Q&A with chairman of Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Museum

Ron Brasch is one of those right brain/left brain types.

He combines his creative passions for art and poetry with the business acumen required for his day job. In 1998, Brasch was persuaded by Ron Chernak of First Business Brokers Ltd. to relocate to Colorado Springs from Boca Raton, Fla., after Chernak sold Brasch's 14 Relocation Guide magazines.

Brasch is widely recognized in the community as an arts advocate, collector and patron. Nowadays, his focus is representing the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, for which he serves on the Board of Trustees and as chairman of the Museum Committee. Previously, he served as board president of the Business of Art Center in Manitou Springs and chairman of the Arts Commission of the Pikes Peak Region. A few years ago, the Business Journal recognized Brasch as one of 25 Men of the New Millennium.

He took time recently to tell CSBJ about himself and his business.

Hometown: Detroit, Mich.

How long have you lived in Colorado Springs: Nine years

Education: Bachelor's degree and master's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan. I was commuting nights from Detroit to Ann Arbor working on a Ph.D. in literature and creative writing, too. After a professor told me I was already, at 23, making more money than him, I dropped out.

A few words about your company: First Business Brokers represents sellers of privately held companies. We have completed more than 800 transactions in 25 years.

Recent accomplishments: Being a part -- along with many others -- of the expansion and opening for the Fine Arts Center two weeks ago. The FAC represents a tremendous community and regional resource. The new building is a landmark event in our city's history.

Biggest career break: In the summer of my senior year at college, my cousin, Mike Brasch, hired me as a copywriter for his small advertising agency. Within the first month, I was making presentations to attract new accounts. I was too young and stupid to realize that I didn't know what I was doing. So, instead of going to law school and becoming Perry Mason, I went to business school. Soon after, I started my own marketing agency, and then a magazine publishing company later.

The toughest part of your job: Persuading strong-willed business owners that perhaps they should listen to their advisory team of professionals about some things.

Someone you admire: Ordinary people who face their personal hardships with extraordinary courage and dignity. My daughter, Jeri, falls in that category and has been a lifelong inspiration to me.

About your family: My wife, Una Ng, is quite well-known in town for her volunteer work. She has dramatically changed my life for the better.

Something else you'd like to accomplish: Writing the perfect poem. Before my passion for collecting art, my personal intensity was largely channeled to writing poetry.

How your business will change in the next decade: Technology and ease of electronic communications are driving forces. This is both a blessing and a curse, because people skills and the personal touch really drive success in many fields.

What book are you currently reading? "Making the Mummies Dance" by Thomas Hoving, and "Homicide" by David Simon.

What is the one thing you would change about Colorado Springs? I love the people here. However, our leaders and much of the populace would benefit from a broader and bigger perspective. This would contribute to make living here better.

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