I have been a member of a Rex Roundtable for approximately 3 years. The meetings are a highlight of my business year. I look forward to seeing and sharing with friends. The meetings are great educational events and I can keep up with what's happening in the industry but also learn about new innovative business ideas in general. I am able to bounce new ideas around with highly successful and informative friends. Joining a Rex Roundtable was one of my best business decisions. Cliff M Buchholz The most important thing is that I felt the group held me accountable for action items that I had outlined in prior meetings. Another benefit of the group is the realization that every business owner has the same problems but in different forms. David M. Kabaker, President Corporate Fitness Resources, Inc. I was impressed by the way you handled the meeting. It's always a pleasure working with a professional. Ken Cook Cook's Corner Creative Cookware and Coffee I have found that I always come away with several good ideas and action points as a result or our meetings. An added benefit is that as a result of our meetings, I feel accountable to our group which helps to spur me on. Spencer Garrett, General Partner Pierpont Racquet Club Thanks for being a great team leader. You do a great job keeping us on track and introducing fresh material at each session so we stay focused on the real issues that drive our respective businesses. Geoff Dyer, President Lifestyle, Family Fitness Inc. Will Phillips, as the head of the roundtable, is the ultimate coach for this unique group. He is a wealth of thought provoking insights and a gold mine of information. Florence Auld, President The Women's Club The greatest benefit I receive from the roundtable is the honest and frank discussions about life in general. These discussions include both business and personal topics. There are no hidden agendas or political games being played. What you receive is honest frank input on all aspects you share with the group. Ric Zimmerman, Chief Operating Officer Athletic Clubs Incorporated [My] accomplishments [this year] were due in great measure to the excellent direction and focused approach given by Will Phillips, our facilitator. Enrique Medina, President Mar-Cal Seafood, Inc. In my three years of participation, I have come to depend upon it as a crucial resource, fulfilling a large part of my professional development and networking needs. On the one hand, it has constantly challenged my assumptions and procedures by exposing me to a range of best practices in both the museum and corporate worlds and by alerting me to threats on the near and far horizons. Equally important, it has brought me close to a true peer group. Our sharing of our professional and personal trials and triumphs has placed my own life in richer context while refreshing by soul. Museum Director in New Jersey Thanks for a terrific first roundtable. You are the cats pajamas as a facilitator... I keep thinking of all the characters of wisdom in literature. You are kind of a Dumbledore (Harry Potter), Yoda and business Rabi all rolled into one. I hope I can keep up and keep on. I went home inspired and fortified to make some changes that started with a long overdue slash of $100,000 out of our operating budget-starting with the communication and implementation next week. Health Club Owner in Minnesota The Roundtable provides people engaged in similar work, in the same industry the opportunity to share problems, trade ideas and learn in a non-threatening, supportive atmosphere. I have found that after several years of relating to the other members of the group, a closeness develops that is difficult to achieve in other situations. Personally, several of my closest friends in our industry have come from the Roundtable experience. We work on common problems, talk between meetings and even vacation together. The experience has been tremendously rewarding. CEO Michigan The Roundtable meetings are more than just a time to share business problems. They are also a time to learn, explore new ideas and be challenged by Will and your fellow members. I view it as a time to hear about concepts that are going on in other industries, learn about tends and be encouraged to look at mew ways of managing my business. I have never gone to a Roundtable meeting where I did not come away with several valuable ideas that made the trip worthwhile. CEO Maryland There are many challenges that face the owner of a small business. Never being content with the "status quo" requires constant effort and continuing education. While I have participated in a multitude of seminars and courses, I have never encountered one that has had more of a positive impact, both personally and professionally than the roundtable. CEO Ohio The roundtable consists of the most well respected owners in the industry. They are committed to world class leadership, profitability and customer service. Each individual is an enormous source of "hands-on" knowledge, encouragement and friendship. CEO Washington Comments from Will's First Round Table Participants in 1987 "The feedback I got at this session was worth the total cost of the series." "I like the time constraint on each problem and the fact that everyone was able to have their problem addressed." "I would not have pursued my newest venture without the support of the Round Table members." "I didn't realize how much I was 'living in the dark' until I had the opportunity to share thoughts and exchange ideas with 14 of my peers, all of whom I consider to be a friend and advisor. "It's lonely at the top. It's nice to come and talk and to know its confidential. There aren't the resources to do this at work." "The constructive criticism is good. I don't know who I'd go to see if my idea is good. Your friends say "it's good" because they don't want to hurt your feelings." "The sharing of ideas, the willingness to discuss one's business in a not-threatening atmosphere." "We have a group here that melds very nicely but is diversified enough to give me a broader insight into mechanics of being a good company president." "It's put me on a ½ day week of planning. I don't go into work on Wednesday mornings."