"Tom and I worked very closely on the acquisition of a major product line for our company. Tom was an invaluable asset as we conducted exhaustive due diligence on the target company and subsequently and created a very thorough five year pro-forma. The worked paid off handsomely as the company exceeded the targeted financials within one year of integrating the acquisition into the company. It also enabled to company to become a major player at one of the largest retailers in the world. None of this would have been made possible without the exceptional leadership and guidance of Tom. He is without a doubt one of the brightest individuals I have ever had the privilege of working with."

- Mark S. (CAO - Acquisitions Responsibility)




OUR GOALS
The goal of business development is to identify a combination of strategies and tactics that will capture new customers and build sales among existing customers. Successful business development efforts begin with evaluating a business and then identifying options to enable it to achieve its full potential. Tools used in a successful business development program include business plans, marketing plans, strong branding strategy, well-thought through financial plans, exceptional creative execution and a talented management and advisory team. For successful companies business development never stops - it is an ongoing process.

TOM FULCHER
Mr. Fulcher is the founder of The Idea Gardener® llc, a business development and marketing consulting organization. He brings over 20 years of marketing, management and business development experience.

Tom has led projects for start-up and small firms, as well as departments and divisions for large firms including Colgate-Palmolive and Heinz. Tom serves as interim COO for a technology start-up and recently served as CEO of an internet firm while marketing it for eventual sale. During his career, he has held the positions of Director of Marketing, VP of Marketing, VP of New Business Development, VP of International Development, CEO and Board member. He was recently named as the Entrepreneur in Residence for the ASU Technology Venture Services Group where he mentors and lectures graduate business, engineering and law students on a variety of topics.

Tom holds a B.S. in Management from Arizona State University, an MBA in Marketing from the University of Denver and a certificate in Global Leadership from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. He and his wife, Michelle, own Discovery Treks, an eco-tourism company and reside in Cave Creek.

OUR PARTNERS

Event/Meeting Management
Organized Affair: LLC
An industry-certified founder with 20 years expertise leading logistical management for key initiatives including corporate meetings, community events and historic celebrations. Clients are those requiring a single or series of meetings and/or events globally. Logistics management includes site identification, lodging, food/beverage, decor, transportation, audiovisual, registration and attendee coordination.

Advertising/Creative Services
The Idea Gardener partners with several leading creative services firm specializing in high-touch client service on projects ranging from brand identity through a variety of advertising and promotional projects. These partnerships include agencies and designers with expertise in all areas of strategic graphic design, web design, Hispanic marketing, social media and traditional media.

Marketing Research
The Idea Gardener works with experts that cover the full range of needed research services ranging from focus group moderation to secondary data analysis through primary research of all types.

Public Relations
The Idea Gardener works with both full-service global PR firms as well as firms/freelancers with a special focus in Arizona.

Social Media and Web Marketing
The Idea Gardener has relationships with leading service organizations that can assist companies with their web marketing needs.

Legal Services
The Idea Gardener has been fortunate to work with and have relationships with several highly respected law firms with special expertise in securities and other business issues. These include:

  • Roberts, Rowley, Chapman & Buntrock
  • Rogers Law Group
  • Hool Law Group
  • Snell & Wilmer
  • Osborn Maledon

CFO Services

  • Pinnacle Business Solutions - Provides a variety of CFO services to both emerging and existing companies and entrepreneurs

CPA Services

  • CPA - Valentine & Bond: Full service CPA firm

Bookkeeping Services

  • Accountability - Provides top-quality bookkeeping services to a variety of businesses and entrepreneurs

Insurance and Personal Financial Services

  • Steinberg Financial - Full service insurance firm that also provides business owners and executives personal financial services.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Idea Gardener is actively involved with the following organizations;

  • W.P. Carey Economic Club of Phoenix

  • Invest Southwest Capital Conference Marketing Committee and Mentor

  • Association for Corporate Growth

  • Enterprise Network

  • ASU Alumni Association

  • Thunderbird Alumni Network

  • University of Denver Alumni Association

  • ASU Technopolis Launch Pad Panel Member and Launch Prep Course Lecturer

  • ASU Technology Venture Services Group

  • ASU Spirit of Enterprise SMART Mentor

  • Arizona Angels Mentor

  • American Marketing Association

  • Audubon Arizona Board

  • Arizona International Growth Group
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©2008 The Idea Gardener, LLC
480.634.4125 28248 N. Tatum Blvd. #B1-413 Cave Creek, AZ 85331