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In 1990, Team Builders Plus was just a dream. Jeff Backal was busy channeling his sales and marketing expertise into other ventures. Meanwhile, Merrick Rosenberg was hard at work transforming people as a trainer and management consultant. Unbeknownst to both of them, a crew of future team members was gathering expertise in coaching, training, and consulting.
In 1991, Jeff and Merrick joined forces to create Team Builders Plus. Over the years, the company grew and so did our expertise. Today, Team Builders Plus offers world-class services including, team building, leadership development, performance coaching, and 360-Degree Feedback. We are proud of the contributions we have made in helping countless people in their careers, improving work environments in hundreds of organizations, and guiding teams and organizations to exceed their goals.
 Jeffrey Backal, MBA
CEO
Jeff Backal brings to his clients more than 17 years of management and consulting experience. He holds a Masters Degree from Drexel University, where he was a founding partner in the Drexel Consulting Group.
Jeff’s passion for helping groups of individuals truly develop into cohesive teams was his driving force to create Team Builders Plus. Early in his career, he realized many individuals and companies have a strong desire to grow and Jeff wanted to find a way to help. This lead Jeff to spending much of his time working closely with clients to understand their culture, identifying their development needs, and recommend solutions to help them achieve their goals. Since co-founding Team Builders Plus in 1991, tens of thousands of individuals, teams and organizations from across the country have benefited from Jeff’s dedication to creating better work environments.
Through Jeff’s leadership, Team Builders Plus has made several substantial acquisitions over the past few years, such as Silver Career Management and Teambuilding, Inc. With his talent for building trusting relationships, he has formed many strategic alliances with organizations such as; The Enterprise Center (a state of the art training facility), I-Glide (provider of Segways that Team Builders Plus has used for various team building activities), Battleship New Jersey (a unique venue for team building programs), and numerous independent training consultants throughout the United States, just to name a few.
Jeff sits on the Steininger Behavior Care Services Board of Directors and on the Executive Advisory Board of Performance Support Systems (the publisher of the 20/20 Insight GOLD). He is an active member in professional organizations such as Tri-State Human Resource Management Association, The Delaware Valley Initiative (an employment issues resource center dedicated to helping area business owners and HR professionals), The Chamber of Commerce and ASTD. He is also an Inscape Publishing Diamond Consultant.
 Merrick Rosenberg, MBA
President & Chief Learning Officer
If there’s one sentence that Merrick hears from his clients more than any other, it would be, “I can tell that you love what you do.” And they are right…
Whether he’s coaching a manager to help them get to the next level, facilitating a team building program to help a group work through their issues, or consulting with an organization to help them create a positive and productive work environment, Merrick is living his personal vision of helping people to learn and grow.
Merrick's excellence in the field stems is powered by his charisma, drive, and 15+ years of working with line staff to senior executives and CEOs. His stories, wisdom and background are key in helping to transform people and organizations from vision to reality.
He received his MBA specializing in Organization and Human Resource Development from Drexel University. Merrick is a member of the American Society for Training & Development, is a Certified Professional Development Trainer and is certified by Inscape Publishing in the Personal Profile System®. He is a consummate reader and prolific writer whose insights have been published ASTD’s Training & Development magazine, local Philadelphia newspapers and magazines.
In addition to being an accomplished facilitator and one-on-one coach, Merrick is an engaging presenter who has spoken for organizations such as: ASTD, the Society for Human Resource Management, the Project Management Institute, the International Society for Performance Improvement, the Employer's Council, and the American Society for Quality.
 Ken Blackwell
VP, Learning & Development
Ken began his working life as a commercial photographer, shooting everything from annual reports to dress shirt catalogues. It was the perfect start for a career in helping clients visualize their desired outcomes and create powerful solutions.
As a coach, consultant and facilitator, Ken has spent over 12 years working nationally and internationally with organizations in nearly every industry. He has trained and coached individuals of all levels, from frontline to executive suite managers.
Ken has the focused ability to translate abstract visions into concrete results. He has enabled:
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a geographically dispersed finance team to function as one cohesive team, improving efficiency and internal customer service
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managers to develop coaching & feedback skills to improve retention and enhance succession planning
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a new plant manager to make his facility a market leader
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a multi-national firm to create an effective 360-degree feedback process to identify high potential leaders and enhance leadership skills throughout the organization
Whether working with individuals or international corporations, Ken focuses on the critical factors that will lead them to better results.
