Servant Leader
“Curtis is an authentic and humble leader who has incredible gratitude for the experience he has earned and learned over the past 25+ years as both an executive and an Air Force Officer.
As a speaker and consultant, Curtis uniquely integrates his experience from multiple industries to tailor his motivational and action-oriented messages.
Curtis’ background as a chemist taught him how to look at different chemicals and synthesize them in new ways. Today, he uses that scientific approach to leading and guiding Operations, Organizational Designs, and Talent Management.
He’d tell you that he adds the most value helping organizations and leaders where Strategy, People, and Operations intersect. It is his Zone of Value!”
Air Force Officer to CEO
Air Force Officer
Curtis served with distinction for 11 years as an Air Force Officer, first as a scientist and later as an intelligence officer. His remarkable assignments took him across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, providing him with unique opportunities and mentorship as he developed as both a leader and a follower.
His time in the Air Force underscored the importance of building organizational structures centered on roles rather than individuals, enabling the organization to withstand high deployment and relocation rates. Additionally, he recognized the need for robust development programs to help young officers and enlisted personnel transition into more senior positions. With a workforce of nearly 4 million, the Department of Defense exemplified the necessity of long-term planning for talent, operations, and technology needs.
Military Transition
Sometimes you just have to take a leap.
After separating from the Air Force, Curtis worked in the oil and gas industry as a Petrophysicist before getting his MBA.
Retail and Restaurant Management
Upon graduation, he joined Walmart’s corporate innovations team, where he played a crucial role in bridging the gap between Walmart’s in-store and eCommerce operations. After three years at the corporate office, he transitioned to store operations, leading multiple markets in South Carolina and Florida. His time at Walmart provided him with valuable insights into effectively hiring, evaluating, developing, and managing a workforce of over 2 million associates.
After Walmart, Curtis moved to Miami joining RBI, the parent company for Burger King, Tim Horton’s, and Popeye’s. He served in a corporate function leading the Center of Excellence supporting 28,000 restaurants before spending a year leading all US company owned Burger King restaurants.
Real Estate Investing
After leaving retail and restaurant management, Curtis move to NWFL to serve as the VP of Business Development and Marketing for a Real estate and property management business. Within a year he took over as the COO. Curtis later relocated to Tempe, Arizona, to take his second COO role, at KeyGlee, a real estate wholesaling company that also sold franchises and supported the A&E hit TV show Triple Digit Flip.
Growing Entrepreneurs
Curtis was then hired as the COO for New Reach Education, an organization that helps people profoundly change their lives by helping them start their own businesses through tailored education and strong communities. After leading significant growth, he was promoted to serve as the CEO and then served as an Advisor to the Board for NRE.
Where Strategy, People, and Operations Intersect
Curtis' military and corporate experiences have equipped him with strong expertise at the intersection of strategy, people, and operations. As a speaker, coach, and consultant, he tailors his support and messaging to meet the unique needs of executives, companies, and audiences. His diverse journey—from Air Force Officer to COO at three companies, then CEO, and now business owner—has provided Curtis with a wealth of experience that enables him to assist organizations in upgrading their operations, enhancing operational strategy, developing talent management programs, and fostering a positive culture. To learn more about Curtis' passions, visit his community page.
