Louis M. Earle

Chairman

Lou Earle grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968. Immediately after graduating, he entered the United States Navy and served in the Naval Security Group as a Cambodian linguist during the Vietnam War, separating from the National Security Agency in Ft. Meade, Md. in 1972.

Lou began his business career in sales with NCR Corporation in Washington, D.C. in 1972. He progressed through field sales and sales management until he moved to NCR's corporate offices in Dayton, Ohio, to manage the company's Sales and Management Education group. Over the next 15 years, he held increasingly more senior positions at NCR, including Vice President and General Manager of the Mideastern Division, Vice President of Sales, Discrete and Consumer Goods Manufacturing, Vice President of Global Sales Programs and Corporate Officer, Vice President of U.S. Sales and Services Operations, and Vice President of U.S. Services Sales and Account Support.

After 25 years at NCR, he accepted an executive position at Dell Corporation in Austin, Texas. Over the next 3 and half years he served as Vice President of Business Operations, Enterprise Division, Vice President and General Manager of Services, Relationship Group and Vice President of Dell Technology Consulting, which he grew in excess of 30% per quarter during his tenure.

In late 2001 Lou joined Meritage Technologies, a professional services firm, to lead its Partner and Inside Sales programs and direct the expansion of alliances to drive growth across the company. In 2002, his responsibilities were expanded to include general management of the Southwest and West Regions Sales and Delivery operations and leadership of the Interactive Design Group, a unique national practice which provided high value usability services for Meritage's clients. In late 2002, Lou left Meritage to pursue other interests.

Throughout his 31 year business career, Lou has led many different types of organizations. They have ranged in size from small functional units to large divisions with as many as 2000 employees and revenues over $400M. He has also served on a number of boards and non-profit organizations, been a requested speaker at industry conferences and engaged in unique executive development programs.

Lou resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Lynne. He has three children, Drex, 27 who just completed his PhD in Biochemistry from Emory University, Janie, 25 a teacher in Austin, Texas, and Alex, a junior at the University of Texas.