People Are Talking . . . About Think Again, Jeff and Their Results!
“Jeff’s sessions involve the entire audience and he is able to encourage open and honest discussion and responses. My teams leave Jeff’s workshops both energized and committed to improving the interaction of their own teams. If your goal is to improve teamwork and add a valued partner to help your firm achieve results, then I highly recommend Jeff and his excellent programs.”
Michael DiMino, President & CEO
Rural Metro Ambulance
“Thanks for the outstanding program which you delivered to our sales team – you exceeded our expectations on every level. Your hours of preparation in meeting with us prior to the program and your customization to fit our message of Core Values was delivered on point. Your ability to inspire new ways of thinking, new ways of approaching relationships and the tactical drivers to achieve sales success will surely lead to increased performance by our team.”
Mitch Kroll, CEO
Findaway World
"VIP was looking to make a radical change in our management approach. We knew we needed assistance but were not looking for a traditional 'team building' retreat. Jeff was willing to take the time on the front end to understand the concerns, ask great questions and get feedback from all of the management team. That allowed us to maximize the value of the meeting. Jeff does not come to the process with a fixed agenda, rather he taps into the group and their energy and then makes changes along the way to make sure that the desired outcomes occur. Jeff’s open honest approach, and his willingness to share stories about other companies, teams, and their challenges brought humor to the process and encouraged others to be honest and open. Jeff gave us concrete next steps, and helped us to define how we would determine and measure our success moving forward. I believe a true paradigm shift occurred during our meeting and there is no better outcome that I could for."
Bethany Friedlander, Chief Operating Officer
VIP Restoration
"Jeff is the perfect example of practice makes perfect. The 'buzz' has been around the speaking industry how Jeff is just a fabulous speaker. Well, everyone was right. I just heard him speak the other day, and it really made me mad! Why you ask? As I was getting comfortable in my speaking career, this guy has to raise the bar and now we all have to up our 'speaking abilities' to keep up with him. Thanks Jeff, now I have to better myself because of you, and just when I was enjoying kicking back..... Good luck with everything you do for your clients."
Hal Becker, Professional Speaker & CEO
The Becker Group
"Jeff has progressed from a networking guru to one of the country's top relationship experts. His philosophy hits home on every level, from work to family. Following Jeff's advice will make you change the way you do business. His dynamic delivery adn humorous approach to relationships can't be heard enough."
Nancy Traum, President & CEO
Solon Chamber of Commerce
"I recommend Jeff to any business looking to create a positive change. Jeff's incredible listening skills combined with his intuitive nature and positive energy brings a breath of fresh air to any challenge you have relating to people, culture or taking your business to the next level. Asking questions can create action, but being able to ask the right question will inspire. Jeff's uncanny ability to see the forest in spite of the trees is sure to be an asset to your business."
Margie Rowe
Innovative Medical Equipment
"Jeff brings a deep and comprehensive understanding of sound business practices to the table, and this knowledge underpins his instruction. More importantly, he understands how and why people form relationships, and this is ultimately the guts of his training. He shows, in a clear and concise manner, how important it is to fundraisers to work first on relationship, and why it is that relationship is such an essential part of making a successful ask. He demonstrates how to effectively build mutually beneficial relationships. He stresses that successful relationships are two-way streets built on trust and shared vision. Jeff’s non-profit programs are critical building blocks for any development officer, and I have been using the concepts that Jeff teaches to great effect in my new career as a development officer.”
James Marra, Senior Director of Corporate & Major Gifts
Friends of Breakthrough Charter Schools
"Jeff Nischwitz presented to 30 Lake Health Foundation Trustees at an Annual Retreat in August 2011. His manner and message were engaging – spot on for our mission driven organization. Having recently completed a Strategic Plan update, Jeff Nischwitz provided inspiration and motivation so that we can better tell our story in 2012 and beyond – building one relationship at a time."
Sunny Masters, Executive Director
Lake Health Foundation
“Jeff Nischwitz is the human ‘LinkedIn.’ Not only does he know everyone but knows how to connect them perfectly. Jeff cuts a wide wake and produces results, independently, through others, and for others. His new business is already making a mark and adding to his track record of helping individuals, groups, and corporations connect and profit. Keep up on what Jeff is doing and who he is helping and it might be you!”
