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                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.39.1

                              SEPARATION AGREEMENT
                                [Conformed Copy]

         THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of
January 16, 2001, by and between Aperian, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Aperian"), and Christopher Brickler" ("Mr. Brickler");

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, Mr. Brickler is currently an officer and employee of the
Company (as such term is hereinafter defined) and will remain an officer and
employee of the Company through January 31, 2001 (the "Resignation Date"); and

         WHEREAS, Mr. Brickler is currently a director of Aperian and will
continue as a director beyond the Resignation Date until he resigns or is
replaced in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of
Aperian.

         WHEREAS, Mr. Brickler and Aperian are contemporaneously with the
execution of this Agreement entering into that certain Advisory Agreement (the
"Advisory Agreement"), which Advisory Agreement sets forth the terms and
conditions pursuant to which Mr. Brickler will perform certain advisory and
other services for Aperian after the Resignation Date; and

         WHEREAS, Mr. Brickler and Aperian have agreed to certain terms and
conditions concerning Mr. Brickler's termination of employment with the Company;

         NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the amounts and benefits to
be paid and provided to Mr. Brickler under this Agreement and the mutual
promises, covenants, and undertakings contained in this Agreement, and intending
to be legally bound, Aperian and Mr. Brickler agree as follows:

         1. RESIGNATION; TRANSITION FROM EMPLOYEE TO CONTRACTOR: Effective as of
the Resignation Date, Mr. Brickler resigns as an officer and employee of the
Company. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Company" shall mean Aperian
and each of its subsidiaries. From the date hereof through the Resignation Date,
(1) Mr. Brickler shall continue to be an employee of the Company, (2) Mr.
Brickler shall receive compensation from the Company at Mr. Brickler's rate of
base salary as in effect on the date hereof (3) Mr. Brickler will not be
required to perform any duties or report for work to any Aperian location.
Effective as of the Resignation Date, Mr. Brickler's employment with the Company
shall terminate. As of February 1, 2001, there shall be an independent
contractor relationship between Aperian and Mr. Brickler, which relationship
shall be governed by the Advisory Agreement. Upon (A) the payment of Mr.
Brickler's base salary through the Resignation Date, (B) compliance with
Sections 2 and 4 hereof, the Company shall have no

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further obligations to Mr. Brickler for any salary, bonus, or other compensation
of any type for services rendered by Mr. Brickler to the Company on or before
the Resignation Date.

2. PAYMENTS AND BENEFITS: (a) Aperian will pay Mr. Brickler his basic salary,
less normal withholdings through and including January 31, 2001. The final check
will be mailed to Mr. Brickler, or at his request available for personal
delivery at Aperian's Addison office, on or about January 31, 2001 in accordance
with Aperian's normal payroll practices. In addition, Aperian will make a lump
sum payment for all accrued but unused vacation days, if any, earned by him.
Vacation pay, if any, will be included in the final January 31, 2001 payroll
check. Vacation pay will cease accruing as of the Resignation Date.

         (b) Mr. Brickler recognizes that he will not, after the Resignation
Date, participate as an employee of Aperian in any option, savings, insurance or
other benefit plan of Aperian except to the extent any such plan provides
otherwise. Mr. Brickler recognizes that he and his dependents will cease to be
eligible for coverage under Aperian's medical and dental insurance plans from
and after February 28, 2001. Mr. Brickler will remain entitled to any rights he
may have under any benefit plan of Aperian (a) to vested benefits under a
benefit plan which by its terms specifically provides for the vesting of
benefits, (b) to convert any insured benefits under an employee benefits plan to
the extent the plan allows conversion or (c) to maintain his medical insurance
in force as provided by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of
1985 ("COBRA").

         3. WAIVER OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT: Mr. Brickler waives, and the Company
shall not be required to pay, any other severance pay or severance benefits in
connection with the termination of the employment relationship, whether from a
severance plan sponsored by the Company or the general assets of the Company.
The consideration and remuneration provided for under this Agreement are in lieu
of and take the place of any other severance pay or severance benefit, which Mr.
Brickler forfeits.

         4. RESTRICTED STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS: On the Resignation Date, but
effective the date hereof, all shares of common stock of Aperian issued to Mr.
Brickler pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated October 30, 2000
will become fully vested in accordance with Section 8(b) of such Agreement and
shall no longer be subject to any restrictions or risk of forfeiture. All stock
options issued to Mr. Brickler which, as of the Resignation Date, are (a) not
vested will expire in accordance with the applicable stock option unless
exercised prior to such expiration in accordance with such agreement and (b) are
vested will continue to be exercisable as provided, and for the periods
specified in, the applicable stock option agreements.

