our staff
Eddy Lyons, Director of Blue Ridge Learning
727-524-4900 Tampa
Office
727-692-7910
Cell
eddy@brlc.org
Eddy has been part of the BRLC's family in various capacities since 1998. Beginning in January 2007, his primary role has been focused on providing overall operational support for Blue Ridge Learning Centers, developing corporate programming and establishing Blue Ridge Florida. He has assisted organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to local agencies in developing learning opportunities to achieve higher levels of performance. He brings his experience and expertise to compliment the Mission Statement of BRLC.
Before joining BRLC full time, From 2000-2007 Eddy designed and facilitated corporate, government and non-profit consulting services through his consulting firm based out of Tampa Florida. He developed a strong collaborative network of leading professionals to provide a broad range of services focused on connecting people to performance. His experiences have given him an in-depth understanding of corporate culture, processes, and leadership principles.
Eddy has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with an emphasis in Psychology from the University of South Florida. He lives in Clearwater Florida with his two sons and has been married for 15 years to his high school sweet heart. He enjoys surfing and road trips with his family.
Ken
Jacquot, President of
Blue Ridge Learning Centers
828-266-3252
Cell
ken@brlc.org
Ken is the owner and operator of Blue Ridge Learning Centers, Inc. (BRLC) overseeing the operations of both Challenge Towers and Blue Ridge Quest Programming. He has been in the industry for over 20 years including and has served on the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) Board of Directors, Chair of the Government Relations Committee and has served on the Universal/Accessible Committee. Ken designs new and innovative challenge courses and program elements as well as program outlines and activities.
Prior to founding BRLC, Ken worked as a Ranger for the National Park Service. During his years there, he researched and developed programs, provided security and emergency medicine, led groups and provided maintenance of the structures on Alcatraz Island as well as the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. While Ken was a Traveling Team Leader with Pecos River Learning Centers, he worked around the country providing program facilitation, course setups, course repairs and also trained staff. Ken gained experience leading youth-at-risk expedition programs on the Appalachian Trail for the Morgan School. With the school, he also taught experiential based climbing wall programs that engaged students in design, construction and management of their indoor climbing wall, and managed adventure-based programs including canoeing and rock climbing.
Ken has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Education from Ohio State University. He is involved in various environmental conservation projects including being the President of the Todd Community Preservation Organization. Ken lives by a mountain stream near Boone, NC, with his wife, Beth, son, Beckham, and daughter, Mairin. He enjoys cycling, anything outdoors, and playing with his family.
Byron "Doc" Carroll,
Client Advocate
843-685-4686
byron@challengetowers.com
Byron Carroll was first exposed to experiential education by observing his father utilizing ropes courses in his role as a psychologist in the 1980’s. Byron went on to serve as a facilitator in the Charter Class of trainers at the East Carolina Ropes Course. Byron also served as a Medic in the 82nd Airborne Infancy. During that time he studied business at Central Texas University and Big Ben University.
Before beginning his Professional Speaking career, Byron honed his public speaking skills, winning two North Carolina State Public Speaking tournaments, communicating a message of hope, encouragement and professional development. He continued his commitment to the community serving on the Junior Chamber, Hickory, NC Chamber Board of Directors, Lincoln County Chamber, Conway Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Myrtle Beach Legislative and Political Committee, and Myrtle Beach Rotary Club, amongst others. He has received various awards for his efforts including, Congressional Recognition by the State of South Carolina in 2007, for his “outstanding, invaluable service to the community”.
The accomplishment he is most proud of is of his marriage to his beautiful wife, Christine and the blessing of their three daughters, Ava, Naomi, and Jacquelyn. They currently reside in North Myrtle Beach, SC.