What a time it's been!

Good afternoon. Been a very busy time as of late and lots of client work to do. Has it been a rough time? Of course it has - and I know I'm not the only one. I can say though that it's time for a little reflection on your situation.

I can only speak (or write) for myself. I am blessed with an amazing wife and two beautiful children. I still live in my house and my dogs are fed. Amazing, as it was almost a year ago when I was brought into an office at the organization I was working for to have a "talk," resulting in me collecting unemployment. Without the support of friends and family, there is no doubt that I would be here right now, that my family would still be with me, and that PCI would exist.

And for that, I say THANK YOU.

There are a lot of exciting updates to come from PCI and our clients in the coming weeks. I look forward to sharing more when I can.

Happy holidays!

Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation

Those that are familiar with me know that I have worked with Wally Dallenbach Jr. for a number of years in a variety of capacities. Since the start of PCI back in June, Wally, and some of his family, are "official" clients. We've been through a lot together and I value their friendship and respect.

Earlier this year Wally came to me to discuss an idea for a Foundation he had. I must tell you, having limited knowledge of Foundations (but working with a few over the years), I was skeptical. I have lots of thoughts about Foundations in general, or how some are used for non-straight purposes, but I still listened.

His concept, which you can find at www.wallydallenbachjrfoundation.com, was to provide solace to children who lost a parent. I am lucky enough to have both of my parents, but I know from next-to-first-hand experience that the loss of a parent is devastating, especially for a child.

As Wally is an outdoorsman through-and-through, his idea was to take children on an outdoors adventure - hunting, fishing, you name it. It's really geared to those children who's lost parent was a sportsman (amateur) and is designed to give the child a sense of their lost parent, but to also make them feel special after going through what they shouldn't have.

OK, I was impressed. I am an attorney and have never set up a Foundation from scratch, but Wally, through a friend of his, gave me the name of J. William Strickland, out of South Carolina. It took about five minutes of one conversation for me to realize that Bill was the guy to help set it up. His guidance has truly been invaluable and we appreciate everything he's done thus far (and will continue to do).

A bank account at Regions Bank (recommend them too), a solid website and ... IRS 501(c)(3) certification (yes, we have it thanks to Bill) and we're on our way.

Definitely check out the website, drop me a note (dan@passeconsulting.com) and think about if you'd like to help the Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation.

We can't wait to hear from you.

Where have I been? This isn't a blog!

Yes, yes , yes... All you are right. I've been MIA. I would say for good reason ... actually it is for good reason!

PCI has been working on expanding its client base, strategic partners and more. Standard agency speak you say? Well, it is.

What we've really been doing is re-examining the marketplace, what PCI brings to the marketplace and slowly implementing our plans.

PCI has been working with its client base - some want "standard services" - press releases, strategic PR planning and the like (all functions that the team LOVES doing). But more and more of them are looking to expand their horizons - for example Dirtball Fashion is in the process of going worldwide, Game Juice is now available in Spencer Gifts and Wally Dallenbach Jr. is in the process of starting his own foundation to benefit those families who have lost a parent.

Is PCI responsible for what these clients are doing? Some yes, some not as much, but PCI is offering effective counsel - legal, business and communications - to make these clients' dreams a reality.

In today's business climate, we're learning that the "rules" we've all become accustomed to are now changed or eliminated. We're not advocating breaking the law, of course, but why not take this opportunity to do whatever it is that you want for a living? Hey, if you were out of work, like many of the PCI staff was until recently, you've had time to re-evaluate. Now it's time to act! Need help? Give us a call or drop us an email (shameless plug).

Thanks and we'll update very soon!

There is hope!

In the last couple of weeks since the launch of PCI, I've been fortunate to have been approached by a multitude of small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to discuss different projects and create strategic partnerships. These folks are not "wallowing in their misery" due to a job loss or lack of clients, but are taking life by storm and making it happen.

It is very inspiring to be among such people.

I look forward to reporting about these partnerships and the clients we will be securing.

More soon!

What’s The Real Deal?

The quandary we all find ourselves in these days is confusing, frustrating, sad, causes us to question ourselves and others, and…it pretty much sucks. This economy and all of the businesses that have been affected has caused turmoil at the workplace and at home. So what do we do about it?

As someone who has experienced a “downsizing,” it was (and still is), time for a good soul-searching session(s).

What have I come up with? It’s a matter of looking on the brighter side. Yes, bills are tough to pay, but you can now spend more time with your family and friends. There is the ability to really remind yourself why you are in your chosen profession and understand the marketplace. Reminding yourself that life is not just a business transaction or a rat race, but an experience. And if you’re not having any fun or enjoying yourself and your family, then what’s the point?

Speaking for myself, that is where Passe Consulting Incorporated (PCI) comes in. This is not my first time going into business for myself – actually this is my third time – but I can say that the lessons I’ve learned throughout a 15-year career in automotive, motorsports, law, public relations and marketing are all gelling for a new focus. I hit the “reset” button, realized that it’s possible to combine your vocation and your avocation and am determined to impart passion, fun and business acumen to my clients and partners.

Let’s go on a journey together.