Client Testimonials

Listen to this customer!

"As a new business owner, I am constantly weighing expenses versus income.  I have used Goldmine before and am very proficient at it but the technological side is not my area of expertise.  In talking  to Bob, he convinced me to sign up for the tech support with 1st Direct.  I hemmed and hawed before making the decision to go with it as I could not do the back in tech stuff and needed it to run well.  I worked with Jeff on two different computers. He was quick, knowledgeable and seemed to really care about my company, our budget and how to best integrate Goldmine into our situation.  The money was VERY WELL SPENT TO HAVE AN EXPERT help get us set up right.  We are having the biggest month we have ever had and it is due to the organization Goldmine has given us and the help from 1st Direct and the tech support.  I highly reccommend it to anyone for a contact managment system."

Marlena Smith
Direct Mail Diva/Owner
Automotive Marketing Promotions

"Bob, The transition has been much smoother than I'd anticipated, Thank Heavens!  I was doing the "Prepare for the worst, hope for the best" thing with all of this b/c I just wasn't sure...  But it's been a wonderful change!  My users like the GUI so much better and they're all so excited about poking around that I can't keep up!  LOL

I'm still doing a little "behind the scenes" clean up of course; call it re-organization if you will.  So for the time being I'm going to say no thanks to the training, but I'd like to keep the option of future training and assistance if I may, please.

My users are actually calling me and saying, "Wow!  Did you know you can... now?  That's great!"  So they're thoroughly enjoying scoping things out, and that way I can focus on the changes I need to make.  It's really nice to give them something they like so much that they want to learn on their own for the time being.

Again, thanks much to you and Max (he's terrific!) and I'm sure I'll be catching up with at least one of you in the future for some assistance."

Tracey Bethel
Integrated Marketing Concepts

"Bob, in addition to the attractive price you offered ...  I’ve even used it as an example of customer service for my staff and how each interaction we have with our clients is an opportunity to build and strengthen our partnership with them.   No matter the dollar significance, each interaction makes an impression.  Case in point. "

Robert Kohlmeyer, Director
DWD Technology Group

"The whole idea of upgrading Goldmine at a significant cost was mitigated by the ease at which your staff was able to get me up and running in a timely and efficient manner." 

Martin Osinski
Owner
American Medical Consultants, Inc.

"Thanks for your great service. I have been using GoldMine and several of its third party components for over 8 years now and your company has been the fourth value added reseller (VAR) that we have used. Yet, this is the first time that we are using GoldMines' many great capabilities. Even though every other VAR has had good technical knowledge of GoldMine's components and it's capabilities, it has been my experience that none of them have enough working knowledge of GoldMine to help us modify our marketing processes to best capitalize on many of those capabilities.

I am not only impressed with what you and your associates have done for us so far, I am also impressed with how you have used GoldMine to earn our business. Your consistent yet nonintrusive touch based marketing and information acquisition is a model that I hope to emulate myself. I believe there is no better testimonial of ones understanding of a product like GoldMine than to be able to show its benefits by example.

I have always wondered if GoldMine was such a great marketing tool, why didn't any of the other VARs use many of GoldMine's features in their own marketing. That should have been a clue as to their limited working knowledge of GoldMine, if they themselves were not using it's many features like Automated Marketing Processes, Web forms, etc. in their business, how could they show me how best to use them in mine?"

Robert Lopez
President
Titan Hardware Int'l

"I must admit, I deal with many tech support companies for a lot of different software that my customers use. I have been very please with 1st Direct. Your phones calls have been very prompt and e-mails returned quickly. Usually when someone tells me they will send me an e-mail with a solution I roll my eyes and hope for the best. Not so in your case.

As an IT person yourself you know how stressful it can be to take on a project with mission critical software and data and wondering if the people supporting it know what they are doing. In this case I feel very confident with 1st Direct and I just wanted to let you know that.

I’m glad Barb (Skyline Exhibits) recommended you guys to us."

James R Idle
Senior Tech Specialist
Lindall Systems Inc.

"It is good to know that we have 1st direct as a GM resource with experienced
and knowledgeable representatives such as yourself."

Jeff Wahl
Webmaster
The NeuGroup

Mr. Ritter, I appreciate your follow up on my purchase.  I have not had any issues at this point, things are going really well.  I commend you on your involvement with your organization.  It is interesting how we are shocked nowadays when someone offers up a little more customer service...nice touch.  I guess this speaks to the standard we have come to expect in reference to customer service.  Maybe, you and I will raise the bar and make it very difficult for our competitors.

Have a good day and enjoy your week.

Frank Bartoe
CEO
The Growth Coach
www.TheGrowthCoach.com

"Many times a companies customer service can be a "right-of-passage" for the end user, in getting their questions answered.  You are very fast to respond and are a wonderfully kind resource.  I am glad that you are top-notch and make the end user feel the same - top notch. I look forward to working with 1st Direct, and you, and will be happy to refer clients your way that are in need of CRM solutions."

