Werner K.(Verne) Paulus, of Bow, Washington, is the chairman of the Polygon Group of companies. Verne has had more than 45 years of experience in real estate development and mortgage banking. He has previously been active in most fields of residential and commercial developments, encompassing single-family subdivisions, rental apartments, townhouses, condominiums, and office buildings.

Verne's present focus is on portfolio investments, hi-tech companies, forestry, agriculture, income realty, and private mortgage banking. he has been serving on the board of directors for ePALS Classroom Exchange Inc. for the last year and as director for Peer 1 Network Enterprises Inc. since April 2003. Verne has also served on the board of directors for the Wild Salmon Center for the last eight years and is currently the chairman of the board.