Impact: Testimonials

As Vice President of Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, I asked Lu Ann to work with key staff members who were challenged with an increasing workload in size and complexity. Lu Ann’s methods helped us analyze and improve our operational planning tools and align them with our strategic plans. Her process enabled us to prioritize goals, design tactics, and act collaboratively. As a result, our operation, our workflow, especially event planning and execution, is markedly improved.

Tim Shea, Executive Director
Champlain Valley Exposition

Tom Pierce has truly had a positive impact on my professional development since beginning our coaching relationship. We have developed great rapport, and Tom has really helped me capitalize on my strengths and develop a plan to work on areas that have challenged me in the past. I really do have a new outlook on the way I approach not only my professional life, but my personal life as well.

David L. Foley CAE
Executive Director, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Lexington, Kentucky

After many successful years involved with government relations at an association, I asked Tom Pierce to help me develop a viable career plan. Tom recommended a long-term strategy, but he also coached me on the most effective way to interview with a prospective employer. I went on to land a top management position with one of the premier government relations consulting practices in the nation.

Kevin J. Kraushaar CAE
President, J. Warren Strategies, Washington, D.C.

During my 13 years as President of Champlain College, Tom Pierce provided me with invaluable advice and executive coaching on a broad range of sensitive issues, public-relations initiatives, and media strategies. I counted on his razor-sharp insight into complex issues, his ability to craft a coherent message, and his rigorous training to help me communicate effectively with the media.

Dr. Roger Perry
President emeritus, Champlain College, Vermont

Racine Federated used Tom Pierce to coach three important middle managers in a newly acquired company. We needed to move quickly to improve a variety of skills so the division could achieve sales and financial growth targets. We were very pleased with the results, and we were equally pleased with the process.

Thomas G. Nelson
Vice President, Racine Federated Inc., Wisconsin

I first met Tom Pierce through his service on the Board of Directors of Shelburne Farms, which included his serving as Board Chair. For many years he has been a trusted advisor and wonderful coach and mentor, guiding the Farms' early organizational growth and helping me as a manager grow into my leadership role.

Alec Webb
President, Shelburne Farms, Vermont

When I served as Director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Organization Management, I had the opportunity to hear and work with a multitude of speakers. Tom Pierce defined the top echelon. His presentations were always well-grounded in theory, research, and practice, and his charismatic delivery was well-balanced with empathy, wit, and energy. I would heartily recommend Tom Pierce as a speaker to any organization.

Greg Melia CAE
Chief Membership and Volunteer Officer ASAE - The Center for Association Leadership, Washington, D.C.

Every time Tom Pierce conducts a session for one of our banks or corporate banking departments, we think of ten more reasons to ask him back. No matter the topic, Tom takes the time to understand what we need and always exceeds our already high expectations.

Bonnie J. Mallin
Vice President, Learning and Development, People's United Bank, Connecticut

Tom Pierce brings a unique blend of humor and reality into his training sessions, which is certainly refreshing. I've participated in Tom's classes through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management program and was quite impressed with his ability to encourage group participation while keeping on target with his topic. I highly recommend Tom for your next training session.

Kathy Langdon
President/CEO, Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, Arizona

I consider myself most fortunate to have been inspired by Tom Pierce during a pivotal time in my career and personal development. Tom's vast knowledge of leadership, marketing, management, and interpersonal relations, along with his general business acumen, culminate perfectly in his classroom training sessions. His delivery is impressive and unique, his style is approachable and his key points are realistic rather than theory-based.

Bethany Stephens
Vice President of Marketing, Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Rogers Convention & Visitors Bureau, Arkansas

Tom, your ASAE Leadership Retreat workshop was a really enjoyable morning, with learning to boot. Your facilitation style is very easy - which I'm sure was not easy to develop. It's very hard to be 'on' that long, and you did a marvelous job. It's not an easy group, but I certainly saw a lot of smiling faces and lightened hearts. I was impressed!

Susanne Connors Bowman
Co-Owner, The Haefer Group Ltd. 2011 Chair, ASAE Consultant Section Council

Owing to your leadership, we came away from the Retreat with unanimous support for the steps needed to achieve sustainability while at the same time revising our business model. Your style of moderating discussion and debate, conducted with a firm but understanding hand, along with warmth and humor, has enabled us to move forward with confidence. If we ever again require the services of a gold medal facilitator, yours will be the first call made.

Barry N. Stone
Past Chairman of the Board, ISHA - International Skiing History Association

In only three days of facilitating our NARHA Summit in Denver, Tom Pierce's insight and coaching helped transform our Board of Trustees into a more effective, more functional, “policy” board. His knowledge of how to achieve effective governance and his strategies for taking us there were superb. Much of our success – and everyone agreed it was a success – was due to Tom's own approach to leadership.

Dr. Paul A. Spiers
Past President, NARHA, Denver, Colorado

Tom Pierce's excellent work with our core group of busy Lake Champlain Chocolates managers not only helped us understand the purpose behind a written mission statement, but facilitated our discussions until we completed the task. Four years later, after using our Mission every day, we brought Tom back to help us confirm our core values and craft our new vision statement.

Jim Lampman
Founder and President, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Vermont

Tom Pierce facilitated a lively board/staff leadership workshop, a task-oriented committee restructuring meeting, and a board executive session about critical governance issues. I learned more from that long weekend than ever before in my time spent on boards. Tom's professionalism and experience, combined with his friendly manner and good humor, were key ingredients for our new NARHA.

Teresa Morris
President, NARHA, Denver, Colorado

When Tom Pierce facilitated our leadership training weekend at a New England SBDC Professional Development Conference, he motivated us with one of the most engaging, energizing, high-impact leadership workshops we have ever experienced. Far from the usual 'canned leadership stuff,' Tom's presentation, props, and facilitation captured our attention, provided many significant learning moments, and was just plain fun! He is positive, upbeat, and entertaining.

Lenae Quillen-Blume
State Director, Vermont Small Business Development Center (SBDC)