Client Testimonials
Bill Uriell, Regional Vice President of Sales Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
“First, I wanted to give an endorsement for Brad Smith and the service he provides. Regardless if you are currently employed or if you are in transition and working for a career change, Brad is a guy you need to connect with. He listens and his advice is right on the money. Brad gave me great coaching and insight on my resume, and great advice prior to my interviews. In addition, Brad gave me great advice when you had other options to consider. ”
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"He can really help you with the pros and cons of a particular opportunity. He has a lot of common sense and he was always available to discuss particular concerns and or opportunities. He has a lot of experience helping executives in transition and he is a great asset throughout the process. Finally, he will help you with your Networking activities from Linked In to finding quality transition groups. I really enjoyed my time working with Brad and I know the transition process was much more productive due to his coaching and help. I plan on staying in touch with Brad and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is in transition or considering a career change.
Thank you Brad and I am really glad I had the opportunity to work with you in this process."
Michael Coffey, SPHR President, Imperative Information Group
“I’ve known and trusted Brad Smith throughout my HR career. He is a wise professional who always offers sage advice. On more than one occasion, he has helped me understand the big picture in a way that is meaningful on both the personal and professional levels.”
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"Brad has the ability to quickly cut through all the “stuff” that surrounds a situation and bring focus to the real issues that an individual or organization needs to confront in order to reach their goals. More importantly, he is an excellent facilitator when one is planning and implementing a strategy for personal or professional change. I strongly recommend Brad to any professional or organization in need of wise counsel in the human capital management area."
Mark Zanotto, VP Human Resources and Administration, NEC Corporation of America
“I consider myself fortunate to know and to have the experience of working with Brad Smith since 2006. It is not often that you find a partner with the professionalism and commitment that Brad brings to the business relationship. He is a straight forward and pragmatic leader who brings unique and effective expertise in executive coaching and career transition counseling.”
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"As an HR Executive, I have come to count on Brad’s ability to work with my senior executives who are in the midst of a personal career transition; knowing that he will provide them the highest level of support and coaching available but in a format that is customizable to meet the needs of each individual. Brad’s honesty, humor, and direct approach, challenge the individual to think clearly about the reality of their situation; helping them to distill down the emotion and overwhelming information into key factors that allow them to make effective decisions. I can recommend him with the highest confidence to both companies and individuals looking for support in the areas of executive coaching and executive transition services."
Paul Benson, Director of Human Resources, May Advertising, Ft Worth, TX
“I’m a little bit of a slow learner (as Brad might agree, if you really pin him down), so I didn’t hire Brad the first time he called on me as an HR VP in the early 90s. I was concerned that someone that Polished would not be able to relate well to my hourly workers. But later, I had the opportunity to observe him at several HR and business functions, and I came to realize Brad had the natural ability to move “up and down” an organizational chart and relate to each person – from Secretary to CEO with the same level of attention and genuine interest in their situation.”
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"Then I had the opportunity to become his employee, as he hired me into the DBM consultant force in the chaotic post 9-11-01 world of reductions. I worked with him on several assignments, including a 3 month transition center. Again, I saw him treat every client with the same level of respect and involvement.
Finally, almost 10 years after our initial meeting, I had the opportunity to hire Brad to provide services to my employees during a RIF in 2004. We couldn’t afford the “full package”, but Brad tailored a program to our budget, and the program literally paid for itself when the majority of our employees found new companies before their employment ended.
Having known and observed Brad for 16 years, and from multiple vantage points, I can honestly say his character and integrity and persona are the same – regardless of the working relationship, and regardless of whether he’s talking to a six-figure CEO or a person making 10 bucks an hour. Brad is one of the true professionals in this field and a Practitioner of the highest levels.”
Paul Hattimer, CCM
“Brad Smith helped jumpstart my job search. There are new rules for today’s job search and Brad has the rule book. He put me in touch with many resources that I was unaware of and got me involved with several networking groups. Brad’s years of experience make him a very valuable resource when reaching out to area recruiters and companies.”
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"Brad assisted in nearly every phase of my search. We started with a brief orientation of what to expect in the new job search market and developed information on what to present in my resume and cover letters. Brad shared the best techniques to use for informational interviews, phone interviews and live interviews. I always felt well prepared going into an interview because of the time and effort that Brad put into our interview preparation sessions.
Throughout the process Brad offered unvarnished truth and unwavering support. He is punctual, professional and a man of great integrity. I would highly recommend Brad whether you are a student entering the workplace for the first time or a worker who finds themselves unemployed after many years in the workplace.”
Lewis Newman, Chief Financial Officer
“I highly recommend Brad Smith to any Senior Executive in transition that is seeking guidance in their search for their next position. I have known Brad since January 2011. During this time, Brad has been a great coach, well respected adviser, and a dear true friend to my job search. Each time when I meet with Brad, I can count on him for sincere, no nonsense advice in my career search.”
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"For all of us Executives, Brad provides sound advice on current recruiting methods, networking, resume preparation, interviewing skills, and tactical methods for handling obstacles in our job search. Brad is also great about bringing in subject matter experts that can help all of us with our search. Most importantly, Brad is someone that you can trust. You can always rely on him to make himself available to you, keep things confidential, and do what is in your overall best interest. Brad also has a great sense of humor!!! Each week my friends and I look forward to his ‘Friday Chuckle’ to cap off our week.”
Pam Hackel, President, SALT Productions, Inc., Ft Worth, TX
“Years ago I was offered outplacement service and career counseling with Brad Smith. From the beginning, Brad exhibited extensive knowledge and a genuine caring attitude. During my office visits, I experienced first-hand Brad’s excellent skills and characteristics with each individual he counseled.”
