Testimonials

Mark did an excellent job with his “Survival of the Fittest” presentation.  He was very well-received by our membership and a cross-sampling of comments were that Mark was “thought-provoking”, “inspiring” and “motivating”.

Mark’s ability to address our group in a no-nonsense, frank fashion allowed us to relate to him and to what he had to say on a very personal level.  He presented the hard truths of the challenges facing the construction industry today in an informative and engaging way and offered solutions that resonated with the crowd.

Regards,
~George W. Reilly
Business Manager
Plumbers Local 1

“The past two years, Mark Breslin has provided a critical message and link for our people.  Simply put, Mark gets it!  And he has an incredibly compelling no-nonsense method of delivering his message.  This year again he was rated as our top speaker with 80 of the evaluations writing down positive comments about Mark’s insight and presentation; people rarely ever do that!

Mark brings an understanding of our construction business and an energy that reaches our people top to bottom.  There has always been “Breslin chatter” after Mark speaks; and that’s a good thing!  Mark has become a trusted friend and ally of Michels and we are grateful for his leading contribution to Michels Annual Leadership Conference.  I would highly recommend him to any contractor that interested in energizing their workforce; working trades through management.”
~Brian Johnson
Executive Vice President
Michels Corporation

“Our first reaction was, "Who the hell is this guy preaching to us,… is he crazy?"
Well Mark, you are the singular reason that has us still alive.
Taking a page from your book, we hired a Marketing Firm to do what they do best, sell our programs. Keeping everything in mind that you suggested, we spent some money wisely to make money…I am proud to say that as partners, we have succeeded and from the many ideas that you gave us, or quite frankly hammered into us, are here again.  We looked in the mirror and faced reality, which you gave us the reality check.”

Michael Checchi
OMC, Inc.

“I have completed reading and making notes in Alpha Dog. It is fantastic. It hits most of the management challenges a construction company faces daily. I have distributed the book to all my managers and staff and have asked them for their input of what they have learned and how can they use some of the lessons to increase their performance, and the performance of their teams. I will be using the book a lot at team review, planning, and development meetings with my managers.”
~Steve Murphy
President, Murphy Industrial Coatings, Inc.

“I think what Mark is doing is great. I hope that more tradesman, foremen, superintendents and owners take advantage of it.”
~Becky Fallin
RHL Insulation

"I attended your seminar at MSU. I thought you were excellent in the way you explained the way union members should carry themselves. I am a 32 yr old, 4th year apprentice, and I fully understand my duty as a union member. Everything you said today, I've been saying for the last 4 years. I was never a construction worker before I entered the brotherhood, and I hope some of the journeyman today listen to at least half of what you say and maybe we can change this negative attitude about the union around."
~Thomas Grossberg

I’m an IBEW 102 apprentice and was in attendance at Montclair State University. I heard everything you had to say and it was all right on the money. I was not aware of the margin that unions used to control this industry and I was definitely not aware of the fact that we had such little control of the industry now. I am interested in being a part of trying to make efforts to get our industry turned around and attend what you have in mind."
~Matt Fahey

“…it really got across to me about how to work at creating a stronger local in my area.”
~Michael Garcia

“I just wanted to tell you how moved I was, listening to you speak. I am a nurse; however, construction is part of my life because of my family. The points you made and the way you got them across to the audience was amazing. I felt that I could relate personally with a lot that you had to say. I just wanted to take a moment to tell you thank you and that I think you are an incredible motivator and presenter.
~Anonymous

“…by far one of the best.  I totally agree with you on educating the apprentices and journey persons to what it costs an employer an hour for an I.W., including benefits. They have no idea the cost an owner has besides their wages and this might totally change their opinion.”
~Simone Kapovich

“I love your message, your knowledge of the industry and what is really happening was impressive.”
~Kevin Michael, PE
President, Los Angeles SMACNA

“I attended one of your uplifting and straight forward presentations and could not have found it more succinct and straight forward from a third generation roofer who has now finally made the investment to reach out and obtain a piece of the ever shrinking piece of the ‘UNION PIE’.”
~Dan Ranahan

“The book Alpha Dog is GREAT!! I am now passing it around to my staff.”
~Derek

“I've read Mark's latest book, "ALPHA DOG" and bar none, it is the best book I have ever read on "Leadership”.  
~Marty Albright
Director, Labour Relation & EHS
ALSTOM Canada Inc.

“I have to say the highlight of my 2009 was meeting Mark in Vegas. We are loving Alpha Dog and are incorporating it in each of our supervisor training courses.”

