About Brian Winter

Brian Winter, M.Ed. – Brian is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher, vocational education teacher, and entrepreneur. Brian co-founded SOAR^® Learning, Inc with his wife Susan, and has specialized in learning and soft skills (study skills) since 1996. He is a member of Leadership Oakland XXV and recipient of the Oakland County Excellence in Education Award.

Brian is also an expert in “travel and experiential learning.” As the co-advisor for Lake Orion High School’s DECA Chapter for over 17 years, Brian hosts at least three student trips across the USA annually, including an annual “behind-the-scenes” tour of major companies headquartered in Manhattan, DECA’s state championships, and DECA’s international championships. His student-marketing organization boasts an average of 60 student members and 8-12 international competitors, annually.

He also has a passion for supporting his DECA graduates through college and the transition into the “real-world,” by helping his graduates get job interviews and secure job offers. (He has a 100% success rate!) Susan affectionately refers to these coaching sessions as “Kitchen Counter University™” because it’s not unusual for former students to visit their home for impromptu coaching at the kitchen island.

As President of SOAR^®, Brian added “Director of Fun” to his title as a reminder to keep work (and school) in the “Green Zone.” (See our most popular article, written by Brian, about the “Green Zone” here.)

 The “Director of Fun” with His DECA Students

DECA is one of the best examples of SOAR^®‘s primary value, “relevant learning.” This student-marketing association prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. The real-life scenarios, competitions, and networking opportunities provided by this international organization are unparalleled! SOAR^® is proud to sponsor our local chapter.