“Mike Cassidy is an indescribable resource. Mike is the trusted advisor we needed to help us grow our business. We always wanted to take our business seriously and not run it the way it was started but to transform it into something viable, professional, and meaningful. Mike is our guide and cheerleader and probably most importantly he holds us accountable and tells us the TRUTH – even when it is hard to hear. His experience, expertise and genuine care for us and our business has given us the confidence and knowledge to make this transformation. Anyone looking to advance their business needs to call Mike Cassidy YESTERDAY.”

~ Jennifer Rozzi, Owner at Rozzi's Catering Continental Ballroom

“Mike and Fortress Strategy Group have been working with me and my company through our involvement with the Entrepreneurial Development group in Kokomo. Mike's involvement with our company has lead to several significant changes including changes to our company structure, productivity analysis, and a productivity index that is helping us to rapidly achieve success in a down economy. Mike's help has been phenomenal and we would have no problems recommending his services to any company wishing to grow or who is struggling and needs help.”

~ Mark Sapusek, Founder/CEO Visionary Web

“Mike has provided me with very valuable consulting and coaching, as I lead a small company going through start-up decisions. Mike has been encouraging and supporting, while also being technically sound and complete in his suggestions. Mike gives guidance with a great combination of experience and tact. Our company is better off since Mike has helped us. I highly recommend Mike for all sorts of business consulting and executive coaching services.”

~ Andy Baker, President at AndyMark, Inc.

“Mike and I have been working together this past year on achieving the many goals I have set for my business. I REALLY look forward to our meetings because I never leave without actionable items and incredible ideas. Mike really captured not only what I am looking to do in my business, but how to work within my learning style. Working with Mike is definitely one of the best things I have ever done for my business. I HIGHLY recommend him!”

~ Crista Tharp, Founder/CEO Tharp Events

“I have worked with Mike over the past year through the Small Business Development Center. We hired him as a business coach for our Echelon Group. I have watched him offer guidance to numerous business owners and have watched those businesses take the knowledge that Mike has given them and make it applicable to their businesses. It has been amazing to see the changes the businesses have made with guidance from Mike. Mike helps business owners think outside of the box and create a whole new strategy for their business. I have worked closely with Mike over the last year and can honestly say that he has helped me achieve a different role in my leadership skills as an individual. Thank you Mike! You have been great for the Echelon Group and for me personally!”

~ Kathy Rogers, Program Development Director at Indiana Small Business Development Center

“Mike Cassidy is one of the clearest thinkers I know. His step by step approach to purpose, to staffing, and to the numbers is exemplary. Over the years, we have had many conversations about direction and hurdles and tough competition. Mike’s ideas have always been right on target. ”

~ Pat Duncan, President, Great American Puzzle Factory

“Mike helped us find new ways to improve efficiencies and keep our costs down. He held our company in highest esteem and treated Briarpatch as if we were his only customer. No job was too big or too small for his company.”

~ John Donofrio, CEO, Briarpatch, Inc.

“My independent game company competes against large companies for mass-market retail shelf space. To be successful, my company must be proactive, nimble and innovative – and must have a reliable, experienced manufacturer. Mike Cassidy has helped us execute on our business strategy for the past six years. Whether offering cost-saving suggestions for our packaging designs, helping to identify important industry trends, or manufacturing under extremely tight retailer deadlines, Cassidy’s team has routinely ‘made it happen’ and given my company a competitive advantage over my rivals, many of whom manufacture overseas. I know that Cassidy’s team will help me think one step ahead to avoid setbacks and streamline operations; it’s often like having my own ‘employees’ on-site. Plus, I feel confident knowing that smart, responsive staffers – whether vice presidents, assembly line technicians or plant managers – are handling my proprietary information and intellectual property in a hectic manufacturing environment. Mike Cassidy and his people share my company’s desire to succeed. That’s why I view him as a strategic partner.”

~ Clay Siegert, President and CEO, Start Space Games

I began working with Mike Cassidy 14 years ago, when my company and his were both new in business – you could say that we grew together. I certainly view my relationship with Mike as an important asset of SunsOut and a large contributing factor to its success.

A key to the success of Mike Cassidy’s team was its commitment to the success of its customers such as SunsOut. Led by Mike, his organization not only “talked the talk” but “walked the walk” of customer service. Whenever I visited Mike, I always felt valued as a customer by everyone I met there. Because I do head a business myself, I understand the sacrifices in time, energy and finances it takes to continually invest in personnel at all levels of your organization.

I have also appreciated the effort and results achieved by Mike Cassidy and his crew as each year they were able to set and reach new goals of growth and service while addressing any shortfalls or unexpected "bumps in the road" that arose during the previous year.

On a personal level, I have had opportunities throughout the years to “brainstorm” with Mike about the business environment and marketing concepts. I came away from each of these talks energized and thinking of new concepts.

~ Diane Skilling, CEO, SunsOut

“Your presentation to our Echelon Group was very well received. Our members of the group were excited about the information you presented and walked away with ideas they could implement in their businesses. They liked you so well that they want to have you back again!”

~ Jim Parsons, Indiana Small Business Development Center