Professional Profiles

The Balancing Act’s Gregory Fake Gives Back Through Prison Ministry

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For his day job, Gregory Fake is an assistant television producer of the award-winning show that empowers women, Balancing Act.  In his free time, Gregory Fake can be found in a Florida prison and jail, counseling incarcerated men.  While this may appear to be an unlikely extension of Gregory Fake ’s expertise, it isn’t–he is very much committed to, and inspired by, giving back.

“Like many men, I returned to the church when I had my family,” explains Gregory Fake.  “It’s critical to raise children with core values that prepare them to face life’s challenges,” continues Gregory Fake.  Through the local Presbyterian Church, Gregory Fake began volunteering in prisons and jails and with work-release ministries.  That was ten years ago and he is still giving back.  Since beginning his volunteer work, Gregory Fake says has learned and grown tremendously from his experience.

Prison and jail life is completely foreign to most of American society, but Gregory Fake has learned to get past the stark environment and accept the inmates as people in need of love and forgiveness, just like everyone else. There, Gregory Fake provides counseling, advice, and a listening ear for inmates of all criminal backgrounds. “Oftentimes, inmates fall back into addiction or criminal behavior, but this is common on the road to accepting forgiveness and creating a path toward a brighter future,” says Gregory Fake.  He is there for inmates, whether or not they have lost hope in themselves.

While Gregory Fake has given a lot of himself to the inmates he has served, he has also gained in return.  “I am inspired by the inmates’ honesty about their struggles,” says Gregory Fake.  Working with inmates has taught Gregory Fake that there are no challenges in his own life that are too great to overcome.  “But it takes work, sometimes a lot of work,” Gregory Fake concedes.  Helping inmates move forward against all odds motivates and encourages Gregory Fake to continue this important volunteer work, despite his often demanding television production schedule.

Gregory Fake, whose career includes consultancy for Fortune 500 companies, banking law, and television production, received a BA in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a JD from Georgetown.  Gregory Fake lives with his wife and two children in Pompano Beach, Florida, where he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family. 

Finance

Consultant Aldo Todini explains Business Management Systems

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We recently sat down with Aldo Todini, a business consultant based out of Udine, Italy, about Business Management Systems and why using a trained auditor can greatly increase its worth.

Q: Thank you, Aldo Todini, for speaking with us today. We are pleased to present you to our international readership.

Aldo Todini: I am very happy to be here.

Q: First, can you explain what a Business Management System is?

Aldo Todini:  Essentially, it is having procedures and plans written out as guidelines for running a business. An effective plan will be written so that every operation in the company can be performed by anyone reading it.

Q: So it means to create standard operating procedures?

Aldo Todini: This is just one aspect of a proper business management plan.

Q: If you had to simplify the process, how would you describe it?

Aldo Todini: Evaluate your procedures to determine areas that need improvement and then do it.

Q: How is that achieved?

Aldo Todini: It depends on the business and its needs.

Q: How long does it take to create and begin using a business plan?

Aldo Todini: It can take weeks or months to really get started. After areas of need are identified and SOPs in place, it’s a continual process of monitoring for compliance and finding new areas to improve upon.

Q: How are they monitored?

Aldo Todini: Many companies choose to have both internal and external audits. An internal audit will usually be performed by a team of executives and supervisory staff. An external audit is completed by an outside source familiar with the company’s industry.

Q: Why have outside auditors?

Aldo Todini: There are many benefits to this. First, an independent audit can identify deficiencies possibly overlooked by staff. And, many top companies require their suppliers to pass a certain level of compliance with industry standards in order to do business with the company.

Q: You mention industry standards. How does a company get certified as compliant?

Aldo Todini: An external auditor can verify that the business they are inspecting maintains operational procedure standards and quality. This makes the company more likely to gain customers who need products manufactured to certain standards.

Q: We appreciate your time today but we must close for now. Thank you.

Aldo Todini: The pleasure is mine.

 

About Aldo Todini
Aldo Todini is a member of the National Register of Chartered Auditors and diversely experienced business consultant. He is proficient in identifying defects in operations, eliminating waste, implementing current technology, and matching investors to businesses in need to financial stimulation.

