Below you will find the people responsible for creating the vision of The Center and making it a reality.

Austin Vickers
Creator, Owner, Managing Director
After graduating from law school, Austin went to work as a trial lawyer for one of the largest law firms in the world, where he represented numerous Fortune 500 companies. He then put his skills to work for a prominent American Fortune 100 company, where he served both as General Counsel of one of their European divisions, based in London, England, and as a Senior Business Executive. In September 2000, Austin resigned his position at the top of his career to pursue full-time his passion for writing and speaking. Since then, he authored the personal leadership program entitled “Stepping Up to a Life of Vision, Passion and Authentic Power;” founded the International Coaching & Training Institute; founded the Stepping Up Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization; and created I Am The Center. Today, in addition to running these companies, Austin is a popular speaker and teacher of principles designed to guide the development and vision of people and organizations.

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Connie Schrof
Owner
Connie Schrof was born, raised, educated, and currently resides in Illinois, with deep roots in farming. She has three children and three grandchildren. She is a graduate of ICTI, and has a certificate in Life Coaching. In addition, she has a variety of passions, diverse interests, and entrepreneurial ventures that she is currently pursuing, including the creation of The Center.

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Robert Black
Co-Creator, Operations Director
Robert was born a double Virgo in Albuquerque New Mexico and raised in Scottsdale Arizona. His schooling includes Scottsdale High, ASU and life. For 25 years he owned and operated the Ford Robert Black Agency and worked as an agent representing models and actors in the entertainment and fashion industry. He has traveled the world, met interesting and famous people and continuously searched for balance in an unbalanced environment. While his past focus was on external attributes, he is currently focused on the internal. In helping to create The Center, Robert is fulfilling a passion for education and a need that he has always had to find that “place” to learn and grow with people that are open minded and wanting to make a difference. His philosophy is: we will always reap what we sow and karma is a beautiful thing. His motto is: say what you mean and mean what you say. And his advice is: no matter what, always tell the truth, as it will always be the right thing to do!

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Jeff Low
Designer
Upon graduation with honors from the School of Fine Arts at Syracuse University in 1963, and studies as the only American graduate student at a Private Academy of Fine Arts in Haarlem, the Netherlands, Jeff launched himself into the art world where his first show of paintings and sculptures sold out in the first stop of a state-wide tour. His art shows have been selling out ever since, from the Lillian Heidenberg Gallery in New York, to Los Angeles and around the country. Jeff has also had an incredibly successful career creating award-winning interior and exterior design projects, that include: Scotch & Sirloins Restaurant Design; Cobalt Coast, a diving resort in the Grand Caymans; The Phoenician Resort; Club SIX in Scottsdale, named one of the top 10 designed clubs in the world in 2001; The Sports Club of Irvine; The Denim Lounge, Philadelphia; Natural Environment Stores, Disney Properties; and East/West Lounge, Hollywood. Jeff has a reputation for being a rare creative talent, who blends unique insight, common sense, and exquisite taste in all of his contemporary yet classic designs.

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Damon Brasch
Master Chef
Though he has a copy of the I Ching and a statuette of the Virgin De Guadalupe in all of his kitchens Chef Damon Brasch claims not to be a religious man. He will however, often mention the energy of the food and the vibrations of the person preparing it, are crucial to its delectability. Perhaps this is one of the secrets at his two very popular, award winning restaurants” That’s a Wrap” and “Green New American Vegetarian”.

Over the years, Damon recognized an apparent need for healthier yet tasty cuisine alternatives. He began his life long endeavor of making great tasting food that is better for mind and body. Chef Damon is now working on the menu for THE CENTER Café & Bistro, creating dishes that nourish and sustain the body and mind. He is employing the idea of food having energy, and the vibration of the ingredients, when creating this new appetizing and healthy menu. Seeking to further his savory healthy offerings, Chef Damon sees THE CENTER Café & Bistro as the perfect new outlet for his delectable creations.

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