Working with Tom

“Tom came alongside our research team as we were exploring new ways of sharing insights with the world. We exchanged ideas, Tom immediately “got it,” and in a matter of months, we launched a new global insights newsletter in seven languages. Tom is an excellent collaborator, a creative leader, and most importantly, a great person.”

“Tom is a huge coaching and marketing asset to DSE. He brings a wealth of industry experience and contacts to the table along with strategic marketing insight and innovation expertise. He also has the humility to dive in, get his hands dirty, and coach the extended team, empathetically and effectively, however we need it.

There are lots of talented people out there. We are lucky to have Tom.”

“Tom’s gift is seeing his client as a complete human being.
We hired his team to crack the behavioral code of a key craft beer subsegment. His holistic approach and leadership helped us distill and leverage critical learning, and helped me and my team add quick and pragmatic value to the marketing team.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of bringing Tom into several public companies with big challenges over the years, and I’m always inspired by his problem-solving approach to grow a business. He takes the time to understand the fundamentals, and he knows the difference between presenting in the board room and rolling up his sleeves with the brand team. Businesses seek his counsel and guidance because he builds alignment—but more importantly, he creates positive energy.”

“From the first meeting over a decade ago, through the development of three brands in 7 categories, Tom tuned into the essence of each brand, the needs of the consumer, and revealed insights that led to powerful communications, new product development paths, and new ways of conceiving of our business opportunity. As a non-linear, non-traditional thinker, I felt a kinship with Tom from the start—including our ability to step back laugh at it all!”

“All brands have a heart, and Tom will find it, and the unique rhythm of your brand. He’s especially adept at harmonizing emotional insights and hard analytics.”

“Tom has a rare gift for identifying core challenges, then leading teams to develop and execute the right solution—together. He leads and inspires without ego—he may be the sun on a given project but he’s happiest when the light’s reflecting off all the planets around him.”

“Tom’s leadership and management insights at my company have been the best coaching I’ve ever received. His collaborative style and feel for relationships helped me think through my options, then make critical decisions with confidence. I’m thrilled to have Tom’s advice and counsel.”

“Hey Cotton—Those three C’s are what you do best. AT&T was lucky to have you.”

“Tom is ‘a modern day Rennaiasance man’ given both his creative and analytical skills. Working with him is an elevating experience. He bridges from insight to action seamlessly. He brings clarity of purpose along with disciplined execution to marketing to help teams create memorable experiences for people.”

“Tom has always stood apart. He’s an agile and dynamic thinker, grounded in fundamentals, but utterly current in the use of data and technology to create and transform brands and build businesses. When I was his client at Miller Brewing, he was a master at getting teams onto the same page to get great work done.”

“Tom was the first person who became a true ‘partner’ on my business. I always appreciated the coaching, the open conversation, the debates, and the honest feedback with Tom. It wasn’t just buzz words—it was “roll-up your sleeves” and get things done—not having meetings to talk about another meeting. He not only helped me with my businesses, but taught me how to develop more as a real marketer—he’ll always be a mentor to me.”