Aldo Todini is fluent is Italian, French, and English and has worked with clients across the globe.

 

***

Aldo Todini consulente d’azienda spiega i sistemi di gestione aziendale.

Un recente incontro con Aldo Todini, consulente d’affari con sede a Udine, Italia, sui sistemi di gestione aziendale e perché con un auditor addestrato può aumentare notevolmente il valore d’impresa.

Domanda: Grazie, Aldo Todini, per questa chiacchierata. Siamo lieti di presentarla ai nostri lettori di tutto il Mondo.

Aldo Todini: Sono contento di essere qui a parlare con voi.

Domanda: In primo luogo, si può spiegare in cosa consiste un sistema di gestione aziendale?

Aldo Todini: Essenzialmente si tratta di definire procedure e piani strategici come linee guida per la gestione di un’impresa. Un piano efficace sarà scritto in modo che ogni operazione in azienda possa essere eseguita da chiunque abbia letto la procedura.

Domanda: Quindi significa creare procedure operative standard?

Aldo Todini: Questo è solo un aspetto di un piano di gestione aziendale.

Domanda: Se dovesse esemplificare il processo, come lo descriverebbe?

Aldo Todini: Valutare le procedure per determinare le aree che necessitano di miglioramento e poi applicare i correttivi necessari.

Domanda: Come viene raggiunto questo obiettivo?

Aldo Todini: Dipende dal tipo di business e dalle sue necessità specifiche.

Domanda: Quanto tempo ci vuole per creare e applicare un business plan?

Aldo Todini: questa fase iniziale può richiedere settimane o anche mesi in funzione della complessità. Dopo che le aree d’intervento sono state identificate e sono state applicate le SOP (Standard Operating Procedures, Procedure Operative Standard), si tratta di un processo continuo di controllo di conformità e la ricerca di nuove aree da migliorare.

Domanda: Come vengono monitorati i processi?

Aldo Todini: Molte aziende scelgono di avere controlli sia interni che esterni. Un audit interno di solito effettuato da un team di dirigenti e del personale di controllo. La revisione contabile esterna è completata da professionalità esterne con esperienza nell’industria dove opera la società.

Domanda: Perché abbiano revisori esterni?

Aldo Todini: Ci sono molti vantaggi. In primo luogo una verifica indipendente permette di identificare le carenze eventualmente trascurati dal piano e dal personale di vigilanza. Inoltre molte aziende richiedono ai loro fornitori certificazioni specifiche prima di poter avere relazioni d’affari con l’azienda cliente.

Domanda: Lei parla di standard di settore. Come fa una società a ottenere le certificazioni necessarie?

Aldo Todini: Un revisore esterno è in grado di verificare che l’azienda che sta seguendo mantenga gli standard di qualità e procedure operative necessarie per la certificazione. Questo offre all’azienda maggiori possibilità nella fase di acquisizione dei clienti che necessitano di prodotti fabbricati secondo determinati standard.

Domanda: Grazie per il tempo che ci ha dedicato oggi. Grazie.

Aldo Todini: Il piacere è mio.

Riguardo Aldo Todini: Aldo Todini è un membro del Registro Nazionale dei Revisori Contabili e consulente aziendale esperto sulla fase gestionale. E’ specializzato nel miglioramento delle operazioni industriali, nell’implementazione di tecnologie finalizzate alla corretta gestione del business, e nella relazione verso gli investitori per imprese che hanno bisogno di supporto finanziario.

Aldo Todini parla correntemente italiano, francese e inglese e ha lavorato con clienti in tutto il Mondo.

Professional Profiles

Winterset Woods, a Scott Sohr-Developed Community in Nolensville, Tennessee

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For families looking for a quiet place to raise their kids and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Nashville-based developer Scott Sohr says there’s no better choice than Winterset Woods in Nolensville. This neighborhood located right in the middle of Williamson County—one of the fastest growing and most prosperous counties in America, according to Scott Sohr, and combines the charm of small-town life with elegant homes and a tight-knit community feel.

