Testimonials and Recommendations
“I did not know Fran personally when I emailed her to explore the
marketing and social networking services she might be able to provide to
Rainbow Educational Concepts and Robert-Leslie Publishing. I was
impressed with her knowledge and enthusiasm at an early stage. Our
discussions continued, and I felt more confident that Fran would be able
to provide the marketing services that are consistent with our business
strategy and growth plan. It was the best business decision I could
have made. In a short time, Fran has proven herself to be creative,
dedicated, savvy, hard working, and 100% goal oriented, which is exactly
what our companies need right now. She doesn't just theorize about good
marketing ideas -- she plans and implements strategies that produce
solid, measurable results. I highly recommend Fran Simon and Engagement
Strategies and will continue to use her services for a very long time.”
Judith Coffey, CEO, Robert-Leslie Publishing
Adam Van Wye, Owner, Mailing Lists, Inc.
“Having worked with Fran for 6 years, I can say, without reservation, that she is one of the brightest and most capable persons that I have ever worked with. While working at an executive level, Fran was able to consistently think 3 steps ahead of the rest of us, whilst maintaining a level-headed and detailed perspective of the immediate environment and its challenges. Fran helped (and had often to persevere) to transform Teaching Strategies from a small company to a growth-oriented, efficient corporate environment. Her focus on accountability, generously and fairly recognizing her employees, project and program management, systems and analytical planning and thinking, were instrumental to Teaching Strategies' success. Her knowledge of technology and her capacity to learn and drive new ideas is superior. I consider her a mentor.”
Carla Uriona, Creative Director, Teaching Strategies, Inc.
Tim Walker, Director of Technology, National-Louis University, McCormick Tribune Center
A great deal of the organization's early growth and success can be attributed to Fran's commitment, compassion and professionalism. Fran personally developed and administered the fund raising efforts of the Center which benefited the scholarship fund, providing financial aid to over 60 families who would otherwise be unable to afford child care.
With her ability to see the big picture, she oversaw the Center's growth, from hiring and supervising staff to development efforts. Fran spearheaded the marketing, technology, and public relations operations for ASAD including the employee handbook, brochures, newsletters, promotional flyers, and much more. She organized community events, set up the CFC fund, and the organizations' visibility on the internet by coordinating with Guide Star.
Fran also managed the organization's technology, including several transitions and migrations. We went from a completely manual organization to a technologically savvy business through her stewardship.
Fran is one of the most creative and passionate people with whom I have ever worked. Fran's drive and motivation contributed to putting All Saints All Day on the map as a premier child care provider. Her vision created a much improved and efficient operation of the Center's business operations. It was a privilege to have worked with Fran for 15 years. I truly value the professional and personal relationship that we continue to share to this day. I consider it an honor to have served as Fran's supervisor."
Bruce Kahan, Executive Director, Wonders Child Care Center
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“Fran is passionate and will stop at nothing to get the word out. In addition to her passion about the
education of children and quality child care, Fran is also very
creative about marketing and communication. I have seen Fran
unapologetically try new strategies and technologies and turn these channels into great,
effective new resources.
Fran is innovative, passionate, authentic and a pleasure to work with!”
Judith Coffey, CEO, Robert-Leslie Publishing
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“Utilizing Fran's services to help implement an online marketing program
for my company was among the best business decisions I've ever made.
To say that Fran goes the extra mile does not begin to do justice with
respect to her efforts. Fran will care about your success every bit as
much as you will. She consistently makes sound suggestions and is
clearly both an expert and a student who is always seeking the latest
information to better provide for her clients. Fran is equally liable
to propose a recommendation that reinforces your own thoughts as she is
to make one that you may never have thought of yet makes perfect sense
nevertheless. I would whole-heartedly recommend Fran Simon for
virtually any online marketing need.” Adam Van Wye, Owner, Mailing Lists, Inc.
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“Having worked with Fran for 6 years, I can say, without reservation, that she is one of the brightest and most capable persons that I have ever worked with. While working at an executive level, Fran was able to consistently think 3 steps ahead of the rest of us, whilst maintaining a level-headed and detailed perspective of the immediate environment and its challenges. Fran helped (and had often to persevere) to transform Teaching Strategies from a small company to a growth-oriented, efficient corporate environment. Her focus on accountability, generously and fairly recognizing her employees, project and program management, systems and analytical planning and thinking, were instrumental to Teaching Strategies' success. Her knowledge of technology and her capacity to learn and drive new ideas is superior. I consider her a mentor.”