Andy Birol, Birol Growth Consulting,
Author, Growth Coach and Speaker
“Jeff Nischwitz (from Think Again Coaching) presented a seemingly radical way of thinking. In actuality, it simply promotes a philosophy that takes people back to their roots. It is about helping one another, forging lasting relationships, and finding what makes you happy. In the end, there was not one person in the room, who did not leave inspired to not only better themselves, but also to better their community. This was honestly, the most resounding seminar that I have ever attended.”
Shawna Daugherty
Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority
“I can tell you personally, that Jeff is the real deal! He is honest, sincere, down to earth and a legitimate trainer regarding what he offers. Jeff adds value to any organization, person or entity he associates with – professionally and personally.”
Dave Hastings, Hastings Water Works
“I was so blessed to have worked with Jeff in his capacity as a business coach in November of 2009. I thought I was doing what I truly enjoy – helping clients take control of their lives and creating the freedom they deserve! But, still, was not feeling fulfilled. Well, just at the perfect time the Universe brought to me the gift of Jeff. I thought my work with him would go in a specific direction, but it went elsewhere … to a very scary and dark place for me . . . the source of my unhappiness . . . the culprit of why my business is not truly soaring. Jeff’s intense and poignant questions, his ability to hold the space for me to do my work was the “ah ha” moment I had been yearning. The pieces of the puzzle I have been trying to fit together were finally creating the beautiful and incredible scenery that is my life, both personally and professionally. I am forever grateful for the magic Jeff has helped me to create. Working with Jeff gave me the boost I needed to get excited again about the wonderful service I perform for my clients.”
Mary Biacsi, Zoller|Biacsi Co., L.P.A.
"Jeff’s insightful comments and motivational presentation has the power to lift a person up to a place where they feel they can achieve anything. Jeff certainly inspired and helped me to be aware of all my possibilities for success. Anyone who has the chance to hear Jeff speak is very lucky. People need Jeff now more than ever.”
Gale Brown, President, Lead Builders
“Because of Jeff Nischwitz and his workshop, ‘Failure is not an Option,’ I was able to re-evaluate a few setbacks that had affected my business. His message was exactly what I needed to hear. He showed me that optimism is a most valuable asset and can turn around almost any negative situation. I left the seminar with a new attitude and have been employing his guidelines and insightful advice to keep my business heading in the right direction.”
Donna Mintz, President, Mintz Replacement Windows
“Jeff’s genuinely warm and entertaining personality captured the audience immediately. His presentation was thought-provoking and remained with me long after it was over. He challenges you to think differently about how you live and make decisions and lets you know that it’s not just ok, in fact, it's ‘great’ to have high expectations. It was fabulous!”
Shawna Hofstetter, President, The Hofstetter Group
“Jeff is a very dynamic speaker, and his ability to connect with people is uncanny, which is why it seems like he knows half of Cleveland. I recently had an opportunity to see Jeff speak in front of a group. The personal connection Jeff has with people does not get lost no matter the number of people in the room. Jeff made the presentation interesting to all by getting buy in from everyone. If I need someone to give a presentation, Jeff Nischwitz would be the first person I would call.”
Michael Struk, Entrepreneur
“I highly recommend Jeff Nischwitz as a presenter for any business. His recent presentation underscored a philosophy that will help our members build the relationships that will lead to increased business.”
Jeff received his J.D. degree from the Ohio State University College of Law, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Ohio Northern University. Jeff’s prior experience as a partner in a large Cleveland law firm, building his own solo law practice and building and leading an entrepreneurial business law firm provide him with a diverse and practical perspective on the business of law firms. Jeff has experience in working with businesses across a wide range of industries and on every aspect of a business, from advertising to leadership to sales, allowing him to offer practical and proven ideas and strategies to improve any business. Jeff knows that the formula for great success in any business is innovative ideas and decisive action! Jeff’s unique ability to “see” business and personal challenges with a “different eye” allows him to identify innovative solutions and enhanced opportunities.
