The Corporate Playbook - Our Winning Team

The Corporate Playbook - From the Locker Room to the Board Room

About Us

The Corporate Playbook Team

Chad Smith
Chief Executive Officer

Chad Smith currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Louisville, KY.

Over the last decade, Chad's experience has included his latest role as Senior Vice President for JobPlex/DHR International, the 5th largest executive recruiting firm internationally. Chad specialized in sales and media recruiting and corporate business development while partnering with directors in over 40 states nationwide.

Prior to joining JobPlex/DHR International, Chad was a Regional Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, Corporate Trainer, and a leading Senior Account executive at Yellow Book, USA, and TransWestern Publishing, both advertising companies that focused on print and online advertising. Chad was responsible for developing offices in several different states and worked with executives from a variety of fields to help create positive business solutions. Chad managed all sales and business development functions, including new product rollouts, key account management, customer relationship development, and contract negotiations. He provided cross-functional team training, coaching, and mentoring to a direct network of sales managers and account executives located throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Chad worked with regional offices throughout the country to develop new training techniques in order to improve the value of the training structure throughout the organization and was heavily involved with the recruiting process for TransWestern Publishing and Yellow Book, USA.

Chad's experience also includes, working for Boss Advertising based out of Detroit, MI where he promoted the professional sports teams in the Detroit area as a sports marketing professional.

Chad received his BA in Business Administration / Marketing from Rochester College in Rochester Hills, MI. Chad was a college letterman in both football at Abilene Christian University and Texas Tech University where he was awarded the 'Wes Taphin' Top Athlete Award.

Dave Utley
Chief Technology Officer

David Utley currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Detroit, MI.

Over the last 12 years, Dave has acquired a variety of leadership, technical and design skills. In 1995, he took on his first graphic design project while working for Utley Brothers in Detroit, MI. Utley Brothers provided Dave the resources and ability to also learn web design and create a website for Heritage Business Cards, a division of Utley Brothers. After several months of learning basic html code and how to animate websites using Macromedia Flash, Dave was hooked on web development.

In early 2002, Rainey Graphic Design Group based in Detroit, MI hired Dave to head up the new web creation department as the company's Web Master. While at Rainey Graphics, Dave expanded his web skills, especially in Flash animation.

In Jan of 2004, Dave was the senior partner in creating Real Focus Media, LLC, a marketing company specializing in web development, flash animation and dynamic web content. Acting as President and Web Master for Real Focus Media, Dave was responsible for the designs, programming and animation for over 40 high-end websites for businesses throughout the Metro Detroit area. Real Focus customers range from top end jewelry shops and engineering companies to large Detroit icons such as The Detroit Beer Co and Cobo Hall.

Chad Pinkston
Chief Sales Officer

Chad Pinkston currently serves as the Chief Sales Officer of The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Louisville, KY.

Chad's experience includes his most recent position as a Client Development Specialist for LexisNexis, a leading provider of comprehensive information and business solutions to professionals in a variety of areasólegal, risk management, corporate, government, law enforcement, accounting and academic. Chad also specialized in recruiting for Fortune 500 companies and business development within the healthcare, finance, pharmaceutical and advertising/media industries as a Director of Development with JobPlex, Inc.

Prior to joining JobPlex, Chad served as a District Sales Manager, Area Sales Manager and Senior Account Executive for Yellow Book, USA and TransWestern Publishing in the directory and online advertising industry. Chad's primary focus was in the hiring, developing and mentoring of account executives throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana. In conjunction with the development of many sales forces, Chad was integral in the development of innovative training programs, key account management, new territory expansions and the formation of strategic business partnerships. Having worked on the hiring side of a sales organization for the last several years, Chad brings a tangible real world perspective to the challenges faced by today's hiring mangers.

Chad Pinkston is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a B.A. in Communications along with a concentration on Marketing/Advertising. As a football letterman at the University of Louisville, Chad was appointed to the athletic director's honor role three times, while winning back to back conference championshipsÝand competing in four Nationally televised bowl games. Chad was a recipient of the Johnny Unitas Scholar Athlete Award.