“I can't begin to tell you how inspired and enthused I felt after reading it [Alpha Dog] and plan to follow some of your suggestions.”
~Pete Korellis
President
Korellis Roofing

“Feedback immediately following the event was 100% positive.  Mark delivered a very powerful message and it appears that everyone was listening!  We are very pleased!
~Glenn Rex
Administrative Vice President
Mechanical Contractors Association of Houston

“Your article was very eye-opening and it made me think that without any mentors I would not be where I am today.”
~Ana Sical
San Diego State University Student

“That was a very informative and inspiring seminar.”
~Tim McEntee

“I would like to thank you for inspiring me to compete in our annual Master Apprentice Competition. You have also inspired me to go back to school and take other necessary
steps to becoming a project manager. I think what you are doing is excellent. I hope more guys start to get it.”
~Joe Kornacki

“Your advice and recommendations to the local labor and management partners was very well received. In particular, your leadership in developing solutions from the regional breakout sessions was extremely valuable to attendees at the conference. Your Saturday morning presentation was exceptional and we plan to do everything we can to convince local labor and management groups to implement one or more of those recommendations.
The extra effort that you provided was evident throughout the conference and we are very happy with the results. Thanks again for helping us deliver a great conference.”
~Sincerely,
Deborah A. Wyanatt
Executive Director

"Without a doubt, Breslin gets it right... and more unions need to understand his message to be successful and relevant in today's world."
~Terry O'Sullivan
General President, Laborers International Union

“Your message is spot on and your delivery is extremely powerful. I have taken your message back to my company and will work to convey it to my colleagues and to implement your strategies to better develop my/our future leaders. Thank you for inspiring me!"
~Dean Fox
Principal / Corporate Superintendent

"Your strategies were right on target, and just what we needed."
~L. Pat Curley,
International V.P., IBEW

"We have incorporated Mr. Breslin's concepts into a business development initiative to bring new development to the area and grow our market share. His principles will help keep union construction strong in Illinois."
~Ginger Johnson,
TRICON Labor-Management

"By being open to smart new voices like Mark Breslin, we're ready to leap far ahead of the outdated practices and declining power of decades past."
~Bill Michalowski,
EST, UBC Eastern District

“I received a copy of the book and read it from cover to cover. Thanks!
It was an easy read and the personal insights made it just that much more personal instead of "preachy."
You are right on target and it's my belief that this type of "life lesson" is long overdue for our young people. I know many who could have used this information (probably still could) as I came up through the ranks. I commend you on this effort and hope it'll be embraced throughout the IBEW.”
~Frank Maio
International Representative
IBEW, Ninth District

A couple of years ago we incorporated the "Survival of the Fittest" into our foreman certification course for our fifth year apprentices and last year we incorporated the "Million Dollar Blue Collar" into our managing personal finances course for our first year apprentices.

~Michael Falkenstein
LU136 Training Center
Training Coordinator

Dear Mr. Breslin

I am a 26 year old white male who is currently a 3rd year apprentice… First, let me thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit with a handful of apprentices.  Second, I wanted to thank you for the excellent speech you gave us this morning!  It was very informative, and inspiring.  Thank you also for opening my eyes, and making me realize how lucky I am in to be in this Local. Among other things,  I thank God everyday for my career, but even the most humble man forgets where he came from from time to time.  I started to take my job for granted.  It WONT happen again thanks to outstanding men such as yourself… and the fine instructors. 

When I first got into the business, I would use my lack of experience as an excuse when I would screw up on the job, or not know how to do something properly. However, I am now beyond the half way point, and need to examine what I want to do. The choice is clear to me now.  Do I: A) want to be just another body who shows up and collects a check once a week, or maybe 2 checks if times get bad (layoff)? or B) Do I want to accept a true challenge, responsibility, and start to excel at my job through hard work,

and devotion?    The choice is clear.  I don’t want to me just another face in our union meetings.  Not that there is anything wrong with that.  But I want to be the next foreman running a big job in Center City.  I want to be a guy who walks into our meetings, and the top dogs know, and respect.

As I was walking to the train to head home, I saw some potential construction sites where some new towers may go up in Center City. I also thought of the casinos, or Fossil Fuel plant they are discussing. Prior to today, I would ask myself “How can people run such hard work like that.”  After your speech today, on the train ride home, and all tonight I kept thinking “Why not me?”  I really look forward to going to work tomorrow so I can start DAY 1 of my adulthood.  I’ve always taken my job serious, and bust my ass when I am there, but anyone can be trained from point A to point B.  I don’t want to settle for the middle of the pack, when there’s plenty of room at the top.

Thank you again for everything this morning… I am looking forward to reading your books.   “Attitudes, Skills, Behaviors” all great points, & three things I will never forget, and will certainly work on it not only on the job, but in life!   Hopefully I will have the pleasure of hearing you speak again, and shaking your hand. I also hope when that time comes, I can tell you about the big job I am running at that point! 

Why not me?

~M. P.
3rd Step Union Apprentice