Development Associates USA Team

Education, experience, and dedication get results our clients value. Our facilitators and business coaches are leaders in successful organizations and companies. We are honored to have them on the Development Associates USA team! Their real live experience brings a dynamic perspective in delivering practical techniques, skills, and education in our workshops. These professionals teach theory with action and concepts with skills so workshop participants can put to work the skills they have learned, and can immediately move toward success.

• Scott Niedfeldt 
• Bruce Fuerbringer, MS 
• Deb Stange
• Margie Thornton 
• Karla Spies
• Mary Spies

Scott Niedfeldt

Scott Niedfeldt has been a Business Consultant with the NCO Group since 2006. Scott stepped into the role of Sales and Business Development at Development Associates USA when it joined the NCO Group in 2009.

Scott works closely with companies to diagnose needs and issues, identify causes, analyze implications, and advise training and consulting solutions.

Scott is an Eau Claire Chamber Ambassador, serves as Vice President of Eau Claire Optimists and is a co-founder of the Chippewa Valley Community Involvement/Networking Group.

 
Bruce Fuerbringer, MS

Bruce Fuerbringer is a 30-year veteran of the fire fighting service, serving as a chief officer since 1991. His background and experience includes an undergraduate degree in Corporate Fitness Management from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and a master’s degree in Risk Control from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and serves as a veteran instructor for the Wisconsin Technical College System and the National Fire Academy in the areas of emergency first aid, safety, OSHA compliance and leadership development.

Bruce brings to his workshops the sense of urgency that is needed to mitigate an emergency, as well as the common sense and compassion required to manage the challenges that accompanies leading a department of nearly 100 personnel.
In recent years, Bruce has had the opportunity to work directly with private sector companies and public sector agencies, helping train managers and supervisors to be more successful and deal more effectively with the multitude of issues they face during these challenging times.    

 

Tribute to our Founder

 

Ray Spies
June 3, 1942 - February 17, 2009

In 1982, Ray Spies founded Development Associates USA in Eau Claire, WI. He was a business coach and trainer who worked to assist people in all walks of life to reach higher levels of performance, profitability, and personal success by improving the skills of the people within the organization. Ray devoted his full attention to the challenges of business leadership and development. He was extremely passionate about his work.

Ray’s philosophy was that everything revolves around people and their ability to perform. Those in leadership positions drive companies. Ray focused on developing the leadership and management skills within a company and the strategies necessary to drive the company into a successful future to the benefit of all stakeholders.

Those of you who knew Ray know that he took a personal interest in each and every client. He was a joy to work with, but at the same time, he was not hesitant to apply 'tough love' when needed. Ray had great compassion and was always willing to help everyone. He not only went the extra mile to better his client's, but he would try to better everyone he met; a waitress at a restaurant, a nurse or doctor at the clinic or hospital, a retail clerk, or even a child. He always had a positive "nugget" to leave them.

Just the mention of his name makes many a client shudder - because they're asking themselves "Have I done everything I can to make my business and career a success?"
"What would Ray say?"

We know what Ray would say...

We know that he would want someone around that you could turn to and trust when you need to talk about a problem or issue; someone to help you with your strategic planning efforts and company professional development training. Be assured that Development Associates USA will continue to grow to help you and your company meet future needs. It may not be Ray, but Ray has taught us well and pointed us in the right direction. We will continue to honor his legacy by developing what he started.