Leadership Team

Dr. Trexler pioneered innovative processes to produce the Aurum® including advanced security features, bill architecture, and new printing methods. He also led the acquisition of two other early-stage companies to augment Valaurum’s IP portfolio in addition to raising all capital for the start-up. 

Dr. Trexler continues to lead research and development initiatives at Valaurum. Inc. He is the primary inventor and first patent author of the KeyBill, the most secure form of physical cryptocurrency. He is also an inventor of numerous precious metal bill security features, with a patent issued in 2020 and several more in development. 

Prior to founding Valaurum, Dr. Trexler worked in academic research and venture capital. From 2008-2012, he was a professor and researcher at the University of Exeter and Queen Mary University of London, with numerous refereed publications relating to the history of culture and science, particularly with regard to credit, the gold standard, money and labor. Before his academic career, Dr. Trexler worked at Corporate Finance, Inc., structuring early stage companies to raise equity capital.

Alison Backus brings over 15 years of marketing experience with a focus on product design, e-commerce strategy, and branding. She has over a decade of experience driving significant revenue growth from multi-channel programs through targeted advertising initiatives. 

Since joining Valaurum in the summer of 2020, Alison Backus has overseen Valaurum’s operations while playing an integral role in designing and opening a brand new factory. She uses her experience building cross-departmental programs to create a strategic plan for Valaurum’s organizational growth.

Alison Backus graduated with a BA degree in Biology from Carleton College in 2002 and received her MFA in science filmmaking and communication in 2006 from MSU-Bozeman in partnership with The Discovery Channel.

Balazs Csaki brings operational expertise in precious metals trading, product development for the U.S. and international markets, and strategic insight into the wider precious metals and cryptocurrency markets.

Mr. Csaki is a Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Minshull Trading, one of the largest wholesalers of gold and silver products in the United States. 

Balazs Csaki graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics in 2002, a Minor in Accounting, and Specialization in Computer Programming. He has long standing relationships with major gold bullion institutions and world mints, and is well respected in the numismatic field.

Kyle Hansen brings over 15 years of combined diverse experience with public and private accounting sectors, including real estate, construction, manufacturing, and non-profit. In that time, he successfully developed and implemented financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that have contributed to sound reporting, profitability, and asset safeguarding within companies in all stages of business growth.

Kyle is passionate about supporting teams that create “cool” and innovative products.

Kyle graduated in January 2009 from SUNY Plattsburgh with a B.S. degree, double majoring in Accounting and Business and a minor in Economics. He received his C.P.A. license from the State of New York in October 2012.

Jeff Parry brings over 20 years of management experience in the manufacturing industry at various companies, including Intel Corporation, TMX Aerospace, Inc, and BirchStone Management Inc. Jeff is Six Sigma Green Belt certified. He has managed several successful continuous improvement projects over his years in manufacturing. Jeff also has experience working with labor unions and brings valuable experience working on the collective bargaining process.

As Plant Manager, Jeff Parry manages all plant operations for Valaurum. He graduated from Georgia Military College with a BS in Business Administration. He also has an Associate’s Degree in Advanced Electronics, which he received during his time with the United States Navy.