Jeff is the Author of Think Again! Innovative Approaches to the Business of Law (American Bar Association 2007). This book offers innovative but practical advice on building an exceptional law firm, including empowering your people, building successful teams, and adding value to pure legal services. Jeff shares his unique perspectives on building a great law business, including secrets of effective selling through existing relationships, how to take advantage of everyday opportunities, and consistent and reliable ways to get (and keep) new clients. Think Again! Innovative Approaches to the Business of Law is available at www.abanet.org/abastore and via other online book resources.
Jeff is well known in the business community for his leadership abilities, creativity, innovation and energy. He is a frequent speaker and presenter on various business topics including Building Businesses, Leadership, Networking, Sales and Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Business Planning, Personal Development, Goal Setting, and Personal Effectiveness and Happiness. Jeff is involved with numerous business and non-profit organizations including a current role on the Board of E CITY, which teaches entrepreneurship and business to inner city youth, and the Harvard Avenue Community School. He is also actively involved on the Marketing Committee for the Entrepreneurship Preparatory School.
“Jeff has the unique ability to observe and listen to the dynamics of a situation, then ask the key questions to get right to the underlying heart of the issue. Jeff taught me the value of asking the right question to begin with - it's amazing how much more productive a 60-minute meeting can be when we spent the first 20 or even 30 minutes making sure we were asking ourselves the right question.” Entrepreneur and Collaboration Partner
“I highly recommend that people get to know Jeff but warn them that he is a straight shooter who will make you ask yourself the tough questions. This is very important as most people are not surrounded by these types of individuals on a daily basis.” Business Owner
“I highly recommend Jeff Nischwitz as a presenter for any business. His recent presentation underscored a philosophy that will help our members build the relationships that will lead to increased business.” Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce.
To invite Jeff to work with our business, team, organization, association or group, please Contact Us. For a one page overview of Think Again's programs, Click Here.
About David
David J. Akers is an innovator with a passion for identifying opportunities for business and civic growth, then developing and implementing strategies to capitalize on those opportunities. In his career, David has created and launched more than a dozen initiatives in the business, civic, and government sectors.He is the author or co-author of three issued patents and co-author of two additional pending patents.
In 2004, David chose to tackle the challenge of government fragmentation and inefficiency in Northeast Ohio.He formed Collaborent Group, Ltd., a company that develops and markets group purchasing programs to public sector entities.He led the creation of Sourcing Office, a government and 501(c)(3) organization that serves as a buying consortium for public sector entities.Collaborent manages the procurement and sales operations of Sourcing Office, a living public-private partnership; Collaborent is now extending its group purchasing programs and shared service models to groups of governments, not-for-profits, and private companies across the country.
Prior to founding Collaborent and Sourcing Office, David partnered with a team of real estate professionals at CB Richard Ellis to define, market, and package a unique collection of strategic real estate services to private equity firms.
In early 2001, David was the co-founder and president of EagleCheck, Ltd., a technology-based security company working in both the government and commercial sectors.In this role, he was responsible for the company’s operations, government and public relations strategy and implementation, alliances and overall direction.
In 2000, David created Lottery for Life™, a patented methodology and supporting technologies to dramatically improve the image and sales levels of state lotteries; developed the Advisor, a system and technology for the fashion industry to target market its wares to consumers; secured financing for and partnered in multiple urban parking lot and commercial properties; and worked in the local and national political sector as a campaign manager and Congressional staffer.
David serves as a coach and consultant for a broad range of clients, with particular expertise in political campaigns as well as business development, communication skills, and leadership development for professionals in both the business and civic sectors.
David is active civically at the local and national level.He is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland’s Class of 2007 and a founding board and executive committee of the ClevelandLeadershipCenter.David spearheaded the creation of Reach Cleveland, a first-in-the-nation online tool that connects civically-inclined individuals with opportunities for civic engagement tailored to their individual interests.David co-founded and is the Chairman Emeritus of Cleveland Bridge Builders; he graduated from the Charter Class in 2000.David is a member of the National Innovation Initiative of the Council on Competitiveness and served as a co-chair of the intellectual property subcommittee.He continues to work in an advisory capacity to numerous innovative civic initiatives.
David holds a bachelor of science in marketing and finance from the University of Virginia’s McIntyre School of Commerce.His work has earned numerous awards and recognitions from a variety of institutions, including the Social Enterprise Alliance’s 2008 award Venture America: Bold Leaders that are Changing the World.He is married and has three children.
