Testimonials: Food Service
March 28, 2009 by Susan Clarke
“I attended your seminars at the Florida Restaurant Show, in fact, your seminars were the reason I attended the show. I’m an old guy that thinks my employees need to change to be like me, but know they will not. I really enjoyed your presentations. It was worth the trip.”
—J. Don Allen
“My employees heard and were positively impacted by your presentations at the Pizza Expo.”
—Fred Schafer
“I walked into your presentation at the CRA Show on Saturday (very) late. I wish I had been able to be there earlier… What I heard was of high value and very well presented.”
—Ken Whiting
Whiting’s Foods, Inc.
“Your unique presentation style and expertise offered invaluable insight that captured the audience’s attention.”
—Jaimie M. Ponzillo, Membership Services
New York State Food Merchants Association, Inc.
“Her ideas and enthusiasm created a level of participation that went way beyond my expectations.”
—Jim McClaskey, President
Hughes Markets
“Your presentation at the Deli Council was extremely motivating and we know the information we absorbed will help our sales in the future!”
—Dave Young
Wedemeyer Bakery
“Your participation was instrumental in making this our most successful conference!”
—Feltenstein, President
The Neighborhood Marketing Institute
“Your contributions made a significant impact on the overall success of our conference.”
—Sheila Crowley, Director, Member Services
Healthcare Food Service Management (HFM)
“The success of your presentations was obvious by the many positive comments received and the resounding responses we heard through the walls, in the hall, in person and on paper.”
—Carolyn Shouse Mills, Meeting Planner
Pizza Expo, Las Vegas
“Your insights provided us with many ‘tools’ and ideas we can use to exceed our customers’ expectations. Again, thank you for your time and making this learning experience fun, fun, fun.”
—Nancy Levendowski, Director, Foundation Dining Services
Cal Poly Pomona
“The message of providing good service, setting it as our highest priority and passing it along to each person in our organization who greets the public is one we may never lose sight of – and you reminded us with style, enthusiasm and FUN! As people said goodbye at the end of the conference, they all thanked me for finding you – you’ve made me a hero. ”
—Peggy L. Hobin, Manager of Training and Development
Lawry’s Restaurants, INC.
“Susan Clarke’s uplifting presentation was dynamic. As a planner, it’s very satisfying to know when a speaker says they will personalize the presentation that the homework is done thoroughly. Susan went above and beyond!”
—Michelle Conley, Meeting and Convention Director
Subway, Franchise World Headquarters, Inc.
“Your personal presence and presentation itself created an enthusiasm that was contagious and long-lasting among the franchisees, you clearly delivered the message in an exemplary and entertaining way.”
—Lance B. Benton, President
Buck’s Pizza
“I must say that my company staff members in attendance came away from your program with a new spirit of enthusiasm. You show a passion for the subject that is contagious!”
—Michael Rhodes, Orange County Chapter President
California Restaurant Association
“You gave the group practical information, presented in a fun and dynamic way…every one enjoyed your light hearted approach and all the good bubbles.”
—Sue Boehler, Franchise Field Consultant
Cousins Subs
“Your contributions made a significant impact on the overall success of our conference.”
—Sheila Crowley, Director, Member Services
Healthcare Food Service Management (HFM)
“Your presentations were all I hoped they would be: fast paced, encouraging, informative, and fun! Since your seminar, many of our key people have adopted a new refreshing approach to their jobs.”
—Martin McGuire
McGuire Management Group
“Everyone who attended has taken your words to heart and they are working to put them into practice and keep their PMA bags filled!”
—Rudy Spano, Dining Services Director
University of San Diego
“It is truly an honor working with such a professional and an expert in the field. Your seminar on service excellence was very well received. Thanks for making the trade show such a great success.”
—Carol Salomon Lo Verso, Director of Education
California Restaurant Association
“Your wonderful book is exactly like your informative and motivational seminar at the Western Restaurant Association Show. It is becoming a great tool in our business.”
—Kay Cannon, Marketing
TABLE CHECK, Seating Management System
“We have been using your training videos for the past year or so and I feel that this is an important tool for all of our employees, old and new to witness. This video is both fun and educational and gives us the opportunity to sit down and discuss our restaurant and our industry openly with our staff.”
—Todd R. Buchanan, Proprietor
Turners Mill Inn
“The Leadership Challenge was a huge motivator for our management team. The most common thing I heard was…’Why did it take me _ years to listen to what others were saying!!!’ I believe as a result of the ideas you shared we are less defensive and certainly more tolerant of others communication styles.”
