About the Practice
David K. Salters
Founding Advisor
- Based in
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Education
- B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies — Small Business Management, University of Alabama
Biography
David Salters helps leaders and companies grow — in clarity, confidence, and results.
At the core of David's practice — and his purpose — is his faith and a deep sense of responsibility: to lead his family well, and to honor the trust of those who invite him into their businesses and careers. That's his why, and it drives everything he does — including his conviction that as AI reshapes how people work, the human element matters more than ever. He's passionate about bringing professionals together to build real connections, genuine accountability, and lasting results. Because the truth is simple: it's lonely at the top — and in the middle, too. Developing leaders at every level, from emerging managers to the corner office and with an eye toward succession, is how healthy organizations are built.
More than fifteen years as an owner and leader at one of the premier CPA and advisory firms in the Southeast gave David a front-row seat to the real challenges business owners and leaders face. Being in those rooms — and being an owner himself — shapes everything he does at Salters Advisory today.
His work spans leadership coaching, business development training, strategic planning, succession planning, and peer group leadership. David is certified in EQ-i, EQ-i 360, and DISC, is a Certified Staffing Professional (CSP), a certified member of the Maxwell Leadership Team, and has been recognized as a Birmingham Business Journal Top 40 Under 40.
A proud husband and father of four in Birmingham, David welcomes leaders who are ready to lead better and grow faster to reach out and connect.
Core Values
The convictions that shape every engagement.
Four principles guide the work — quietly, consistently, and without compromise.
We invest deeply in leaders and teams so they can lead with clarity, authenticity, and a sense of genuine fulfillment. True success comes from aligning personal purpose with professional impact — helping people find meaning in their work, elevate those around them, and build magnetic cultures that attract, retain, and develop exceptional talent.
Areas of Focus
How David works with leaders.
01
Executive Coaching
A hands-on engagement focused on real results. Each program begins with a 360-degree evaluation to establish a baseline, then moves into customized coaching that targets gaps and drives meaningful progress. Programs typically range from 90 days to 18 months and are tailored to each leader's goals — practical coaching delivered by someone who has been there and done the work himself.
02
Executive Roundtables
Confidential, peer-driven groups in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa where business owners and executives share ideas, tackle challenges, and gain clarity on the issues that matter most. Running a business comes with unique pressures and, often, few people to turn to — the roundtable is the room where that changes.
03
Facilitation & Workshops
Interactive sessions where leaders learn to turn challenges into opportunities. In conflict resolution work, David guides participants through clear communication and empathy-driven problem solving. In strategy workshops, he aligns vision with action — equipping teams with practical tools for sustainable success.
04
Talent & Organizational Strategy
Executive search, talent acquisition, leadership development, and compensation review. Helping organizations attract top talent, build strong teams, and retain the people who matter most in a labor market that has changed for good.
Speaking Topics
What David is invited to speak on.
A sought-after public speaker on the forces shaping leadership, talent, and team culture.
Leadership
Great leaders don't just manage — they inspire. How to lead with clarity and confidence through change, build trust, empower teams, and create cultures where people thrive.
Recruiting & Retaining Talent
Attracting and keeping top talent takes fresh thinking. Strategies for navigating today's labor market — flexible work models, competitive pay, and culture-driven engagement.
Business Development
Growth doesn't happen by chance — it happens by design. Uncovering opportunities, building real relationships, and thinking strategically about lasting value over transactions.
Time Management
Time is your most valuable resource. Practical techniques for prioritizing, staying focused, and turning busy schedules into productive, purpose-driven days.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict doesn't have to slow you down — it can make your team stronger. Turning disagreements into collaboration through clear communication and empathy-driven strategy.
Certifications
Credentialed where it counts.
Years of disciplined study behind the practical counsel — formal certifications from the organizations that set the standard in staffing, emotional intelligence, and leadership development.
CSP®
Certified Staffing Professional
American Staffing Association
Rigorous certification covering employment and labor law, ethics, and best practices in staffing and workforce management.
EQ-i 2.0®
EQ-i 2.0® Certified
Multi-Health Systems
Certified to administer and interpret the world's leading emotional intelligence assessment for individual leadership development.
EQ 360®
EQ 360® Certified
Multi-Health Systems
Multi-rater emotional intelligence assessment certification — combines self-evaluation with feedback from peers, managers, and direct reports.
Coach · Trainer · Speaker
Maxwell Leadership Certified
Maxwell Leadership
Certified by the John Maxwell organization to coach, train, and speak using Maxwell's globally recognized leadership methodology.
DISC Behavioral Analysis
Maxwell DISC Consultant
Maxwell Leadership
Certified consultant in DISC behavioral analysis — equipping teams to communicate, collaborate, and lead through awareness of behavioral style.
BOS UP®
BOS UP Coach Certified
BOS UP
Certified BOS UP Coach — trained to help business owners build healthier, more scalable operating systems and lead with greater clarity and accountability.
Industry Membership
Proud member of ABC Alabama.
David is an active member of the Associated Builders and Contractors — Alabama Chapter, a community that represents one of his largest client industries. Construction leaders across the state turn to David for the same practical counsel that has earned ABC's trust: building stronger teams, sharper leadership, and healthier operating systems in an industry where execution is everything.
Education & Memberships
Background & affiliations
- B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies — University of Alabama
- Member, American Staffing Association
- Member, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) — Alabama Chapter
- Ongoing executive education in coaching, leadership, and talent strategy
Recognition
Honors & affiliations
- Birmingham Business Journal — Top 40 Under 40
- Business Development Manager of the Year — national staffing firm
Community
Service & involvement
- Former U.S. Advisory Board Member — Life For Children Ministry, Kenya
- Former Board Member — WorkFaith Birmingham
- Youth sports coach
Ask David About
The conversations he most enjoys having.
- Finding your next accounting, finance, or technology professional
- How a flexible workforce can improve your profitability
- Building executive teams that retain top talent
- Drilling fresh water wells in Africa