         3. NONSOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES: From the date hereof through January
1, 2002, Mr. Brickler agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, for
himself or for others, solicit or initiate contact any employee of the Company
with regard to terminating his or her employment with the Company, without the
written consent of the Chief Executive Officer of Aperian, it being agreed that
continuing discussions with individuals who contact Mr. Brickler first on their
own initiative with regard to terminating their employment with the Company,
shall not be considered solicitation or initiation of contact.

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         4. PUBLISHING STATEMENTS: Each party hereto shall refrain, during the
remaining portion of the employment relationship, during the advisory
relationship, and after the advisory relationship terminates, from publishing
any oral or written statements about the other party, any of its subsidiaries,
or any of such entities' officers, directors, employees, agents or
representatives that are slanderous, libelous, or defamatory; or that disclose
private or confidential information about such other party or any of its
subsidiaries, or any of such entities' business affairs, officers, directors,
employees, agents, or representatives; or that constitute an intrusion into the
seclusion or private lives of such other party or any of its subsidiaries, or
any of such parties' officers, directors, employees, agents, or representatives;
or that give rise to unreasonable publicity about the private lives of such
other party or any of its subsidiaries, or any of such entities' officers,
directors, employees, agents, or representatives; or that place such other party
or any of its subsidiaries, or any of such entities' officers, directors,
employees, agents, or representatives in a false light before the public; or
that constitute a misappropriation of the name or likeness of such other party
or any of its subsidiaries, or any of such entities' officers, directors,
employees, agents, or representatives. A violation or threatened violation of
this paragraph 6 may be enjoined by the courts. The rights afforded such other
party under this paragraph 6 are in addition to any and all rights and remedies
otherwise afforded by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) nothing in this
paragraph 6 shall be interpreted to mean that Mr. Brickler will be constrained
from making responsible statements as to his business judgment on material
corporate matters affecting the Company and (b) the provisions of this paragraph
6 shall cease to apply two years after Mr. Brickler is no longer an employee,
director, advisor or consultant of Aperian.

         5. MUTUAL RELEASE AND INDEMNITY:

                  (a) Mr. Brickler, on his behalf and on behalf of his
representatives, heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, and on behalf of
any other persons or entities claiming by, through, or under Mr. Brickler, does
hereby fully release, acquit and forever discharge the Company and its
employees, officers, directors, trustees, committee-members, Boards, members of
such Boards, chairmen of the boards, shareholders, contractors, consultants,
agents, representatives, attorneys, successors, and assigns (the "Released
Entities"), from and against any and all of Mr. Brickler's rights, claims,
charges, demands, and causes of action against the Released Entities of any kind
or character, both past and present, known or unknown, including but not limited
to those arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, all as amended,
and any other state or federal statute, regulation or the common law (contract,
tort or other), which relate to Mr. Brickler's employment or termination of
employment with the Company, including but not limited to any alleged
discriminatory or retaliatory employment practices, any matter relating to or
arising under any employment agreement with the Company, any and all prior
discussions, representations, understandings, or agreements between, on the one
hand, the Company and/or its agents, representatives, attorneys, or contractors,
and, on the other hand, Mr. Brickler or his agents or representatives, regarding
his employment and termination of employment with the Company or services
heretofore rendered to the Company, or any other matter whatsoever.
Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this paragraph 7(a), this release
(1) shall not serve to waive or release any of Mr. Brickler's rights or claims
that may arise after the date this Agreement is executed and (2) shall not
affect any future obligation which the Company may

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have to Mr. Brickler under the terms of this Agreement or the Advisory
Agreement. Mr. Brickler acknowledges and agrees that he has been given an
adequate period to consider this Agreement and this release, that he was advised
by the Company to consult an attorney, and that he has in fact consulted an
attorney prior to executing this Agreement and this release. Mr. Brickler
understands that this Agreement and this release are not revocable in whole or
in part.

                  (b) The Company hereby unconditionally and irrevocably forever
releases and discharges Mr. Brickler from all claims, charges, complaints,
obligations, liabilities, promises, agreements, contracts, damages, causes of
action, suits, accrued benefits or other liabilities of any kind or character,
whether known or hereafter discovered, arising from or in any way connected with
or related to Mr. Brickler's past service as an officer or employee of the
Company; provided, however, that such release (A) shall not apply to any claims,
demands or causes of action that the Company may have against Mr. Brickler for
past conduct that constitutes a felony, (B) shall not serve to waive or release
any rights or claims of the Company that may arise after the date this Agreement
is executed, (C) shall not serve to waive or release any rights or claims of the
Company that arise out of Mr. Brickler's status as a director of the Company and
(D) shall not affect any future obligation which Mr. Brickler may have to the
Company under the terms of this Agreement or the Advisory Agreement.