—Candy Martinez, Cash Operations Manager, Dining Services
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation
“Susan was great. I would bring my entire staff to a Regional Scoopers Seminar run by Susan. She told the truth and was practical.”
—Sandy Hormel
Ben and Jerry’s
“Your presentations are consistently rated as one of the highlights of the entire meeting.”
—Susan Elliot, Retail Operations, Meeting and Special Event Coordinator
Ben and Jerry’s
“Debbie Fields is a tough act to follow! The bottom line is that Susan knocked all our socks off! She was the perfect complement of energy, motivation and insight.”
—Keith M. Gerson, Senior Vice President, Franchising & Licensing
Mrs. Fields Cookies
“Your enthusiasm and personal motivation was an inspiration for all who attended your sessions. We billed you as Dynamic and you certainly came through.”
—Dave Mckay, Director of Dining Services, Eastern Washington University
The National Association of College & University Food Services
“Thank you so much for conducting your ‘Four Walls Marketing’ Seminar at FRA’s International Foodservice Expo in Orlando. The comments from the participants were outstanding”
—Dan Murphy, Director of Membership and Education
Florida Restaurant Association
“Thank you so much for the incredibly inspirational words you delivered at our Unit Marketing Director’s Conference. The time you spent in preparation for the conference was apparent to all, as you connected so well with each of the participants on a personal level.”
—Sandy Whittle, Marketing Education Facilitator
Chick-fil-A Inc.”
Your presentation was informative and interesting and an important part of our educational programming.”
—Doni J. DeNucci, Executive Director
Iowa Hospitality Association
“Your marketing expertise was a key factor in the overall success of the program”
—Tom Feltenstein, Chairman
Neighborhood Marketing Institute
“The responses to the show overall and to the education has been phenomenal. You helped make our show a success!”
—Janet Kidd, Director of Education and Meetings
California Restaurant Association
“After your programs, I had many of our people coming up to me and thanking me for ‘letting them attend’. Some of their comments were: “She was natural and very much a “real” person.” “She knows the same frustrations we face every day because she lived it.” “I couldn’t wait for my shift to start so I could try out her ideas”
—Peter Sarris, President
T Bones Great American Eatery
“Your entertaining delivery and especially the personalized approach you took with Schlotzsky’s Deli was well-articulated and fun. It is amazing what changes occure when members of our system have the first-hand insight of an expert in customer service.”
—Laura Bernstein, Director of Public Relations
Schlotzsky’s Deli
“Once again, you were highly rated by our franchisees and managers. You have a magnetic personality and a strong message”
—Michelle Conley, Meeting and Convention Director
Subway, Franchise World Headquarters, Inc.
“She makes it very clear what positive attitudes can do for a unit and emphasizes leading by example.”
—Randy Hart, Vice President, Human Resources
Ryan’s Family Steak Houses, Inc.
“We were pleased with the size of the audience who came to hear you. You have our appreciation for a terrific job under less than perfect circumstances.”
—Gene Vosberg, FMP, Executive vice president
Washington Restaurant Association
“We wanted a speaker who was familiar with Subway and could relate this knowledge to our group with an upbeat manner. Your information on service was right on target and we thoroughly enjoyed how you got the audience involved with your ‘energy bubbles’ ”
—Sarah N. Hicks, Chairman, NC Educational Committee
Subway, NC Food Council
“Your message was a simple one, yet it addressed the issues that confront all of us in the hospitality industry head on, which is ‘you simply have to take care of our people, who in turn take care of your Guests.”
—Tom Griffith, Senior Director-Human Resources
Restaurants Unlimited, INC.
“Your Presentation was strong and you certainly set the tone to reinforce my presentation of our strategy and direction for the year.”
—James F. Simonson, President-Restaurant Division
Restaurants Unlimited
“Thank you for inspiring our management team to have more fun and help them realize that the ultimate responsibility as to the success of each shift lies in their hands.”
—Billy Downs, President
Mongolian Barbeque
“Your message was very dynamic and motivational and truly captured the audience.”
—Jason A. Anderson, Coordinator of Personnel
Concordia College, NACUFS
“As we’ve come to expect from you, your seminar was truly motivational, informative, full of practical tips, and fun.”
—Sandy Lien, Director of Education
Upper Midwest Hospitality, Inc.