David Lindberg
President
DG Lindberg Co

“I spoke with at least a half dozen different resellers before finding First Direct.  I found that only First Direct actually made good use of the features of GoldMine itself for following up with me.  In addition, only First Direct had a comprehensive understanding of what GoldMine could bring to the table.  First Direct was also outstanding at listening to what my goals were and applying GoldMine to them rather than just explaining everything that GoldMine could potentially do.  First Direct was also impressive in their commitment to finding the right solution while not overselling me but rather keeping in mind that our budget was important … I look forward to working with you.” 

Terry Chapman
President
Business Electronics

"Bob, I want to thank you and your team for all of the help and assistance you have provided. Your professionalism and friendly support have made all of the difference in ensuring we had a successful project implementation. Your team is completely knowledgeable in the Goldmine product and your response to questions and issues was always timely. I look forward to a continued working relationship in future."

Carl Schulz
Principal Consultant & Service Manager
Delta Corporate Services, Inc.

“Wow – thank you, sincerely! You guys are great – hands down, the most impressive company I have dealt with in years. Your company is all at once concerned for the customers needs, and gifted at swiftly zeroing-in on the task at hand (while being upbeat and friendly to boot)!”

Cheralyn Pond
Admin/Sales/Marketing
W.C. Carpenter

"It was a great day and we all learned a lot about Goldmine and its many uses. I speak for all of us when I tell you that the session was viewed as very effective. I received many positive comments on the training. You have a wonderful "can do" attitude and you allowed us to understand how to use Goldmine more effectively in our specialized environment. ... you helped us tremendously."

Elva Bankins SVP
General Manager
Lee Hecht Harrision

"You are a genius. Not for solving my issue, but for the service and friendship ... I will continue to refer you to all of my contacts, because your customer service is the best!"

Chuch Berman
Senior Associate
Ferzan, Robbins & Associates LLC

"Your company epitomizes our philosophy of giving nothing less than absolutely stellar service!"

George Michael Mason
President
The Perfection Group, Ltd.

"I do want to let you know that your customer service is excellent - I have always gotten the info I needed and calls back when promised ... yours is the first call I'll make."

Ellen Cirnigliaro
Ultra Electronics, DNE Technologies
Senior Sales Specialist

"FaxRush's out of the box Goldmine integration was the key selling point when it came time for our firm to consider implementing a fax server. FaxRush fit perfectly. This thing rocks!"

Rob McEwen
Network Adminstrator
Glassberg & Mermer, CPA'S, P.C.'s

"I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know you have totally stimulated my mind in regards to what I can do with GoldMine. Thank you for the session today. I learned a lot in a short time. I've been very stuck on some things and you have helped me greatly in moving forward! I really appreciate that. I look forward to my next lesson!"

Laureen Jandroep
School Director
Coding & Reimbursement Network, Inc

"Thanks Bob! On a side note, being the President, I thought you’d appreciate knowing that every experience I have had with your organization has truly been pleasant. You have a fine staff with wonderful customer service skills and a vast knowledge on your products. I look forward to continuing to use your organization for all our GoldMine needs."

Kattie Huntsman
TrendSource
Sales Manager

"Thanks for helping us make what we feel is the best decision for us at this time. It is also good to know that we can call on your company for support."

Duffy Sanders
Sales Manager
Garing Business Machines

"THANK YOU to all the people at First Direct. This top notch organization is full of class and professionalism from top to bottom. First Direct has helped us add to our bottom line by improving our marketing department efficiency and overall productivity."

Greg Mellott
President
CheckCare Systems, Inc.

"The level of professionalism from you and the staff from 1st Direct was outstanding! … We at the New York State Police Information Services and Call Center agree that the service and rapport you presented to us, far exceeded expectations and normal vendor relations."

Karen Conners,
Supervisor Information Services
New York State Police

"I want to give kudos to 1st Direct, I needed a new web site fast and they delivered BIG TIME with fast service and we beat our deadline by 7 days. Many thanks for a great job."

Don Brannigan
Checktech Financial Corporation

"As a result of the great experience and willingness that you all have showed, it was an easy decision to purchase our GoldMine software through First Direct. ... I would definitely recommend that anyone looking at any CRM software to call First Direct."

Mark Rehak
Analytical Specialties

"You graciously and professionally handled the order to a level over and above my expectation at this point. I will certainly keep 1st Direct and your name in my Db for future software purchases."

Candace Smith
Emerald Advisors, Inc.

"Congratulations to your whole team on First Direct's being named among the top five overall GoldMine partner performers in the August issue of the GoldMine newsletter! No wonder -- we know firsthand the high level of service and dedication that you provide your clients!"

Corey Friedlander
Vice President
Mechanical Plastics Corp.

Your company rises above the “faceless” online organizations that plague your industry.

Tony Novinska
Director Sales & Marketing
Packaging Equipment Americas

"I am really impressed wth your company. I hope that I can figure out how to give my customers the same quality of customer support that you guys do."

