Dave Underhill

Dave believes in the power of people expressing their ideas.  Whether he’s working with executives, engineers or entrepreneurs, his passion is to help them turn their ideas into action.

Dave launched Underhill Training and Development in 1993. He works with clients across the globe, including Microsoft, Intel, Genentech, SAP, NIKE, U.S. Bank, Callan Associates, CFA Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Oregon Metro and The Nature Conservancy.  He also partners with the Oregon Entrepreneur’s Network (OEN), Portland Seed Fund and the Oregon Venture Fund to coach entrepreneurs on their investor presentations.

"I’ve delivered thousands of presentations across the globe, in person and virtually, over the last 25 years.  I know the keys to engaging audiences, delivering with confidence and making a difference every time you speak.  Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and experiences to their work with you.  Our goal is to give you the strategies and skills you need to deliver clear, concise and compelling presentations.”

Dave has a BS from Oregon State University and an MBA from the University of Washington.   He’s a member of the Association for Talent Development, Coach Source, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Oregon T.I.E.,  and The Nature Conservancy.  He enjoys swimming, hiking, and otherwise enjoying the great Pacific Northwest with his wife Dixie and daughter Emma.

Karla Beck

Karla is President of Naturally Speaking, a training company she founded in 1997. She coaches leaders in business interpersonal communications, presentation skills and English pronunciation.

Karla has collaborated with Underhill Training since 2002. She provides customized work-related consultation to improve English pronunciation skills. Through her training, foreign-born professionals learn the nuances of English pronunciation, improving their communications with colleagues, customers, and suppliers.  Foreign-born health care professionals benefit from Ms. Beck’s English pronunciation coaching. Karla integrates situations and materials into her coaching to address specific terminology and conversations use daily.

Karla also works with Underhill Training to provide presentation skills training and coaching to clients.  Her expertise in nonverbal communication helps presenters create impact with their delivery. She also consults with clients on developing powerful, persuasive and well-organized content.

Larry Ferguson

Larry is President of Ferguson Leadership. Larry uses team building, individual coaching, workshops, retreats, training classes and self-paced study tools to help high potential managers build and enhance their leadership skills.

Larry served as the 2004 President of the Association for Talent Development, Cascadia Chapter, and has been an active Board member since then. He is also a member of Portland Toastmasters and teaches a six-week course on “Group Process and Development” at Portland State University’s Professional Development Center.

With Underhill Training Larry receives rave reviews for his high-energy and engaging delivery during Powerful Presentations trainings. He is delivers team building workshops and 1:1 coaching based on the DiSC personality profile.

Larry is a licensed pilot, avid bicyclist and grandfather of four.

Chas Martin

Chas is visual communicator focused on transforming ideas into clear, understandable verbal and visual explanations. He contributes PowerPoint expertise and communications strategies to the Underhill team. Chas has provided creative direction for U.S. Bank, SAS Institute, U.S. Marine Corps Center for Business Excellence, Tektronix and Mentor Graphics. He has assisted entrepreneurs and engineers in converting abstract concepts into convincing imagery and concise explanations. Chas also produces animated tutorials as support for live trainings and workshops. 

Chas is a former visual communications instructor at Boston Art Institute, San Francisco Academy of Art and Pacific Northwest College of Art. He also applies his creative attention to sculpture.