Ralph J. Taverna, the founder and president of Tavco Direct Corp. is a nationally recognized marketing and sales consultant, author, speaker, director, producer and trainer. With his extensive background, Mr. Taverna has addressed many sales problems by authoring such articles as "Prospecting: The Endangered Sales Species" and "Sales Training: Is It A Spectator Sport?" These articles were featured in industry trade publications, the "Newstrack Executive Tape Service," and as cover stories in "Proof" and "Master Salesmanship." Some of his many other professional highlights include:

Innovator and developer of the consultive selling approach, "Prince, Pauper or Partner?"

Greater Buffalo Chamber of Commerce - special creativity award for Tavco's annual productions for the Vanguard Business Awards. The award also recognized Tavco's original production of the music, "Buffalo--Share The Spirit," which Taverna wrote, co-arranged and produced.

Greater Buffalo Partnership: Board of Directors, Council of Small Business Enterprises. Sponsor of Vanguard Business Awards program and Businessfest networking event. Chairman, Vanguard Awards alumni committee.

Co-sponsor with Ernst & Young, Merrill Lynch, and Inc. Magazine of the Upstate New York region Entrepreneur of the Year Award Program.

"Best of Class" award from the American Economic Development Council for Tavco's work on "Greater Buffalo - Heart of the Can-Am Commerce Corridor."

Author of "There's No Business Like Trade Show Business" seminar and video. Live, worldwide, interactive satellite transmission.

"The Trial": two hour movie which Taverna produced, directed and co-wrote for The Nippon Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Japan

Produced Buffalo Bills Magazine and Sabres Magazine, weekly half-hour television sports programs. Board of Directors, Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.