The People behind the sceneS
Meet the Valcor Executive Leadership
Valcor’s success is built on leadership that combines deep financial, legal, and business expertise with decades of hands-on experience helping small and mid-sized businesses.
At the helm are Founder & CEO David Sussman and Executive Director Brent Kahlen, who oversee Valcor’s internal team as well as its nationwide network of consultants, advisors, and financial professionals.
Together, they guide every aspect of Valcor’s training, strategy, and client support programs.
David Sussman
Founder & CEO
As Valcor’s Founder and CEO, David Sussman leads the organization’s overall direction, strategy, and consultant development. Since establishing Valcor in 1994, he has grown the firm from a small boutique consultancy into a respected international network with consultants across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
A recognized authority in business restructuring, debt mediation, and capital acquisition, David works closely with Valcor’s advisory teams to ensure every consultant has the training and support to deliver measurable results for clients.
David also pioneered DebtAuction, a groundbreaking online platform for institutional non-performing debt portfolios that reached over $1 billion in listed assets before being sold in 2000. The platform attracted strategic relationships with Goldman Sachs, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and other major financial institutions.
As a thought leader for small and mid-sized businesses, David has been featured on Fox Business Network, CNN/Money, and in the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and Entrepreneur Magazine. He has speaken at SBA, SCORE, and business leadership events and hosted the SMB Roundtable radio program, where he interviewed influential business leaders and policymakers serving Presidential administrations.
Originally from London, England, David holds Master of Arts in Business, Organizational Management and Psychology. When not working, he enjoys mountaineering, watching football & hockey, playing piano and time with his two grown sons.
Brent Kahlen
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Brent Kahlen oversees Valcor’s national operations and consultant support systems, ensuring each Licensee receives expert guidance on real-world restructuring and capital acquisition cases.
With over 30 years of experience in creditor communication, contract negotiation, conflict resolution, and business restructuring, Brent has helped thousands of small and mid-sized businesses achieve successful financial outcomes.
His distinguished career in the financial services sector included collaborations with major institutions including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Barclays, Citibank, PNC, as well the SBA.
Brent joined Valcor in 1994 and has since trained and mentored consultants throughout North America, helping them master the art of negotiation and financial turnaround. Within the Valcor network, his extensive case experience has led to hundreds of millions of dollars in savings for clients through structured debt settlements and recovery strategies.
In addition to his leadership role, Brent frequently conducts seminars and workshops, sharing practical insights drawn from decades of hands-on restructuring experience. His continued collaboration with Valcor ensures Licensees receive both the strategic direction and operational expertise needed to succeed.
When not working, Brent enjoys mountain biking and working with terrestrial radio stations.