Training/Seminar Testimonies

Brad Boatright, Good Samaritan (Fort Collins, CO)

I have attended countless seminars and training sessions; this was without a doubt the best I have ever attended. The materials, presentation, instructor, effectiveness—all top notch. It exceeded my expectations!

Patty Bruck, Library Clerk, Hancock County Public Library (Greenfield, IN)

This is a life-changing seminar. It teaches ideas to be used at work and at home.

Bill Bucher, Character Council (Olathe, KS)

If you are sincere in wanting to make a difference in your community to create a culture of character, then this conference is your best resource. Your time at the conference will be thoroughly motivating and encouraging.

Doug Carter, Trooper, Indiana State Police (IN)

Very comprehensive, a great resource manual for the future. The seminar was dynamic in every way. What a great resource for people throughout their day-to-day routines.

Fred Cavanaugh, Mayor (Aiken, SC)

I highly recommend this conference to any city and its leaders who want to improve their community and raise the level of character in all the citizens.

Linda Cooper, Councilmember (Clatskanie, OR)

This conference gave my city team specific ideas and programs that can be implemented on a local level. No matter what your city struggles with, there is hope and there are answers.

Candace Decker, Accountant, Indianapolis Power & Light (Indianapolis, IN)

Wow! What a life-changing seminar!

Lisa Gregg, HR Generalist, Carmel Financial Group (Carmel, IN)

I thought it was very beneficial. It was easy to follow. I will use this information to implement a training program at Carmel Financial.

Tina Gruell, Administrator, Morristown Manor (Morristown, IN)

As I went through the day, it became very apparent that I could really relate the positive and the negative to different people that I work with. Generally the negative gets most of my attention - I hope to change that.

Michael Kramer, Judge, Noble County Superior Court Division 2 (Albion, IN)

Very well laid out and very well presented. Done in multiple ways so as to best promote learning. This training can make you and better employer, employee, spouse, parent, friend, and person.

Sonia Leerkamp, Hamilton County Prosecutor (Noblesville, IN)

The materials were good. Made me think about management principles from a different and more constructive mindset. This is a more positive approach to management and to everyday living.

Jonny McSwain, Owner, McSwain Floor Co. (Cincinnati, OH)

Excellent! Insightful and right to the heart of what makes us better [people]. This seminar will greatly enhance the good treatment of your family, your neighbors, and your co-workers.

Mo Merhoff, President, Carmel-Clay Chamber of Commerce (Carmel, IN)

You will look at your job, your employees and yourself differently. You will learn how to make a difference in your community and your life.

Mal Salter, Operations Manager, West Coast Transport (Australia)

This is a very good course. It will help me greatly with my communication with all of the employees and employers.

Dan Stevens, Captain, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department (Noblesville, IN)

Best one-day session I’ve ever attended.

Gavin Taylor, Web Developer, C.P. Morgan (Indianapolis, IN)

Nothing could do more to improve your work environment in a single day.

Duncan Taylor, Mayor (Waitaki, New Zealand)

Never in my wildest dreams had I seen myself in such a magnificent conference with so many excellent speakers demonstrating and talking proven success. Thank you again.

Jan Weust, Continuing Education, Union Hospital (Terre Haute, IN)

I think our culture deals with issues on the surface instead of getting down to the real problem that causes behavior. This training is not only an asset to the organization. It is valuable to the person, one’s family, and ultimately their community.

Robert Young, Mayor (Bonney Lake, WA)

An incredible conference on the basic issues facing our society and cities. Here are ideas and answers that work, proven by experience and shared by mayors [who] are doing it.

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Family Testimonies

Arthur Camarena, Character Council (Antigua, Guatemala)

I personally have seen lives transformed and families restored as a result [of the Character First! program].

Tami Ferrell, Service Center Manager, AAA Hoosier Motor Club (IN)

Most of us desire to ‘do the right thing’… character training provides a positive shot in the arm to continue to pursue improving ourselves, our work environment, our family relationships and the community.

Benson Green, Owner, Benson’s Heating & Air-Conditioning (Tallahassee, FL)

I have fully implemented the program in my company and home life and realize the benefits to us are more than I could write about.