The homes in Winterset Woods are both ideal for families and also stunning in their own right, says Scott Sohr. These upscale showpieces feature crisp architectural lines, tree-lined lots, and beautiful landscaping—as well as breathtaking interiors with modern creature comforts and appliances. Scott Sohr reports the neighborhood also has tons of amenities for families, young couples, and children to enjoy, including a clubhouse, two swimming pools, a children’s pool, a playground, and wide open grassy areas for impromptu games of soccer, baseball, or just lounging around and enjoying a picnic.

According to Scott Sohr, part of what makes Winterset Woods so appealing for families is its school system. Children who live in the neighborhood are zoned for Williamson County Schools, which is one of the best school districts in the state for test scores, achievement measures, and college preparation, reports Scott Sohr. Winterset Woods is also only a 10-minute drive away from I-65, which makes it convenient for parents who work in Franklin or Nashville.

Developer Scott Sohr says that Winterset Woods features a total of 172 homes, and the sense of community is very strong. That is reflected by the city itself, as Nolensville is well known for its small-town charms as well as its safe and friendly atmosphere.

Homes in Winterset Woods are priced from $329,000 to $429,900 and are available in eight different floor plans, so there’s truly something here for every family, concludes Scott Sohr.

 

Nashville investor Scott Sohr is linked to several high-end residential properties in the Middle Tennessee area. His passion is developing warm and inviting communities that feel like home with all the amenities of a private retreat. In addition to Winterset Woods, Scott Sohr is active in Arrington Retreat and Courtside at Southern Woods, both luxury developments with exceptional amenities.

Scott Sohr got his first taste of entrepreneurship in sales while studying Materials Engineering at Auburn University. He soon expanded his interests to real estate. After purchasing several pieces of land in the Burton Hills neighborhood, Scott Sohr quickly learned how to spot a lucrative deal, which led to the formation of Elmington Capital Group – a privately held firm with properties across the southern United States.

Scott Sohr is the Chief Manager at Elmington Capital Group. Scott Sohr founded the firm in 2010 and quickly assembled a team of top industry professionals who have grown it to span several states and manage large commercial and residential buildings.

Scott Sohr is married with four children and considers his family to be his most important development.

 

Health and Beauty, Lifestyle

Therapist Thaddeus Heffner, LMFT Discusses Body – Soul – Spirit

According to Thaddeus Heffner, LMFT, human beings are three parts that make up one whole.  There is the physical body; the soul, which from the Greek means life, self, and our conscious personality; and then there is the human spirit.  However, reports Thaddeus Heffner, he often finds that when interacting with these wonderful three part human beings in therapy, only one of the three is being focused on and fed. Or in other words, they are top heavy in one area and anemic in the other two, explains Thaddeus Heffner.

As Thaddeus Heffner has observed, some people are all about their bodies: Exercising, training, grooming, watching everything they eat to a fault. Others, notes Thaddeus Heffner, are always in their heads: thinking, analyzing, worrying, fretting, or planning.  Last, and certainly not least, points out Thaddeus Heffner, some are all about the spirit: meditating, praying, reading holy books, contemplating ancient words, fasting, etc.

All of these are wonderful activities and practices we both have need of and were made to do, acknowledges Thaddeus Heffner.  But to focus on only one area, leaving two untouched is to abandon a whole and complete self.  When we neglect important parts of our being we fail to live a whole life, adds Thaddeus Heffner.

When working with clients, Thaddeus Heffner has discovered that many times part of the solution to their presenting problems is turning their focus toward those areas of their life that they have abandoned and, with intention, care for these orphaned pieces.

The biggest objection Thaddeus Heffner hears most frequently is, “I don’t have time! I cannot afford to spend anymore time on myself.”  His response is that “You can’t afford not to. Find the time in small ways.”  The idea of taking time to feed your body, soul, and spirit regularly does not have to be an overwhelming one, affirms Thaddeus Heffner.  It can be done in small bites.