“We appreciated your time, energy and sincerity with our group. Your ‘Regional Road Trips’ with Subway sent a lot of people back to their stores with good, useful ideas.”
—Michelle Conley, Meeting and Convention Director
Subway, Franchise World Headquarters Inc.
“Your presentation certainly exceeded all expectations and was very well accepted by our attendees. Great job.”
—Christina Chmura, Director Trade Show Marketing
Massachusetts Restaurant Association
“You provided us with a lot of valuable information that I hope all of our members will begin to put to practice.”
—Rosemary S. Panno, President
International Association of Hospitality Accountants, Mid-Jersey Chapter
“Not only was Clarke’s presentation informative but it was fun. If you have the opportunity to hire Susan Clarke at your show or conference, jump at it. She is the best.”
—Joseph Declan Moran, Editor of Pizza and Pasta Magazine
Pizza and Pasta
“Our guests and attendees comments have been very positive and encouraging. We even saw a few exhibitors attending your program.”
—Steve Montayne, Show Chairman
Michigan Restaurant Association
“I had heard so many wonderful things about you and had the chance to see for myself how true they are!”
—Janet Harrison, Director of Education
California Restaurant Association
“Our Subway Franchisees and managers again found your presentation valuable and helpful to their business. It seems you give them so many ideas to implement.”
—Michelle Conley, Meeting and Convention Director
Franchise world headquarters Inc.
“The feedback we received from the attendees was very positive and the attendees that we spoke with wholly enjoyed your presentation.”
—Virginia Curry, Expo Coordinator
New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality
“Your presentations were right on target and received many favorable comments. You were again motivating for me and for all in attendance.”
—Tom Feltenstein
Tom Feltenstein Enterprises
“You’ve begun to develop a faithful following and your message is always enthusiastically delivered, up-to-date, and ful of practical ideas.”
—Sandy Lien, Director of Education
Upper Midwest Hospitality, Inc.
“I finished your book the very same night, .and feel so positive, and not a positive thing that fades but a feeling I can work with and use!
—Julie Goff, Lounge Manager
Best Western Marshall Inn
“My managers are more enthused than they have been for some time.”
—Al Hess
Rigel Corporation DBA Kentucky Fried Chicken
“I enjoyed your weave of personal and professional anecdotes supporting your topic.”
—Nancy Green Faus, Manager of Marketing and Brand Development
Target Stores
“We have a bit of a stiff group but you got them all laughing and having fun, just like we are supposed to be having fun at work and in life!”
—Georgia Kazimier, President, Sacramento Chapter
California Restaurant Association
“I loved how you drove those ‘Rule’s of Thumb’ and key points home, yet laced the presentation with humor personality and fun. Everyone’s buzzing with excitement about their work.”
—Samuel E. Kibler, Director of Human Resources
Hallrich Incorporated, Pizza Hut
“You have been recognized as being rated in the top of the class!”
—Michelle Conley, Meeting and Convention Director
Subway, Franchise World Headquarters, Inc.
“Those who were in attendance praised both the information and the style in which it was delivered..”
—Julie Lanthier, Membership Services Representative
San Diego Restaurant Association
“I’d like to personally express my sincere appreciation for all your hard work and extra effort in the Spring Marketing War Conference. We couldn’t have done it without you!”
—Tom Feltenstein
Neighborhood Marketing Institute
“I would like to compliment you on the content, delivery, and message of your service seminar. “Keep up the great work and the spreading of the message.”
—Keith Keogh, CEC, AAC, President
World Association of Cooks Societies
“Your participation was a pleasure for both our members and our guests. Thanks again for all your professional, excellent contributions!”
—Gene Vosberg, Executive Director
Restaurant Association of the State of Washington
“You were absolutely fantastic… the feedback from the audience has been tremendous.”
—Colleen McShane, Executive Director
Illinois Restaurant Association
“To say I appreciate your help in acting as a “guest lecture” is an understatement. The students are always challenged by your class, and feedback is consistently positive. Thank you!!!!!!”
—Tucker W. Main
Instructor, University of San Francisco
“Your enthusiasm and zest for the industry – as well as your solid knowledge of the industry – is obvious.”
—Sandy Lien, Director of Education
Upper Midwest Hospitality, Inc
“The two hours that you were on stage flew by and it was quite apparent, from the crowd’s response, that everyone remained not only attentive but intrigued throughout your presentation.”
—Deanna S. Erickson, Director of Marketing
Tastee- Freez International, INC.