Nancy Heck, Director of Community Relations, City of Carmel (Carmel, IN)

It reminds us that there is importance in the lessons our parents taught us about good character and it ties it to productivity on the job and better family relations.

Michael Kramer, Judge, Noble County Superior Court Division 2 (Albion, IN)

Very well laid out and very well presented. Done in multiple ways so as to best promote learning. This training can make you better employer, employee, spouse, parent, friend, and person.

Matt Raines, Camp Director, Frontier Camp (Grapeland, TX)

Keep up the good work there. I bought a bunch of the character cards sometime ago for a children’s program at our church and have recently wanted to do them with our own children. This is great stuff!

Jan Weust, Continuing Education, Union Hospital (Terre Haute, IN)

I think our culture deals with issues on the surface instead of getting down to the real problem that causes behavior. This training is not only an asset to the organization. It is valuable to the person, one’s family, and ultimately their community.

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Education Testimonies

Jeff Meeks, Speech-Language Pathologist, Navajo County Special Services Consortium (Holbrook, AZ)

I have a [difficult] student that is in high school with a hearing impairment....Today I decided to use the Attentiveness materials for our therapy lesson....I saw a visible difference in his behavior and level of interaction. Thank you very much for the information and training. It is already making a difference!

Paige Bressman, Assistant Principal, Bodine Elementary School (Oklahoma City, OK)

Character First! is an excellent program.... One of the benefits we have from the program is receiving fewer disciplinary referral forms in the office…. Students are often heard reciting parts of lessons to remind others of the correct way to act.

Shanda Brady, 2nd Grade Teacher, John Adams Elementary School (Oklahoma City, OK)

As a classroom teacher, I see the benefits of the program almost daily…. The program is user friendly and the methods used to teach the character qualities make it easy for the children to remember and utilize. We hope to use the program in our school for many years to come.

Cindy Brown, 1st Grade Teacher, Adams Elementary (Oklahoma City, OK)

The students have benefited a lot from the Character First! program. They eagerly await the lessons about how to become a person of good character.

Charles Burton, Principal, Gatewood Elementary School (Oklahoma City, OK)

The Character First! Education Program has been a continuous part of [our school’s] curriculum for the past 3-4 years. During this time we have noticed a positive, profound effect on behavior and discipline at our school.

Heather Choate, Director, Oasis Training Center (Gansu Province, China)

For the past four years, we have been using Character First! curriculum in our post-high school English and Computer training center in China. The lessons reach across culture and deeply impact the lives of the students. More than any other class, the graduates claim the character lessons have prepared them for facing the pressures of the working world and becoming good citizens. Now employers are requesting other graduates from our school because they have a reputation for having good character.

Dr. Michael Farris, Chancellor of Patrick Henry College and Founder of Home School Legal Defense Association (Purcellville, VA)

A great education requires a focus not only on academic excellence, but also on the development of good character. Character First! effectively trains based on three principles: the need to build a 'culture of character,' the importance of praising character, and the need to define specific character qualities such as attentiveness, forgiveness, responsibility, diligence, and 45 other qualities. So whether at home or in the classroom, Character First! effectively contributes to educational success. For this reason, I commend Character First! training and materials to any and all who are concerned for quality education.

K. Fitzgerald, 4th Grade Teacher, John Adams Elementary School (Oklahoma City, OK)

Character First! has been an asset to our curriculum…. [It] has been instrumental in the development of our students’ character traits.

Sandy Garrett, Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Schools (Oklahoma City, OK)

From experience, I have found this program to be an excellent tool for filling the void of moral character within our state’s youth… I recommend the implementation [of this program] within every level of state and local government.

Susan Glendening, Director, Accelerated Learning Charter School (Cottonwood, AZ)

Usually when a principal gets a phone call, it’s a complaint. [Now after implementing Character First!], they are saying, "Thank you for teaching my children. My child showed diligence last night doing such and such," or "My daughter was talking about attentiveness." Not too long in the future [these kids] will be working in this community. Would you hire someone that is dependable, that shows discretion? Would you want to work with someone that forgives you, that is gentle, that shows justice, obedience, self-control?