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"Later, I worked under Brad as an intern. His mentoring skills and wise advice gave me the confidence and experience needed to find the future career position best for me. During my professional career in the Human Resource field, I had the pleasure of continuing a working relationship with Brad within networking groups, community events and various business and marketing opportunities. He is a highly-respected career advisor; a personable and witty communicator, and a proven trusted friend."
Kristen Olson, Chicago, IL
“So Brad is 2 for 2 with long-distance career coaching from Texas to Chicago. Not bad (my roommate and I even started our new jobs on the same day – you’d think this was a cheesy chick-flick). Sound interesting? Keep reading… If you’re looking for a new career – talk to Brad.”
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"My roommate and I both worked with Brad and found our current jobs with Brad, and 7 months later, we’re still really happy. Brad really helped me out by stepping into my life and making me focus (i.e. not freak out). When I wanted a career change, he helped me find not just that, but a direction. He also had an uncanny way of letting myself be my own teacher and showing me what I was looking for, This is what I believe makes him such a great teacher and coach: He taught me how to learn from myself. After a couple phone calls/chats, Brad helped me focus my resume, get prepared for interviews (biggest advice: DON’T just read up on the company and then how to handle negotiating if offers really came to fruition. Also note that I had pretty much NO free time outside of my then/former job; let alone to evaluate another professional route – but he made time and made it work. Brad was an essential 3rd party who lent refreshing perspective and sharp advice (will seriously always remember his interview tips). We were thirsty for a healthy, new challenge, and we both definitely got it – MUCH thanks to Brad. Definitely reach out and I warm heartedly wish you the best of luck if you’re looking to make the leap!" :)
Sheryl Dumas, Lockheed Missile and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, TX
“In 2008 my position was transferred overseas and I elected not to relocate. As a result, I found myself in a layoff position for the first time in my 20+ year career as a senior human resources professional. Not only had I not interviewed externally in over seven years, but was now on the market in the worst downturn the economy had seen since the great depression. Utilizing my company’s outplacement package, I began my job search with a shiny new resume and full of confidence that it would not be long before I found a company that recognized the value I could bring to their organization. As one month turned into three and three into six, my confidence began to wane.”
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"I was doing everything I had been coached to do and yet interviews that I thought had gone very well were leading nowhere. It was soon very clear to me that I needed focused assistance –not just a follow-up call from the outplacement representative asking what I had done for that week. I needed assistance to understand why my hard work was not producing the results I was seeking. I contacted Brad in early 2009 regarding his service. During the conversation I expressed to Brad the frustrations I was experiencing and shared that that my confidence and positive attitude were taking a beating. During our first meeting as Brad described how he could assist me, I knew that his service was exactly what I was seeking. What makes Brad’s career counseling services different is the personal investment he makes in the client. Your job search journey becomes a partnership – with Brad there to support you all of the way. The first step in that journey was a long conversation to identify the key components of my ideal role, the value I felt I brought to an organization, etc. Like all great coaches and counselors, Brad required me to do the work to really identify my unique strengths and skills so that I took to heart the value that I bring to a role. He also challenged me when necessary. Brad helped me regain my confidence and was there throughout the process to listen and guide me to success in my job search. I highly recommend Brad’s services to anyone who has been impacted by a layoff, is looking to make a career change, or is new to the job market. However, if you are looking for someone to give you a checklist of action items and touch base once a week, this is not the service for you. But, if you are willing to do the required work and have a partner through each step of your job search journey – a partner who will assist you in identifying your unique strengths and qualities, challenge you to establish realistic expectations, build your confidence through preparation, and be there to listen and keep you focused on the positives – this is the service for you.”
Tom Shaw, Former VPHR at Crescent Real Estate Equities, Ltd., Ft. Worth, TX; currently VPHR at Noble Royalties, Inc., Addison, TX
“I first became acquainted with Brad when I joined Crescent Real Estate Equities, Ltd., in January 2000. During the following six years, Brad professionally and effectively helped guide the career transitions of multiple executives leaving our company. Brad always had two goals in mind: 1) Prepare the exiting executive to secure meaningful employment, and 2) Mitigate the associated risks with each exit.”
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"I was very pleased with the entire process and the results of each exit. In July 2007, Crescent announced its sale to Morgan Stanley. As with many company divestitures, some positions became redundant and reductions-in-force were required. Brad and his team were partners with us every step of the way, including providing “inside counseling” and advice to HR, to making formal presentations to our executives, to one-on-one meetings with managers and employees. During and after the reduction-in-force process, several of our managers and exiting employees commented about Brad’s direct and honest advice and direction, his realistic approach, and his inspiring and encouraging coaching methods. To my knowledge, there were no legal issues that arose from the process and our former employees secured positions with other companies – missions accomplished!Brad is great friend and the utmost professional in his field. He is able to help every person at any level or season of life. Without hesitation, I highly recommend Brad for anyone seeking career transition services.”
Jesse Owens, Principal-Merle Owens and Assoc. Executive Search, Bedford, TX
“It is with great pleasure that I recommend Brad Smith as a consummate professional in career counseling for human resource professionals and newly graduated college students. I have known Brad for 13 years both professionally and personally.”
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"During that time he has been a trusted advisor to me and many others in the D/FW business community. I have found his advise and guidance invaluable. I have also witnessed personally his ability to successfully relate to a broad spectrum of diverse personalities in the business world and socially. From a parent’s perspective I have seen Brad interact with his children and the love and care he provides for them. I would trust him with my son and daughter and those who use his services to counsel their children will feel the same I am sure. Finally, no one better understands how to build a value proposition for those seeking career advancement. You will not regret using his services.”
Thanks for taking the time to read our client testimonials.
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