Dave Ragone
Vice President of University Relations & Development

Dave Ragone currently serves as the Vice President of University Relations & Development for The Corporate Playbook LLC, based in Louisville KY. Ragone a native of Cleveland, OH played college football at the University of Louisville. As quarterback at UofL, Ragone was named the Conference USA Player of the year three consecutive times. He led the Cardinals to back-to-back conference championships, three consecutive bowl appearances & a Liberty Bowl Championship. Ragone's exceptional leadership & play resulted in Conference USA honoring him as the "Player of the Decade". In 2003 the Houston Texans selected Ragone in the 3rd Round of the NFL draft. In 2005 Ragone led the Berlin Thunder to World Bowl XIII & was named NFL Europe's MVP. Ragone went on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals & completed his NFL career with the St. Louis Rams. During his NFL career, Ragone participated in numerous charities & outreach programs. He was a featured speaker at many high schools and colleges nationally where he led discussions on overcoming challenges & facing adversity.

Aside from his numerous athletic achievements, Ragone is an experienced media professional. He is currently Co-Host of the sports television program "The Dave & Scott Show" which airs daily focusing on regional and national sports news and updates. Ragone hold his Bachelors degree in Marketing from the University of Louisville.

As Vice President of University Relations & Development, Ragone is responsible for developing relationships with Universities, Colleges & their Student Athletes throughout the U.S. Ragone brings excellent perspective; having played football at it's highest level & successfully transitioning into life after sports. Ragone is able to leverage this experience while acting as the liaison between the career development initiatives of The Corporate Playbook & their partnership schools.

Ken Moll
Director of Alumni Relations

Ken Moll currently serves as the Vice President of Alumni relations for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Louisville, KY.

Ken has over twenty eight years of experience dealing with college athletes both as a collegiate football coach and NFL scout. He currently provides information for ESPN Scouts Inc. as a writer which deals with in season game match ups as well as evaluations of team rosters, blogs on coaches, players and a variety of topics in the National Football League.

Prior to coming to The Corporate Playbook, Ken was a regional scout for the Cleveland Browns for seven seasons, an area scout with the Jacksonville Jaguars for four years as well as two seasons with National Football scouting as a combine scout. Ken coached football at the University of Louisville for six years as well as spent nine seasons coaching at the University of Richmond. Including his duties as a linebacker coach, he also served two years as an administrative assistant to the head coach as well as one year as the assistant head coach. Ken has literally traveled to almost 90% of major colleges and Universities in the United States over his career and brings a versatile back ground in expanding The Corporate Playbook's collegiate prong of the business.

Ken played linebacker (four years) at the University of Louisville as well as a pitcher (two seasons) on the University of Louisville baseball team. He received a Bachelor of Science as well as a Masters of Educational Psychology from the University of Louisville.

Stephen F. Aylsworth
Vice President of Development for the Western U.S. Division

Stephen F. Aylsworth, based in Los Angeles, Ca., now serves as the Vice President of Development for the Western U.S. Division of The Corporate Playbook.

Steve began his career as a research associate for McDonald Investments Inc., a Century City based investment-banking firm where he focused on hospitality and Resort Management research. Steve continued on to become head equities trader at B. Riley and Co., a Los Angeles full service brokerage firm. In addition to trading, Steve was responsible for recruiting, pre-screening, and hiring institutional equity sales people for the company.

Steve also had a successful 5 year career serving as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the Western Region for JobPlex, Inc. where he lead multiple hiring projects resulting in placements of Sales, Finance, and IT professionals. While at JobPlex Inc., Steve created and lead the National Sales Recruiting Division for the company.

Steve is a key leader of the executive team for Tri-Worth Solutions as well as The Corporate Playbook and he directs a nationally based recruiting team that provides customized solutions for their clientele. Steveís project management and client driven focus has lead to over 1,000 placements throughout his career.

Steve Aylsworth graduated from Lehigh University with a B.S. in Finance. There he was awarded the scholar-athlete award three times, and was a featured student-athlete in John Feinsteinís novel 'The Last Amateurs'. In his prep career, Steve won the prestigious Los Angeles County All Sports Athlete of the Year award and continues his success providing a connection for athletes seeking new careers.

Kim Kouwabunpat
Director of Development for the Western U.S. Division

Kim Lee Kouwabunpat currently serves as the Vice President of Development for the Western U.S. Division of The Corporate Playbook based in Upland, CA.

As a Vice President of Development, Kim establishes relationships within The Playbook network between universities, athletes and top companies seeking the skills and attributes that athletes contribute to the workforce. Kim also offers an experienced viewpoint for both collegiate and professional athletes preparing for life after sports and transitioning into the workplace.