Michael Grady (Houston, TX)

My experience [with Character First! material] has been unbelievable. I have had students go from failing grades to excelling grades. I have worked with at-risk youth for over 20 years and this curriculum is one of the best that I have seen.

Wilbur House, Ph.D., Principal, Eugene Field Elementary School (Oklahoma City, OK)

We have seen a positive change from our students as a result of the Character First! program. It has also assisted to improve the character of our students and staff.

Ray Martinez, former Mayor (Fort Collins, CO)

Our schools will be a safe haven for learning once character is exemplified, taught and strengthened.

Linda Matthews, Principal, Spencer Elementary School (Spencer, OK)

[Our school] has benefited greatly from [Character First! materials]. It is a highly recommended program.

Mary Miller, 4th Grade Teacher, Buchanan Elementary School (Oklahoma City, OK)

This exposure to values which encourages children to do the right thing even when it is difficult, counters many of the negative behaviors encouraged in [our society]…. I appreciate the positive influence that spreads from students, to their families, and into our community from the efforts of Character First!.

Dave Query, Superintendent, Kings Local School District (Kings Mills, OH)

I want to provide this program and training to all employees in the fall.

Rancho Village Elementary School (Oklahoma City, OK)

Many of our students do not receive a lot of character training in the home and this program has been most helpful in teaching and reinforcing these qualities in our students and in our classrooms.

Lee Roland, Principal, Kaiser Elementary (Oklahoma City, OK)

I have definitely seen benefits. Character First! is one of the best things that has ever happened to our school.

Elementary School Student

[I’m learning] how to be diligent, how to respect other people’s position, to be on time for everything, not make promises I can’t keep, be responsible for my actions, obey the adult in charge. I love Character First!-it is the best!

Jennifer Woodall, Kindergarten Teacher, John Adams Elementary (Oklahoma City, OK)

We really have enjoyed [the Character First!] lessons. The kids seem to benefit from the life skills that they have been taught.

Margie Young, Teacher, Sakeji School (Zambia, Africa)

The Character First! books, posters, cards, songs, etc. have been used daily here at Sakeji School, with much [success]. Thank you for providing them!

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Business Testimonies

Sally Reed, IS & Training Development, Parsons Corporation (Richardson, TX)

In my quest today to find quotes on Responsibility from various resources online, I have found that the Character First! bulletins have the most diverse information about their various character traits and relatable situations. Character First! is the best source for character traits.

Todd Anderson, former Vice-President of C.P. Morgan (Indianapolis, IN)

Reported: A 10-fold increase in profitability, a 75%-95% customer satisfaction increase, and stronger relationships with employees, customers, and trade partners since beginning Character First!.

Jeff Banning, Owner, Banning Engineering (Plainfield, IN)

This program is much needed and, I think, a missing facet in our society.

Argyl Dick, Senior Chaplain, Oklahoma County Jail (Oklahoma City, OK)

I am convinced that any group or organization that chooses to [use the Character First! material] will see a positive impact in individual lives and ultimately in their corporate program.

Tami Ferrell, Service Center Manager, AAA Hoosier Motor Club (IN)

Most of us desire to ’do the right thing’… character training provides a positive shot in the arm to continue to pursue improving ourselves, our work environment, our family relationships and the community.

Tom Gill, Owner, Tom Gill Chevrolet (Florence, KY)

All of our employees have undergone character training in the 49 areas that make up a business of character. We believe in building long-term relationships…that are founded on character.

Benson Green, Owner, Benson’s Heating & Air-Conditioning (Tallahassee, FL)

I have fully implemented the program in my company and home life and realize the benefits to us are more than I could write about.

Nancy Heck, Director of Community Relations, City of Carmel (Carmel, IN)

It reminds us that there is importance in the lessons our parents taught us about good character and it ties it to productivity on the job and better family relations.

