Ascend Strategies has served over 95 clients during the past twelve years. These clients represent various industries in both the private and public sectors. Click here to see a client list.
Client Feedback
I participated in a number of management strategic retreats over the past 15 years and none have been as effective as Bret Romney’s Base Camp Retreat. This was exactly what our 50 year old Caribbean based company needed – a clear vision, a platform to operate from, and Bret delivered. He makes things simple to understand and easy to follow. Rather than your typical “rev up the troops” type style I have witnessed in the past, Bret’s common sense down to earth approach gets everyone engaged in the process. I did not know what to expect going into the retreat in terms of how my team would react or how Bret would perform. I could not have been happier with the outcome on both counts. We’ll be using Bret’s services on an ongoing basis and look forward to working with him.” -Warren Stanley, General Manager, De Palm Corporation, Aruba
Ascend Strategies is a provider of value. From the very beginning of our relationship, we have continued to not only receive the benefits of Bret Romney’s years of experience but also the ability to help move our customers forward. The value of this relationship is proven in the results that we have seen from the participants.” -Paul Lundquist, Vice President Sales, Open Systems, Inc., Minneapolis MN
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you! With your input and assistance, we’ve made more progress in building a unified team over the past several months than the twenty plus years prior to working with Ascend Strategies. Finally, the whole team seems to “Get It!” – They are focused on what we want to achieve and why, they understand how important their individual tasks relate to our overall goals, they are more committed than ever and they are holding themselves and other members of the team more accountable. It’s really nice to work with someone of your integrity, who not only can talk the talk, but who can actually deliver the results.” -Norm Wine, President, Alternative Business Systems, LLC, Columbus, Ohio
I’ve engaged Ascend Strategies, Inc. with three different organizations. The Success Orienteering process is very efficient and effective at getting people on the same page and committed to common goals. Working those goals down to the who/what/when level – and the supporting accountability model – is what separates this process from other planning models. It’s very results driven, and it delivers tangible progress very quickly. The Success Orienteering process will drive an organization from concept to implementation faster and more effectively than any other system I have utilized throughout my 25 year professional career.” -Mark Peck, Director, Office of Emergency Services, Flathead County, Montana
Kalibur Solutions has always been an aggressive growth oriented firm. Ascend Strategies took that culture to a new level. The fresh and innovative ideas offered proved to be a springboard for renewed vigor and accelerated growth in our firm, both in quality of life within the business as well as increased tangible profits on the bottom line. Ascend’s work encouraged both the employee as an individual and the firm as a whole to take on new and bigger challenges and tackle them with a determination that was simply not there before.” -Zoltan Szakal, President, Kalibur Solutions, Ontario, Canada
West Mont has worked with Bret Romney for the past 12 years utilizing his dynamic and charismatic presentation style and the Success Orienteering process to establish and maintain strategic and operational planning for our agency and its 175 employees. Outcomes have included a more knowledgeable workforce and significantly greater consistency in how we manage all aspects of our business. We recommend Ascend Strategies without reservation to any company looking to take their quality assurance and effectiveness to a higher level.” -Kris Bakula, President, West Mont, Helena, Montana
Allegra Helena has worked with Bret and Ascend Strategies for over ten years. As a small company we don’t have the staff or expertise to create and maintain our own training program, but we have many on-going training needs. Developing and investing in our people has helped us achieve our award winning status in the Allegra network. We have focused on leadership, profitability and communication which has been the foundation for continual growth, continual process improvement and consistent focus on our people and their unique skills.” -Toni Broadbent, Owner, Allegra Print & Imaging, Helena, Montana