As a professional golfer, Kim competed on the Duramed Futures Tour, CN Canadian Women's Tour, Ladies Asian Golf Tour, Cactus Tour, and California Players Tour. To date, she has earned 12 top-5 finishes including 2 professional wins. Kim is currently based out of Southern California as she continues to pursue her dreams of becoming a consistent contender on the LPGA, while also spending her professional time expanding the West Coast Operations of The Corporate Playbook Network.

Kim earned a full scholarship to Stanford University to compete on the Women's Golf Team. Kim was selected twice for the All-PAC10 Conference Team and earned Most Valuable Player honors on the 2003-2004 season Stanford squad. After 4 successful years on 'The Farm', Kim graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in June 2004.

Leonard Wheeler
President of Athlete Development & Communication

Leonard T. Wheeler was born in Toccoa, GA. He played football for two years at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. He would go on to be drafted in the 3rd round from Troy State University in 1992 to the Cincinnati Bengals, where he completed 5 years; free agency landed him with the Minnesota Vikings for 1 year in. Leonard would complete his journey with the Carolina Panthers in 2001.

Leonard possesses a Business degree and minor in psychology. He began his speaking circuit in 1992, which ranges from businesses, colleges, high schools, churches, and ministries. such as, FCA, AIA, CAUSE, and even spoke on the Word Network and at the first gospel concert sanctioned by the NFL on BET. Leonard serves as a board of director for the "Youth Commission International" that reaches out to 132 cites in 32 states to better educate our youth. He is also a board member for 2XSalt ministries in Charlotte with Hall of Fame NBA greats like David Thompson and Bobby Jones. His most memorable journey is going out to the Columbine tragedy in 1999.

Leonard has completed roles in several commercials both Local and National. He has had speaking roles in the Movie "Radio" with Cuba Gooding Jr. and on the television series "One Tree Hill" on the WB. He is also a columnist for Savior Faire magazine that goes out to over 40,000 readers. Leonard serves as the President of the National Football Players Association (NFLPA) Charlotte Retired Players Chapter and was recently selected as the only retired player on the Financial Committee for the NFLPA that regulates over 500 financial advisors for the active NFL players and is now also a member of the National Steering Committee for the (NFLPA), which is the governing body for all retired NFL players. Leonard is also the President of the TNBA4athletes (The National Business Association), which is a networking event where professional athletes network with business professional in their city www.TNBA.net. The President of Player Development for the www.thecorporateplaybook.com.

His focus is now on his company Wheeler Enterprises, Inc, which helps to create opportunities for individuals and companies to truly become the change they want to see through applied Axiology. Wheeler Enterprises is a company that focuses on helping identify, maximize strengths, and create leadership qualities within our thinking through workshops and teleconferences on how produce infinite possibilities with clarity within companies and individuals. Leonard is working with National Gypsum, Davis Capital Group, Home Owners Club of America Franchise Owners, Brady Distribution, EQ Mentor, The Corporate Playbook, Premier Financial Solutions, The Stanford Group and Capital One to name a few.

He resides in Charlotte, NC with his beautiful wife Chandra and 11 year old daughter Lindsey.

Eugene Curtain
President of Diversity Programs

Eugene Curtain currently serves as the President of Diversity Programs for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Columbus, OH.

Eugene is President & CEO of Diversity Search Partners, LLC., and also leads the Firm's Integrated Services and Client Strategy efforts worldwide. Mr. Curtain is responsible for overseeing a group of offices across North America, as well as driving the Firm's state-of-the-art account management capability across all global markets and for delivering the Firm's best resources to its core clients via its proprietary product offerings. In addition, Mr. Curtain remains an active, hands-on executive recruiter. Mr. Curtain also serves as the Chairman of The Curtain Group , which holds Diversity Search Partners, Diversity Job List, Diversity Times.net, and Curtain Media. Mr. Curtain's additional relationships include recruiting consultant to HBCU Connect, the nations largest HBCU web resource and career web site for African American's. Over the course of 15 years in management, Mr. Curtain has built a world-class reputation for excellence and service delivery among consumer-oriented, marketing-driven companies around the world. Additional boards and committees include, Chair of the Minority Search Council, former Co-Chair, Political Action Committee, NAACP, Hampton, VA, Social Service Advisory Board, Hampton, VA and Delegate to the Democratic Party, State of Virginia. Formerly, Mr. Curtain served in management positions with L-3 Communications, and AT&T. Mr. Curtain is a former U.S. Army Paratrooper and Jumpmaster serving with the elite 82nd Airborne Division. Mr. Curtain has served in combat operations during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and peacekeeping missions in Europe. Mr. Curtain attended Alabama A&M University, Hampton University and University of Maryland, Europe an holds degrees in Management, Leadership and Organizational Theory, and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Mr. Curtain is named to the National Dean's List and Who's Who in Black Columbus. Mr. Curtain is a member of The Professional Tennis Registry and USTA.

