You have a great idea. Now what?A great idea needs a foundation behind it and that is what we do at Empower SMO:• Clearly defining the direction to take, assessing strengths and weaknesses,and gauging opportunities and risks.• Planning by prioritizing customer, employee, and organizationalrequirements to optimize the efficiency of the business.• Determining how to scale up production without overextending to meet theneed to build capacity.• Establishing the performance measures for the new operation.Empower SMO can create integrated strategic and tactical plans that supportimplementation and execution, and help build the needed operational processesfor a successful start up.C o n c e p t – P l a n – I m p l e m e n tWe use a systematic approach to evaluate and develop the plans for theopportunity including:• Comprehensive Business Plan with:o Sales Projections / Marketing Plano Operation Plano Go-to-Market Strategyo Competitive Analysis• ROI Road Map with Revenue / Expense Model that can be stressed tested• Implementation covering the full range of business functions –Information Systems, HR, Business Development, Sales, Marketing,Fulfillment and Customer Service.

Circle Development is a diversified company that includes Senior Living, Nursing Homes, Self Storage, Pet Resorts and other developments.I oversee operations focusing on leadership development, revenue maximization, and operational efficiency with continual process improvement and coordination with executive team.

This was a startup operation that was pioneering a new industry and service to Healthcare, K-12 School and any nonprofit entity: student loan forgiveness. It presented several significant challenges. First, we had to execute very quickly to maximize our first to market advantage. At the same time, we had to maintain a low marketing profile to delay the entry of competition. Second, the final pilot program was running in conjunction with the buildup of the operation. This drained resources from executing the deployment. Key start up processes: • A rigorous hiring process • Development of an in depth training system• Customized workflow and CRM system• Cloud based IT and Phone SystemsThe operation including the entire supporting infrastructure for Business Development, Sales, Customer Service and Marketing was complete and the first launched partnership in less than 6 months.

Typically our clients have faced challenges such as:• Revenue is a roller coaster causing cash flow management concerns• Not enough of the “right” opportunities and low close rates on the too few non referral leads received• Web site not receiving the traffic or traction needed and is invisible in the marketplace• No processes or infrastructure for handling customer service or leadsWe guide companies through the process of developing their marketing systems including Strategic Planning, Business Development and Marketing Strategies. We create integrated strategic and tactical marketing plans, support implementation and execution, and build the needed operational processes to support a successful program. Key areas focused on include: • Overall Marketing Plan – building the road map and providing business development coaching• Online Marketing – leveraging the Internet to get the message across• Social Media Marketing – utilizing places where people connect and communicate • Public Relations – getting a consistent message and image out in the market• Targeted Traditional Marketing - where desired results for the investment can be achieved• Business Strategy and Operations Integration -ensuring cohesiveness and consistency from marketing and creating processes to capture, follow up on, and track leads and creating award winning customer service and call centersHelping you achieve the goals and objectives that are essential to the success of your business is our goal. We will work with you to create the integrated marketing programs that add value, drive growth, and help you achieve success in chaotic marketplaces.

I was a Senior Executive managing and directing marketing and operations for this start up business of managing a nonprofit student loan company on behalf of a large foundation. Broad range of responsibilities including strategic and tactical marketing, business development, sales forecasting, staffing, infrastructure and vendor managementEverything was built from the ground floor up. Key infrastructure items included a custom built CRM system that integrated call center agents and field sales force. Staffing required the hiring of key managers for the call center, Internet initiatives, the sales team and training. I was able to substantially reduce the initial outlay of cash as called for by the business plan. Marketing operations had to establish brand identity with the diverse demographic of high school and college students, their parents and key stakeholders at schools. We had great success with social media in addition to traditional media outlets. The brand developed to such a great extent that many state and national reporters turn to us for interviews regarding industry events. I even hosted programs on a Cincinnati radio station.Kohne O’Neill, LLC was very successful growing to over $130 million in sales but unfortunately the company was legislated out of business under the health care bill.

I had the opportunity to come in as a Senior Consultant to work with a very talented group of senior executives for this financial service company offering niche products through broker channels. The goal was to explore in detail how to best integrated and build a unified strategy across all company divisions in order to increase productivity and support of the agent channel. I facilitated a series of meetings with key stake holders in group secessions and one-on-one meetings. This enabled me to identify the key strategies and tactics that needed to be implemented. I then developed a comprehensive market analysis including competitive review that looked at web site functionality. I held meeting with key agent groups to discuss their needs. The resulting plan was adopted by company and successfully implemented.

I was Lead Executive in start-up program to expand sales and distribution by leveraging Internet partnerships for this traditional $30 billion financial service group.Key to success was finding quality partnerships for placement of the products online. I was offering one of the lowest commission rates in the industry making it important to leverage the company brand and ratings to show intrinsic value to the potential partner. I identify several gaps in the product offering and led development new products. Sales grew from $0 to $26 million with first-year partnership targets being exceed by 400%. I became more involved in call center operations when the fulfillment process began breaking down. Major workflow changes where implemented and many internal and external bottlenecks where identified and fixed. I had to opportunity to manage the development and implementation of an enterprise wide web initiative creating a new direction for the brand. I met return on investment for $1.4 million project within one year.

Senior Executive for a new business venture of web integration for this business communication and publication company of 65 employees. They had developed a deep relationship with a Fortune 10 company. They were not winning new customers.I was able to put together marketing materials and develop sales. The customer great increased first year, delivered two Fortune 500 accounts, and successfully overhauled several large scale projects for key customers.

Senior Marketer responsible for national marketing of a software package for the heavy duty automotive industry. Prior to my coming on board the only sales materials was the technical manual. Increased customer base by factor of 4, restructured marketing tools, initiated customer performance review, and revitalized key customer relations.

This manufacturer representative company had just lost the product line that accounted for 90% of sales. I was able to leverage the remaining lines and bring quick results, advancing from sales representative to head of sales and marketing within 6 months. Initial efforts focused on gaining access to more product lines and revamping the sales force. Second year sales hit $4.2 million, an increase of 30% per representative with the addition of 12 new major accounts