Thaddeus Heffner has several suggestions for making some small changes. First, consider setting a boundary in the evening when you will stop answering work email, turn the TV off and pick up a book instead, go for a walk, hold someone’s hand, say a prayer, maybe say two, stretch your body and drink more water, call a friend, go to bed a little early tonight, take time to help someone, look people in the eye when you speak to them, be kind to a stranger. As Thaddeus Heffner points out, the list goes on and on.

These do not have to be great, overwhelming feats, according to Thaddeus Heffner.  He cautions, “Don’t be fooled by the seemingly smallness and ordinariness of these acts. When done with intention they can be a power force that is good and nourishing. You might be surprised at how far one small act of kindness can go.”

So be kind to someone today, proposes Thaddeus Heffner. And start by being kind to yourself and, with intention, begin nourishing your whole self.

Thaddeus Heffner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Brentwood, Tennessee and is a member in good standing with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.  Visit him today at thaddeusheffner.com.

 

 

 

 

Home and Family

Changing Roles in Life: Becoming a Caregiver for Parents

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Roles reverse; child becomes parent.  If you are about to join the ranks of the more than 65 million family caregivers in the U.S., you must understand the job is so much more than a profound act of kindness.  While there are myriad reasons people take on the role of caregiver, there are common considerations all caregivers face.  To help alleviate the strain of caregiving and make it a rewarding experience for you and the loved one in your care, start by taking time to develop plans to address the following major areas.

Financial Health

If you are currently working, caregiving may impact your ability to work and your future earning potential, should you need to cut back in hours.  You need to determine how this will affect your current situation as well as future financial health.  Consider consulting a financial professional to discuss options.  If you will be financially burdened by caregiving, you should look for options that may pay you for some of your caregiving time. You may also need to look at the finances of your loved-one to identify any gaps that may need to be addressed now or in the future.

Physical Health

Caring for an aging and/or ill loved-one can put a lot of strain on your body.  Likely, your sleep schedule will be disrupted, you will be eating irregularly, or you may be lifting or moving someone with mobility issues.  All of these factors combined can negatively affect your health and cause serious physical issues for you.  Figure out how you can keep healthy while caring for your loved-one by developing your own wellness plan.  In addition, talk with doctors and nurses about the medical needs of your loved-one and the proper procedures for delivering effective care to ensure you are providing the best care possible.

Mental Health

Caregiving can be quite stressful and offers a rollercoaster of emotions along the way.  You need to be aware that sadness, resentment, and anxiety are a normal part of your job, and should be addressed before they spiral out of control and possibly harm you or the person in your care.

Find out if there are respite programs in your area that will provide a break from caregiving duties so you can refuel and attend to your personal needs.  Reach out to family, friends, or community volunteers who could help alleviate some of your stress. Also, look for caregiver support groups at your local hospital, church, or senior center and reach out to others who are experiencing some of your same challenges.

Caregiving is a compassionate job, filled with rewards and strain.  As you embark on this journey, don’t forget to celebrate the fact that you are able to give your loved-one the proper care they deserve from someone they know and love.  You are providing your loved-one with dignified care and you would likely have it no other way.

 

 

Marketing

Marketing Associates Offers Plethora of Services to Clients

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Marketing Associates offers a catalog of services for its clients, all geared toward helping them achieve business and marketing goals. While each client generally comes to Marketing Associates for a specific purpose, many find the firm offers more useful tools than they’d originally planned to use. Still, Marketing Associates allows them to choose only as many services as they would like.

When a business contacts Marketing Associates, the company assigns a marketing expert to help assess needs. Marketing Associates ’s marketing consultant helps create a website that will appeal to customers while meeting the operational needs of the business. These sites can help save a business owner’s time and money over the long-term, while bringing money in that can improve the budget, reports Marketing Associates.

Among the sales and marketing efforts of Marketing Associates are purchased leads, in which businesses buy sales leads from a firm in order to call on consumers who have been designated as showing interest in a similar product or service. While this can initially cost a business a small amount of money, Marketing Associates has found that by narrowing down the consumers who are most likely to say “yes,” businesses can save large amounts of time and increase the number of sales they make.

