Acknowledgments

It started with one idea: to help CEOs, marketers, and entrepreneurs learn a better process for creating sustainable business growth. This book was written during one of the most difficult economic times in history, which sparked a question that I just couldn’t let go of: If 87 percent of the businesses in the U.S. failed in the best of times, how would businesses succeed during one of the worst economic downturns?

It seemed like the right time to write a book that will teach people how to market smarter. Business leaders are more open and responsive to changing old, outdated methods of marketing that no longer work. We can change the business failure rate by helping businesses implement a proven process to plan, execute, and grow. As this recession gives birth to a new wave of entrepreneurship around the world, it is my dream to help businesses succeed.

This book is dedicated to the clients and alumni of the MarketSmarter Growth Plan Workshop who have learned and applied this process. As you have road-tested various iterations, your experiences have provided me with great deal of insight and invaluable feedback to continuously improve the process. I am so blessed to work with such amazing people—I really do love all of you!

It has been deeply rewarding to work with students in the Executive MBA program at the University of Denver. You’re a smart and tough group of experienced corporate executives and entrepreneurs who have inspired me as you implemented so many of the ideas in this book with great success. We share a mutual passion for learning and you have taught me as much as I have offered to you. I also wish to thank Barbara Kreisman, Kerry Plemmons, Scott McLagan, and Kelsey Johnson at the University of Denver for giving me the opportunity to partner with such an outstanding university. Your leadership and entrepreneurial thinking is a breath of fresh air.

My deepest appreciation to Timothy Moore at FT Press and my brilliant editor, Jennifer Simon. This book is a reality because of your vision. I appreciate all the people at Pearson Education who have helped guide and shape this book. Russ Hall guided development, Jovana San Nicolas-Shirley was an absolute machine overseeing the entire production process, as was Kristy Hart, Managing Editor, and Julie Anderson provided meticulous copy editing. I would also like to thank Amy Neidlinger and Megan Colvin for their marketing expertise, as well as Amanda Moran, and Myesha Graham.

I have had the pleasure of working with Sharon Brandt and Steve Snyder over the course of nearly ten years. Not only are you the most talented people I have ever hired, I am also grateful for your friendship. Sharon, I appreciate your early feedback on the manuscript and continued support throughout the process. You write marketing plans better and faster than anyone I know! Steve, your brilliant insight on the ROI Optimizer has helped make a long standing goal a reality.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed examples, case studies, and stories to bring this book to life including Denzil Samuels, Will Wade, Scott Nisbet, Andrew Graham, Michael Kuehn, Thomas Dahl, Luke Wyckoff, Tyler McCarty, Josh Fuller, Rob Silk, Sarah Mead, and Jessica McLean, my executive assistant who tracked down so many details for this project. A special thanks to Ryan Hunter, Lisa Johannes and Renee Armijo who provided early feedback on the manuscript and contributed great case studies.

If it hadn’t been for a serendipitous meeting with Joel Appel and Frank Kvietok, this book would have never happened. Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement—and of course the excellent case studies and examples of kick butt product marketing.

A special thank you to Pamela Stambaugh, my coauthor of Market Smarter Not Harder, for collaborating with me on the first version of the PRAISE Marketing Process and encouraging me to do more with this fabulous model.

I am deeply appreciative of the “masters” who have shared their enduring wisdom and thought leadership: Clayton Christensen, David Norton, Robert Kaplan, Philip Kotler, Guy Kawasaki, Scott Bedbury, Kim Chan, Renee Mauborgne, Don Schulz, and so many others. I am especially grateful to Tony Hsieh for having the courage and vision to bring the topic of culture out of the closet and into the mainstream. Now about that topic of happiness....

A heartfelt thank you to Ken Blanchard for your wonderful support. Your insight and wisdom continue to inspire me.

My family has always been my biggest source of strength. Lynne, Mark, Michelle, and Colleen, my fun and amazing sisters and brother—and best friends. Mom and Dad, your love for us, and each other, has taught us all the power of unconditional love and the gift of family. Your encouragement has always pushed me to overcome any obstacle. Renee, Gina, and Jake—thank you for your patience and love throughout this process.

A huge hug and heartfelt thank you to my children, Isabella and Morgan. You have been so patient, understanding, and loving while I worked nights, weekends, and holidays on this project. And to Walter, you fill me up. You have given me so much support. Thank you for your amazing love...and for giving me the magic of Santa Fe.

And finally, I must say that this book was made possible through many long runs on the country roads of Santa Fe where I had many good conversations with God. I asked only for energy and wisdom so that I could put the tools and resources for business success into your hands. Now that you’re holding it, go do something with it!