Clients’ Corner

“…Deb Minton’s contribution in the creation of our fund development plan has been significant.  She brings knowledge and expertise steeped in “best practice” for an integrated development structure. Deb presents material in a teaching, coaching and mentoring style that encourages dialogue with an innovative flair.  She is an excellent business partner with a passion for clear and sustainable approaches to development work.  If you are looking to establish or redefine your development approach, I strongly recommend Deb to help chart your course and navigate the process for success…” —Denise Sherwood, Chief Development Officer, Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids 2012

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“…Leading a diverse group through a strategic engagement process takes a unique skill set.  Deb brings that and more!  Her ability to keep our group on track and avoid the usual derailments is just one of her many talents. Her background and vision allows her to articulate ideas in a manner that moves the group with focus and direction.  Deb kept the group engaged and with her expertise allowed us to reach a direct and simple focus.  I continue to rely on her strong counsel as we execute the strategic ideas we initiated under her facilitated guidance.  Any group utilizing strategy to chart it’s direction can benefit from Deb’s talented approach…”—Kelly Springer, Chair, Inforum West Michigan Council 2012

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“…The two hour major gift presentation you conducted at our board retreat has motivated them in an unparalleled way.  You inspired them to give individually, intellectually, and through their relationships – they realized their purpose.  And, organizationally, you inspired them to reach for possibilities without limits with concrete examples and tools to use along the way.  You articulated our messaging so well and wove it into the spirit of invitation in a way the board could visualize themselves doing the work.  We truly feel you were the bridge needed to step into the next level. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with such enthusiasm and professionalism… ” —Amy Acton, Executive Director, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors 2011

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“…Deb Minton is a breath of fresh air. During the time that Deb consulted with us, she was always prepared and engaging with her questions and suggestions.  I was particularly impressed with the way she presented the concepts of the three different types of capital that donors and board members have to offer: financial capital, relational capital and intellectual capital.  Expressing this to potential donors and especially board members was like opening a new door as it expanded their awareness.  Her professionalism and confidence helps lift you to the next level – which is where our organization is headed thanks to Deb’s expertise…” —Larry Aubrey, Director Major Gifts, United Disabilities Services, Lancaster PA 2011

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“…You were always well prepared, did your homework and were fully present with the group.  You always exude a professional capability which made people feel confident and trusting of your work.  You balanced the subjective with the objective portions of the work well as you carefully walked us through the planning process…”  —Brett Holleman, Past President, AFP 2010

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“…Coaching with you has been a positive and uplifting experience. Coaching is an activity that I believe every professional owes themselves at some point in their career.  I was seeking a way to leverage my skills in a different way.  While I was not certain where coaching would lead, I trusted and knew the process was important.  We engaged in meaningful dialogue and your recommendation of books addressing specific topics germane to questions, ideas and issues that arose in our coaching conversations were invaluable. All in all it was a transformational experience for me…”  —Coaching Client, 2011

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“…Your presentation was excellent.  I may be considered an advanced practitioner at this point but I picked up several helpful thoughts on how we approach this work.  I love the phrase, “Abundance Mentality.”  I appreciated hearing it in the context of your presentation. You have an awesome speaking presence…”  — John Huebler, Major Gifts Officer, University of Illinois at Chicago  2011

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“…I am one happy client.  In fact, Deb had to promise me a trip to Hawaii in exchange for this endorsement because I had hoped to keep her firm one of Michigan’s best kept secrets.  Not only is Deb a highly experienced development professional, she is immensely creative and understands the many ways that development work is inherently impacted by and will impact the bigger picture in an organization’s evolution and growth.  She has tremendous integrity, working from a values-based perspective that searches for and articulates the “why” in all development work and, in so doing, touches the heart.  While deliberative and careful, she is also open to taking risks and eager to explore new approaches.  She is a ‘thought’ leader, rallying staff and volunteers around her positive observations and insights.  I would put Deb in charge of any team because of my confidence in her ability to be strategic, diplomatic, inclusive, flexible, and committed to solving problems…”  —Kary Moss, Executive Director, ACLU of Michigan 2011