Purchasing leads is a very common practice in sales, Marketing Associates explains, with companies using them similar to the way they use direct mail lists. According to Marketing Associates, this list of leads allows these companies to have a carefully researched list. In an age where it’s normal for search engines and social media sites to watch consumer web behavior in order to deliver targeted ads to them, Marketing Associates believes purchased leads are a great way for businesses to give themselves an edge over the competition.

There are also directories, both online and available at the library, that can help businesses find leads, Marketing Associates tells clients. Marketing Associates can help clients find these resources in order to study and utilize them. By targeting leads, Marketing Associates believes businesses can eliminate large numbers of people from their lists, saving time for everyone involved.

For more information about Marketing Associates go online to Marketing Associates or call 866.827.7653

Real Estate

Q&A with Tiffani Von Alvensleben on Investing in Foreclosure Properties

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In a tough real estate market, it takes a competitive, savvy businesswoman like Tiffani Von Alvensleben to make a go of it. A successful entrepreneur, Tiffani Von Alvensleben has a deep knowledge of the market and a unique skill set that makes her a natural. Today, we talk to Tiffani Von Alvensleben about real estate investment:

Q: What’s your current title?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: I’m owner of Von Vesting, in Rocklin, California. We’re partnered with American Redevelopment Fund.

Q: You buy distressed properties in bulk, remodel them and sell them?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Correct.

Q: What’s your track record been like?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: In the last twelve years, we’ve turned over $50 million in transactions.

Q: Wow, that’s phenomenal!

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Thank you!

Q: How have your margins typically been?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Our worst year was 2002, when we had a 14% return to investors; our best year was 2008, when profits were at 54%.

Q: What tools do you use to find properties?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: I constantly scan sites like foreclosureradar.com, bank listings and Zillow to try to connect investors with the best deals.

Q: What’s your methodology?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Well, we do deep research into zip codes, prices on comp properties, liens, titles, saving money on the front end…

Q: Surely your intimate knowledge of the area is of help, too.

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: I’d like to think so!

Q: What about the homes themselves?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: We won’t come near a house that has structural problems…

Q: Is that because of the expense involved to repair them?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Yes, those types of repairs can get quite expensive quickly and cut into the bottom line.

Q: Foreclosures have come as a boon for you and investors…

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: They have, and there’s a deep pool of REO properties for future transactions. Some foreclosed homes are in terrible shape and suffering from neglect, but many more are only in need of cosmetic and remodeling work.

Q: How would you sum up what you do?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Limiting risk and maximizing profits for investors by buying distressed properties in bulk at wholesale rates from lenders!

Tiffani Von Alvensleben serves at TKL Home Designs, LLP, in the capacity of manager. With Tiffani Von Alvensleben at the helm, TKL is a general partner in American Redevelopment Fund, LP. In her community, Tiffani Von Alvensleben is an active and enthusiastic supporter of the athletic programs at Del Oro High School.

 

Pets

Charles L. Starr III Talks about Pet Safety around the Holidays

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As a veterinarian, Charles L. Starr III knows the kind of trouble that pets can get into around the holidays. Charles L. Starr III says that even well-meaning, loving pet owners can still make mistakes.

Q: I understand that Halloween can be a real problem for pets.

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, you probably should just leave your pets indoors around Halloween.

Q: And I’ve heard stories about black cats being mistreated.

Charles L. Starr III: Yes. Black cats, in particular, can be the target of abuse around Halloween.

Q: What do you think about Halloween costumes for pets?           

Charles L. Starr III: Well, a lot of pets just don’t like them, but even if your dog or cat does enjoy the fun and attention, make sure that he or she can see and hear properly, and that the costume doesn’t impede movement. Give it a little while to get used to the costume before Halloween!

Q: Christmas can be hazardous for pets. What tips do you have for the holiday season?

Charles L. Starr III: Be attentive and watch food around pets.

Q: How so?

Charles L. Starr III: Food that is meant for humans is really bad for pets! Don’t give them table scraps, and ask your guests to abide by that same rule.

Q: Some “people foods” are toxic, right?

Charles L. Starr III: Absolutely. Things like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and xylitol are strictly off-limits for pets.

Q: Are Christmas decorations dangerous to my pets?

