Brian's journey of helping people create transformational change in their lives began at the age of 14. As a result of experiencing significant emotional pain throughout childhood, a desire was kindled to understand the human psyche and uncover the keys to unlocking a person's inner power. It was, in reality, the genesis of Bergford Performance Systems and Brian's passion for developing strategies and systems people could use to not only turn affliction into triumph, but also break through personal barriers, create superior relationships, and maximize their potential.

Through his extensive work with professional athletes, coaches, professional sports organizations, and executives and business owners, Brian knows full well that true masters in any field are rare and priceless. He inspires — and is inspired by — those individuals who represent the pinnacle of human performance.

Brian is a Certified Mental Performance coach, and earned his degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, taking particular interest in neuroscience, psychopathology, clinical psychology, and the principles of peak performance. His studies continued well beyond his university education as he, to this very day, attends seminars, has an insatiable appetite for reading, and studies tremendous communicators, leaders, coaches, athletes, and enterprising high-performers to support his continually evolving strategies for human development. 

Great athletes have always inspired Brian. By the time he reached college, he was a Certified Fitness Trainer doing an internship with the Speed-Strength and Conditioning program at the University of Colorado. He primarily worked with the football team and loved the attitude, tenacity, and grit shared by those who truly excelled at their sport. His passion for supporting the elite-level mindset required of the world-class athletes he’s worked with over the years motivates his ongoing quest to further evolve and refine his Mental Performance Coaching systems.

Despite having a debilitating phobia of having his face submerged in water since early childhood, Brian eventually decided enough was enough and tackled his fear head-on by taking up swimming at the age of 30. He took swimming lessons, joined a Masters program, and a little less than 5 years later had qualified in 4 events and was competing at the United States Masters Swimming National Championships. He has since become a two-time National Champion and medaled in a total of 50 USMS National Championship races, is a five-time State Champion, and holds 17 USMS Top-10 times. You can watch a video of his most recent competition here.

In addition to doing Mental Performance Coaching for athletes — and as an entrepreneur who built multiple successful businesses himself — Brian is an Executive Coach for other high-performing executives and business owners across many industries.

Just a few short years after graduating from college, Brian's love for another creature — none other than "man's best friend" — and his knack for training and behavioral rehabilitation led to a career in dog behavior. Brian is a Certified Dog Trainer (IACP-CDT) with extensive experience as a practicing dog behavior specialist. He is a former Vice President and member of the Board of Directors for the International Association of Canine Professionals, and is the current owner of Altitude Dog Training and former owner and founder of Uptown Dog in Longmont, Colorado. 

His expertise of the interplay between dog behavior and human psychology gave rise to his first book, Transformational Dog Training: Bring Out the Best in Your Dog by Bringing Out the Best in Yourself, which explores the critical relationship between human stability and personal development, and the behavioral stability of companion animals. Brian has also written articles published in professional journals in addition to presenting as a featured speaker at international conferences on dog training and personal performance and development.