 Rich Kolodgie, MBA
Director of Executive Development
Rich Kolodgie has 18 years experience in training and development in a broad range of positions including: Leading organizational development, curricula and operations management, consulting, training program facilitation, and executive coaching. Rich has led training programs in the areas of leadership development, consulting and negotiating skills, financial management and acumen, and interpersonal skills. Rich has coached Presidents and senior executives and has led training programs for people at all organizational levels. He has facilitated and consulted with thousands of employees throughout the world.
Rich brings 30+ years of diversified corporate experience, which includes 8 years with RCTaylor & Associates, 3 years with the Forum Corporation, and 20 years with the DuPont Company. Rich has an extensive corporate background as he has held management positions within human resources, finance, and strategic business operations.
Rich is proud of his role in assisting in the growth and development of HR professionals by operating as Executive Director and facilitator of the Executive Human Resources Forum (EHRF). The EHRF is an active network of top human resources personnel from companies in the greater Wilmington/Philadelphia region who meet regularly to benchmark and improve on HR strategy and business performance.
Rich has a B.S. in Business Administration from Bucknell University and a M.B.A. from Temple University. He has also instructed financial, strategic planning, and management courses at Immaculata University, and financial courses at Drexel University and the University of Delaware. Rich is an active member of the American Society of Training and Development and the Society of Human Resources Management. He is past President of the Caesar Rodney Rotary Club of Wilmington Delaware and serves on the Board of Operation Smile-Delaware Chapter.
 Dan Silver
Director of Leadership Development
Dan has extensive experience consulting with organizations and business leaders on workplace issues including developing effective leaders, enhancing employee performance, and interview coaching. With an early professional concentration in Career Development, Dan has worked with over 1000 executives from widely diverse backgrounds in navigating their careers from both within and outside their organizations.
Dan’s passion is working with clients to expand both their self-awareness and ability to communicate the primary benefits they bring to organizations. Highlights include: Coaching a team through the managerial challenges of a merger; Training a staff of recruiters in interviewing best practices that significantly increased their success rate; Coaching a number of executives in transition to President / CEO positions; Training a senior leadership team to recognize and manage the early warning signs of employee turnover.
Dan's corporate clients have included Pfizer, Abengoa Bioenergy, Shell Oil, Urban Land Institute, Alstom Power, Phoenix House, INO Therapeutics, and the New York Institute of Technology. Mr. Silver is an experienced trainer who has facilitated a wide range of programs that impact employee performance including leading teams, stress management, communication through behavioral style awareness, and managing change.
Dan regularly speaks at educational, business, and industry associations throughout the Tri-State area including: Fordham, Rutgers, and Drexel universities, The Greater Philadelphia Senior Executive Group, the Financial Executive Networking Group, and Chem Pharma.
Formerly an accomplished musician, Dan is still able to impress his two youngest sons at the piano. The wife and daughter know better.
 Aaren Perry , MFA
Director of Learning Resources
Aaren is an insightful consultant and inspirational presenter. He uses writing techniques to assist individuals and groups in planning for change and success. He has applied these skills in leadership and team building efforts with corporate, small business, faith-based, and international non-governmental groups.
At Team Builders Plus Aaren introduces Vital Learning training products to companies that want to develop their managers and supervisors into leaders. His work with our online training and assessment tools business draws on years of experience in instructional technology.
He has produced a TV show on writing, distributed multimedia exhibits on nonviolence, delivered multimedia job training programs, was technical division director at a major theater, and helped develop an online appeals group for a health services corporation. Aaren also helped build and manage teams for capital fundraising, including a nine hundred thousand dollar campaign for an international women’s rights organization.
Aaren is an invited speaker at schools, colleges and conferences including Philadelphia’s Welcome America celebration. He is published in magazines and newspapers, and has appeared on NPR and regional TV broadcasts.
Bilingual, with an MFA in Writing from Vermont College, Aaren is the author of three books. His textbook, Poetry Across the Curriculum (Pearson Publishers, 1997) is widely used. Aaren is the recipient of a Writing Fellowship from the PA Council on the Arts.
 Andy Cohen
Director of Team Development
Andy values his Disney heritage and applies the philosophies and traditions he learned there in everything he does. Customer service is key and his motto is “you’re only as good as your word.”
In his role at Team Builders Plus, Andy develops relationships with clients, creates new team building activities and builds partnerships within the industry to offer the right program for our clients. Before joining Team Builders Plus, he successfully managed two Manpower Staffing branches in South Jersey, placing candidates in various position levels. Prior, he spent five years with the Walt Disney Company in Orlando, FL. As a Research Operations Manager, Andy honed his training and development skills by designing and implementing employee recognition programs and team building events.
