It started with one small step
That business and that life we always wanted? We built it. And we can help you build yours too.
The history of Giant Leap
Giant Leap began in 2003 with an exclusive focus on consulting. It soon grew to include peer mentoring groups that meet in Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle, Washington. Since we started, we’ve helped hundreds of business owners find their ideal paths. We’re adding workshops and assessments to our offering, to enable us to help thousands more.
George Noroian
Founder and Group LeaderGeorge grew up in a small family business, learning from an early age that there are both good and bad ways to be an entrepreneur. He had a rich and varied career path, serving in the diplomatic corps, getting an MBA from Stanford, and running two multi-million dollar companies. His journey has given him experience and empathy, and he uses these to help business owners create the entrepreneurial lives they’ve always wanted.
Aaron Schmookler
Group LeaderAaron brings a range of experience to leading the South Sound and Kitsap County CEO groups — from outdoor leadership and theatre direction, to teaching business communication and management skill development. For nearly 30 years, Aaron has helped leaders build structures, habits, and mindsets that support an enduring high-performance culture, so both their profits and their people thrive. Aaron is co-founder and CEO of The Yes Works.
Mike Gardner
Group LeaderMike brings deep expertise as an entrepreneur and CEO to his role as Vancouver group leader. He is the owner of Property Fox, which simplifies the Canadian mortgage renewal process, and principal of boutique consulting firm Currentii Advisors. He is the former CEO of Agreement Express, and founder and president of Cayenta. In his spare time, Mike teaches entrepreneurship at the University of British Columbia. He holds an MBA from Queen’s University.
Tyler Parris
Group leaderTyler brings his passion for facilitative leadership to our Seattle-based peer group for executives. This leadership style isn't about being the expert, but thinking about the group or team’s objectives, designing the time to meet those objectives, and steering the group through the ideation then prioritizing ideas, to turn thinking into concrete plans. Before becoming a certified executive and leadership coach, Tyler built and managed teams in companies, nonprofits, and the US Marines. He has done extensive research and writing on the role of the corporate chief of staff.
A word from our clients
There’s a trust people have in George. When he calls me on something, I can tell he’s coming at it with compassion and non-judgement.
George is very adept at keeping senior leaders strategically moving forward. Having been in our shoes, his wise and candid counsel is rare.
Origin story
“Innovation in the 1960s was dominated by the space race, which culminated in the first moon landing on July 20, 1969. On that day, Neil Armstrong uttered what has become one of the most famous phrases in the English language: ‘That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.’
Growing up in the space age, I have been inspired by the passion, curiosity, drive, and commitment to excellence that represents the best of the U.S. space program. I believe that taking small, meaningful — and often challenging — steps, ultimately culminates in giant leaps.”