Meet Our Team
Experience You Can Trust
Darrin Townsend
Executive Coach, Owner
Darrin brings over 30 years of experience in consulting, manufacturing, and logistics, covering roles in operations, engineering, sales, and project management. As owner and senior organizational consultant at Business of People, he serves as an executive coach, corporate trainer, and team developer.
Through his consulting engagements, he has expertise serving business professionals in a multitude of sectors including healthcare, retail, hospitality, construction, engineering, manufacturing, staffing, publishing, law, agriculture, and non-profits. His global reach includes clients in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Darrin holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from The Ohio State University. He is also a graduate of the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio three-year post-graduate training for therapists and consultants.
Background
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- Business Development
- Project Management
Jan Allen
Executive Coach
Jan is a seasoned senior consultant, executive coach, entrepreneur, and government and politics veteran. With 45 years of experience, she is a catalyst and innovator who empowers leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs to take bold action and achieve breakthrough results.
Jan’s expertise spans corporate, civic, non-profit, media, and academia. She excels in boosting profitability, developing leaders’ capabilities, nurturing creative teams, and helping individuals achieve their dreams. Having held executive roles with two Ohio Governors and led successful public affairs businesses with clients like Limited Brands and Nationwide Insurance, she focuses on one-on-one coaching with C-suite executives and emerging leaders at Business of People. She works across all industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, universities, media, and non-profits.
Jan holds degrees in political science, social work, and law from The Ohio State University, is certified as a Professional Certified Coach by the International Coach Federation, and is a graduate of Coach U and the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio’s three-year post-graduate training for therapists.
Background
- Corporate
- Non-profit
- Civic
- Academic
- Entrepreneurs
Rico Martinez
Executive Coach, Trainer
Rico’s journey showcases a remarkable evolution, transitioning from a former U.S. Marine Corps marksmanship instructor and competitor to a prosperous 20-year career in software engineering and delivery. His professional trajectory culminated in executive leadership roles spanning diverse industries, including ecommerce, manufacturing, distribution, insurance, and product development. Notably, he also made significant contributions to the success of a high-growth startup.
In contrast to the traditional image associated with a military background, Rico is recognized by clients for his warmth and approachable nature. His method for driving positive change begins with creating a supportive environment to explore challenges, improve self-awareness, and identify key opportunities.
Today, as a leadership trainer and executive coach, Rico combines his extensive business experience with a sincere commitment to motivating teams and nurturing individual growth at all levels.
Rico earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. His experience with Business of People reaches back over a decade as a long-time client, and he has been coaching and training full-time since 2023.
Background
- Software Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Human Resources
- Distribution/Warehousing
- MIlitary
Mickey Scherer
Executive Coach, Trainer
With more than thirty years of experience in Talent Management, Mickey brings deep expertise in organizational development, succession planning, leadership development and performance management. Before transitioning into consulting, she served as Vice President, Leadership Development at CRH where she led the Global Frontline Leadership Program supporting more than 10,000 frontline leaders worldwide.
Mickey’s career includes senior leadership roles across multiple industries in Human Resources, Talent Management and Leadership Development. Throughout her career, she has partnered with leaders at all levels to build strong teams, guide organizational change, and cultivate healthy, high-performing cultures.
Now, as an Executive Coach with The Business of People, Mickey brings her decades of experience to coaching and leadership development, helping clients unlock their potential and lead with purpose.
Mickey earned a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Product Development from Bowling Green State University and a Master’s in Science in Positive Organization Development & Change from Case Western Reserve University. Mickey is a DDI Master Facilitator, holds SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, certified in Appreciative Inquiry and is a graduate of the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio’s three-year post-graduate training for therapists and consultants.
Background
- HR/Talent Management
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Mining & Construction
- Healthcare
Business of People is more than a leadership development firm - they are transformative partners in our growth. With an extraordinary gift for teaching practical, people-centered skills, they turn common sense into uncommon excellence. Their approach helps us become not just better leaders, but better people.