Building Brands. Building Business.™
We help clients build and strengthen their brand by reconnecting their mission and vision with daily customer interactions.

March 12, 2010
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Below are a few testimonials for Dave Harkins and his team. References are provided for each project, upon request of our clients.


Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

“Dave assisted me a number of times when I was at Microsoft, but two occasions were particularly memorable. Microsoft decided to build a new marketing database catering to a specific product group, with a very tight timeline for the entire RFP creation, review, and final vendor selection. Dave led a small team that facilitated all aspects of this on Microsoft's behalf, and actually made a very stressful project enjoyable for me. Everything was buttoned up, delivered on time, and the strategic and executional guidance FAR exceeded my expectations. The 2nd occasion was a need for determining the ROI for that particular database...Dave excelled in this capacity, and produced a super easy to use model that allowed me to change various input attributes for key programs. Microsoft management at the time said that it was the most thorough ROI assessment that they had ever seen. Many years later, I can definitely say that I have yet to meet anyone that understands marketing ROI as well as Dave, AND can translate that into something so actionable and easy to understand at all levels. It was truly a pleasure to work with him.”

- Beth M., former Database Marketing Manager, Microsoft


“Dave is a smart, detailed oriented, pragmatic businessman. We worked together on a number of projects. He perfectly balanced the needs of his client and the vendors with whom he worked. Enterprise systems projects require organizational abilities, subject matter expertise and pragmatic people skills and Dave elegantly shepherded teams of people through the processes. Most importantly he is reliable, consistent and a person of integrity.”

- Ron S., VP, Sales, Software Solutions Firm


“David and I have been business colleagues since early 2006. Together, we have built a strong, successful publishing program. David has been the driving force behind the rapid and successful growth of our program. He is bright, passionate, and truly cares about his organization and his partners. I speak or communicate with David daily, and he never fails to deliver insightful, knowledgeable, witty, and engaging dialogue. He forces me to “raise my game” and I am thrilled that we are business partners.”

- Michael V., Director, Business Development, International Publishing Firm


“Dave's strategic insight proved invaluable in developing the case for product and market expansions for the direct-senior market segment. Dave is a true team player and willing to go the extra mile for his outstanding work. I would welcome the opportunity to work with him again.”

- Phil M., Group & Senior Market Manager, National Insurance Carrier


“As our interim Marketing EVP, Dave guided strategy while exploring new approaches for outreach. Dave opened new markets for a [software company] and has elevated the licensing group of a [major nonprofit] into an absolute powerhouse. In short, Dave produces results, while being a pleasure to collaborate with.”

- Lori C., Co-CEO and Founding Partner, Advertising Agency


“David has exceptional knowledge of CRM-related data and system solutions. He has a been a very strong contributor to our efforts in this area.”

- Bruno G., Director, Central Marketing Group, Global Software Company


“I had a the pleasure of working with David on a mutual not-for-profit client for the development of a fundraising and marketing database solution. David was the key liaison and strategist between my firm and the client and provided excellent guidance, project management, and business knowledge. David was able to facilitate business decisions and help resolve technical issues throughout the project. Most important, David was a consummate professional and a strong supporter of our services. Highly recommended!”

- David M., Director CRM Practice, Software and Database Integration Provider


“Dave is an individual who takes the time to collect all the information necessary to make a decision and then builds a plan to execute it, utilizing the internal experts as part of his team. His attitude and approach made working with him enjoyable and challenging at the same time. I'd work with Dave again anytime.”

- Dan W., VP Client Services, Software Development Firm


“I was always impressed with his extensive knowledge of database marketing, CRM applications and his understanding of how data-driven campaigns fit into an overall marketing strategy. He is a brilliant thinker and an excellent communicator. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Dave, and would offer a strong recommendation to any organization looking for a strategic thinker.”

- Norm C., CEO,  Integrated Marketing Communications Company


“Dave is an extremely bright and ambitious professional who has a distinct ability and aptitude for translating raw information into an actionable communication strategy.”

- Roger M., Director, Database Marketing,  National Association


“Dave is a pleasure to work with. He brought vision to the [client's] program. He created a cohesive brand program with top licensees that has resulted in positive brand impressions and revenue stream. His ability to decide what is "right for the brand" instead of what is easy, has built the brand and allowed it to expand into new areas. Dave is also truly a nice guy and a wonderful person to work with.”

- Rob S., Principal, Branding Agency


“Dave knows direct marketing inside and out. He has built marketing systems that dramatically increased the bottom line for his clients.”

- Mike E., Owner, Technical Consulting Company