The founder of the Aurora Business Institute, Rudy Umans, began his career over 25 years ago with an internationally acclaimed aircraft manufacturer in Amsterdam, The Netherlands as a Contract Administrator for a variety of materials and equipment such as Carbon Fibers, Plastics, High-end Test and Measurement equipment, and Flight Simulators Components. He moved to Miami, Florida where he started his own consulting company in 1992. The main clients of the young company were small business, very often involved in the export industry. For these companies he set up their inventory, organized their supply chain and purchasing activities, internal organization, and their national and international sales and marketing departments.

In 1992, the further development of the young business came to an abrupt halt when Hurricane Andrew blew him and his family to Palm Beach. After some adjustments, he was asked to design and implemented a Bus Pass Consignment Sales Program for the local Surface Transportation Company. In addition, he functioned as the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Officer for the same company. In this capacity, he reported directly to the Federal Civil Right Officer for the South West in Atlanta, GA. He was also a member of the Intergovernmental Certification Consortium for DBE and M/WBE Enterprises. In 1997, he joined the Office of Small Business Assistance of Palm Beach County. His knowledge about economical disadvantaged businesses and general small business practices was very much appreciated in providing technical assistance to small businesses and in co-rewriting all Policies and Procedures for this office. These Policies and Procedures were later converted into a County Ordinance.

Considering the accumulated experience, he found a clear need for Business Plans and assistance to small business. This observation motivated him to restart the company that was halted in 1992. He and his partner started Aurora Business Consultants, Inc. in the year 2000 which evolved into the Aurora Business Assistance Institute, Inc. in 2006

Rudy has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Major in International Business and Purchasing, including Accounting and Micro & Macro Economy. His partner has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.

Mike Kloberdanz, Advisory Board Member

Mike has spent his career in marketing and communications with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. He is currently the director of marketing and development at Sun Valley Lodge, a 501(c)3 nonprofit senior healthcare center and retirement community.  Additionally, he is a communications consultant with Shea Consulting services in Dallas.  Prior to joining Sun Valley Lodge, he served as executive director for the WHEEL Council and regional director for the Foundation for Students and Athletes Deserving Opportunities, both a 501(c)3 no-nprofits targeting underserved youth.  He founded Four Corners Sports Marketing, Inc. in 1994 and served as its director of sales and marketing until 2001.  Mr. Kloberdanz earned his B.A. in English from Lawrence University and his M.B.A. in marketing from St. Ambrose University.

Xcylur R.  Stoakley, Advisory Board Member

Co-founder and General Partner of Ark Capital Management. A private Equity Fund Management Company Prior to forming Ark, Xcylur was with Ameritech Corporation, and its predecessors, for over 20 years. He was a member of the Ameritech Investment Management Group for eight years as Manager for Venture Capital Investments. During that period, he met with and reviewed a large majority of the partnerships which raised new funds. He has invested in over 100 separate funds and direct deals. He has committed in excess of $600 million in the private equity asset class, which has created over $2 billion in value for the Ameritech pension fund.

His experience in private equity partnership investing is unparalleled. During his tenure at Ameritech, he directed one of the most substantial investment programs ever developed for private equity. From that vantage point, he has had access to virtually every partnership in the market for new capital. His extensive knowledge of  and contacts within the private equity industry provide significant presence in the investment community. Xcylur has shared his experience and expertise in numerous forums around the world.

He serves on the Boards of Directors of Nina International, L.L.C., Dock's Great Fish, Inc., Public Access Lighting, L.L.C., and Winfield Insurance Company. He also serves on the board of the non-profit Parent Resource Center of Dupage.

He holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Bradley University and his M.B.A. from the Keller Graduate School of Management.

Charles Collins III, Advisory Board Member

Retired Regional Director US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Retired Director Palm Beach County, Office of Small Business Assistance.

© Aurora Business Assistance Institute, Inc. 1999-2007