Rick Vlasic, Chairman and CEO, O/E

Rick Vlasic is the CEO and Owner of O/E Learning. Under Rick's leadership, O/E received local and national awards for their Web site and customized e-Learning content. Rick has expanded O/E's brand by offering new products and services in Health and Safety, Quality, and Performance Improvement. Rick is also Chairman of the Vlasic Group, his family’s investment holding company.

He graduated from Vanderbilt University with degrees in business and sociology, and attended graduate school at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.

His charitable interests focus on improving healthcare and the environment and assisting the homeless. His professional affiliations include Automation Alley, the Michigan Safety Council, and the Board of Directors for both the Detroit Economic Club and Henry Ford Health System.

Brian Makowski, President, O/E

Brian Makowski has over 20 years experience in multimedia development, adult learning methodologies, project management, and technology-based training. Brian started his career with O/E in May of 1994, immediately following a five-year term at IBM working as an education instruction specialist. Brian graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and marketing. He also has a master’s degree in information, management, and communication from Walsh College.

Frank Vandeputte, Executive Vice President, O/E

Frank Vandeputte is Executive Vice President of O/E and has been with the company for 22 years.

Frank graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1976 with a bachelor of business administration with a major in marketing. Prior to joining O/E, Frank worked with IBM for 10 years as a manager who had responsibility for offices in Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Columbus. Frank has been involved with all aspects of growth for O/E from concept to implementation. He presently sits on the Board of the Community Care Program, a non-profit that provides financial assistance for needy young adults seeking to finish their education at colleges and universities. He also supports the ongoing efforts of the Capuchin Kitchen in Detroit.

Bill Zierau, Vice President and Treasurer, O/E

Bill Zierau is Vice President and Treasurer of O/E. Bill joined the O/E team in 1983. Prior to joining O/E, he was employed as an accountant for Fitness Management Corporation (FMC), West Bloomfield, MI.

Bill graduated from Walsh College, Troy, MI, with a bachelor of business administration in finance. While attending Walsh College, he assisted in the establishment of the college's first Student Council and presided as treasurer of the Student Council. He also participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, providing free taxpayer assistance in filing income tax returns. He is a past volunteer coach for AYSO Soccer, Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken baseball, and local youth basketball leagues.

Michael Stolnicki, Vice President of Operations, O/E

Michael Stolnicki has been with O/E for over 20 years. During that time, he has been an instrumental member and leader of projects occurring both locally and abroad. Many of the projects that Michael has worked on have been technology based. He has obtained certifications from many of the leading technology providers of the time. As Vice President of Operations, Michael is responsible for all the training and development production of the organization.

Michael is an amateur luthier and a USBC certified bowling instructor.