ABOUT SCHONE
Father, Marine Corps Officer and Pilot, technology CEO, non-profit founder, president, board member, and so much more—Schone’s life reflects a constellation of callings.
Raised in the South Bronx and educated in New York City parochial schools, Schone went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Holy Cross College and an MBA from Pepperdine University. His diverse background—spanning family, military service, athletics, and corporate leadership—gives him a rare ability to connect with leaders and everyday people alike. He speaks candidly about moving from divisiveness to behaviors that foster unity, understanding, and personal growth.
Known for his plain-spoken honesty, Schone approaches even the toughest conversations with respect, empathy, and a commitment to uncovering the WHY behind people’s beliefs and actions. He believes this understanding is the foundation for values that can bridge differences and create meaningful change.
A transformational leader, Schone has made a lasting impact in the lives of families, organizations, and communities. His professional path includes serving as a U.S. Marine Corps pilot, alpine ski racing coach, CEO of ViaNovus, alyXsys Inc., and Winter4Kids, as well as senior sales and marketing executive roles. These experiences shaped his core principles of experiential authenticity—embracing fear, anger, and failure as powerful energy sources for success anchored in both purpose (the WHY) and action (the WHAT).
He continues to lead with integrity and service. Schone is the former President of the Holy CrossnAlumni Association (HCAA) and a past Trustee of the College. He currently serves on the boards of the YMCA of Greater New York and the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) and previously led as Chairman of the Harlem YMCA Board of Managers. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the New York Urban League "Building Brick" Award, Anheuser-Busch “Man of the Year,” YMCA of Greater New York Volunteer of the Year, and the YMCA “Achiever in Industry” recognition.
Yet for Schone, accolades matter far less than impact. What he values most is sparking the moments that inspire people to question, reflect, and grow—within themselves and with others. It is this internal shift, not public recognition, that fuels his commitment to transformational work.