Our Team
Al Butler is a proven infantry combat leader who has successfully led cross functional teams from Platoon to Battalion in some of the most demanding, chaotic and hostile environments. Over the course of seven deployments, Al has honed his leadership, team building, and problem-solving skills. Since retiring from active duty, Al continues to teach, coach, and mentor junior leaders as an instructor for the Marine Corps’ College of Distance of Education. In this role, Al has been focusing his efforts on instructing leadership, ethics, and the military planning process to Marine Special Operations Officers. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Distribution from Western Carolina University and is a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College. He resides in Cedar Point, NC with his wife and three children.
Brandon Rhinehart retired from the Marine Corps with over 20 years of service. During his tenure, he excelled as a leader spanning five combat deployments. He has held several executive positions within the Marine Corps and in the civilian sector. Brandon has dedicated his career to teaching and mentoring both in and out of uniform. As a small business owner, he continues to serve those in need. Brandon earned his undergraduate degree in naval architecture from the United States Naval Academy and his master’s degree in information technology management from Webster University. An avid outdoorsman and golfer, Brandon enjoys spending his time with his wife and two boys.
Jamie LaValley is a seasoned leadership expert shaped by his combat experience as an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter pilot in Afghanistan and Iraq. Throughout his career, he has honed his skills in decision-making, team management, and strategic operations. Jamie holds advanced degrees from Norwich University, the Naval War College and the Army's Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program. He is currently an instructor at the Army's School of Advanced Military Studies, where he continues to train leadership, team management and planning. With extensive experience in leader development, training, and standardization, Jamie helps organizations build strong, cohesive teams capable of thriving in their mission. He is married with two kids and resides in the Kansas City area.
Matt Hager is a highly experienced leadership coach influenced by multiple combat deployments and several executive level leadership positions across the Marine Corps. An expert in team building, culture, and operational planning, Matt holds a Masters in Military Studies with emphasis in Generational Leadership. He has a passion for teaching leaders the tools necessary to foster a positive workplace climate which in turn creates successful organizations. Matt has provided leadership training, executive coaching, and strategic planning to a myriad of organizations. He is married with one daughter and resides on a ranch in western North Dakota.
Pete Priester is a distinguished leader with a profound track record in operational excellence and strategic leadership. A third-generation Marine, Pete's leadership acumen was forged through five combat deployments and pivotal roles in Chief Operations Officer and Chief Executive Officer billets. With profound expertise in leader development, innovation, and strategic planning, Pete excels at nurturing a dynamic and resilient organizational culture and achieving organizational success. His leadership journey is further supported by his academic credentials from the Naval Postgraduate School and the School of Advanced Military Studies, where he earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Strategic Studies. His commitment to effective leadership extends beyond the professional realm, as he balances his career with a fulfilling family life with his wife and two children.