Principal at Fairbairn Associates, a business consulting and advisory firm. His firm assists clients in technology commercialization and international business development, also he provides training and education services for the University of NC Medical school. He served in senior general management and board positions at technology-based companies including Raychem and ATD. He was responsible for business strategy, international business development, technology commercialization, and marketing/sales.

Stephen currently mentors various technology clients and has recruited/trained mentors for SCORE. He has taught various courses in entrepreneurship, business modeling and business planning. His publications include articles regarding accounting theory, medical school training, and a novel about intellectual property espionage. (The Silver Lining Betrayals). He holds a granted patent in automotive insulation devices. He holds an MBA from Stanford University, an MS from the University of Southern California, and a BA degree from the University of Colorado. He lives and works in Chapel Hill, NC