The Base-Camp experience was a very enjoyable and productive one for us at De Palm. Our Executive Team and Shareholders have made significant strides in attaining ‘shared vision’ and we have a platform of agreement on our Key Strategies and prioritized goals as we move forward. Your facilitation was extremely effective and pleasant, while also honest and forthright when we reached a ‘grid-lock’ :-). Personally, I must say that I have done many Strategic Planning sessions in the past, but none have been as effective or fruitful as the Base-Camp. We thank you for your services and look forward to continuing our relationship, as we move forward into the future.” -Lisette Malmberg, Shareholder and Board Member, De Palm Corporation, Aruba
Working with Bret Romney and Ascend Strategies inspired our senior management team to take the next step toward making our organization a national leader in providing services to people with disabilities. I would recommend Bret to any organization that wants to challenge itself to be the best.” -Rob Tallon, CEO, Reach, Inc. Bozeman, MT
Bret has a tremendous grasp of what it takes to make a company more successful.” -Greg Weber, Compusource Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia
Leadership Alliance Feedback
For me personally, this has been a transformative process as I’ve been challenged to develop my personal leadership focusing on fundamentally defining the type of leader I aspire to and developing the plan to get there. The opportunity to have access to a mentor who offers support and challenges you to set and meet goals, offers advice based on experience and real world examples, is integral to the growth I’ve experienced. The ongoing mentor led peer discussions, quarterly leadership book discussions and personal mentorship is what sets this program apart from anything I’ve experienced before. I would not be focused on the changes that I’m making today if it weren’t for Leadership Alliance.” -Tom Herman, Moss Adams LLC, Seattle WA
I voice a strong recommendation for the leadership class. It’s given me time and space to consider basic, but very essential practices, for managing staff, peers, and myself. Bret’s friendship and concern for our growth and success have been instrumental in the process of change.” -Seth Pomroy, NDH Group, Ltd., Chicago, IL
The Leadership Alliance provides a great facilitated venue in which to build your leadership skills. As with any effort to grow professional skills, you’ll get out what you are prepared to put in. While only halfway through the year-long program, I can say that my involvement with Leadership Alliance has provided a solid framework and encouragement to continually focus on my leadership skills and ways they can improve. Leadership Alliance has also provided opportunities to interact with other leaders in similar roles, hear their approaches to leadership challenges, and get to know them better.” -Jeff Clark, BDO, Grand Rapids, MI
The philosophical approach to leadership taught in the Leadership Alliance program allows for a true evaluation of your current strengths and areas of improvement as a leader. Its deliberate nature creates an environment to maintain accountability and a true sense of the advancements being made as you apply the theories in both your personal and professional life.” -Chris Burke, Deltek, Malden, MA
Leadership Alliance has helped me focus on becoming a better leader. I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned to real world leadership challenges – with better outcomes as a result. Participating was vital to my growth.” -Kayley Bell, DSD Business Systems, San Diego, CA
Leadership Alliance is about becoming that charming leader that leads with inspiration, versus just getting things done. It was great meeting the various individuals in the leadership team and having the opportunity to discuss challenges, issues, accomplishments and important lessons. I learnt a lot from Leadership Alliance and glad to say that it helped me in many ways both in my professional and personal life.” -Bharti Meisuria, BAASS Business Solutions Inc., Thornhill, ON, Canada
Great program in that it focuses on the skillsets and traits that none of us seem to have slotted on our busy calendars – Leadership!. The facilitated discussions with peers are great and then each participant makes their own plan that they work throughout the year with Bret’s guidance. Grant Thornton was part of the initial Leadership Alliance group and plans to continue to send participants from our management team.” -Scott Zelinski, Grant Thornton, LLC, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
The content of Leadership Alliance is great, and the interaction with your peers drives the value even further. I love hearing the real world case studies and each has given me new ideas for how to be a better leader. I’m glad I participated in Leadership Alliance and I’m looking for ways to keep the momentum going.” -Cory Rhodes, Single Source Systems, Indianapolis, IN
Summit Series Training Feedback
My initial reluctance to attend another ‘how to grow your business’ workshop was quickly overcome by the first break on day one. Bret’s real world experience relative to our business environment and the discovery of several ‘oh wows’ certainly justifies the time spent in this training.” -Jeff Wolhfahrt, Advanced Concepts, Inc.
