Our People
Our professional leadership training coaches bring renewed vision, focus, passion and team work to your company and important team members!
Scott V. Black
Scott V. Black is the CEO and founder of Empower U. Scott founded Empower U in October of 1994. Scott is certified as a Human Behavioral Specialist and as a Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). Scott has developed himself into a Master of Neuro Linguistic Programming in his work with tens of thousands of clients across North America. Scott has conducted Leadership training in three countries. Helping people get what they want in their professional and personal lives is the drive that keeps Mr. Black “Raising the Bar.” Scott is also a member of NSA – National Speakers Association.
Scott also hosts the Internet broadcast, Under Construction with Mr. Black, which you can hear via downloadable mp3 or streaming on the Empower U website.
Some of Scott’s clients include: Maytag, Air Systems, Cintas-The Uniform People, Tony’s Fine Foods, Nugget Markets, Kraft-Nabisco, CompuCom Corp., Avail Medical Products, Lionakis Beaumont Design Group, DPR Construction, Shaw Industries and hundreds of other national and international companies.
The Leadership Awakening course Scott developed is nationally known as the most powerful leadership training available today. He is currently consulting and coaching executives and business teams from across the country.
As part of his training work with corporations, he specializes in helping teams and individuals better understand themselves and others. His custom Conflict Resolution and Secrets of Motivation work helps his clients and their teams to discover and reach their potential in both their business and personal lives.
Scott has been working in the field of personal development since 1992. Before forming Empower U in 1994, Mr. Black was a Master Trainer for Rapport Leadership International. As their National Sales coordinator, he also helped grow the company by over 300% in a few short years.
Scott’s first book, “Want it. Create it. Live it…3 Steps to becoming your dreams”, was released in October ‘02. He is also credited as a poet, writer and producer of the musical CDs, “Awakening”, “Think About That…” and “Steppin’ Over the Line.”
Scott’s strong belief in the potential of the individual has moved his passion to train and coach business leaders and their teams to be all they can be. He is an inspirational leader who is committed to making this world better, one individual at a time. His mission is to get people emotionally involved with their cause – helping individuals and organizations take themselves to the next level.
Scott lives in Mansfield, Texas with his three children Faith, Christian and Major Black.
Mindy Colvin
Mindy Colvin is a Lead Trainer who's been with the company since 2002. She has a tremendous passion for putting her energy into something rewarding that also helps her grow, which is why she left the media/advertising business in Dallas/Fort Worth after 12 years to join the Empower U Leadership Team.
When not in classes, Mindy is full-time wife and mother to her husband Ray and their two daughters, Donna and Billie Raye. In her spare time (which isn't much!), her hobbies include reading, singing and spending time with family and friends. Mindy graduated with a BS in Broadcasting from a small Christian college in North Texas. She and her family live in Arlington, part of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
Michael Paulus
Michael committed to enter the Trainer process in 2005 after graduating Leadership Awakening in 2002. He is currently an Assistant Trainer and has set himself the goal of becoming a full Trainer.
He is head of Training and Development for the Champaign, Illinois Police Department, where he also makes instructional training videos for the department. He plans on retiring from the police department when his youngest son graduates from high school. He then intends to devote full time to being an Awakening and Adventure Trainer for Empower U.
When asked, Michael states that he is constantly working to "'walk my talk' with my family and become the best father, husband, lover, and friend to my wife and sons." He also is engaged in developing his skills at creating video training DVDs as well as personal video projects.
Andy Stanis
Andy brings over 17 years senior executive experience to the Empower U team. He's worked with both global firms and small boutique service companies as a key member of their business management teams. His expertise includes marketing strategies, cost reduction and efficiency measures, optimizing investment levels, acquisition and integration, and the implementation of custom sales planning systems. Andy also has a strong background in human resources, sales marketing, business development and service delivery.
A proud volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, chairperson for the Chamber of Commerce, and member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD), and the Executives Club, Andy has a bachelor's of science from Illinois State University and completed the Harvard Business School Program for Senior Executives.
Andy, his wife Teresa, and their 5 children enjoy camping, family game night and training their new puppy!
Tracy Riggs
Tracy manages Empower U's Fernley office and is Administrative Assistant to Scott V. Black. She coordinates projects, supervises staff and keeps the behind-the-scenes activities of Empower U on track.
She has 2 beautiful children and enjoys camping and snow skiing. Having grown up in Montana, she moved to Nevada to be close to her parents and brothers. She's been with the company since 2003.
Edie Black
I was born in Germany came to this country in 1948 with my mother became a citizen in 1954.
Graduated from High School in New Jersey got married and moved west had 5 children. Raised my family worked and took general business class in college. We lived in the Las Vegas area for 36 years.
My husband and I have 25 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. We moved into the Dallas/Fort Worth area to work with my son Scott.
I enjoy traveling, roses and of course family. I am looking forward to slowing down some so I can stop and smell the roses.
Bruce Eichelberger
Bruce started working with Empower U in 2001. He is the editor in chief of the Empower U Electronic Newsletter, "Let the Journey Continue." in addition, he does copywriting, project management and general troubleshooting for the company.
Bruce is also a Doctor of Oriental Medicine in Reno, Nevada, where he works with busy people helping them reach optimal levels of health and wellness so they can keep functioning at a high level and accomplish more. He lives in Reno with his wife, Lauren.
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