About Us

GABE Company is a team of experienced diverse people that are committed to the success of everyone they work with. They have different backgrounds and personalities which allow them to appreciate and engage with a wide range of clients and their concerns. Their collective experience and enthusiasm allow them to bring focus and understanding to an array of situations.

The following are descriptions of the core team members of GABE Company:

Erik Gabrielson

Erik has over 15 years experience working with people and organizations supporting them through change and growth.  He excels in creative problem solving, calculated risk taking, connecting with people and envisioning the possibilities.  He enjoys participating in life to its fullest capacity.

Early in his career he was an investment analyst a large privately held corporation known for its aggressive entrepreneurial leader. He immersed himself in a corporate analytical culture where he spear headed projects ranging from numerous real estate acquisitions, asset and property management to the creation of an operating expansion model for one of its divisions.

He then joined a commercial real estate firm that advised closely held companies supporting them in executing their real estate and finance objectives.  Erik was heavily involved in strategic planning of each of his clients.

Erik leveraged his strategic planning and problem solving capabilities into a business that supported and positioned US manufacturers to be highly competitive in a global marketplace.  He shifted the US manufacturers to take advantage of their competitors instead of fearing them.  This involved using the strengths of the Chinese low cost labor and the strengths of the US manufacturer’s capabilities enabling the US companies to reposition themselves as a leader in product manufacturing, just-in-time supply and distribution.

Erik's entire career he has worked with leaders to create value and solve problems enabling their companies to reach unrealized potential. He has used his creativity, knowledge and drive to create results for clients.  Many of his clients have been nominated and ranked as Entrepreneurs of the Year, fastest growing companies and best MN companies to work for.

Erik has a passion for playing in the outdoors.  He grew up skiing and windsurfing and currently spends a lot of time on his mountain bike.

Larry Burback

Is an independent human resource development specialist.  He has twenty-five years of experience in training and training programs focusing on health (how it relates to performance), effective communication, and teambuilding.  During this time, he has personally worked with thousands of individuals in both large and small group workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions.

Larry has worked with Fortune 100 companies in the United States, Canada, South America, Australia and Europe.  Larry has led combined indoor/outdoor courses designed to develop peak performance in individuals and their organizations.  He has designed and taught specialized programs for companies such as AT&T, Capitol One, Cargill Inc., American Airlines, Citibank, Microsoft, and Cisco Systems.  He is also one of the founding fathers of Sportsmind Inc., a training and development company.  Larry also helped develop and deliver a specialized team-building program for the United States Army and was involved in the Trojan Warrior and Marine Warrior projects.

Larry Lives in Seattle, Washington with his wife Mary and their 2 dogs Molly and Bear.  He has been a competitive athlete all his life, including college football, international rugby, the rodeo circuit, marathons, and triathlons.  He continues to compete in triathlons, having finished more than eighty, including twelve Ironman competitions.

Larry loves Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Erik Clapton.  He refuses to tiptoe through life so he can arrive at death safely.

Richard McDonald

Has over 25 years of experience working with large and small companies in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa, developing their competencies in fundamental management skills, teambuilding, and leadership development. His unique approach assists organizations in the design and integration of processes that support individuals in achieving their highest potential, enhancing their creativity, and increasing their performance and productivity.

Richard's clients include, Capital One, Cargill, Celebrity Cruises, General Electric, HP, Microsoft, Nike, Revlon, Shell Oil, US Airways, and Westin Hotels.

Richard was born in South Africa, and now makes his home in Ashland, Oregon. He has two grown children, Moriah and Justice. He enjoys surfing and travels the world in search of the perfect wave.