Every year, HR Executive magazine selects the Top Five Training Products of the Year. On this year's list of winners, you'll find major training industry players whose names you may recognize. And then there's one -- Solutions House -- that many people haven't heard of. At least, not yet.

Solutions House, of Tampa, Florida, is among the recipients of HR Executive's prestigious distinction. And their winning product? It's a unique, experiential business simulation called Full Throttle.

In the program, learners are quickly promoted to Senior Leadership levels of a fictitious motorcycle company called - you guessed it - Full Throttle. "In the program, learners will experience why finance is 'the language of business,'" explains CEO Donna Burnette. "Most business acumen simulations reflect industrial age business models where value is measured primarily by a company's financials. Full Throttle starts there, with a fresh awareness of finance. But then it takes a crucial additional step, and explores the sources of a company's true economic value, which transcend the financial statements."

Realizing how dry this subject might sound in description, Burnette adds with a smile "It's also a ton of fun."

Business finance? Fun? Apparently they're on to something. The fledgling company has entered a marketplace of training Goliaths and found rapid success. The game (excuse us, business simulation) was designed with the sponsorship of Fortune 500 companies TechData and Teco, and with the subject matter expertise of Butler University's College of Business. Early customers included The Limited Brands, Caterpillar, Citizens' Gas and Coke, University of Florida, and TheZenith insurance. Many of these are recognizing the power of financial and strategic acumen as a core competency in management development.

Not willing to stand still, Solutions House is already busy innovating again with a simpler version targeted to employees at all levels of the organization they're calling Fast Throttle. Demand has already begun trickling in for the product, which is currently in development.

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