Tom Hill, CEO, Kimray Inc. (Oklahoma City, OK)

In order to resolve the problems in our business, we had to begin building attitudes of contentment, loyalty, and responsibility…. The only way to do this was to adopt a genuine heart of concern for each employee and invest in their lives in ways that make the employee and his or her family successful. After the second year of using the Character First! program, we were amazed to see a great increase in morale, an 80% decrease in workers’ compensation costs, and a 25% increase in profits, even though the market was depressed.

Reginald Jones, Franchise Owner, McDonald’s (Indianapolis, IN)

Reported: After only six weeks, among many other benefits, the drive-through service time was reduced by more than half, and customer satisfaction and sales soared to an all-time high!

Mo Merhoff, President, Carmel-Clay Chamber of Commerce (Carmel, IN)

You will look at your job, your employees and yourself differently. You will learn how to make a difference in your community and your life.

Paul Mogabgab, CEO, EDG Incorporated (Houston, TX)

The paradigm of Character First! is that the right thing to do becomes the easiest thing to do.

Robert Powell, Character Council (Fort Collins, CO)

We are experiencing many benefits. There is a sense of excitement by organization leaders as they begin to see a change in their culture.

Rodney Ray, City Manager (Owasso, OK)

In the three years prior to our character initiative, we had 42 labor and employee grievances, and seven different lawsuits. In the three years since we put the character initiative in place, we have had two grievances and no lawsuits from employees. I think that, in and of itself, is significant.

John Thomas, CIO, Parsons Corporation (Pasadena, CA)

Your program has enhanced the lives of our Associates not only on the job, but in our communities.

Debbie Upchurch, former Director of Development, Edmond Medical Center (Edmond, OK)

The city has implemented Character First! internally, and our goal is now to grow Character First! beyond the city government, throughout the community. The Medical Center views this leadership initiative as a means to influence our community for good, and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback.

Graeme Wilmot, Managing Director, Wilmot Engineering (Australia)

Any situation can be resolved using the right character traits. Excellent for the workplace!

Dave Young, CFO & Director of Operations, Overhead Door Company (Indianapolis, IN)

I think the content of the material is very good. I think the focus on character is right on course for what we need to do to enhance our society, home and workplace. Character is paramount!

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Community Testimonies

Bill Bucher, Character Council (Olathe, KS)

If you are sincere in wanting to make a difference in your community to create a culture of character, then this conference is your best resource.

Linda Cooper, Councilmember (Clatskanie, OR)

This conference gave my city team specific ideas and programs that can be implemented on a local level. No matter what your city struggles with, there is hope and there are answers.

Mick Cornett, Mayor (Oklahoma City, OK)

I believe in good character. Oklahoma City’s success depends on the character of its people. It’s contagious, and the commitment of our community leaders and citizens to attend the monthly [Character First!] meetings is going to lead to good things in Oklahoma City.

Ray Martinez, former Mayor (Fort Collins, CO)

Many current societal problems could be alleviated if citizens lived by positive and constructive character qualities.

Tom Ed McHugh, former Mayor (Baton Rouge, LA)

We tried everything we knew how to do in the government…and were not making progress. Why Character First!? Because it’s common sense. It makes sense.

Leonard A. Martin, former City Manager (Edmond, OK)

My only disappointment with Character First! is that I have not been using it since I began my public management career 25 years ago!

Bob Powell, Character Council (Fort Collins, CO)

[We have] more awareness of the preventative benefits of a character initiative as opposed to the typical reactive approach to situations. There is a sense of excitement by organization leaders as they begin to see a change in their culture.

Rodney Ray, City Manager (Owasso, OK)

There are a lot of reasons to have a character program. Building relationships I think is the greatest reason. I think building a great community that exceeds people’s expectations for honesty and integrity, is certainly a significant reason.

Francis Tolentino, Attorney and Former Mayor and President of the League of Cities of Philippines

Tagaytay City would not be successful in tourism, governance, or in attracting investors, without the character program. The character program has been our new face in confronting old problems and new problems… There is no argument that reform should come from within. And there is no other program right now that would directly answer internal change other than a character program.

