Before starting Long Group nineteen years ago, Barbara was a founding partner and president of Sterling Brands--Brand Strategy Group, an international brand consultancy, from 1988 to 1998. There she developed and managed a unique portfolio of research-based branded products focused on helping clients achieve values-based brand building, positioning, brand extension, innovation, brand architecture and packaging design. She left Sterling to become an independent consultant so she could be closer to the voice of the consumer and have more of a hands-on role working with clients and consumers to build brands. Prior to launching Sterling Brands, she spent 10 years client side as the Director of Marketing for The Perrier Group brands (now Nestle Waters) where she positioned and launched their most important brands. Barb was a key catalyst in building the bottled water industry, as well as, Perrier Group’s specialty food and confectionary brands. Prior to that she worked in beverage trade research. Barbara has an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a BA from Colorado State University. When not working, she enjoys traveling, exploring local farmers and craft markets, trying new foods and cuisines, cooking for friends, digging in the garden, hiking and kayaking. Barbara also finds her pro-bono work for educational and healthcare non-profits fulfilling.