                  (c) It is expressly agreed that no future disputes between (1)
any of the Company or any of the Released Entities, and (2) Mr. Brickler,
whether under this Agreement or otherwise, shall in any way affect the
enforceability of the releases granted above.

         6. NOTICES: For purposes of this Agreement, notice, demands and all
other communications between the parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed
to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:

         If to Mr. Brickler:

                  Mr. Christopher Brickler
                  2220 Canton, #505
                  Dallas, Texas 75201

         If to Aperian or the Company:

                  Aperian, Inc.
                  Attn:  Robert J. Gibbs, Chairman
                  14131 Midway Road, Suite 800
                  Addison, Texas  75001

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in
accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective
only upon receipt.

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         7. WITHHOLDING OF TAXES: The Company may withhold from any benefits and
payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other
taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or
ruling.

         8. SUCCESSOR OBLIGATIONS AND ASSIGNMENT: The rights and obligations of
the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the successors and assigns of the Company. Mr. Brickler can freely assign
any rights accruing to him under this Agreement (other than rights pursuant to
any plan which are not assignable under the terms of such plan) to any
associated party subject to the consent of Aperian, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld.

         9. AMENDMENT: This Agreement may not be modified except by an agreement
in writing executed by both Aperian and Mr. Brickler.

         10. GOVERNING LAWS: This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by
the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to principles of conflicts
of law.

         11. VALIDITY: In the event that any portion or provision of this
Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalid or unenforceable
portion shall be severed and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain valid
and enforceable.

         12. COUNTERPARTS: This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

         13. EFFECT OF AGREEMENT: The terms of this Agreement shall supersede
any obligations and rights of the Company and Mr. Brickler relating to the
subject matter hereof. However, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to
diminish in any way the rights of Mr. Brickler or the Company pursuant to the
Advisory Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.

                                  APERIAN, INC.

                                  BY:  /s/ ROBERT J. GIBBS
                                     -------------------------
                                     ROBERT J. GIBBS, CHAIRMAN

                                      /s/ CHRISTOPHER BRICKLER
                                     -------------------------
                                     CHRISTOPHER BRICKLER

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                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.39.2

                               ADVISORY AGREEMENT
                                [Conformed Copy]

         THIS ADVISORY AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into effective as
of February 1 2001, by and between Aperian, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and Christopher Brickler ("Advisor" or "Mr.
Brickler");

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, the Company wishes to continue to benefit from the advice,
experience and knowledge of Mr. Brickler; and

         WHEREAS, Advisor is willing to advise the Company, upon the terms and
conditions contained herein;

         NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the compensation to be paid
Mr. Brickler under this Agreement and the mutual promises, covenants, and
undertakings contained herein, the Company and Advisor agree as follows:

         1. Independent Contractor: There shall be created pursuant to this
Agreement an independent contractor relationship between the Company and Advisor
whereby Mr. Brickler shall supply advisory services to the Company in accordance
with and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

         2. Term: The term of this Agreement shall be for a three-month period
ending April 30, 2001, unless earlier terminated pursuant to its provisions. At
the option of the Company, the term of this Agreement may be extended on a month
to month basis up to, but not beyond, July 31, 2001.

         3. Services: During the term of this Agreement, and subject to his
reasonable availability, Mr. Brickler shall provide such advisory services as
the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") or the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company (the "CEO") may reasonably request or that Mr. Brickler
believes might be valuable to the Company, including assisting the Board and the
CEO in such strategic and financial matters, acquisition strategy or other
projects as the Board or the CEO deems appropriate. The method of performance,
hours utilized and other details of Advisor's services hereunder shall be within
Mr. Brickler's sole control. While retained as an advisor by the Company,
Advisor shall be available at all times during normal business hours. If Advisor
accepts employment with another entity or otherwise does not expect to be not
available on a full-time basis, Advisor will inform the CEO of such
unavailability, in which event Advisor and the Company will renegotiate this
Agreement in light of the services Advisor is able to perform, up to an
including termination of this Agreement, provided that the total amount of
general services fees payable to Advisor during the term (including any
extension) hereof will not be less than $43,752.

         4.       Compensation and Expense Reimbursement:

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              A. General Services Fee: As compensation for his services during
the term of this Agreement, Mr. Brickler shall receive a monthly fee, payable on
the 15th of each month beginning February 15, 2001, in the amount of $14,584.

              B. Expenses: The Company shall promptly reimburse Advisor for all
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him in performance of his services
hereunder, provided that such expenses are pre-approved by the CEO and are
submitted to the Company (with proper supporting documentation) in accordance
with the Company's policy then in effect for employee expense reports.

