Bauer Financial - Gazette.Net

24 Special Advertising SupplementJeffStudleyPresidentCPR MultiMedia SolutionsGaithersburgScottThompsonCEO/FounderLifeMattersBethesdaSTATSSTATSAge: 56Education: BS, Cornell UniversityFirst job held: busboyHobbies: skiing, scuba, travelFavorite sports team: New York YankeesHelpful business book: The Lord of the Ringsby J. R. R. TolkienIn1988, computer projection wasanew field and Jeff Studleyrealized his firm, CPRMultiMedia Solutions, could be anational leader by adopting betatechnologies and becoming the mostknowledgeable source for anemerging market. "As in our pastwhen we pioneered high-resolutionprojection, then HDTV projection,we are more experienced than anyonein 3D video projection at atimewhen the market for it is exploding,"Studley said.CPR provides state-of-the-artprojection, sound, lights, video, andcreative services for association,corporate, government, andeducation clients across the country."We create 'wow' for events rangingfrom inaugural balls and HBOpremieres to corporate conferences,trade shows, and experientialmarketing," said Studley.Despite its size, CPR isrecognized as an industry pioneer."We are small but known for beingthe first in the nation to adopt severaldisplay technologies," he said. "Thebiggest risk was personallyguaranteeing the purchase of BarcoLED screens with my house."As CPR grows, Studley works togive employees abroader perspective."We try to develop an understandingin our people of the overall businessenvironment and plan-not just theirrole," he said.Parting company with staffersFavorite TV show or movie: Galaxy QuestMost admired person: Robert EggersWould like todine with: Howard HughesWeb site: www.cprmms.comFounded: 1988Employees: 21ranks among Studley's most difficultbusiness decisions. "Terminatingemployees is always atough decisionand action," he said.Another challenge for Studley isthe current economy. "Recessionsrequire constant efforts to retainclients and find new ones-a dauntingand sometimes disheartening task inadown economy.CPR is active inthe fight againsthunger. "We regularly sponsor eventsfor D.C. Central Kitchen, CapitalFood Bank, and The HungerProject," said Studley. "We also assistMake-A-Wish and The SpecialOlympics through in-kindsponsorship of their events.Wealsooffer our employees the use of thecompany's technology resources fortheir personal charitableinvolvements."Despite the workload, Studleystrives to achieve balance between joband home. "I always have worked tolive, even though Ilove what Ido," hesaid. "Kids' expectations help keepthat inperspective."Family has long played animportant role in Studley's life. "Mygrandfather, alifelong advocate ofeducation as a46-year Board ofEducation President in New YorkState, was animmigrant who becameasuccessful businessman but judgedhimself on how good afriend he wasto others."His advice to new CEOs:"Delegate and empower." nAge: 41Education: BS, finance, Millersville UniversityFirst job held: artists and repertoire rep at A&MRecordsHobbies: travel, scuba diving, languagesFavorite sport: ultimate fightingHelpful business book: Good to Great by JimCollins; The Knack by Norm Brodsky and Bo BurlinghamFavorite TV show or movie: The Wire, Dexter,AsLifeMattersprepares to expand toBaltimore and Philadelphia, ScottThompson is intent on creating "anoutstanding culture whereby Ican attractand retain top-notch associates so we candeliver the best possible service to ourclients,"Thompson said.As home health care services firm,LifeMatterstakes ateam approach sothere are always at least twoemployeesfamiliar with aclient's specific day-to-dayneeds.Caregiversare long-termemployees, not contractors.The companyspecializes in the care of those withneurodegenerativediseases such asAlzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophiclateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease),and multiple sclerosis."We want to assistour clients during extremely challengingtimes so they can have more comfort,more dignity,all while providing theirfamily more peace of mind thattheirlovedone is receiving outstanding care,"Thompson said.The most challenging aspect ofThompson's job is "staying focused onwhatmattersmost to your clients, to youremployees, to your bankersand investors,and communities," he said. "Continuousimprovement and innovation plusdiscipline and consistencyinthe deliveryof your service are everything."To Thompson, the most importantaspect of building acompanyis"creatingaculture whereby youattract passionate,disciplined people engaged in disciplinedthought and who take disciplined action.This, coupled with acompanythatrewards staff on balanced scorecardresults…and lives according to its ownhigh standards and core values, is aThe Shawshank RedemptionMost admired person: Richard BransonWould liketodine with: Leonardo da VinciLife motto: Carpe diem and "Seek this veryminute, whatever you can do, or dream you can;begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic init." --Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWeb site: www.lifemattersusa.comFounded: 2004 Employees: 324recipe for success," he said.Corporate community service isimportant toThompson, who sits onboards of local nonprofits."We are rollingout aprogram whereby we match ouremployees' contributions to charities andare considering implementing aprogramwhereby we contribute apercentage ofprofits to acharity specifically selected byour clients," he said.A2001 recipient of Ernst andYoung's Entrepreneur of theYear award,Thompson built and sold threecompanies prior to founding LifeMatters."I'm most proud of the fact thatin14yearsofrunning my companies, Ineveronce laid off an employee, even during themost difficult of bear markets."Over the past six years,Thompson hasgrownthe companysorapidly thatin2009LifeMattersappeared on the Inc.500 list,an exclusiveranking of the nation's fastestgrowingprivatefirms.Ranked 65th overall,LifeMatterswas 8th inWashington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVand 4th in the health care industry."Success in business-or anything forthatmatter-comes down to setting higherstandards in everyaspect of your life," saidThompson, "and having the self-disciplineto followthrough on living by thosestandards consistently."Despite his success,Thompsonstrives for balance in his life. "Being in thisbusiness has increased my passion for lifeeven more," he said. "Don't be so focusedon the game of business thatyou losesight of whatismost important. Nothingis more valuable in life than our time, ourrelationships, our contributions, and whatwe stand for." n