Why? That’s because …

• NowVation has partnered with companies around the world across industries, so we understand the multiple needs teams have.

• We specialize in consumer-centric, forward-thinking exploration that creates winning new product and positioning concepts.

• We are experts in corporate training done differently to foster lasting and welcome change.

• We accomplish teams’ objectives in days in place of weeks or months.

• Our ideation projects and training sessions are custom created, and limited only by your imagination.

• Our SuperSumers are unparalleled with their unique ability to articulate consumer needs in eye-opening ways.

• Our facilitators bring years of experience and category knowledge to the game. We pride ourselves in leading teams through the innovation landscape.

• We love what we do!

  Let us help you move your thinking forward

Elton Hassall - NowVation Facilitator in Chief

• Founded NowVation in 2009

• Has trained more than 3,000 people to unlock their creativity and potential for innovation

• Known for his high-energy facilitation style 

• Studied Marketing and Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota

• Obtained certifications from the Creative Problem Solving Institute for facilitating and the RIVA Institute for moderating

• Elite-level triathlete

• Grew up in South Africa and has traveled to more than 60 countries

• Lives with his family in Minnesota

• elton@nowvation.in

 Michelle Schacht - NowVation Facilitator and Focus Group Specialist

• More than 30 years of experience leading client teams and moderating qualitative groups

• Known for her optimistic facilitation style mixed with a little quirky humor

• Holds certifications from the Creative Problem Solving Institute for facilitating and the RIVA Institute for moderating

• Studied English and Psychology at Cornell University

• Is a self-confessed Disney-phile and former Cast Member

• Lives in Orlando and is starting her empty nest adventures

• michelle@nowvation.in

 Russ Schoen - NowVation Facilitator

• More than 20 years of inspiring creativity and innovation

• Known for his humor-infused approach to facilitation

• Adjunct Professor at Buffalo State International Center for Studies in Creativity

• Studied Psychology at Emory College and graduate-level Creativity, Innovation, and Change Leadership at Buffalo State University

• Aikido practitioner

• Lives in Chicago

 David Labno - NowVation Facilitator

• More than 20 years of ideation and facilitation experience with roots in CPG

• Known for his psychometric approach to facilitation

• Studied at the University of St. Thomas and graduate-level Creativity, Innovation, and Change Leadership at Buffalo State University

• Father of four

• Lives in Minneapolis

 Mike Werner - NowVation Visual Ideator

• More than 25 years of illustration and art direction experience

• Known for illustrating concepts in real time during ideation sessions — watch the markers fly!

• Studied at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Northwestern University

• Lives in Milwaukee 

 Sheldon Tauman - NowVation Concept Illustrator

• An experienced Art Director and Graphic Designer

• Loves collecting comic books

• Lives in New Jersey, but still considers himself a Brooklynite

Liza Weaver - NowVation Concept Writer

• Has over 25 years of writing experience, with a specialty in product communications

• An avid tennis player

• Loves reading books, but never on an e-reader

• Lives in Memphis

Ryan Johnston - NowVation Videographer and Media Specialist

• An experienced director of photography, film editor, sound editor, and camera operator

• Holds a film degree from the University of Central Florida

• Enjoys breaking out his ukulele at parties

• Lives in Orlando