Testimonials You can tell a lot about a person by what others have to say about them.  Read what people have to say about Gary.

"Gary Tomlinson continually amazes me with his energy, vision and positive impact on those interacting with him.  As a speaker in my classes at NC State University and Elon University for the past 17 years, he has motivated and inspired countless students.  The lessons learned by these from Gary are mentioned to me years later as I speak with alumni.  Gary’s business acumen, professional style and innovation distinguish him as a leader in his field.  I have frequent contact with legions of entrepreneurs and consider Gary Tomlinson to be rare in his positive personality, genuine concern for pursuit of knowledge, and excellent leadership skills exhibited in his ventures. Gary Palin - Executive Director of the Doherty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership - Elon University "Gary Tomlinson is a very gifted speaker and presenter.  He is an entrepreneur that is driven to share his wealth of knowledge about how to be successful in business with others.  Dancing Elephants Acheivement Group was fortunate to have Gary agree to be a speaker for our March Final Friday 2009 Forum.  For us this was a special invitation because every since last year when he first presented to the Forum we have been receiving numerous requests for his return.  Gary is not only a talented presenter but a wonderful story teller that commands the attention of any audience.   But perhaps even more importantly, Gary is one of the nicest and most humble people I have ever had the pleasure to meet." Tim Moore - Principal & Owner - Dancing Elephants Achievement Group “Gary Tomlinson is a passionate social entrepreneur.  He lives what he teaches and enjoys sharing his gifts with others.  I have been blessed to have received personal instruction from Mr. Tomlinson. The lessons and strategies he instilled in me have been life-changing. I am forever greatful for his leadership and wisdom." Bob Winstead - Founder - Adopt a School “On behalf of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, I thank you for all of your time and effort related to the Business Institute Workshop.  Everyone who attended your “Art of Telling” workshop took away practical, easy-to-understand information they could use immediately.  They wanted more which is always a good sign.  All of the completed evaluation forms were excellent and I have enclosed them for your review.” Mary Ann Foley – Director of Educational Programs – Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. "On November 29th, right after lunch (normally nap time), Gary made his presentation to our top sale force and sales management.  It was excellent.  Just what I wanted to break the tedium of an all day meeting.  One of the senior Regional Managers said, “I have been selling for many years, but I honestly enjoyed this hour immensely and would like to have had more of this.”  Gary did an excellent job, was very professional and impressed all of our attendees.  Based on what Gary did in just an hour, I would certainly recommend that other companies consider his coaching and motivating skills and the fine products he has to offer." Kenneth W. Sinick – Sales Manager - ELECTROSWITCH "Thank you so much for your presentation of "Art of Telling" at the Raleigh Association of Insurance Professionals' meeting in January 2009.  Your presentation was recommended by a friend and member who said your seminars were terrific - and we were not disappointed! Your presentation was truly more than we could have ever expected. The material you covered was on point, the visuals were apropos and you kept the whole group invovled." Beth Crouch Blackwell - AAI, CPIW Program Chair - Raleigh Association of Insurance Professionals “After attending the seminar on May 21st, I wanted to express my appreciation for the time and effort you put into the presentation.  Attending your class enabled me to look at my story and the message I want to convey as the important issues when speaking in front of a group.  The comment you made during the morning that “your avocation and your vocation should be one in the same” really hit home.  I wanted to acknowledge that part of the presentation because it had much meaning for me and will help me continue to reemphasize the importance of being connected to your work and your passion.” LeAnn H. McCraw – Human Resources Manager – Chimney Rock Park “Your subject material is so important and timely.  I was extremely pleased and appreciative of your presentation.  It was very well received by the students.  I truly believe that the class became more attentive after hearing from you.  I thank you for your leadership and your help in preparing these students for the future.” William King – Associate Professor – NC State University “Thank you for spending three days with my Entrepreneur Skills class this semester.  I have learned so much from you this year.  You have a wonderful ability to put concepts into quotable theory.  Some of my favorites are as follows:            “People rise to the occasion when it is their occasion.”            “Leadership is a function not a position.”            "If you can’t teach and can’t motivate – you can’t lead.” I really like your thoughts on leadership.  I used your ideas and your quotes in a team presentation I did on leadership for another class.  I wanted you to know that I learned a lot from you.  Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and time with us.” Emily Birkemeier – Student – NC State University “Your speech that you presented at NC State University was nothing short of inspirational.  I was taking notes the entire time you spoke, both of your topic of leadership as well as the speech itself.  I am a big fan of philosophy and more cerebral type thinking.  You gave me many things to contemplate in regards to my own personal growth.  I must give you my greatest thanks for coming to talk to us.” Tony J. Comento – Student – NC State University