Meet The Above Par Network Cabinet

 Behind the scenes of the greatest business network

A Fresh, New Way of NETWORKING!

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No Red Tape

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No Politics

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No Happy-Talking Bullshitters

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Engaging Events Focused on Building Strong Relationships

Above Par Network Cabinet Members

Our Cabinet Members are the heart of Above Par Network, bringing leadership, expertise, and passion to every event and initiative. These dedicated individuals help shape APN’s direction, ensuring that our members benefit from meaningful connections, professional growth, and a supportive community. Each Cabinet Member plays a vital role in creating opportunities for collaboration, mentoring, and success within our network. Get to know the faces behind APN and learn how their commitment drives our mission forward.

Frank L. Stirpe, Jr.

Founder & CEO

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Frank L. Stirpe Jr. was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. He holds a BA in History from Le Moyne College, a Master’s in Curriculum and Design from Arizona State University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. With a diverse professional background, Frank has experience as a classroom teacher and went on to become a nationally recognized middle school and high school principal. He now serves as the Director of Operations and Community Development for 19 charter schools across Arizona, Nevada, California, and Texas.

In January 2019, Frank founded Above Par Network (APN) with the vision of redefining the networking experience. He believes that people are both our greatest asset and challenge and that the smartest person in the room is often the room itself—emphasizing the value of surrounding oneself with great people. Frank moved to Arizona in September 2006 and now splits his time between Arizona and Myrtle Beach, SC, where APN is launching its second chapter.

Karin Gadberry

Breakfast of Champions Director

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Karin Gadberry is a relationship-driven leader and business strategist dedicated to helping professionals grow through meaningful connections. As a partner in Above Par Network and founder of Gadberry Consulting Group, she builds strategic partnerships, fosters collaboration, and creates opportunities for others to succeed. Karin also leads APN’s Breakfast of Champions, an event series that brings leaders together to learn, connect, and take action.

Jän Simon

Network Insurance & APN Podcast

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Jän Simon is the Owner of Foundation Insurance Services, a Robertson Ryan & Associates agency, where he has proudly served clients for the past six years. With nearly 30 years in the insurance industry, Jän has built a reputation grounded in honesty, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to doing what’s right—even when no one is watching. These core values guide his personal and professional life and are the foundation on which he helps others grow.

A dedicated community leader, Jän has been an engaged member of the Gilbert community since 2003 and became actively involved in 2014 through the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. His passion for civic engagement quickly grew as he joined the Public Policy Committee, graduated from Gilbert Leadership Class XXIV, and went on to serve in numerous leadership roles. He served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Executive Board, is a Past Chair of both the Chamber Board and Gilbert Leadership Board, and has played a key role in strengthening the Gilbert Leadership Alumni Program. Jän also served on the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) Board, the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizona Board, the Board of Gilbert Talks, and is in his sixth year serving on the Town of Gilbert’s Planning and Zoning Commission, including two years as Chair.

In 2025, Jän launched the podcast Above & Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation, a platform where he interviews business owners, community leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the stories, values, and motivations that fuel their success. Through this endeavor—as well as in every aspect of his work—Jän continues his mission to uplift others, build stronger businesses, and foster meaningful connections within his community.

Julia Reed

Cabinet Secretary

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Julia Reed was born and raised in Southern California and holds her Bachelor’s degree in History Teaching and her masters degree in Educational Leadership. She has worked as a high school history teacher and is currently serving a secondary school administrator in the East Valley of Arizona. She has a passion for people, education and organization.
She is married with three sons. Her oldest son is starting his college coursework, the middle son is a senior in high school and the youngest started kindergarten this year. Her husband, James Reed operates an optometry practice, Reed’s Eye Care in Mesa. In her free time she enjoys traveling, hiking, snow sports and spending quality time with family.

Eric W Reber

Network Igniter / Onboarding Specialist

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Eric is President of AIS Enterprises Inc. and Owner of SpeedPro Mesa-Gilbert.  They specialize in premium, large format digital graphics for signs, banners, retractable banner stands, vehicle wraps, wall and window graphics, and much more. 

Eric has 26 years of transportation and logistics management background where he held leadership positions in operations, project management, and strategic development. He graduated from the University of Toledo with a BA in business administration and is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt and Lean Manufacturing Expert. After spending time in supply chain operations with large corporations, Eric decided to utilize his corporate experience towards the challenge of owning a new business. SpeedPro was everything he was looking for in terms of operating a business; exemplary service, building strong customer relationships, producing top quality products, and offering a product that will help others build their businesses. High resolution impact graphics provided the opportunity for him to fulfill his drive and passion in helping customers create solutions that visually attract.  He has owned and operated SpeedPro Mesa-Gilbert for 12 years

Eric has been married to his wife Mary-Jane for 40 years.  He has one daughter Kristen who is a graduate of NAU and currently works for Pinal Juvenile Probation Office.  He has a yellow lab named Sydney and a chocolate lab named Shelby.  Eric likes cooking, bbq, creating micro-brews, traveling and motorcycle riding.  Big fan of Ohio State Buckeye Football.  Volunteers at Midwest Food Bank.

Leticia Barwick

Director of APN Cigar Club / CC Processing

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Leticia Barwick is the dynamic owner of Meritim Credit Card Processing, a leading provider of payment processing solutions. With an impressive 36 years of experience in the industry, she has built a reputation as an expert dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, and dependable 24/7 support. Originally hailing from Los Angeles, Leticia has made Phoenix, Arizona her home for the past 20 years, where she has successfully operated Meritim and cultivated a loyal client base throughout the region. Her steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction and service excellence has positioned her as a respected leader in the credit card processing sector.

Leticia’s entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by her passion for helping businesses thrive, and she continuously seeks innovative ways to enhance her services and support her clients.

Bob Flecken

Director of Leagues and Extracurriculars

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Bob Flecken is a devoted husband, father, and accomplished local business leader with a career built from the ground up. He began his professional journey as a warehouse and storefront door technician, gaining firsthand operational experience that shaped his leadership philosophy and work ethic.

Originally from Southeast New Mexico, Bob established roots in Arizona in 2000. After graduating high school, he attended community college before choosing real-world experience over a traditional four-year degree path. Bob focused on learning through execution, accountability, and results—an approach that would shape his career and leadership style.

Bob went on to become an award-winning business leader in the Phoenix market and has held senior executive roles including Director of Service Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Service, Regional Vice President, and CEO of various truck / tech mission critical service companies. He is currently the owner of Best Option Restoration, where he applies decades of operational, sales, and leadership expertise.

In addition to his ownership role, Bob serves as an operational advisor on a Board of Directors of a Boston based service company. Outside of business, Bob loves golf, fishing and has coached youth football for over 18 years and served in youth and adult sports ministries through his church.

His leadership is guided by these core values –

– Family
– Integrity
– Community, Team, Self
– High Say / Do Ratio
– I’m on it NOW

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