Wow. Bret addressed every area where I’m struggling in my business and gave me the motivation and tools to make the changes needed for ongoing success.” -Jim Robinson, InterMicro
Having been in the consulting business for 21 years I have attended and been part of many leadership classes. This is one of the best, well thought out programs which will allow our organization to reach new heights and transform ourselves into a leader of first class services. My only regret is we did not do this 10 years ago.” -Jerry Grady, UHY Advisors, Inc.
I cannot speak highly enough of my experience at this event. If you are looking for a new approach to altering the dynamics of your business, I encourage you to attend. You will be challenged into new vision and inspired to achieve more. If you are up to that challenge, I believe the material presented gives you the tools to do so.” -Kim Hammons, Customware, Inc.
Practical. Relevant. To the point. Absolutely Necessary!! The contents of this workshop are essential to, not only the growth, but the very survival of any business. The manner in which Bret presents this material is extraordinary.” -Charles Puissegur, Polar Companies
I have attended a number of workshops, presentations and participated in monthly training sessions with Bret. The first thing that is important to note is that I am very comfortable addressing Bret on a first name basis. He has the unique ability to present the material in a manner that is both down-to-earth and easy to understand. His workbooks and approach to training are very well organized and thought provoking. The most important aspect of working with Bret is that his materials continue to provide insight and help, long after the workshop is over.” -Gary Claggett, Owner, Professional Accounting Software
This course was the first one I’ve taken that actually provides practical ways to implement real change in our company.” -Mark Williams, PSA Consulting
Ascend workshops have given me insight into a huge number of valuable concepts that will benefit our company.” -Linda Griffith, TBC International
I have done similar workshops in the past, but none got to this level of depth or gave you a concrete roadmap like this one did. It gives us a concrete process that we can apply to all areas of our business. It will help us move beyond talk to action.” -Bill Strohmeyer, BusinessWare Consulting
Will help cure our ‘whirling disease.’ Outstanding that we have a tool we can use in evaluating our plans, processes and future.” -John Walstad, Northwest Computer
The best marketing, sales, implementation and project management class I have attended in twenty years. I highly recommend this class to all OSI partners of all sizes.” -Norm Wine, Alternative Business Systems
This workshop will provide me with the tools and practices I need to break the “log jam” my practice has fallen into. It should be a must for every Open Systems VAR.” -Ed Bender, Applications Solutions, Inc.
Excellent!! Attend this class only if you want to improve your processes & your company.” -Gary Claggett, Professional Accounting Software, Inc
I believe that in order for my business to grow, be profitable, and to be “a business of choice,” I need to implement these plans. It was very worthwhile. I would recommend it highly.” -Jerry Clinch, Business Computer Consultants, Inc.
I believe it will help me increase sales, increase capacity, and stay out of trouble. Best presentation of this type I ever attended.” -Walt Pearson, CCP Solutions LLC
I really struggled on attendance. After attending, I feel I now have the information to move my firm to a new level. WOW!” -Michael Dunn, Customware, Inc.
Bret was excellent. His presentation was clear, moved well and he kept the discussion relevant. I would recommend to all in our firm.” -Matthew Falls, Mainstreet Software Corp.
The Blueprint for Marketing & Consulting Excellence is based on concepts that are relevant, practical and actionable. I’m sure this will help us grow in an effective way.” -Steven Wilber, Wilber & Townsend P.C.
This workshop was a God-send for me. It gave me the tools and processes to use to both keep my implementations on track and provide a logical sales process.” -Jim Deady, ERP System Solutions
The taste we got of Bret at last year’s conference was enough to get us here. The whole meal was awesome! Couldn’t recommend this any higher than ‘a must if you’re serious about your business.” -Dick Parsons, Bay State Software
Bret delivers a “common sense” approach to vision and goal setting that anyone can implement if they desire to.” -Ralph NeSmith, Compusource Corporation
Any company that wants to grow profitably needs to adopt these policies and procedures.” -Vincent Harwood, Harwood Consulting
This workshop got the wheels spinning in my head and helped me take a different approach to accomplish my goals.” -Beth Larkin, Adaptive Business Solutions, Inc.
I entered this workshop as a skeptic – I was ‘blown away’ by the value I found.” -Cathi Buchanan, Stateside Data, Inc.
