Trustee Spotlight
Harold A. "Hal" Krause was born in Sterling, Colorado. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1962, majoring in American studies and economics. He attended George Washington University Law School before founding American Salesmasters in 1964. American Salesmasters pioneered the use of audio cassettes and, later, videocassettes for training salespeople and managers. Krause served as the company’s president and CEO before selling the company in the early 1980s.
Krause served on the Republican National Committee from 1982-1985. In 1986, he was a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.
In 1987, Krause founded Crestcom International, Ltd., an international franchisor which provides video-based, live-facilitated management skills training in more than 50 countries and more than 25 language versions. He served as the company’s CEO until 2009. In 2003, Crestcom received the Colorado Governor’s Cup for its exporting achievements. In 2005, Commercial News USA, the official publication of the U.S. Commercial Service, named Crestcom America’s “Exporter of the Year” in the franchising category.
In 1997, Krause founded FasTracKids International, Ltd., a franchise organization which provides technologically advanced early childhood development programs designed to increase the thinking, reasoning ability, and communication skills of three- to six-year-old children. FasTracKids' enrichment learning is offered through more than 200 franchised FasTracKids licensees located in more than 30 countries. Krause served as the company’s CEO until early 2006.
Krause is a past member of Y.P.O. (Young Presidents Organization). In 2004 he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Wyoming.
Krause married his wife, Elaine, in 1965. The Krauses have four children who reside in the Denver area. Krause and his wife attend West Bowles Community Church, located in the metropolitan Denver area.