Julien Godbarge founded GEM Consulting Solutions, LLC after 16 years growing small and midsize businesses. After grad school, he started his career as VP of Project Operations for a start-up consultancy in project management, specializing in global re-branding initiatives. He then joined a Lititz-based PE-backed Consumer Goods manufacturer where he spent 14 years in business development. He’s grateful to have been part of such a successful team who grew sales rapidly & consistently through organic growth, new product development, and 16 acquisitions. He held various positions in Sales, Marketing, and general management: Export Manager, Global Category Development Director, and Managing Director of its Canadian subsidiary. In 2016 Julien joined Pearl Valley Farms, a family-owned company based in Illinois, to help align the sales & marketing teams while integrating two recent acquisitions.
Steven Lesher spent 15 years at Bulova Technology holding various executive management positions including Chief Financial Officer and Director of Program Management. He then spent 27 years at a local PE-backed Consumer Goods manufacturer as CFO, then COO. Steve is also involved in youth roller hockey as both a coach and part owner of a not for profit company which operates an outdoor rink. In addition, Steve stays active by traveling and participating in sports.