Thomas C. Schleifer, PhD, is a turnaround expert and the founder of the largest international consultancy firm serving the contract surety industry. He was also an Eminent Scholar at Arizona State University's Del E. Webb School of Construction. He joined the construction industry at age 16 and has amassed more than 60 years of experience. This combination of practical, hands-on experience as a contractor and assisting financially distressed companies has given Dr. Schleifer a unique perspective on the causes of business failure and how to avoid them. Mounir El Asmar, PhD, is Associate Professor at Arizona State University's Del E.

Webb School of Construction and Co-Director of the National Center of Excellence on SMART Innovations. His non-traditional background in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, construction, economics, and business, provides him with an understanding of a variety of facets imperative to advancing today's engineering and construction industry. Dr. El Asmar's work has supported decision-making for governments and private organizations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.