Merrill Oster, a founder of Pinnacle Forum America, is an international business journalist, publishing entrepreneur, author and public speaker. He is Chairman of Oster Communications, a financial publishing firm, and Oster Partners, a real estate development firm, in Cedar Falls, Iowa and Aurora, Illinois.
A dynamic businessman, Merrill and his company Oster Communications have earned many prestigious honors, including Iowa Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Inc. Magazine and Ernst & Young, the Blue Chip Enterprise Initiative by the US Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneur of the Century in the Cedar Valley, Iowa, area, and Outstanding Young Alumnus by Iowa State University.
Beyond his business successes, he has authored ten books, including Giving Back and Vision Driven Leadership. He has held leadership positions in his church and many local and national business groups. Among these are Campus Crusade for Christ, Iowa State University Board of Governors, Iowa Young Presidents Organization, and World Presidents Organization.
Merrill lectures on futures markets, finances, and personal, spiritual, and corporate development from over 35 years of experience as a Christian business owner. He has keynoted many business conventions and lectured at many universities. He holds a doctorate in Management and Organization Leadership from the University of Phoenix, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, and a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Merrill and his wife Carol travel the world supporting and sponsoring mission-related activities. They live in Iowa, Illinois, and Arizona. They have two children and six grandchildren living in the Chicago area.
