About Our People

Wesley P. Easly, Founder and Managing Principal

Wes, as a Western Pennsylvania native, witnessed the decline of both the coal and steel industries in his hometown and across the region.  As an entrepreneur he feels strongly about revitalizing regional economies which were once vital to the strength of this country.

With a Communications degree and minor concentration in Accounting from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, he proceeded to work in the real estate industry for Crown American Properties of Johnstown, assisting regional retailers to develop and realize their expansion plans by exposing them to ideal retail space opportunities.

While at Specialty Consultants, Inc., a 40-year old consulting firm and one of the foremost in its field, he was innovative in new client development and client service, quickly becoming one of the most successful consultants in the firm's history and was also a member of their executive management team.  There, Wes was able to effectively devise client solutions and manage teams for regional businesses engaged in construction, finance, retailing and real estate on a global basis, consulting directly to the board level.  He also worked directly with Venture Capital and Private Equity firms and assisted many of their portfolio companies achieve their growth goals.

Over the years, he was a featured speaker at many national symposiums as well as a committee member for several national professional organizations.  He was frequently quoted in The Wall Street Journal, among other publications.

He brings a project-based management style and solutions driven mindset to the clients of Icebreaker Resources and is guided by an ever present sense of urgency.

Wes resides within the City of Pittsburgh, with his wife of 10 years, Alice and their three children, H. Tucker, Giovanna and Luciana.

Brian P. Shuppe, Senior Director, Research and Strategy

After spending five years in the Executive Search industry, Brian perfected various strategic research techniques that now assist Icebreaker Resources’ clients in developing a productive plan to drastically increase their sales.

Born and raised in Columbus, OH, Brian obtained a Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Toledo.  After relocating to western Pennsylvania in 2003, he immediately began his career working for a manufacturing company in Jamestown, PA.  In May of 2004 he began working for Boyden Global Executive Search as a research assistant.  He had a very successful start in the recruiting industry, honing his research skills using various cutting edge technologies.

For the past two years, Brian worked for Specialty Consultants, Inc. as an associate where he was the primary source for their research intensive executive search and business development projects.  It was during these projects that he met and had the opportunity to work with Wes Easly.  By marrying their complementary skills, he and Wes were able to provide clients with the solutions to complex business needs.

Brian and his wife of three years, Toni, currently reside in Sewickley, PA.

Matthew "Butch" Edlinger, Senior Consultant

Butch and his wife live in Sewickley, PA.

Ronald W. Kawatsky, Senior Consultant

Ron and his wife currently reside in Avonworth, PA.