Jim Lavis
Co-founder and the Director and General Manager of University
Connections, Jim has over 20 years of experience in sales and
business development. His experience ranges from account management
positions to Regional Vice President of Sales with companies,
such as Jack Henry & Associates and Fiserv. He has also taught in
the Kaplan Higher Education schools and delivered lectures and
conducted career management workshops for organizations, such
as Houston Area Between Jobs Ministry and the Entrepreneurship
program at the University of Houston.
In addition to his extensive sales experience, Jim has coached and
directed the executive team for a Houston-area chemical producer in
establishing a marketing program; developed a sales and marketing
campaign for a European-based software company to bring its
products into the U.S. market; and directed a team in analyzing
opportunities to sell financial software in the Oil and Gas sector.
Jim holds a B.S. in finance and entrepreneurship from Florida
State University, where he participated as one of only 30 students
selected in their entrepreneurship development program. He has
completed a series of executive education certification courses
at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Management.
His community service includes advising non-profit organizations
through Executive Service Corp., judging the University of Houston
Entrepreneurship student contest for the Silver Foxes, raising
money and support for an international non-profit organization
that provides free food, education, and health-care for needy
children in countries throughout the world, and volunteering
as an usher for the Alley Theater. One of his greatest honors
was being invited to speak to over 500 attendees at a ceremony
honoring a religious leader in India
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