Who We Are

Vertical Performance is a collection of diverse individuals with extensive knowledge and practice in developing individuals and building exceptional work teams. Our staff represents a variety of backgrounds and experiences that make us uniquely suited to partner with you in realizing your organizational potential, or what we refer to as your very “best version!”

Our Mission

Together:
Better People.
Better Organizations.
Better Community.

We truly believe we are stronger together!

Our Core Philosophy

Within every person are the seeds of confidence, awareness and achievement.

Within every organization is the collective potential to be exceptional.

The reason Vertical Performance was created – why it exists – is to help individuals and organizations realize their potential. Together we can make a difference in the world, and change it for the better.

Our Core Values

Respect: We believe all human beings should be treated with uncommon regard.

Trust: We believe people tend to perform up to the level of faith we have in their capability, up, down, and across the organization.

Selflessness: Our focus is on being genuinely helpful.

Our History

Vertical Performance (VP) has existed in spirit and in various forms since 1982. By happenstance or fate, Jim Schneider began to meet individuals who shared his desire to help others build confidence, overcome fear, and experience the joy of self-fulfillment within the context of nature and outdoor experience.

This loosely defined cooperative came together through the efforts of Jim and Kevin Korte to form a cohesive organization they founded under the name Life Adventures. In time, they aligned with the YMCA of Southwest Illinois and enjoyed a 22-year relationship that allowed them to serve a quarter of a million people through a variety of programs and services.

Corporate programming was gradually incorporated and eventually evolved into the organization’s “Teambuilders” program. Offerings included experiential team development, leadership training, and workplace improvement.

In 2005, Jim Schneider founded Vertical Performance as a private business venture with a core group of former Life Adventures associates. Our close-knit team sought to first clarify our own workplace culture; one that brings out the best in us and provides individual and collective fulfillment. Together we have created and experienced a unique model that when applied by others with a like-minded focus, can effectively help a variety of organizations reach their full potential.

In 2015, Vertical Performance relocated to the Peer 151 Co-working & Incubator space at 15 N. 1st Street, In Belleville, IL. Ironically, the building was once home to the YMCA of Southwest Illinois, where Life Adventures was first headquartered. In a very real sense, we have come back home to our roots.

Throughout its evolution, Vertical Performance has never wavered in its commitment to the core philosophy:

“Within every person are the seeds of confidence, awareness and achievement.”

“Within every organization is the collective potential to be exceptional.”