David Davis
Livebythepark Inc.

Leslie C. Hulcoop
Coordinator of Marketing & Development
Cornell Cooperative Extension

"The students learned a great deal from you, as I did . . . the feedback . . . was very positive."

Jean Morris
Culinary Institute

“Your seminar . . . was the highlight of our Small Business Council Seminar series . . . I knew the seminar would be a success when we sold out by simply announcing the title . . . I was captivated by your unique approach to marketing.”

Elaine Miles
Membership Director
Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce Culinary Institute

“Bob is intelligent and creative and uses these skills to find exciting new ways to do things . . . always delivers results with high standards of excellence and enthusiasm.”

Gregory J. Grod
Toastmasters

“Robert is a high-energy , creative thinker who has mastered the abilities to apply strategic planning techniques to any project he tackles.”

Joseph Frenze
Regional VP
ERA

Bob has “ . . . exceptional abilities in sales and marketing. . . . what sets Bob Ritter apart is that he combines these qualities with vision and an entrepreneurial flare. He possesses and uncanny ability to see and understand trends . . . to take advantage of changes in the marketplace.”

Joseph D. Russo
Frmr. President
DC Economic Development Corp.

"You are truly the quintessential professional who excels at whatever challenges you take on."

Stephen M. Saland
NYS Senator

". . . proven marketing skills and talents. . ."

Kathleen Sullivan Norat
President
DC Economic Development Corp.

"Mr. Ritter far exceeded the College’s demanding request. We are now in possession of one of the finest, if not the finest, consultant’s report ever submitted to the College."

E. Giovannini, Ed.D.,
VP of Academic Programs
Burlington County College

"People in my position (Marketing & Communications Director) would be doing themselves a great disservice . . . if they avoid getting assistance from another professional . . . Especially if that professional was Bob Ritter . . . I know we will succeed if we execute the plan that you have most effectively helped us build."

H.R. (Joe) Emerson
Hudson Valley Technology Development Center

"You have an uncanny ability to identify and solve problems . . . . you have contributed to our profitability . . . your talents are unique."

Steven Domber, President
Prudential Serls Prime Properties
#1 in the Hudson Valley, NY

". . . exceptional end-user training . . . I look forward to a continued beneficial relationship."

Alexander Sauickie III, Branch Service Supervisor
Eastern Client Services
Merrill Lynch

"You really hit the nail on the head. We needed someone with your marketing perspective to look at our situation, highlight our options and facilitate the planning process."

Michael A. Smith, VP
J & H Smith Light Corp.

"You turned the basic subject of sales & marketing into a personalized plan that each and every one could benefit from. We wish all our speakers were just like you."

Mike Johnson, Program Director
Piano Technicians Guild

"Great too, great service. Business is booming... we made the right decision with GoldMine and First Direct."

Chris Onan
Sales Manager
RCS Enterprises

"Your seminar was very beneficial and will clearly help our staff to be more effective."

Michael D. Naughton, Sr. VP
Pawling Savings Bank

"Robert Ritter has proven himself to be a valuable asset. [to Marist College] He has won the respect and admiration of students and of colleagues in the School of Communications."

Gus Nolan, Professor
Marist College

"I’m particularly pleased that you and I have developed an alliance that will enable First Direct to be an integral part of my company’s marketing & sales efforts…You bring a tremendous creative energy to our work…You bring the marketing and sales savvy to communicate our vision to our clients. We can always count on you to help us develop our message in a clear, compelling terms that cause our customers to take action. You advice is central to our thinking and your operational expertise is integral to our execution."

Michael F. Corbett
The Nations Leading Expert On Outsourcing ™

"When you talk about understanding the ‘trade show context’ and the ‘consumers mindset,’ it’s very clear that you know what you’re talking about. Your extensive research and wealth of personal experience add depth and credibility to your seminar. Thank you for presenting an outstanding seminar to our Chamber members and exhibitors."

Elaine Miles
Membership Director

"Focus group research will now continue routinely at Dutchess Community College. I greatly attribute this to Robert’s guidance at the critical early stages. My colleagues and I found the experience of working with Robert not only productive, but also enjoyable. He is very skillful . . ."

Deborah Weibman, Registrar
Dutchess Community College

"I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you and Mary for the outstanding service and attention you have given to my staff at Freeman Products."

Ken Bellero Telsales Manager
Freeman Products

"The United Way of Dutchess County extends our gratitude to you for preparing us and our Loaned Executives on how to achieve excellence as a public speaker."

United Way Donor Services Division

"I appreciate your emphasis on marketing that is accountable—the return on my investment through your marketing efforts has been outstanding!"

Mark J. Bottini, Pres.
Bottini Fuel
(The Mid-Hudson Valley’s largest fuel oil company.)

Virgilio Lozza
Opti Fashion
(A 120 year family tradition in eyewear manufacturing.)