One of the major strengths of The Leeds Group is our strategic advisory board. Handpicked for their combined, diverse business experience, our advisory board members all bring significant expertise from their respective industries.

Bert Fenenga

Mr. Fenenga is the CEO of Pure Shorelines, LLC and has served as Chief Financial Officer of Eagle Creek, Inc., Quiksilver, Inc., Authentic Fitness Corp. and Sideout Sport, Inc. During Mr. Fenenga’s tenure with Eagle Creek he was instrumental in the successful completion of the sale of the company to VF Corporation in January 2007 and served as Managing Director of Eagle Creek Europe, Ltd, the company’s European subsidiary. Prior to Eagle Creek, Inc., Mr. Fenenga, was Chief Financial Officer of Quiksilver, Inc. and Managing Director of Quiksilver Europe.

Mr. Fenenga was instrumental in the acquisition of both Quiksilver Europe and Raisins. These acquisitions included certain key executives who would later become the principals of Roxy. During Mr. Fenenga’s time with Quiksilver, Inc., gross revenues more than doubled, Roxy and the Boardrider’s Club were born, worldwide expansion began and debt was nearly eliminated. Mr. Fenenga graduated in 1985 from California State University, Fullerton with a BA in Business Administration – with an emphasis in Accounting.

Fred Tarazi

Mr. Tarazi's educational background is in Engineering and Business. Fred received his B.S. and M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as an MBA all from UC Irvine.

Mr. Tarazi spent over 17 years in the semiconductor-engineering world, holding several engineering and executive management positions. As an executive within Texas Instrument's, Mr. Tarazi was responsible for a product line valued at $100 million. Fred also held executive positions in 4 semiconductor startup companies.

Following an extensive career in the semiconductor world, Mr. Tarazi made the decision to remain closer to home with his wife and 4 children. After an extensive evaluation of business opportunities, Fred and his current partner purchased the franchise rights for Papa John's Pizza in Orange County, California in 2005. Fred has since grown their franchise unit to 38 locations in Southern California and holds a respectable position within the Papa John's franchise network.

Mr. Tarazi brings additional strength to The Leeds Group's international efforts, with his comprehensive understanding of Middle Eastern culture and his fluency in Arabic.

Leason “Chet” Leeds

Chet brings over 35+ years of engineering and project management experience to The Leeds Group, almost all of which was spent with Fluor Corporation, one of the largest international EPC Contractors in energy, chemicals, and power related projects. Currently, Chet is a senior Project Director within the Power division of Fluor, overseeing the engineering, procurement and construction of multi-billion dollar power projects around the world. With experience in the Middle East, the Americas, Europe and the Asian markets, Chet brings a keen understanding of the requirements to finance, develop, manage and construct projects within the international arena.

Chet graduated with his BS in Engineering from UCLA and went on to get an MBA from California State University at Long Beach.

Brian Hicks

Mr. Hicks brings over 35 years of roofing industry experience with the last 21 years as owner of Chandler's Roofing, Inc. Mr. Hicks has earned a reputation within the roofing industry for high quality workmanship, cementing his reputation in 2011 with the Residential Roofing Contractor of the Year Award from Roofing Contractor Magazine.

Mr. Hicks brings a broad range of experiences from within the roofing, solar, rain gutter, sheet metal and construction industries, including an impeccable record with the California State Licensing Board and Master Elite Contractor status with GAF, North America's largest roofing manufacturer. Well versed in both residential and commercial construction, Mr. Hicks brings a unique set of skills and experiences to The Leeds Group's Advisory Board.