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Curt is passionate about helping local business leaders improve their business results, generate more jobs for the community, and regain balance in their lives.
After 30 years of increasing contributions in publicly held businesses, Curt decided to form his own company to share his experience and knowledge with other private business leaders in the community. In May of 2007, he was awarded an ActionCOACH Business Coaching Franchise where his focus is to help like-minded business owners build their businesses, increase their contribution to the community, and achieve their full business and personal potential. In June of 2012 Curt became part of the Summit Companies joining a team of executive consultants helping businesses in a variety of fields.
Hans Kinner
Highly motivated professional with years of experience in business management, procurement/supply chain, contract development and negotiations, cost avoidance and reduction strategies, Six Sigma Black Belt with P&L responsibility of $500M + and procurement spend of $1B+. Strong strategic planner, problem solver and persuasive leader. Committed to seamlessly managing projects which consistently deliver desired results and contribute to cost savings, earnings and revenue growth. Recognized for consistent success in utilizing focused and timely processes to streamline corporate operations and enhance profit performance.
CORE COMPETENCIES: Collaborative / Innovative Leadership, Global Procurement / Sourcing, Strategic Planning / Execution, Business Management / P&L Responsibilities, Project / Team Lead & Facilitation, Risk Management / Assessment, Budget Planning / Forecasting, Change Leader, Operations Management / Logistics, Mergers / Acquisitions Integration, Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt
Roger Leonard
Roger is a senior advisor to England and Company on projects in the electrical apparatus and utility distribution automation markets. Formerly he was a part time senior instructor at King College for five years where he taught Corporate Finance and Operations Management as well as president and chief operating officer for Electro-Mechanical Corporation, which serves the North American electric utility, mining and construction industries with engineered to order switchgear and dry-type transformer solutions. He is chair of the board of directors for the Wellmont Health System, where he formerly chaired the investment committee and audit and compliance committees. Additionally, he is a past member of the board of directors for the Holston Conference Foundation of the United Methodist Church and has previously chaired its audit committee.
He is past chair of the United Way of Bristol, Crossroads Medical Mission, the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees and Foundation and the Hands On! Regional Children’s Museum. He holds a BS in Operations Management from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest University, a Master of Theological Studies from Duke University and completed Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development.
John Vann
John comes to Summit with over 30 years of experience in business. In 1990, John co-founded Clinical Trial Management Services, Inc. (CTMS) a contract research organization in Bristol, Tennessee, serving as its CEO from 2000-2007. In 2007, CTMS became part of Chiltern, a UK-based CRO, where John served as Executive Vice President for the Americas from 2007 to 2009, responsible for growing and managing the company’s North American presence and also for establishing operations in Argentina and Brazil. From 2009 2011, John served as EVP for Corporate Development, responsible globally for continuing growth and development efforts through strategic relationships and acquisitions,while also overseeing Marketing and Business Development for the $150 million operation.
John holds a BA in Economics from Wake Forest University, where he serves on the University’s Board of Trustees, the College Board of Visitors, and the Advisory Board of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Locally, John is involved on the boards of Citizens Bank, United Way of Bristol, Healing Hands Health Center, Bristol Regional Medical Center, and The Paramount Chamber Players. John also is an Elder of First Presbyterian Church in Bristol, where he is active on the Evangelism and Outreach committee.
John is married to Karen Ottenfeld Vann. They have four children and eight grandchildren.
Eric Fields
Eric brings many years of experience working with businesses and not-for-profit organizations to Summit. After working in cost accounting for a manufacturing company throughout college, Eric began his career after graduation in commercial risk management. In 2005, Eric became a Certified Public Accountant and soon after founded the Summit Companies. In addition to working with a wide range of clients at Summit, from start-up companies to municipalities and large corporations, Eric also joined in the faculty of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors in 2008. Since then, Eric has lectured to over a thousand agency managers and risk management professionals across the country. Eric’s professional focus is on assisting organizations with designing and implementing strategic plans both at the organizational and divisional levels.
Eric has a B.A. in Business and Economics from King College, graduating Summa Cum Laude with concentrations in Accounting, Economics and Finance, and International Business and earned his Master’s Degree with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. In addition to being a licensed Certified Public Accountant, Eric has also received his Charter Global Management Accountant, Senior Professional of Human Resources, Certified Risk Manager, Certified Insurance Counselor, Contractor’s Risk and Insurance Specialist, Chartered Work Comp Executive, Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding, Accredited Advisor in Insurance, and Certified Quickbooks Advisor designations.
Eric lives in Bristol with his wife Anita. Locally, Eric has served on the Boards of the Bristol Family YMCA, Bristol United Way, Healing Hands Health Center, and Bristol Rotary club, is a past president of the State of Franklin Track Club, the Bristol Rotary Club and is Executive Director of the Haitian Support Alliance. He also sits on the President’s Roundtable and the Alumni Council at King College. Eric received his Master’s of Arts in Religion from Liberty Theological Seminary and serves as an elder at Grace Bible Church. Eric and Anita are also active in missions to Haiti and nursing home ministry, and enjoy backpacking, running and travel.