Andy is an active member of the South Jersey Chapter of ISES. He earned his BA degree in Humanities at the University of South Florida. He was a member of a Walt Disney World Diversity Resource Group and has volunteered over 350 hours of service at Martin Memorial Medical Center.
 Cathryn Zanoni
Director of Administration
Cathryn takes pride in helping those around her to achieve success and lead enriching lives. From early on, she was active in community service projects in her hometown and throughout her school years. Cathryn’s compassion and empathy allow her to connect with all types of people.
Cathryn is a gifted multi-tasker who works on administering online surveys, designing and maintaining Team Builders Plus websites, all marketing efforts for the company and creating new team activities.
Team Builders Plus clients know her for her near-psychic ability to anticipate their needs and get things done even before they ask. Her attention to detail and caring personal service are one of the keys to the longevity of our client relationships.
 Stew Bolno, MBA, EdM
Sr. Learning & Development Consultant
Stewart Bolno has helped executives, managers, and employees increase their level of professional effectiveness since 1984. He possesses a long history of helping sales teams improve performance. However, his expertise enables him to consult with leaders, managers, and teams from all organizational areas. After all, these people benefit greatly by learning to appreciate the importance of their role while strengthening their influencing and people skills.
By utilizing surveys, computer software, and instrumented learning materials, his clients are able to quantitatively analyze their individual, team, or organizational situation. This assists them in building a strong foundation prior to committing to action. This reinforces confidence and contributes to effective decision making.
Stew’s long term work history demonstrates that he has "walked the talk." Early in his career, he earned executive positions with two major retail firms, Abraham & Straus and R. H. Macy. As a consultant, he conducted seminars for Xerox Learning Systems/Learning International. As a Field Manager Associate of Inscape Publishing, he is a consistent volume award winner. He has been cited with the honor of “Team Builder of the Year”, from a population of 4,000 independent Inscape Distributors. Stew has been a Board Member of the Small Business Council of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of the American Society for Training & Development. For 10 years, Stew was selected by the Wharton-University of Pennsylvania, Small Business Development Center, to design and conduct courses in the areas of Leadership, Sales, and Customer Retention.
Stew has earned an M.B. A. in Management and an Ed. M. in Adult Educational Processes.
 Jennifer Grinfeld, MS
Learning & Development Consultant
Jennifer Grinfeld’s special skills and interests revolve around leadership development, systems thinking, group processes, appreciative inquiry, and managing change. She has extensive experience in needs assessment, workshop design and facilitation, and leading dynamic team building activities. With authenticity, enthusiasm, and a passion for life, Jennifer conducts coaching sessions and facilitates training programs to help individuals and organizations understand who they are and how they can achieve maximum results.
In her role at Team Builders Plus, Jennifer delivers the Vital Learning 12-part Supervision Series. She guides supervisors and managers through this comprehensive and practical leadership development curriculum to address today's management challenges. Plus, she provides one-on-one coaching to help transform insights into action.
Jennifer received her master’s degree in Organizational Change Management from the Milano School of Management and Urban Policy at New School University. She also earned a Certificate in Human Interaction and Personal Leadership Development from the National Training Laboratory.
Jennifer is an active member of Society for International Education, ASTD, and The Northern American Simulation and Gaming Association (NASAGA).
Lesley Cruz
Learning & Development Coordinator
Lesley’s office and people skills are ideal for her to be the point-of-contact many of the Team Builders Plus clients.
Lesley coordinates program logistics and preparation. Her office administration skills come from several years of previous experience. During her time away from her office work, Lesley can be found hiking or working on her photography or artwork.
Denise Mizzell
Learning & Development Coordinator
The dedication, enthusiasm and drive that Denise brings to the office each day is overwhelming. Clients know her by her friendly voice and helpful manner when they call Team Builders Plus Headquarters.
Denise manages all of the GeoQuest programs and assists with other program preparation.
Team Builders Plus Consultants
Our talented consultants form an impressive team. Each has years of experience in human resources and/or organizational and professional development. They have conducted countless individual, team and organizational assessments followed by designing and delivering highly successful programs that get results. Their consulting experience spans the organizational hierarchy, from senior level executives to the newest, least experienced employees. They have helped companies build successful teams, develop exceptional managers and create productive work environments.
Team Builders Plus facilitators are dynamic, fun and engaging. They know what it takes to design and deliver a powerful program that engages the participants in lively discussions and interactive experiences that have a lasting impact. All of our trainers receive the highest ratings from client evaluations.
Team Builders Plus consultants have shared their expertise by presenting to a variety of groups including: ASTD, The Society of Human Resource Managers, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, The Wharton School's Small Business Development Center, among others. |