         5. Confidential Information: Advisor and the Company acknowledge that
the Company's business is highly competitive and that the Company may, from time
to time, provide Advisor with access to confidential information. Advisor agrees
that he will not make any unauthorized disclosure of confidential business
information obtained from the Company ("Confidential Information"), or make any
unauthorized use thereof. However, Advisor shall be permitted to disclose
Confidential Information as is required by law, including deposition or trial
testimony pursuant to subpoena, provided that if he is requested or required (by
oral question, interrogatories, request for information or documents, subpoena,
civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose any Confidential
Information, if reasonably possible under the circumstances as determined in
good faith, he will promptly notify the other party of such request or
requirement so that the other party may seek an appropriate protective order or
waive compliance with the provisions of this Agreement.

         In the absence of a protective order or the receipt of a waiver
hereunder, or in the good faith determination of Advisor that time is of the
essence, Advisor shall obtain legal counsel, and if Advisor and/or his counsel
in good faith believe that Advisor is compelled to disclose the Confidential
Information or be exposed to liability for contempt or suffer other censure or
penalty, Advisor may disclose only such Confidential Information to the party
compelling disclosure as is required by law, as determined by Advisor on advice
of counsel. Advisor further agrees that he will cooperate with the Company in
its efforts to obtain a protective order or other reliable assurance that
confidential treatment will be accorded the Confidential Information. All
reasonable legal fees, costs and expenses incurred by Mr. Brickler in obtaining
legal representation pursuant to his obligations under this paragraph shall be
paid by the Company.

         The obligations of the parties set forth in this paragraph 5 shall
apply during the term of this Agreement and shall survive for one year following
the termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever.

         6. Capacity and Benefits: At all times while serving under this
Agreement, Advisor shall be an independent contractor and not a common-law
employee. Therefore, except to the extent provided in any other agreement
between Advisor and the Company, Advisor shall not, during the term of this
Agreement, be entitled to participate in the Company's benefit plans and
programs for its employees. Further, Advisor will in no way be considered to be
an agent, employee, or servant of the Company. Advisor shall have no authority
to bind the Company without receiving specific written authority to do so. It is
not the purpose or intention of this Agreement or the parties to create, and the
same shall not be construed as creating, any partnership, partnership relation,
joint venture, agency, or employment relationship.

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         7. Termination:

              A. Disability: If Advisor becomes unable to provide advisory
services hereunder during the term of this Agreement by reason of illness or
incapacity, then this Agreement shall terminate, and Advisor shall be entitled
to the entire monthly fee provided under paragraph 4A hereof for the month in
which such termination occurs.

              B. Death: If Advisor dies during the term of this Agreement, then
this Agreement shall terminate, and Advisor shall be entitled to the entire
monthly fee provided under paragraph 4A hereof for the month in which Advisor's
death occurs.

              C. Expiration of the Term: This Agreement shall terminate
automatically and without notice upon the expiration of the term provided in
paragraph 2 hereof.

              D. Effect of Termination: Upon termination of this Agreement, all
of the parties' obligations, other than the confidentiality obligations under
paragraph 5 hereof and the Company's obligation to pay any unpaid fees or
unreimbursed expenses under this Agreement, shall terminate. The confidentiality
obligations under paragraph 5 hereof, shall survive termination of this
Agreement as set forth in such paragraph and Exhibit.

         8. Notices: For purposes of this Agreement, notice, demands and all
other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by United States
certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

         If to Advisor:
                                    Mr. Christopher Brickler
                                    2200 Canton, #505
                                    Dallas, Texas 75201

         If to the Company:
                                    Mr. Robert J. Gibbs
                                    Chairman
                                    Aperian, Inc.
                                    14131 Midway Road, Suite 800
                                    Addison, Texas  75001

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in
accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective
only upon receipt.

         9. Successor Obligations and Assignment: The rights and obligations of
the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon its successors and assigns. Advisor may assign any rights accruing to him
under this Agreement to any affiliated entity with the consent of the Company,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

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         10. Amendment: This Agreement may not be modified except by an
agreement in writing executed by both the Company and Advisor.

         11. Governing Laws: This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by
the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to principles of conflicts
of law.

         12. Validity: In the event that any portion or provision of this
Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the other portions or
provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

         13. Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

         14. Effect of Agreement: The terms of this Agreement shall supersede
any obligations and rights of the Company and Advisor respecting advisory
services. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as permitting either
party hereto to directly or indirectly benefit from any confidential business
information obtained from the other party during the period that Mr. Brickler
was an employee, officer or director of the Company.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the
17th day of January , 2001, to be effective as of February 1, 2001.

                                           APERIAN, INC.

                                           By:    /s/Robert J. Gibbs
                                              ---------------------------------
                                                  Robert J. Gibbs
                                                  Chairman

                                                  /s/Christopher Brickler
                                              ---------------------------------
                                                  Christopher Brickler

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