Charles L. Starr III: Well, cats love to eat tinsel. You might want to just leave tinsel off the tree altogether.

Q: On the subject of the tree, my cats love to climb the Christmas tree!

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, it’s hard to stop a cat from climbing, but you should have the tree secured so it can’t tip over!

Q: Aren’t certain plants toxic as well?

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, lilies, holly and mistletoe are all seasonal Christmas plants but are very toxic to cats and dogs.

Q: Sometimes, guests can get pretty careless as well…

Charles L. Starr III: Yes, always remember that the noise and commotion of Christmas guests can be stressful for some pets. Remind your guests to not give them table scraps. If your pet is excitable or prone to biting, you might just want to put him or her in a separate room with a pet bed, toys and treats.

Q: Thanks for taking some time with us today.

Charles L. Starr III: Absolutely. Nobody wants to see conscientious pet owners make avoidable mistakes around the holidays.

Charles L. Starr III is a practicing veterinarian in the Denver, Colorado area.

 

Professional Profiles

Pete Spittler Discusses Art and Architecture

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It’s often been noted that the creative class is what keeps the cultures of cities alive and vibrant.  How exactly, does that play out, asks Pete Spittler? He has seen the creative class’ input in a direct way; Pete Spittler has helped realize some of those dreams as a creative force of his own. It was through the efforts of Pete Spittler and his firm that an important landmark in downtown Cleveland got a new lease on life.

Cleveland’s Allen Theater was built as a movie palace in the 1920s, but by the 1970s it had seen better days. The declining theater building was destined for demolition. According to Pete Spittler, the city at that time was operating under a urban removal program, but a local activist named Ray Sherardson saw the future potential of the old theaters In 1998 Pete Spittler and his firm faced challenges in the redevelopment and restoration of the Allen Theater, however; things like a new dressing room, loading docks and stagehouse all had to be built, and the dense downtown of Cleveland presented its own logistical problems.

There was much detailed cleaning and restoration work to be done, Pete Spittler notes, including illusionistic windows, figurated panels, and replacement of the building’s ornate original plaster work. The final result from Pete Spittler and his firm, however, is an urban showplace that seats up to 2500 people. Pete Spittler notes that in the most recent renovation and expansion of the Allen Theater, the complex is now the home to the theater program at Cleveland State University, and the centerpiece of the city’s Playhouse Square district.

 

Pete Spittler has a lengthy resume in architecture, urban planning and design. Pete Spittler served at Figgie International and The Austin Company as senior project manager. At The Austin Company, Pete Spittler spent time in Eastern Europe, studying industries that might be good candidates for privatization after the fall of communism. Pete Spittler has also traveled to Brazil in a consultancy role; today, Pete Spittler is president of GSI Architects.

 

Professional Profiles

What Politicians Often Face in the Aftermath of the Race

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When running for public office, candidates usually acquire what is known as a “temporary celebrity status,” whether on a national or local scale. This means that in the time they are running for office, the public eye is centered on them. When voters are considering their choices, no matter if it is a presidential race or a state or local race; they want to be confidant in the candidate. Voters want to know that their candidate is not only capable of performing this important job well, and that he or she stands for the people they represent, but that he or she is a respectable human being as well. Scandals, affairs, and mistakes can derail a candidate’s campaign, and when they occur such missteps often call for serious public relations.

In political races, it is important to appropriate that at the end of the day it’s one big, glorified popularity contest. While many will vote for the candidate they believe would make the best public servant, studies show that most voters simply cast their ballot for the person they like the most. That is why good PR or reputation management is so important; because when a candidate is running for office, the expectation is that the public will view them as a good, solid, upstanding individual. If a candidate makes a mistake, a PR agency or reputation management service provider can step in and recraft the online image to point towards the good the candidate has accomplished. But they cannot protect a candidate or politician from everything. Certain actions can be massively detrimental to a person’s campaign or career that they can simply not bounce back from. We know these stories all too well.

Candidates want people to know that they’re the right person for the job and that they actually care about those that they are representing. Reputation management is vitally important to any politician; it can determine the outcome of their political career and can also sway the results of any sort of election.