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WHY BMS?

OUTSTANDING MANAGEMENT

LEADERSHIP TEAM

James E. LaPrade Sr

James E. LaPrade Sr

CEO / President
James provides the vision, leadership, strategy, and general management skills necessary to grow and expand BMS. His dedication to employee development inspires our team to work hard every day.

James E. LaPrade, Sr. is a second generation owner of BMS Direct, a family founded business. His leadership and experience of over twenty years in the direct mail industry can be attributed to his management experience, service with the United States Army National Guard and community involvement.

As a graduate of Radford University and a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, James’ management style incorporates camaraderie, family values, loyalty and hard work.

It is important for James to keep balance between physical well being and community involvement. He does this by being an active member of the Lynchburg Member Rotary Club and by his commitment to competitive running and triathlons.

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John Smoot

Controller
John serves as Controller for BMS Direct. In this role he leads strategic financial decisions, directing the accounting and financial management for the organization. His responsibilities include the accounting, human resources, and purchasing functions.

His experience spans over three decades, with the majority of those years devoted to the manufacturing and healthcare industries, including business ownership. John’s prior roles include experience in controllership, accounting, treasury, information technology, supply chain, and project management.

John approaches his role with a heart for the people of BMS Direct, focused on helping others achieve personal growth and success. He is driven by a desire to help the company achieve financial success and remain good financial stewards of the resources. John was born and raised in Lynchburg and earned his accounting degree from Lynchburg College.

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Jeffrey Betterton VP of Customer Service and IT

Jeffrey Betterton

VP of Information Technology
Jeff oversees the technology initiatives for BMS. Creating a strategic IT vision and roadmap for the organization that supports our goals, and build on that vision. He partners with the leadership team to establish business and system requirements for new technology projects. Building vendor partnerships, and oversees multiple vendor relationships to ensure the best performance and financial return.

Jeffrey Betterton has over 25 years of experience in direct mail and marketing. With BMS Direct since 1993, Jeffrey plans and supervises all activities and services related to the information system design, data processing, operations, programming, documentation, and data communications.

As a graduate of Lynchburg College with a BS in Information Systems, Jeffrey is able to apply his knowledge and experience to the company’s ever-changing technology.

Actively involved with the Mailing & Fulfillment Service Association and All Point EAP Organizational Services, Jeffrey is married and has a son.

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Tony Tysver General Manager

Tony Tysver

General Manager
Tony’s unique role is at the heart of our company. He is our go-to person for getting it done! He is responsible for BMS production and product services. He oversees all aspects of managing quality assurance programs, supervising, hiring, and training other employees, monitoring existing processes and analyzing their effectiveness; and creating strategies to improve productivity and efficiency.

Tony Tysver brings over 20+ years of management experience to BMS Direct. While his responsibilities include managing the production area and overseeing materials and distribution, Tony maintains a focus on meeting customer needs and exceeding their expectations.

Tony holds a degree in business administration and is actively involved in the Society of Human Resource Management, Central Virginia Safety Network, and All-Points EAP.

As a volunteer soccer coach, Tony follows the mantra “Work Hard, Do the Right Thing”. His community involvement and commitment to his family keep him busy while he is away from the office.

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Steve Stone

VP of Client Services
Steve is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with a BSBA in Marketing. After graduation, he started working at a national printing company. His entire career has been spent in the printing and marketing services industry beginning as an account executive and rising to EVP of Sales and Marketing. Steve also owned his own printing company eventually selling it to a group of investors.

Steve is married and has two adult children. He has actively served on the boards of many charitable organizations in the St Louis area over the years. He was named Top 10 Leader in St Louis, MO by the St Louis Chapter of Jaycees and is a Wall of Honor recipient at his high school in Bunker Hill, Illinois. He enjoys all types of sports, is an avid golfer, and loves to spend time outdoors camping, fishing and hiking.

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Bob Hansen

VP of Sales and Marketing
Bob Hansen has over 20 years of experience as a sales manager in the print and mailing industry. Bob’s responsibilities with BMS Direct include the leadership and supervision of the sales and marketing teams, as well as providing input and assistance to the senior leadership team as it pertains to the direction and execution of the company’s strategic vision.

Bob is married, with three children, and has spent countless hours on the basketball court and ball diamond coaching youth teams.  He is also active in the community, both as a part of service groups and business leadership councils. 

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Chad-Stephenson

Chad Stephenson

VP of Operational Excellence
Chad has held various positions over his 25-years serving the Print industry, including Vice President of Operations, President, and VP Continuous Improvement. His passion is helping clients and developing cost-effective methods to produce multi-featured print formats. He is a seasoned professional focusing on trends and results to stay ahead in our changing industry. He has a deep understanding of Lean Sigma Process Improvement practices and has extensive experience in leadership, planning, measures, and organizational structure to achieve world-class results. In addition, he has developed and leads organizational components that go beyond the benefits achieved by applying Lean Sigma tools. Chad holds a Degree in Visual Communications and is TPM & PMP Certified and a practicing Six Sigma Black Belt.

He has a love of family and family activities that fill his down time.

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Mailing Headaches?

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Contact Our Team

info@bmsdirectinc.com | 866-816-2378

37 Millrace Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24502-4343
(866) 816-2378

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