Carla Uriona, Creative Director, Teaching Strategies, Inc.
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"Over
the past five years I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with
Fran Simon in several capacities including as a business partner,
colleague, and friend. She is a well organized, very detail oriented
leader who brings an abundance of new ideas to the table. She has an
excellent track record of collaborating with other organizations and
has been a strong voice in the movement to increase the technology
skills of early childhood administrators. I would highly recommend her
as a candidate for any opportunity she chooses to pursue."Tim Walker, Director of Technology, National-Louis University, McCormick Tribune Center
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“Fran
reported to me in various positions for 15 years at All Saints' All Day
Child Care Center, a 501(c)3 organization with 6 sites. She began her employment as a Teacher/Director in a
start up center in a public school where she built instant rapport with
the children, staff, families, All Saints' All Day Board of Directors
and school administration. Along with the growth of All Saints' All Day
Fran was quickly promoted to the newly created position of Director of
Resources and Development. In that capacity Fran was instrumental in
overseeing the growth and development of a once small organization into
one largest child care organizations in lower Montgomery County. A great deal of the organization's early growth and success can be attributed to Fran's commitment, compassion and professionalism. Fran personally developed and administered the fund raising efforts of the Center which benefited the scholarship fund, providing financial aid to over 60 families who would otherwise be unable to afford child care.
With her ability to see the big picture, she oversaw the Center's growth, from hiring and supervising staff to development efforts. Fran spearheaded the marketing, technology, and public relations operations for ASAD including the employee handbook, brochures, newsletters, promotional flyers, and much more. She organized community events, set up the CFC fund, and the organizations' visibility on the internet by coordinating with Guide Star.
Fran also managed the organization's technology, including several transitions and migrations. We went from a completely manual organization to a technologically savvy business through her stewardship.
Fran is one of the most creative and passionate people with whom I have ever worked. Fran's drive and motivation contributed to putting All Saints All Day on the map as a premier child care provider. Her vision created a much improved and efficient operation of the Center's business operations. It was a privilege to have worked with Fran for 15 years. I truly value the professional and personal relationship that we continue to share to this day. I consider it an honor to have served as Fran's supervisor."
Bruce Kahan, Executive Director, Wonders Child Care Center
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“Fran
Simon is a very hard working leader who is results-driven. She is
willing to go over and beyond and she gets the job done. Fran is the
type of leader who is the first to arrive for a project, and the last
to leave. She is a true professional.”
Mila Fuller, Director of Strategic Initiatives, International Society for Technology in Education
Mila Fuller, Director of Strategic Initiatives, International Society for Technology in Education
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Kelly Lynch Russell, Business Development, Care.com
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Bryan Schultz, Chief of Membership and Organizational Advancement, National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies “I
worked closely with Fran on a number of projects at NACCRRA. Fran
displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition. She
is definitely a leader rather than a follower. Notably, Fran has the
keen ability to mesh a deep understand of the target market and
cutting-edge technology. This results in creative, efficient solutions.
Her good judgment and and technical savvy ensure a progressive, logical
and practical approach to her endeavors.”
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“Fran
supported the work and efforts of the National Association for the
Education of Young Children Technology and Young Children Interest
Forum for years, coordinating the technology resource room at
the annual conference, and promoting the work of this group. It was
evident from this collaboration how skilled Fran is as a manager, and
at marketing. She helped find sponsors, coordinate schedules of
volunteers and events in the room, and used her marketing skills to let
conference attendees know about the technology room and activities
taking place there. Fran's enthusiasm, dedication, and support for
promoting technology use to benefit the early education field was clear
from her hard work on these NAEYC Technology and Young Children
Interest Forum projects.”
Bonnie Blagojevic, Research Associate, UMaine
Eleanor Frias, Owner, Modern Signal
Bonnie Blagojevic, Research Associate, UMaine
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“Fran
can assess a situation and identify opportunities where technology can
streamline and optimize the process. She has the vision to see the
various parts and departments of a company and pinpoint where they can
and should intersect for communications, technology and operations.” Eleanor Frias, Owner, Modern Signal
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“Fran is a high-energy creative thinker who has worked in all areas of
online communication, including publishing, marketing,
and new media. Fran is an excellent manager who helps her
staff improve their performance by providing relevant training and
ongoing coaching. During the
years I worked with Fran, I knew her to be a forward-thinking planner
and decision-maker who could consider the possible while making the
practical happen. I highly recommend Fran.”
Leslie O'Flahavan, Owner, E-WRITE
Leslie O'Flahavan, Owner, E-WRITE
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