Steven J. Appel, Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Appel is responsible for leadership towards development of the Company’s strategic direction, providing operational oversight, and maintaining a rigorous process of corporate governance.

Mr. Appel is also President of a consultancy firm and has over 35 years experience managing and advising small and middle market companies facing rapid and significant change – both expansion and restructuring. He was CEO and co-founder from 1996 to 2002 of a financial services company which facilitated growth of middle-market companies by providing private loan guarantees. From 1989 to 1996 he served as CEO of a publicly held retail company with over 500 locations. Prior to that he was a partner with the world’s largest professional services firm for 25 years, having served in several worldwide management capacities for over 120 offices in 50 countries including Managing Director of the Worldwide Enterprise Group and the Worldwide Financial Consulting Services Group.

Mr. Appel is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Business Administration, is a Certified Public Accountant, and a member of the Turnaround Management Association.


Edward H. Trier III, President and Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Trier provides overall management to ensure the Company’s strategic and business plans are implemented effectively, and that the financial and operational goals are obtained.

Mr. Trier has 25 years of business, financial, tax, and accounting experience. He founded a certified public accounting firm in 1999. Through 1998 he was a partner in a large Milwaukee CPA firm. Prior to 1992 he was a key member of the financial management team of a $60 million manufacturer. Until 1989 he was a manager in the Entrepreneurial Services Group of the world’s second-largest professional services firm.

Mr. Trier, a CPA, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Upper Iowa University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants.


Robert J. Holton, Vice President–Sales and Market Development

Mr. Holton is responsible for providing operational leadership to the sales personnel across the organization, and providing guidance to the Company’s customer service teams. He is also responsible for the firm’s overall marketing message and recent re-branding campaign.

Beginning as an industrial recruiter in 1997, he has progressively held roles of recruiting manager, account executive, branch manager, divisional sales manager, and corporate sales and marketing manager.

Mr. Holton is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Literature and Marquette University with a Masters in Business Administration.

Jeffrey M. Haines, Vice President–Finance

Mr. Haines is responsible for the Company’s financial controls and financial reporting functions, and tax compliance as well as maintaining the information systems and tools used throughout the organization.  He is responsible for the efficient administration of the Company’s workers compensation and unemployment compensation programs.

Mr. Haines has 25 years of progressive experience in financial, operational, sales and general management aspects of the small to mid-market firms. Through his career, he has been a ‘hands-on’ instrument of change and improvement for the business owners for whom he has worked. He was Controller/ General Manager of a software development start-up from 2003 until joining the Company in 2006. From 1995 to 2002, Mr. Haines progressed from Controller to General Manager of a computer programming and networking firm. From 1989 to 1995, Mr. Haines served as an accountant and then promoted to General Manager for a large provider of mail processing equipment. Prior to that, he held various accounting and operations management positions at several companies. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree, in Business Administration, Associates of Science in Accounting, and meets all regulatory requirements to sit for the Wisconsin CPA Exam.