STEVE VAN OOTEGHEM
C12 Chair since 2011
Territory Served
Steve brings a unique perspective to his role as Houston C12 Area Chair having been a member of one of the three original C12 groups founded in the Tampa Bay area by Buck Jacobs several years ago. Steve was privileged to learn firsthand the profound impact C12 concepts can have on a business Owner/CEO trying to operate successfully according to Biblical principles in the marketplace. After launching a business in 1994 that grew rapidly, Steve began to feel the pressures felt experienced by all business owners. Steve wished for a Christian mentoring/sharing group of trusted advisors for the support, education and encouragement he needed to expand his business in a way that was both God-honoring and financially successful. God brought C12 into Steve’s life in His own unique way (ask Steve about it sometime). Having relocated to Houston, Steve now desires to provide other Christian chief executives with the knowledge, wisdom, and guidance that enabled him to grow in business performance and eternal fruitfulness. Following college graduation, Steve served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantry officer in the 1st Recon Battalion stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. He later earned an MBA from Indiana University and had a successful 20-year corporate career leading to a position as Regional Vice President for a $250 million public company, Convergent Technologies, Inc. Steve then went on to build a 21-year career as professional motivational speaker, author and business owner by founding Universal Seminars of America, Inc. His wife of 40 years, Carolyn, has been Steve’s trusted business partner, and best friend. They have three grown sons together and enjoy serving their church. Steve’s life verse is: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s Will for you in Christ Jesus (1Thes 5:16-18).