Karl Mecklenburg
Director of Development

Karl Mecklenburg, a graduate from the University of Minnesota and a former Denver Bronco's captain and All-Pro, rose from being a college walk-on and a 12th round draft pick to a NFL pro career that included six Pro Bowl and three Super Bowl appearances. Considered the NFL's most versatile player, Karl played all seven defensive front positions. Bronco coaches wanted him at the point of attack and would move him throughout the game. There were many games where Mecklenburg played all 7 positions in the course of a single game. Since retiring from the NFL in 95, Karl divides his time between family, motivational speaking, charity involvements and The Corporate Playbook.

Karl has had numerous speaking engagements with church, school and civic groups. Karl has served on the board of directors for Pros With A Purpose, working with the Denver Rescue Mission to pair homeless families with community mentor-teams [volunteers]. These teams help the families to help themselves by providing budgeting, spiritual and vocational guidance as well as financial support such as apartment security deposit funds. Karl is a Trustee of Colorado Youth Outdoors. www.coloradoyo.org CYO brings high school youth and their parents together to learn about and experience traditional outdoor sports. Karl has also served as an honorary board member with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Aspen Youth Experience.

Karl is a member of the National Speakers Association and has enjoyed speaking to a variety of groups over the years, and his story is both humorous and inspirational. The lessons life in the NFL taught him about teamwork, courage, dedication, honesty and forgiveness can be applied anywhere. He has hosted radio programs, done television sideline reporting and studio work, written columns for the Denver Post and magazine articles published nationally. In 1987, he was the co-author of "Meck for The Defense", published by McGraw-Hill. In 2001 Karl was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. He also serves on the Broncos Alumni Council and has also served as an honorary board member with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Aspen Youth Experience. He has a new book coming out, "Heart of a Student Athlete" highlighting the challenges and overcoming obstacles as an athlete.

Melissa Smith
Director of Human Resources

Melissa Smith currently serves as the Director of HR and Organizational Development for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Louisville, KY.

Prior to joining The Corporate Playbook, Melissa served as the Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development for the Frazier International History Museum. As a member of the senior management team, Melissa was responsible for spearheading the full start up and development of the Human Resource Department for this museum while providing resources to over 75 employees. These resources included: benefits and payroll administration, policy and procedure development, recruiting and staffing, budgeting and organizational audits, team leadership and coaching, and development and implementation of training initiatives. Melissa was instrumental in the development of new business strategies as well as the creation of a company individual performance appraisal system. Melissa monitored and enforced personnel compliance with federal, state, and company regulations. By working closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors, Melissa also implemented organizational restructures to meet the growing needs of the organization.

Prior to joining the Frazier International History Museum, Melissa served as a Special Investigator for the U.S. Investigation Services providing protection to the United States by conducting thorough background investigations on individuals in positions of either public trust or national security.

Melissa is a member of the National Society for Human Resource Management and National Notary Association (Notary Public)

Chad Gatlin
Director of Operations/Controller

Chad Gatlin currently serves as the Director of Operations and Controller for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Dallas, TX.

Chad's primary responsibility is to analyze the operational structure and set policies to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Chad's career experience has included a broad range of public and private accounting as well as operations. Previously, he held the position as Controller of AOS, Inc. in Dallas, TX. Chad's primary functions include preparing monthly financial packages to present to mgmt/board, prepare and maintain budgets side by side with management, oversee daily accounting transactions and operations including sales tax return preparation and filing and preparing the annual tax return documentation and schedules for tax accountants. Prior to AOS, Inc., he served as Director of Operations for Caudalie U.S.A. in Dallas, TX, Controller for Laura Mercier Cosmetics/Gurwitch Products, L.L.C. in Plano, TX, staff accountant at Campbell & Company C.P.A.'s in Richardson, TX and staff auditor at McCall, Gibson & Company in Houston, TX.

