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| Opinions from people who worked with Robert Koolen “Over the course of the nearly 3 years that I worked for Robert, I learned a great deal. I especially was keen on learning from his extensive global expertise. He lived in three different continents for seven years or more each! This was a rare opportunity for me. From this vast global experience, Robert always seemed to draw innovative conclusions for many exhaustively tough problems. Whether it was branding, strategic marketing initiatives, design direction, etc… I could always count on Robert for a highly intelligent and definitive solution to whatever problem I would throw at him. I recommend Robert for any executive leadership role and look forward to the day when we work together again.” (November 1, 2010) Dennis Ryan, Creative/eMarketing Manager, Scala reported to Robert at Scala Inc. “Robert is the ultimate strategic thinker. He is smart, focused and always has a "big picture" view he is happy to share with others. In the three years I had the privilege of working with Robert hand in hand in the development of many business opportunities and many strategic topics at Scala, I never left a meeting with him or a telephone conversation without answers. Robert always impresses with his impeccable integrity, sharp intelligence, executive acumen and analytical prowess. I look forward to the opportunity of working closely with Robert again in the future.” (October 18, 2010) Oscar Elizaga, Vice President, EMEA, Scala worked directly with Robert at Scala Inc. “We often say "it was great working with you" or some similar platitude. Sadly, we are not always telling the truth. Each and every time we work with Robert... this is not only true... it is an understatement. Robert is honest, perceptive, straightforward, organized and a true delight to work with. If all our business dealings were as pleasant as with Robert... we wouldn’t be able to call it WORK.” (September 13, 2010) James Fine, President, Telecine Multimedia was with another company when working with Robert at Scala Inc. “Robert led arcplan to new heights under his leadership. His understanding of the marketplace along with his ability to create & drive strategic initiatives within an organization is invaluable. Robert's leadership skills and his affable personality made him a great person to work for.” (January 25, 2010) Aju Mathew, Senior Global Product Manager, arcplan, Inc. worked indirectly for Robert at arcplan Inc "Robert is a forward thinking executive with a keen eye for growth opportunities. Robert has a unique ability to focus on the strategic goals of a company without sacrificing the day to day needs. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Robert again in the future.” (January 3, 2010) Andrea Waldin, Vice President, Marketing, Scala, Inc. reported to Robert at Scala Inc. “Robert's international experience combined with his excellent management approach brought vision, strategic direction and operational excellence. Robert led US Operations for arcplan sustaining hyper-growth in the business intelligence segment.” (November 17, 2008) Stewart Plumb, Vice President Sales / Business Development, arcplan, Inc. reported to Robert at arcplan Inc. “Robert shows up at every meeting well prepared and presents his ideas with passion. He continues to impress me more and more each week. My partners and I have recently extended our contract with Robert based on his outstanding performance.” (February 25, 2007) Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative Dan Avanzato Owner, Norstar Mortgage Service Inc hired Robert as a Business Consultant in 2006 “Robert's energy and vision has been instrumental in assisting us with the launch of a new internet company. His attention to every detail and creativity continue to add value to our concept.” (February 1, 2007) Frank Dowd, Owner, Associates Land Transfer, LLC was with another company when working with Robert at Koolen & Associates “Robert's breadth of business understanding enabled us to not only define our marketing problem in better business terms, but to define a process that would help us to improve the business as a whole. Robert contextualized the issues in the wider framework of the business to help overcome the financial, sales and political obstacles in the business.” (September 12, 2006) Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity Allan Vanderheyden VP Sales at Insite Objects and President at Quartet hired Robert as a Business Consultant in 2006 “Robert shows a detailed understanding of how businesses work from marketing, sales through finance and operations. He has the experience and aptitude to ask the right questions in looking for solutions to issues and is very insightful in his communications. A pleasure to work with.” (August 16, 2006) Gary Raubenheimer, Owner, Quartet Solutions America, Inc. was Robert's client “Robert's clear view on how to setup and manage a support structure for our organization provided me the basics on which we could develop our model which is now successfully in place. Robert is a true professional with a wealth of knowledge and global experience” (August 2, 2006) Ronald Haantjes,VP Solution Services Group, Visalign was Robert's client “Robert proved himself a self-confident leader and strategist, possessing vision, common sense and the marketing mindset to transform ideas into clear messages and workable plans. He is an adept communicator well liked and respected by staff, customers, analysts and the media for his approachability, knowledge of the field, affable nature and enthusiasm. It’s been great fun working for Robert.” (March 26, 2006) Kate Lord, Public Relations Consultant, arcplan, Inc. reported to Robert at arcplan Inc “Robert's unique skill set ranges from thinking strategically, formulating and communicating a business plan, down to executing the process details step-by-step.” (March 22, 2006) Michael Dieterle, VP Knowledge Management, arcplan reported to Robert at arcplan Inc
“Robert is a great strategic thinker with excellent analytical skills. He is able to quickly develop a comprehensive understanding of a complex situation or a market place and develop tactical and strategic plans to act on identified opportunities. He is a great team player and it was a pleasure to work with Robert.” (March 21, 2006) Roland Hoelscher, President & CEO, arcplan Inc. managed Robert at arcplan Inc
“Robert is an outstanding leader. He has the unusual ability to capitalize on the strengths of those that work for him in order to build a strong team. His knowledge of the marketplace combined with his strong marketing experience has positioned arcplan for significant growth in the future.” (February 9, 2006) Dick Johnson, Owner, SelectiveSelling was a consultant or contractor to Robert at arcplan Inc
“Robert is a pleasure to work with and is professional and focused on leading his company and team.” (May 7, 2005) Mark Smith, CEO & EVP Research at Ventana Research was a consultant or contractor to Robert at arcplan Inc “I have worked with Rob for over 10 years in South Africa and the United States. Rob is a top drawer marketing professional who takes a hands-on approach to first understand a market segment and then develop marketing strategies for the companies and products he has represented.” (November 26, 2005) Steven Gauld, VP Professional Services, Knowledge Mechanics worked directly with Robert at Knowledge Mechanics “Robert and I worked together creating a "menu" of service offerings for the support organization. He's extremely knowledgeable of the IT business, creative, thorough, and, above all, fun to work with!” (June 5, 2006)
Karen Wells, Director, Business Development, Baan Company worked with Robert at Baan
“Robert was, perhaps, the most professional and articulate professional with whom I had the opportunity to work, while at the Baan Company. Robert's understanding of the products, services and their places in the marketplace was only surpassed by his unique way of expressing his opinion and executing strategic plans. He made all of our jobs the easier.” (March 4, 2006) Tony Casciato, Director, Sales Operations (Americas), Baan Company worked with Robert at Baan “Robert was one of the select marketing professionals who truly gained insight into the essence of the service and product support business. He did an excellent job of producing materials that clearly articulated the value proposition of Baan's support offerings. It was my pleasure to work with Robert.” (November 21, 2005) John Blakeman, VP Customer Support, Americas' Region, Baan managed Robert indirectly at Baan
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