Jan Weust, Continuing Education, Union Hospital (Terre Haute, IN)

I think our culture deals with issues on the surface instead of getting down to the real problem that causes behavior. This training is not only an asset to the organization. It is valuable to the person, one’s family, and ultimately their community.

Dawn Wright, Character Council (Topeka, KS)

Our character initiative started with the seed of an idea, which has not blossomed into a community-wide organization. We are excited by what the future holds for us as a city of character and look forward to continuing.

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Law Enforcement Testimonies

Brian Ellis, Character First! Trainer (Melbourne, Australia)

I have used the prison bulletins in a Victorian Prison, in a Lives In Transition program that includes Character First! It has been very well received, and inmates about to be released have been moved by the training and also receive a certificate for an observed character quality over the course of the 10 week program.

Congratulations on this development and may I encourage you to keep up this very good work. It is very rewarding to see lives benefited by the character education and the testimonies of prisoners who have gained new insights because of the raising of awareness of character and its application in their lives.

Walter Bolinger, Sergeant, Marion County Sheriff’s Department (Indianapolis, IN)

One of the greatest seminars I have ever attended in the 33 years I’ve been a deputy.

F. DeWayne Beggs, Sheriff, Cleveland County (Norman, OK)

(Also 2nd Vice President, National Sheriffs’ Association) It is with much enthusiasm that I encourage senior law enforcement executives to make attending the Police Dynamics seminar a key training priority for your agency. Sheriff Ray Nash is an internationally recognized speaker that you and your staff will learn powerful principles from, while enjoying the lesson.

Argyl Dick, Chaplain, Oklahoma County Detention Center (Oklahoma City, OK)

Male juvenile offenders (age 13-17), with charges too severe for a detention center are housed at our county jail. They [used to] fight among themselves and destroyed anything they could get their hands on. The jail was experiencing thousands of dollars in damage each month in the juvenile area alone. The [voluntary Character First!] class became so popular that by the end of the first year, 99% of the young men chose to attend class every week and property damage was zero! Five years later, attendance is still 100%, and property destruction is still zero.

Howie Godwin, Sheriff, Highlands County Sheriff’s Department (Sebring, FL)

We’ve built much better relationships with each other…we’ve seen a decrease in complaints…we’ve become a family instead of a place to work.

Jerry Martin, Sheriff, Dolores County (Dove Creek, CO)

(Also former President of County Sheriff’s of Colorado) …I am convinced of the benefits of the Police Dynamics program.

Tom McClain, Chief of Police, Police Department (Willard, MO)

I’ve completed your seminar in the past and sent my Major, Doug Thomas, to another of your seminars. We continue to benefit from your teaching and hire with a strong emphasis on character. Honestly, I’ve not been more impressed with a police training that I’ve attended in the last 20 years. Good Job! Thanks for doing your job so well.

Ray Nash, Sheriff (Dorchester County, SC)

When I began serving as sheriff in Dorchester County, SC, I spent most of my time dealing with personnel problems and citizen complaints. But now since we began emphasizing character, for the first time ever, the compliments that I get from the public far outweigh the citizen complaints. And not only that, but crime in our county has dropped dramatically: 32 percent in the first three years!

Glen P. Trainor, Undersheriff, Grand County Sheriff’s Department (Hot Sulfer Springs, CO)

While we gladly use the reduction of crime and improved personal lives as two of the benefits of positive character, I believe with all my heart that the character training my personnel have received contributed directly to the saving [of] lives [during an emergency].

John Whetsel, Sheriff, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department (Oklahoma City, OK)

I am a firm believer that Police Dynamics and Character First! equip the men and women that work for the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office to do their job and do it better.

David Williams, Sheriff, Tarrant County (Fort Worth, TX)

If you believe that good character is an essential element in policing, you will want to send your key staff to Police Dynamics. If you can make time to attend…you should find Police Dynamics to be the finest value-added training anywhere.

Deborah Willis, Chief Psychologist, Federal Correctional Institution (Marianna, FL)

We have noticed a decrease in incident reports, more pro-social behavior choices, and more cooperation between inmates and staff. We intend to continue the use of Character First! in our programming with the inmates. We have seen positive results.

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