Throughout the years, maSuccess has proudly featured columns and articles written by some of the industry’s best and brightest. The following individuals currently write monthly columns for MAIA's official publication, maSuccess:
Frank Silverman - From the Director's Desk
In addition to being the Executive Director of the Martial Arts Industry Association, Frank Silverman owns and operates 10 martial arts schools in Orlando, Florida. He’s also the author of Business is Business: Passion and Profit in the Martial Arts Industry.
Becky Carley - The MAIA Report
Becky Carley is the division manager of the Martial Arts Industry Association, based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. You can contact her at bcarley@masuccess.com.
Robby Beard - Maximum Retail
Robby Beard is a Martial Arts Industry Association international consultant who owns three schools in Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Beard’s school was recognized as one of the top 10 schools in North America by Black Belt Schools of America. He can be reached at robbybeard@bellsouth.net.
Dave Kovar - In the Classroom
Dave Kovar owns and operates a chain of successful martial arts schools. Additionally, he operates Pro-Mac (Professional Martial Arts College), dedicated to helping martial artists become professionals in business management, mat mastery, sales mastery, wealth management, and cutting-edge classroom concepts. Contact Mr. Kovar at dave.kovar@kovars.com.
James Davenport & Masashi Takashima - Parents' Perspective
Between their two families, James Davenport and Masashi Takashima have a total of eight children enrolled in martial arts programs, with belt ranks ranging from white to 3rd-degree black belt. Their professional careers span business management, organizational analysis, strategic communications, and technology consulting. They can be reached at parentsperspective@yahoo.com
Andrew Speno - Your 15 Minutes of Fame and Beyond
Andrew Speno is a TV News Anchor with the Fox News affiliate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His work has been featured on CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and Good Morning America. He also works as an MMA commentator and ring announcer. To learn how his media expertise can help your school, contact him at andrewspeno@gmail.com.
Barry Van Over - Growing Your School
Barry Van Over is president of Premier Martial Arts International, one of the world’s largest licensing programs for martial arts studios, and Premier Management Group, a mentoring and consulting program. He can be reached at barry@premier4success.com.
Jason Flame - Small School Success Strategies
Jason Flame is a Martial Arts Industry Association international consultant who owns and operates successful schools in Southern California. He can be reached at 805.657.1775.
Herb Borkland - Turning Point
Herb Borkland was one of Jhoon Rhee’s original white belts at America’s first taekwondo school and, later, a closed-door student of Robert W. Smith, author of the first tai chi book in English. For three years, starting on ESPN, he hosted the weekly Black Belts TV show. He did the screenplay for Cynthia Rothrock’s HBO-featured Honor and Glory and is an Inside Kung Fu Hall of Fame martial arts writer.
Mike Metzger - MMA Business
Mike Metzger is a Martial Arts Industry Association international consultant and is a successful multi-school owner, with 10 schools in Orlando, Florida. He currently consults and works with Ricardo Liborio of American Top Team, Matt Lindland with Team Quest, Greg Jackson with Greg Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts, and John Hackleman with The Pit. He can be reached at metz2000@aol.com.
Joe Galea - Martial Smarts
Joe Galea is the president of Member Solutions, a leading martial arts billing company. Galea, one of Member Solutions’ founders, has been counseling school owners for 20 years, and spends art of every day speaking with clients and industry leaders. He can be reached at joegalea@membersolutions.com.
John VanCleve - Employee Insights
John VanCleve, 40, has been a career martial arts school manager for 18 years. A 5th-degree black belt under American kenpo pioneer Dennis Nackord, he’s the manager, enrollment director, and senior instructor of The Nackord Karate System in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and has a key role in the training and service of its 250 students and instructors. You can contact him at john@johnvancleve.net.
Michael B. Smith - How Can I Help You?
Michael B. Smith is the managing partner of 10 Championship Martial Arts schools in Orlando, Florida. He’s a 4th-degree black belt, has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and advertising, and is a regular contributor to MAIA’s Focus on Success newsletter. He can be reached for questions or comments at teamcfck3@aol.com.
Philip E. Goss, Jr., Esq. - The Legal Landscape
Attorney Philip E. Goss, Jr. is a member of the Florida and several Federal Bar Associations. Phil welcomes any email comments or questions at PhilGosslaw@gmail.com and will attempt to respond personally, time permitting.
Karen Eden - Inspiration Ovation
Master Karen Eden is a 5th-degree black belt in tang soo do. She’s also a radio personality and TV journalist who has appeared on CNN with feature reports airing nationally on Fox News. Her books include The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tae Kwon Do and I Am a Martial Artist, the book, poem, and product line available through Century Martial Arts. Master Eden currently teaches at-risk youth and inner-city students through The Salvation Army. Contact her at sabomnim@toast.net.