Our executive team
Joe Chapuran, Managing Director
Mike Townsend, Chief Client Officer
Joe Chapuran, Managing Director
Joe Chapuran has a diverse background in international development including positions in the entrepreneurial, private-sector, consulting, and governmental arenas. He has done business in over 40 countries and has lived, worked, and studied in Japan and Europe. Previously, Joe headed the State of Nebraska’s international business efforts
Joe Chapuran has a diverse background in international development including positions in the entrepreneurial, private-sector, consulting, and governmental arenas. He has done business in over 40 countries and has lived, worked, and studied in Japan and Europe. Previously, Joe headed the State of Nebraska’s international business efforts for 18 years where he worked for the state’s previous three governors. After this position, Joe worked at an international finance company focused on developing agriculture projects in Africa bringing in a holistic solution including farm design, equipment, services, and financing for the projects.
In November, 2023 Joe joined Western Forms to head the company’s African development efforts, bringing in a similar holistic model to the housing efforts. Rather than solely supplying aluminum forms for housing projects, the company is now dedicated to offering complete affordable housing solutions. Group partners, such as engineering companies, pump suppliers, etc., will form relationships and work together to bring their products and services to the continent in a combined fashion. Additionally, we will assist in securing the necessary financing to ensure the successful completion of projects.
Wasim Khan, CEO & Founder
Mike Townsend, Chief Client Officer
Joe Chapuran, Managing Director
Based in Lenexa, Kansas, Wasim Khan is a visionary leader with over thirty-five years of international, business, and cross-cultural expertise, instrumental in founding multiple companies with a distinct African focus. He leverages a comprehensive suite of skills, including extensive experience in business development, project management,
Based in Lenexa, Kansas, Wasim Khan is a visionary leader with over thirty-five years of international, business, and cross-cultural expertise, instrumental in founding multiple companies with a distinct African focus. He leverages a comprehensive suite of skills, including extensive experience in business development, project management, customer acquisition, cross-cultural communication, and diversity & inclusion training, to drive international project deployment with far-reaching positive impact. Wasim specializes in pivotal development work spanning renewable energy, water, agriculture & food security, affordable housing, and technology, collaborating with governments, communities, non-profits, and corporations to enhance quality of life and stimulate economic growth for indigenous peoples, immigrants, refugees, and businesses across the globe.
A recognized community leader in both the US and his home country of Kenya, Wasim views this role as critical for fostering relationships, creating business opportunities, and addressing social justice issues. He frequently serves as a sought-after consultant for US organizations aiming to establish business ventures in Africa, and is a compelling speaker and trainer for governmental entities, educational institutions, corporations, and non-profits. His commitment extends to board service for organizations like the Hot Sun Foundation in Kenya, the Entrepreneur Innovation Center at Kansas City Kansas Community College, and the Sister Cities Association of Kansas City. Wasim, who resides in Lenexa, Kansas, also enjoys extensive world travel with his family, often helping others access these enriching global experiences.
Mike Townsend, Chief Client Officer
Mike Townsend, Chief Client Officer
Mike Townsend, Chief Client Officer
Mike brings a wealth of entrepreneurial acumen and strategic vision as our Business Development Agent, operating from his base in Kampala, Uganda. With a proven track record in cultivating new ventures and fostering robust business growth, he is dedicated to extending Western Forms' footprint across the East African region. His approach i
Mike brings a wealth of entrepreneurial acumen and strategic vision as our Business Development Agent, operating from his base in Kampala, Uganda. With a proven track record in cultivating new ventures and fostering robust business growth, he is dedicated to extending Western Forms' footprint across the East African region. His approach is anchored in forging impactful strategic partnerships and championing sustainable development initiatives that resonate with local needs and economic landscapes. Prior to this role, Mike's journey included successfully launching and managing a small business in Atlanta, contributing innovative insights to the burgeoning electric vehicle sector through business model development, and spearheading crucial housing initiatives across twelve African nations with Habitat for Humanity. This multifaceted background equips him with a unique ability to adeptly navigate diverse market dynamics and implement transformative housing solutions.
His academic foundations are equally impressive, holding a Master of Sociology from Georgia State University, which provides a deep understanding of societal structures and community dynamics, and a Masters of Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service, underscoring his commitment to impactful and sustainable development. This blend of practical business experience and a strong academic grounding in sociology and public service empowers Mike to not only drive commercial success for Western Forms but also to ensure that the company's expansion contributes meaningfully to the socio-economic progress of East Africa. He is poised to leverage his extensive expertise and passion to unlock new opportunities and solidify Western Forms' position as a leader in innovative housing solutions across the continent.