CPMR Testimonials

See what manufacturers say about reps that have gone through the CPMR program. You can also see what CPMR Candidates think about the program. Read on to hear about our "Back On Campus" program called CPMR 401 for alumni to come back and refresh their memories. Last, but certainly not least, read about the benefits of CPMR study groups that become a sounding board for your firm.

I got my CPMR in January 2009.  I think it is well worth both the time and monetary investment.
Larry Weber, CPMR - The Sales Group

I have decided it is time to retire. My CPMR training was wonderful and I have been proud to display the CPMR after my name and recommend it to anyone where the situation is appropriate.  Thanks for all of the support over the years. 
Ralph D. Logerwell, CPMR (retired) - WoodH2O


I just had lunch with Steve Rahn, a CPMR 101 Candidate.  The first thing out of his mouth was, “Now I understand!”  You see, Steve has always been just a little unsure as to why I’m so high on CPMR (probably a failure to communicate on my part), but he knows that his CPMR certification is part of my succession plan.  I then spent the next 1 ½ hours listening to him tell me how great 101 was.  It was fun. Thanks for the good job! 
Carl Mathis, CPMR - Power Sales Company

I want to thank the entire organization of MRERF, the distinguished professors, and hosts at ASU for my wonderful three years of attending CPMR classes.  I speak for many of us at Elkay in saying that we looked forward to this every year and thoroughly enjoyed our time and classes with you all.  Most importantly, I am a better business person because of this experience,  particularly in the areas of strategic development and financial analysis.
Mike Purcell, CPMR - Elkay (2010)

I am very honored to be one of only 37 people with the double designation.
Scott Catanzarite, CPMR, CSP - Group 4 Retail Equipment (2010)

What a great class.  This year’s curriculum brought a lot of things together for me and gave me more than a few things to take back here and try and implement.
Brian Rodeno, CPMR Candidate - Marshall-Rodeno (2010)

The Friday I returned from CPMR, my boss announced that we are investigating a new line. I told him CPMR gave me a new formula that can help determine if a line is a good match for us, and he agreed to let me participate in the decision making process. I am already gathering critical information so I can peform a 9 cell study. Thanks for the tools that I can put right to work!
Rob Ellis, CPMR Candidate - Rettig Engineering (2010)

I can't tell you how much fun and how stimulating the past three years have been.  CPMR is a terrific investment, filled with talented people and exceptionally well organized.  It is bittersweet to graduate.  I wanted to thank you and the entire staff for all of your hard work and planning that you devote to the program.  Great job! 
Peter Gould, CPMR - The Gould Company (2010)

Thank you so much for all the hard work the MRERF team puts into this program. It is almost overwhelming the information and ideas that I came back with this year. I definitely got some tools this year that I can use to get my company to the professional level that I am looking for. I just need to remember to “slow down to speed up”.
Jim Modjeski, CPMR Candidate - Titan Marketing Solutions (2010)

I anticipated lofty academic theories with little practical application. In fact, I was very pleasantly surprised to find the course full of down-to-earth, practical knowledge that our firm can put to use immediately. Kudos to CPMR!
Brian Soderholm, CPMR Candidate - Solderholm & Associates (2009)

Both owners of Applied Motion Solutions are CPMR graduates. One of our goals was to have our sales staff CSP Certified in 2009, completely paid for by our firm.

One of our salespeople attended the three day session in Philly and we see a noticeable change. More confident, communicating better both internally and externally, and new business opportunities are solid. Many of our sales take years to close based on the upfront engineering but we know this investment will pay dividends very soon.

We met our goal of having our whole firm will be CPMR or CSP certified in October! I would be happy to be contacted if anyone has questions regarding the benefits of either CPMR or CSP. Thanks for making our industry more professional! 
Peter Oppici, CPMR - Applied Motion Solutions (2009)



CPMR has provided me a more global understanding of the Rep business.  I am able to focus on the important aspects of our business and make more informed decisions.  Adding the CSP designation brought structure to what we do as a Rep firm.  I have 8 others in the company that are CSP designees and I am also able to help them identify solutions utilizing their education.  Dual certification in today’s business environment is of tremendous value.
Kevin Adams, CPMR, CSP - Shaffer & Nelson  (2008)


The training was outstanding.  I really enjoyed the course.
Brent Romaneschi, CPMR Candidate - Encore Sales & Marketing (2009)


It is critical that we spread the word about the important work we are all doing to separate what we bring to the table, from the non-CPMR’s in the industry.
Scott C. Shannon, CPMR - SOURCE ONE SALES, CORP. (2009)



I believe the CPMR program will enhance our firm and help us to focus on becoming more strategic.  It will be interesting to see the differences and results 3 years from now.  Look forward to 201. 
Morris "Bull" Kay, CPMR Candidate - Coleman-Russell & Associates (2009)



CPMR was definitely worthwhile for me, but only if I take what I have learned and apply to my business. My only regret is that I did not get going with your program earlier in my career. I do plan on having both of my junior business partners attend.
Joe Quinn, CPMR – Grissinger Johnson Sales (2009)

For me, CPMR was a great experience.  I picked up a lot of new ideas that I have already been able to bring back and implement here at Wallace. It is helpful having people who understand the rep business to share ideas and best practices with. 