Chad received his Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, TX, where he played baseball during his last two years of eligibility. Chad also attended Odessa Junior College in Odessa, TX his first two years of college and played baseball. Chad was a member of the Team U.S.A. baseball team in 1995, participating in the First Pacific Ocean Games in Cali, Columbia and earning a bronze medal during the games. He followed his senior year of college by playing one season with the Springfield Capitals (Illinois) in the Frontier League of the Independent Professional Baseball League.

Tory Stephens
Director of Strength/Fitness and Nutritional Programs

Tory Stephens currently serves as the Director of Strength/Fitness and Nutritional Programs for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Lubbock, TX.

Tory works with the numerous athletes, administrators, and coaches within The Corporate Playbook network in providing strength and nutrition information through monthly news letters and direct contact initiatives. Tory also provides active work-out and diet programs for the clients of The Corporate Playbook within the "Locker Room" resource center online.

Tory is in his tenth year as a strength and conditioning coach at Texas Tech University and in his third year as associate head strength coach and head of nutrition and supplementation. Stephens, who is Sports Performance Nutrition (SPN) certified and Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach certified (CSCC), oversees the Red Raider basketball team, baseball, softball, soccer, and has assisted with football the past ten seasons. He designs and implements all phases of strength, conditioning, agility, power, and speed development.

Stephens personally trains many professional athletes during their respective off-seasons and consults them during the in-season. Stephens designs and works closely with coaches to implement strength, speed, and conditioning programs for many High Schools and Jr. High Schools across the state of Texas. Additionally, Stephens oversees the distribution of nutritional supplements and educates student-athletes on safe and NCAA compliant supplements along with nutritional analysis. He is a certified member of the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association.

Stephens, who graduated from Texas Tech in 1998 with a degree in exercise and sports science, was a letterman in football, baseball and track at Sweetwater High School. As a football player, he was chosen to the All -West Texas, All - South Plains and All ñState football teams. He was also all-state and 3 time All-District selection in baseball.

Alex Lindle
Vice President, Eastern U.S. Region

Alex Lindle currently serves as the Vice President for the Eastern U.S. Division of The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Louisville, KY.

Alex heads up a team of directors and account managers for The Playbook by providing direct resources to fill key positions in top companies nationwide. Alex also provides training, support, and financial resources to the numerous athletes and companies in the network.

Alex's experience includes his most recent role as the owner of a personal financial and insurance planning firm located in Louisville, KY. Alex's firm specializes in personal and business insurance and investment strategies for individuals, business owners and corporations with tailored comprehensive financial strategies.

Prior to starting his own company, Alex was a Divisional Vice President for AXA Advisors, the largest financial planning firm in the World and 15th largest company worldwide based on the Fortune Global 500 list. Over the eight years with AXA Advisors, Alex helped individuals and businesses establish a clear portrait of their present financial resources, liabilities and goals, and to help determine their comfort level of risk. Then working with the clients, he developed a strategy that allocated their financial resources with specific goals and objectives in mind.

Alex was a scholarship athlete in soccer, golf and academics at Brescia University in Owensboro, KY before completing his BS/BA with a focus in finance from the University of Louisville.

Toby Stephens
Vice President, Southern U.S. Region

Toby Stephens currently serves as the Vice President of the Southern U.S. Division for The Corporate Playbook, LLC, based in Lubbock, TX.

Toby currently helps with the numerous companies and recruiters in which The Corporate Playbook provides on-line services. Toby is responsible for setting up career fairs on campuses for athletes to attend, providing support to the athletes with their career coaching and online profile support. Toby is also instrumental in the communication process between the universities and national employers that are interested in posting jobs, working with job shadow programs, and setting up internships for the hiring of The Corporate Playbook's top talent.

Toby's experience includes his most recent roll as a senior sales manager for one of the top 5 sales organizations in the country, Toby has also been a top performing account executive and manger both in the advertising/media fields as well as the pharmaceutical industry.

Toby was a two sport standout letterman at Abilene Christian University where he lettered in both Football and Baseball for the Wildcats prior to transferring and receiving his BA in Advertising from Texas Tech University.