Sparks - Clients

A Few Quotes

Does this stuff really work? Yes, in fact we’re consistently rated in the top 10% of our clients’ preferred consultants. We, in turn, are very proud to have contributed to their energy, growth, and prosperity.

“Our strategic plan is simply the most valuable asset we have. Without it, we would never have been able to achieve our outstanding growth, quality, client satisfaction, and especially, our excellent profitability.

In fact, our company has never operated better than it has with its new organization, developed through our strategic plan. You taught us to focus, and it’s made all the difference."

Larry Plunkett, CEO
Sachs Electric Company,
An ENR top 10 specialty contractor

“For over three weeks I have hoped to write to you, but the reality is that we are so energized by our work, each other, and our commitment to strategic planning that there has been no time. We have the highest regard for how you have worked with us, and I know that for me, every day, I am struck by the changes we have made. Because of your strategic thinking and personal concern, you brought all of us along together to “vision” what we had to do if we really did want to transform as a company. You did with us what we tried but couldn’t do by ourselves.

We initially interviewed thirteen companies across the United States in your line of business, narrowing the list down to four. There are, certainly, other very good people. We found the best.”

Gary L. Reddick, AIA, CEO
Sienna Architects
Portland, OR

“To our great satisfaction, the strategies you helped us with are really paying off. Our divisions are actively growing, and people are taking great pride in who they are and where they’re working. When we go to conferences and seminars, we come out saying, ‘ we know all that, that’s what we’ve been doing now for years.’ In short, we’ve strongly benefited from your guidance and insights.”

Howard Noel, PE, CEO
Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern
Roanoke, VA

“We’ve reached a new height. Your energy, insight, and ability to get us outside our traditional boundaries were most beneficial. Your ability to handle controversy and keep us focused on the goal was key. Thank you again!”

Raymond F. Messer, PE, President
Walter P. Moore and Associates, Inc.
Houston, TX

“Strategic planning with you was such a pleasure. You structured the process so it moved quickly, with clear purpose, and with a lot of fun. Our group is so diverse that we almost thought it couldn’t be done. But you focused us, helped us define a bold, exciting future, and led us through the realities of our forward changes. We saved considerable time too, thanks to the consensus we built. The entire board is looking forward to your return this year!”

Ann Chaintreuil, FAIA
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Rochester, NY

“We attribute the great success of our strategic planning to your abilities as a consultant and facilitator. Your warm personality, your ability to confront the hard issues and foster real dialog, and the insights you provided with through your broad experience - these helped us target the issues and set great strategy.

We think our success was enhanced with the high degree of buy-in you effected, getting everyone in the firm involved to some degree. Your facilitation left everyone excited, rejuvenated, pulling together, and focused on their work - a great sense of belief in the firm. Finally, we’ve been able to implement a three-year plan in one year, thanks to the clear, focused road map that you helped us create.”

Alan Baldwin, President
FreemanWhite Architects
Charlotte, NC

"We've come a very long way in the past several years. Our strategic planning program has helped us to commit to a program of focused growth and to embrace an entrepreneurial, success oriented culture. Your participation and encouragement has made a difference. Thank you for providing us the benefit of your perspective and experience."

Brian Larson, PE, President
JBM TranSystems Corporation
Kansas City, MO

“Thank you so much for your insight, professional knowledge, and your delightful energy in guiding us to a successful conclusion in our Optimal Organization initiative for the Reinvention Plan. Things are working better than we ever hoped. ”

Terry Wong, Engineering Group Chief
National Park Service, Denver Svc Center
Denver, CO

“In the three years since we started working with you, we’ve become a real success story. We identified exactly what we want to do, focused our efforts, and grown the business. We’ve overcome plenty of obstacles, managed some tough changes, and are into some exciting new endeavors. You’ve done a fine job.”

G. William Knopf, CEO
Carollo Engineers
Walnut Creek, CA

"We value people that help us think outside the box. And as a professional society, it's critical for us to work with people who have a deep knowledge of industry practice. Ellen's insight and exceptional facilitation skills assure us of bold strategy, thoughtful organization, and solid consensus on key decisions about our future."

Richard W. Hobbs, FAIA, Resident Fellow
American Institute of Architects
Washington, DC