Our Team
Leif Aagaard
Vice President
Leif brings a broad level of expertise in computer technology to the fast paced and ever changing environment of modern technology at BMS Direct. He incorporates his systems knowledge into all aspects of operations from statement processing to telecommunications. Leif has been integral to establishing support services since 1990, and has been a key figure in the development and evolution of the company.
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Vernon Berry
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
As Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Vernon has helped build a team of direct mail professionals focused on building business relationships by listening to our clients needs first and then tailoring a solution around those needs. He has been employed with BMS Direct for more than 8 years. Vernon is married to Debra and they have two sons, Alex and Connor.
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Jeffrey Betterton
Data Processing Manager
As Data Processing Manager, Jeffrey oversees all phases of both the Data Processing and Operations departments. His success has been driven by his attention to detail and ability to quickly adapt to ever-changing technology. Jeffrey has been employed with BMS Direct for more than sixteen years. He has been married for fourteen years to Stephanie and has one son, Dylan.
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James E. LaPrade, Sr.
President
As President, James combines a comprehensive knowledge of direct mail with state-of-the-art direct marketing solutions. His parent’s, Jim and Judy founded Best Mailing Service in 1973. James has maintained the family’s commitment to 100% customer service, working in production, sales and management for more than twenty-years. Under his direction, M & W Printers was purchased and the services have been expanded to a full service direct marketing facility. The name was changed to BMS Direct in 2007. James is married to Melody and they have two boys, James and John.
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Donna Lipphard
Accounting Manager
As Accounting Manager, Donna brings more twenty-four years of accounting experience in managing all of the accounting functions along with preparing the financials statements for BMS Direct and M & W Printers. Her major focus is ensuring that the accounting is accurate and efficient. She also strives to provide excellent customer service to our customers. Donna relocated to the Lynchburg area from Maryland and has been with BMS Direct for two years. She is married and has three children.
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Tony Tysver
Operations Manager
As Operations Manager, Tony oversees all phases of operations. He combines more than fourteen years of management and production experience to review processes to improve efficiency and quality. He is constantly striving to meet our customer requirements, while exceeding their expectations. He has been with BMS Direct for over seven years. Tony is married to Charlene and they have two girls.
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Tom Webster
Plant Manager, Roanoke Division
As Plant Manager for Roanoke Division, Tom is responsible for the efficient operation of our Presort Mail division. His job focus includes maintaining a dependable, well trained, customer orientated staff that are committed to doing ‘whatever it takes’ to serve our customers. His extensive experience in customer service and organization from the Retail Food and Distribution Fulfillment sectors has enabled him to provide a stable work environment, utilizing knowledgeable Associates to produce the desired results. Tom has worked for BMS for the past 6 years. He has been married to Carol for over 42 years and have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren.
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Ron White
M & W Printers
As Founder of M & W Printers, Ron provided printing products and services to the many of the municipalities throughout Virginia. During the past three decades he has built his reputation and success on long standing personal relationships with each of his customers. Ron’s passion for direct customer service is a perfect fit with the values of BMS Direct. He has been married to Pat for more than 52 years and have 6 children and 8 grandchildren.
