Our interests, research and comments

While I am not an attorney, my Masters Degree in Conflict Management and the additional training I have taken in Alternative Dispute Resolution since graduating in December of 2022 qualifies me as a circuit court mediator in the state of Michigan. This makes me somewhat unique to the mediation field, as most mediators are attorneys. I think it separates me into a field that can offer a unique perspective and one that may be the kind of mediator you are looking for. My course work in the general study of law, constitutional law, administrative law, arbitration, negotiation, mediation, organizational law (such as corporations, partnerships, LLC’s and sole proprietors), contract law, conflict theory and risk management programs provides a background in many matters of law. I cannot give any legal advice, but feel this background can aid in understanding how to bring parties together to settle their disputes.

My 45 years involved in business progressed from a manager of trading in a small rural community for a local cooperative, a field representative, trading office manager, and merchandiser for the largest cooperative system in the country, and also a merchandiser for a medium sized LLC, a facility manager for a large international company, a senior trader and regional manager for a multi-state cooperative system, and 15 years as the commodity manager for an independent LLC here in Michigan.

These positions allowed me to gain experience in most all facets of business, and in extensive and continual negotiation skills, creating value for the employer while always maintaining positive customer contacts. I have also owned and operated my own small business for many years in addition to these company positions.

I think all of these skills have value in helping people to negotiate settlements, whether that is directly or through the Michigan court system though mediation.