ASP Retreat I

Since I had not experienced the 'vision' aspect (of Applied Strategic Planning) before, I found this to be the most helpful in determining what I want to do with the next 40 years. Articulating and writing down vision then mission really helped me get balance into my life which was one of my original reasons for attending the retreats. Vision, personal mission, and leadership information was most meaningful. The team enjoyed the visualization process and symbols and their meaning. For the office, getting a clear mission statement done and being able to refer back to it and hire new people was most helpful.

That was some of the best fly fishing I've ever experienced outside the Arctic! The fellowship and the discussions in the Think Tank are fun and stimulating as well.

I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the group, the sharing around the campfire, especially the personal daily experiences of each person. The planning, the guides, the food, the seminar were all super. It was an extra special gift to spend time with my son in such a special place (the Salmon River). I am ready for the next one, thanks again!

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,

I believe Applied Strategic Planning is a most valuable tool for practice development and team building. After all, I am back for a 3rd time, my 2nd with you. ASP has been an incredible tool for taking my practice from one level to the next. By working with my team to develop our personal visions and by sharing with one another, we build a foundation for creating a vision of our mutual future of choice. When such a group goes through this process of defining values and creating their vision, a very powerful sense of teamwork and mission is realized. This synergy has propelled my practice to new heights each time we have participated in the process. I cannot wait to see how quickly things change again. Thank you for creating such a great process for dentists to use in their practices.

Dr. Bob Frazer was outstanding. I announced during his introduction that, in an effort to get more members to stay through Friday, I had saved the "keynote" for Friday. I could only hope that his presentation would provide the "Wow!" factor I needed to finish out the meeting. Everyone was tired, low on energy, and ready to go home, and then Bob started speaking. Within the first 30 minutes of his three-hour presentation, Bob had our energy levels back up, we were re-energized, and everyone was on the edge of their chair and participating. After another 15-20 minutes I left briefly to go to the restroom, where another Schulman Group member commented, "Have you noticed how the energy level in the room has spiked?" We both laughed and rushed back to the room so we wouldn't miss too much of the presentation. I can't tell you how pleased everyone was with Dr. Frazer's presentation; they were overwhelmed. Please accept my sincere gratitude for recommending Bob!

Bob & Bill, I left Austin with an EI – hangover, in love with my team and confident that I can become the leader I imagine. These are rough times in Michigan and in dentistry. You two together (the combination of psychology and advanced restorative dentistry) are amazing.

Bob, I need to thank you again for what you did for Sandy, me, and my practice some 16 years ago. I have achieved the practice of my dreams, and it was because of Applied Strategic Planning, your wisdom and guidance. Thank you is not enough. You will forever be my hero!