Once again, your workshop was a huge success and the attendees indicated that they felt "inspired, energetic, motivated and S.M.A.R.T." I think that proves you did a job well done! I truly believe if you had not participated, the workshop would not have been as complete or successful as it was rated.
Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC - Edward Buchanan IV, CPA, Managing Member
We are a 22 partner CPA firm with 4 offices. We have been focused on strategic planning issues on a formal basis and we utilized Rex Gatto for our Strategic Planning Retreat. Rex assisted in planning for the retreat by surveying our partner group. Using the survey results and additional information we provided, Rex helped us focus on several key issues including succession planning and communication among the partners in our four offices. He was extremely effective in getting our partners to participate in the discussions in an open and candid manner. He also demonstrated his skills as a facilitator by allowing the discussions to go in unplanned but necessary directions while keeping us focused on the underlying goals of the discussions. At the conclusion of the meetings Rex summarized four key areas for followup, including action steps and a timeline for monitoring results. I would highly recommend Rex to other firms to assist in organizing retreat discussion issues, facilitating the process and following up to help firms and businesses manage for the future.
Cain Ellsworth & Co., LLP - Mark J Ellsworth, CPA, Managing Partner
Recently, Rex facilitated our partner planning retreat. Like most firms, our partners have unique personalities which occasionally conflict. If not properly addressed, these conflicts can have destructive consequences. Rex did a masterful job of helping us to better understand one another and to unite us toward a very compelling vision for the future of our firm. I would highly recommend Rex as a facilitator. He has a keen understanding of our profession based on his many years of consulting with CPA firms. Well suited to many situations - from intervention in partner conflicts to facilitating the development of business plans - Rex is a valued advisor to our firm.
Medtronic USA - Bob Blakeslee M.S.
I recently encountered a problem with a multi-million dollar account, where they perceived they were over-charged for recent system upgrades. This complaint came at the same time we were attempting to execute another large purchase with the customer. Using the principles outlined in your book, Smart Manager's FAQ, I approached the client in a positive manner and promised to resolve the issue. After reviewing the situation, we did find a small mistake that saved the client a few thousand dollars. They were so appreciative of our efforts and response to their concerns that they doubled the size of their new purchase. Thank you Dr. Gatto for writing your book; your principles and ideas work extremely well.
National City Bank - James Steigerwald, Branch Manager
I found your book "Effective Presentation" to be a very informative and worthwhile guide to giving presentations. It clearly defines and organized outline to follow in order to communicate effectively to others. I am confident it will improve my skills as a presenter and I will pass it on to my direct reports for their reading. Thank you again for the personalized copy of your book.
Kristin Kovacic - Freelance Publicist
Just a note to tell you how much I enjoyed the event with Rex Gatto at your store last night. Your mailing list and our publicity pulled in a healthy, interested crowd. Rex's presentation on presentations seemed to strike a lot of familiar chords--he took many questions afterwards and people lingered to talk. Of course, we sold quite a few books, and that's always gratifying. Rex told me that his appearance at Border's was the thing he's done that made him feel most like an "author". We were all, as you've probably come to expect, impressed with your welcoming staff and the warm, book loving atmosphere they create. Looking forward to working with you and Judy and Charles and Amy again.
National City Bank - Debra L. Rhone, Assistant Vice President
First of all I would like to say that I was pleasantly surprised at the content of your workshop. I feel that the majority of us were wearing blinkers and thought that we were going to be lectured again on loan presentations. I was pleased at the broad use and application of your most relevant presentation.Lastly, I would like to thank you for the copy of your book regarding stress management in the work place. The pressures surrounding being responsible and accountable for our loan portfolios is more intense then ever within the banking environment. I am looking forward to some executive reading in the near future. Although you could not tell it from our cool, calm exteriors at our dinner meeting, stress does exist in our work place. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness.
Phoenix Group Inc - Bob Beson, President
I just wanted to drop you a note and congratulate you on your latest book, "Reflections from the Workplace." This in one of the most unusual business books that I have read lately. It is written with feelings that encompass so many types of feelings. I was struck by the genuine feel of "point of view". In one book we see things from the employee, employer, and consultant (or outside) point of view.I especially like the format of the boxed reflections. One of my favorites is "everything in life is a tradeoff; some of us work to live, others live to work." I'll let you decide which category you think that I fit into. Again, congratulations on a fascinating and enlightening perspective on the workplace.
American Eagle Outfitters - Joseph E. Kerin, Executive Vice President
I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I enjoyed your newest book, "Reflections". I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it personally and I've shared some particular pieces with my team here at AEO. Their response has been very strong. We will definitely be using this tool to stimulate discussion and growth.Again, congratulations. In my mind you've hit a huge home run with this particular work. Rest assured I'll be letting everyone in my constellation know about "Reflections".
Education Services - Donald Hartswick
Congratulations on publishing your Reflections from the Workplace. Such a well-conceived document, and expresses a literary side of you I never knew existed--as a poet! I read the first half right away and, as usual, was impressed. Very honestly your memoriam for John Morgan was touching to the point of tears. I also noted a later dedication to Larry Knolle; also quite moving. Thanks for sharing your talent.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company - Pamela Robson, Regional Training
Thank you for the copy of your latest book, Reflections from the Workplace. Caretaker and communication are my favorites because they reflect the environment one may encounter working at Goodyear.Reflections from the Workplace and Gatto Training's continued support provide Goodyear Training with valuable assistance to implement multiple interventions into our ever-changing workforce.
American Society For Training & Development - Pamela J. Schmidt, Director of Member and Customer Services
I was delighted to hear of your Creative Contribution Award, presented to you by the ASTD Pittsburgh Chapter. Deb Guydish, Pittsburgh Chapter President, took the time to let me me know how valuable your contribution to ASTD has been.On behalf of ASTD National, I'd like to say thank you. At the heart of ASTD is strong volunteer leadership and commitment. Your dedication is invaluable.Congratulations on your accomplishments and best wishes for your continued success.
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