The only suggestion I have is to better divide the women among the study groups.  I like my group and we all get along well, but as you know it is nice to have another woman’s perspective on issues we are facing each day.  The women have a lot to offer in the area of advice and ideas and I feel it would be beneficial to disperse that knowledge among the group. All too often as we attend industry events we are one of a handful of women in attendance (from my experience, many times I am the only one). 


Thanks again for all you did to make CPMR a good experience and I look forward to next year!
Holly Myers, CPMR Candidate - Wallace Electronic Sales (2009)

I thought the course was very valuable to my business. 
Todd Anderson, CPMR Candidate, CFSP II - North Star Agency (2009) 

As the sales role has evolved from the "3 martini lunch and golf outing days" into a more "partner oriented / well rounded business person who happens to know how to sell", programs such as CPMR are more important than ever before...CPMR is a micro look with items that are applicable to everyone in the room...CPMR is the "smart person's MBA that can be used immediately in their business". In today's business climate, with an emphasis on immediate return on investment (ROI), isn't that what every company wants and tries to achieve?   (full testimonial can be found here) 
David G Miller, (Freshly Minted) CPMR - Whit Com Sales, Inc. (2009)

I thoroughly enjoyed the class & met some truly great folks. I believe that the CPMR Program will definitely enhance my career. 
Robert B. Muller, Jr., CPMR Candidate - Muller Technology Group, Inc. (2009)


I had a great experience at CPMR class.  I thought the presenters were very good and I learned a lot. We have two other employees in our company who are already CPMR certified and we possibly may send more as we think it is a valuable class. See you next year!
Matt Ruby, CPMR Candidate - Finn Marketing (2009)

Thanks for another great year. 
Sleiman Zogheib, CPMR, CSP, LEED - Lighting Dynamics, Inc. (2009)

I was very pleased with the overall CPMR 101 program structure, instructors and I look forward to attending CPMR 201 next January.
Randy Ferentchak, CSP, CPMR Candidate - Technical Marketing Inc (2009)

I just wanted to write you a quick note to express that taking the CPMR classes has positively affected not only me as a Professional Manufacturers Representative, but also directly impacted my company overall. 

The information that I have learned was put to immediate use at all levels of my company, and has had a direct impact on the continued growth of our company, and the principals we represent. 

I HIGHLY recommend that anyone that is looking to take their skills to the highest level possible should invest in this program not only for themselves, but for their long term future in this profession.

TRULY a rewarding experience, and very much appreciated!     
Scott C. Shannon, CPMR Candidate - Source One Sales, Corp (2008)

I was so very pleased with the course overall.  For me it was like a bear finding a honey tree. The information was very timely…the portion on legal was over the top for me…the information on generational issues was very good in opening my eyes to what is going on in the business world…It was just very good to be immersed in 4 days of study and reflective thought.  The problem I am dealing with now is devoting enough time to attack the issues I want to attack I appreciate the support we get from your organization. 
Dick Bailey, CPMR Candidate - Conetic Resources (2008)

One of the first things that I learned about being successful is that the best thing that you can do to grow as a professional is continuing your education.

I was most impressed by the conversations I had with the attendees in the advanced levels of the CPMR Program and how much it has benefited them since they began the course. They were there to learn and not just to get through the course and receive their certificate.

It has been very rewarding for me and I look forward to using the concepts and material I learned daily to grow as a professional.

I have, and would, highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to further improve and educate themselves professionally. 
Scott Catanzarite, CSP, CPMR Candidate - Group 4 Retail Equipment (2008)

What I like best about the CPMR program is the relationships that I have developed with the members of my study group.  We are all from completely different industries, yet we share the same issues and challenges.  I have learned how reps in other industries have adapted to the cold reality of shrinking commissions and the move to a direct sales force.   I have learned how Reps in other industries have reinvented themselves as outsourced marketing firms, often charging for a multitude of services rather than just receive commissions for writing orders.  A dynamic environment and the CPMR program provides the opportunity to transform the way I view my business.  In a word, what I have gained from my participation in the CPMR program is, CONFIDENCE in my ability to find creative ways to adapt to a changing business environment.  I love the gift industry and I love that it is constantly changing.  
John Park, CPMR - Park Avenue Agents (2008)

I have to tell you, whenever I go to seminars I always try to bring back at least one thing to implement in my live at work or home.  Well, I have to say, your program has literally given me a plethora of ideas that I will need to apply over the course of the next year simply because there is just too much.  You have all really hit a home run with this program as far as I am concerned.  Congratulations!! 
Mike Cevetillo, CPMR - The Kirschner Group (2007)

As a lifelong learner, I having taken many courses during my business career and can honestly say that the CPMR program administered by The Institute for Professional Advancement was by far one of the most professional and best run programs I have ever experienced. This study program has enriched both my business and personal life

It is very obvious that a great deal of thought has been given to each and every aspect and the attention to detail is the key for success.  The staff was extremely helpful in providing their time and resources to each and every participant that attended and worked to create an environment where learning and enjoyment was the main purpose. 
Bob Johnson, CPMR - The Growth Partnership (2007)