ASP Retreat I

The Strategic Planning process gave me the opportunity and encouragement to focus on my mission and values and how I will express that with my goals. I have discovered that the course is just the beginning of an exciting, ongoing process.

Bob, I can't thank you enough for inviting me to be a part of the National Study Club. Is there anything better than a group of highly accomplished dentists sharing their best ideas and experiences, forming close friendships and bringing solutions to optimize our lives and our practices? Yes! It's being guided by one who is widely regarded as one of the great leaders of modern dentistry. Thank you for being that leader! I owe so much of my success to you and the NSC.

Your insights have helped shepherd me on my "journey" to a practice of continual excellence. Your Strategic Planning Series was outstanding in providing tools to create and attain the vision that I have had in the back of my mind for several years.

As I think back on your ASP Series that I was involved with several years ago, I realize it was the beginning of a process that has allowed me to grow in the direction of my dreams. The thought progression and introspection gained through the series allowed me to clarify what I actually wanted in my journey. The methods you taught have proven invaluable not only in my practice, but other aspects of my life as well. I am thankful for your mentoring and friendship in my continuing pursuit of growth.

As a leader, I had the privilege of being part of a life-changing experience. An extraordinary vehicle for open discussion with our team about what we want out of our work. The vulnerability, the honesty, the sharing helped us get a clear vision. Finally, watching a young DDS's efforts pay huge emotional and monetary dividends.

On behalf of myself and the Surlean Foods family of team members, I wanted to thank you for your assistance with the development of our 5 year Applied Strategic Plan. Without your leadership and coaching I do not believe we would have produced such an impactful result.  The inclusive team building approach and collaborative way the material was presented not only allowed us to adequately assess our current state, but put us in a position to envision our desired future.

The Shadow Teams were so insightful and did provide those precious "nuggets" you said they would and continue to provide the checks and balances that we needed to ensure our progress is sound.

You are surrounded by an outstanding team of professionals and we are very appreciative of Bill, Carole and Angela's passion and talents.  Our team is better because we were able to work with your team.

Our team has a common goal and a unified strategy to reach that goal. I am confident that Surlean is on pace to become "the preferred customized food manufacturer passionately serving the food service industry" as our new Mission Statement reads.

We grew as a company, a team, and individuals through the ASP process and I know I speak for the Surlean Family when I say thank you for being an instrumental part of our future of choice.

Very Truly,

The Applied Strategic Planning experience was way beyond my expectations! A new vision for our practice's future ...that I helped create has had an incredible impact on me (and our entire team) personally and professionally. You gave us so many tools to carry back to the office to rectify problems, attain goals and for follow through. A big positive impact was to connect with other offices throughout the country ...this program attracts the best! There was never a moment during the retreats that I lost interest. I didn't want the last retreat to end! I hung on every single word that was said by Bob and Irene. You are both truly a blessing in my life! Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

I have to add my name to the list of those who sing your praise! The two-year experience of working with you on Applied Strategic Planning has been one of the truly great experiences of my time in dentistry. I believe that one of the highest titles that can be given to an individual is "teacher". You certainly have the right to that title, and we deeply appreciate what you have taught us!

I was impressed from the first moment you greeted us as we arrived after a day of travel ...I was impressed with your ability to translate your practical experience for the doctors and their teams ...One of the most significant benefits of thinking strategically is simplifying the process of determining goals, objectives and tactics. If a person learns nothing else from strategic thinking than how to ask the appropriate questions, they're on the right track. I believe the key selling point of Applied Strategic Planning is determining what is important and removing what isn't ...Bob, your passion for people and sharing wisdom is very inspiring ...meeting you and making a wonderful new friend has been a great experience for both of us.