What our Nashville members say about the value of The Alternative Board® :

Leverage peer advice and accountability:  “As valuable as my internal Board is, I receive more from my TAB Alternative Board.  This is especially true when trying to decide on a specific direction for my Company or having to deal with “tough” people issues. As much as I respect my internal Board Members, they do not provide me with the same level of trust that I share within our TAB Board.  I know my TAB Board will hold me accountable and not accept excuses. … our TAB facilitator, Dick Wallace keeps us “on point”, encourages active participation and makes sure we hold each other accountable..”.  Mel A Mahler, CEO, ADS Security

Stop doing business alone:  “TAB has been a key to my success.  I have been a member of my TAB board for over 3 years.  TAB is a unique organization.  It allows executives a safe harbor to express ideas, discuss frustrations, and brainstorm future thoughts and direction.   It is hard to at the top of any organization.  The old adage "it is lonely at the top" is so true.  I am part of a company with 14 offices. I have a local leadership team in my office and I am part of a corporate executive team.  However, it is powerful to have a neutral party to bounce ideas off of and hold me accountable outside of my organization.  The one on one coaching is also key to TAB's success and my success.  I value my TAB coaches input and strategic direction counsel.”  Nancy Schultz, Managing Partner, The North Highland Company, Nashville

Learn to love your business- again: “Nearing almost 20 years of success in business, I nonetheless found myself lacking in passion for my work. I was invited to a TAB event, and was impressed by the excitement with which TAB members described their work with TAB and Dick Wallace.  Interested, I signed on. Very quickly, I grasped the basis for the TAB members' excitement. Dick's enthusiasm, generous spirit, personal experience and business acumen combined to allow a shift in my perception and gave me the tools to remove obstacles to my passion.  Early on Dick said, “give me six months and I can change your life".  He wasn't kidding. Without realizing it, I had been looking for a mentor and I have found one.”  Karin Eaton, President, Ironware International

Get outside perspectives:  “Those of us who run businesses (banking for me) understand the need to be challenged on both the strengths and weaknesses of our organizations and our management styles.  It is especially helpful to get opinions on 'what am I missing?' and 'where are my blind spots?.  You are expected to give honest, no-dog-in-the-hunt advice and to be prepared to receive the same.  Simply put; you get out of TAB what you put into it."  (P.S. the contacts aren't too bad either)"   Hunter Atkins, CEO, Bank of Nashville

Receive strategic coaching for business and life:  “Anyone interested in receiving business insight and advice from talented, intelligent, and experienced business professionals cannot do better than becoming a member of a TAB Board.  Issues from personnel to financing are but a few of the tactical problems that every business faces and the TAB board helps to solve.  The greatest impact for me and my business has come from the TAB facilitator.  His one on one counsel has been practical and inspirational.  Through his guidance I have developed strategic, long term goals for my business and personal life”.  Vic Hood, President, Leatherwood, Inc.

Obtain actionable advice from business owner peers:  “TAB was a hard sell for me.  I’d been blessed with a rich and deep professional network before being introduced to TAB and was skeptical about the value returned for the time invested.  By the second session, my doubts were completely gone.   The personal coaching sessions were superb, and the depth and diversity of the experience base amongst my peer board was unbelievable.   Every hour invested has helped me expand my thinking and grow as a leader - I’ve gotten actionable advice from every session.”  Brad Dumke, President, Rehab Documentation

Realize your personal and business visions:  “My TAB experience has been invaluable to me and my business. The candid monthly board conversations and individual coaching sessions have helped me gain fresh perspectives, stay energized, and get “laser” focused on what’s really important in my life. It’s great to have this support group to lean on and to grow with. I highly recommend TAB to anyone who has the desire to be a successful entrepreneur and businessperson.”  Beth Chase, CEO, C3 Consulting