The Next Level Testimonials

"Al's insight and business knowledge have proved invaluable to my growth, both personally and professionally. Al isn't your typical "business consultant." He's really a personal coach who, first, helps you discover the best within yourself. Then he helps you develop the tools to take your business to the next level."

- Pierre Manigault, Chairman of the Board, Charleston Post and Courier

"Al Katz and his rock solid advice have served as the cornerstone for me and my business during these turbulent economic times. Having been in the commercial real estate business for over 17 years, I found myself at a critical crossroads at the end of 2009. I needed someone to look at my business, understand my objectives, and coach me through the process. Al came in and guided me through that endeavor. The results have been outstanding and certainly beyond my expectations. Al is a great coach, business mind and I am proud to say, a great friend."

- E. David Grubbs, Jr., Managing Principal, NAI Avant Charleston, LLC

"Al's capability to provide a bird’s eye view of a business is a skill to be admired. I had reached a decisive juncture with respect to my existing business structure and needed someone with Al’s knowledge base and analytical abilities to provide sound advice and recommendations. He played a significant role in helping me to make some tough decisions necessary to put my business in the best position to move forward. I have enjoyed working with Al and consider him a good friend as well as a business associate that I will continue to utilize in the future."

- TJ Parsell, Restaurant Owner of Magnolia, Blossoms and Cypress, Charleston SC

"Our company met Al Katz after a Family Business Council meeting where he was the presenter and it was fortunate my wife came to the meeting that day. She was impressed with his presentation on how to effect generational transfers of Family Businesses. He brought up many points that we as business owners had never considered especially now that our children are grown and beginning families of their own. Al's lifetime of business experience, firm yet easygoing and engaging style helped our family deal with a subject that was completely unknown to us. He is the first to say, “It's a process that really never ends.” We found his involvement to be just what we needed to begin engaging in family discussions of when and how the business can successfully transition to the next generation. All businesses either are sold or transferred to another generation or come to an end. It is reassuring to have someone who understands the process to be part of that discussion and help keep it on track. Our family would enthusiastically recommend Al Katz."

- Rex Atkinson, Atkinson Pool and Spas

"Sincere appreciation goes out to Al Katz for being such a superb motivational coach. What our sales associates learned and have put into practice has truly taken Gwynn's of Mt. Pleasant to the next level. Understanding the customer in a new light has enabled our business to reach new heights. The improvements implemented in our inventory control system have greatly improved our bottom line. I would highly recommend Al and The Next Level to anyone wishing to improve their business."

- Marshall Simon, Jr., President, Gwynn's of Mt. Pleasant

"Bottom line: Al Katz cares. His thoughtful assessment and guidance has us work better as a team to be more efficient and productive."

-Vince Graham, President, Civitas and the I'on Group

"Al Katz and the concepts that he has developed at The Next Level have deeply impacted our business. At first, his techniques seem to be both familiar and obvious, however, with time we have learned that each step in the process has a profound impact on the way we are doing business. His business coaching style combined with his focus on planning, communication, and personal development have made our company a much more effective organization."

- Maybank Hagood, President/CEO, Southern Diversified Distributors, Inc., William M. Bird and Co., Inc.

"It has been my distinct pleasure to have been well acquainted with Al Katz for over ten years - first as a client of his when he worked with my former law firm, then as a friend as we worked together closely, then as a business colleague as we worked co-operatively to try to assist each other and to cross market our respective services, and finally as a client of mine. Al's unique interpersonal skills enables him to be singularly effective in dealing both with groups and with individuals. He has a superb ability for listening and then discerning rapidly group dynamics, individual personality make ups, as well as individual and group resources, capabilities, and needs. He capably facilitates enhanced communications and fosters co-operative efforts. I have seen Al in action on numerous occasions and believe that he is the best at what he does, i.e. business coaching. Any owner, manager, team leader, or group wishing to improve the quality of the team effort / interaction, performance and quality of results would be well advised to consider using the services of Al Katz and his firm, The Next Level. I have spoken with a number of Al's clients who both share my admiration of his skills and have experienced the beneficial results of having utilized his services."

- Thomas Waring, Partner, Moore & Van Allen, PLLC, Charleston, South Carolina

"Time is the most important investment I can make. The time my team spent with The Next Level has been our singular best investment. Al Katz and "THE PROCESS" have provided invaluable training and leadership which has already shown benefit to our bottom line."

- Michael P. Murphy, CEO, Global Building Solutions, Charleston, SC

"We have tried several techniques to help our business grow, but nothing ever really worked until we listened to the master of business coaches, Al Katz. He can see what you can’t, and if you will implement what he says, your revenues will only increase."

- Albert Clayton Gaulden, Director, The Sedona Intensive, and Scott Carney, Co-Director, The Sedona Intensive, Sedona, AZ

Al is great! An extraordinary communicator, he enabled us to reconnect with our personal ideals and integrate them into our business strategy. By focusing on measurable results and executions we have expanded the business and have never felt better about what we do."

- Robert and Amanda Manning, Carolina FoodPros, Charleston, SC

"We were expending tons of energy and time in areas that were not strategic. The Next Level helped our company to align our strategic plan with our day to day activities, and track our progress. What we learned was that there is a big difference between perceived process improvement verses actual process improvement. I would refer The Next Level to any company aspiring to improve their productivity and profitability."

- Allen Gantt, President, The Fermoy Group, Charlotte, NC

"Working with Al was an eye-opener for our company. He brought efficiency and organizational issues to our attention, and then prompted us to solve them in a manner that worked within the existing structure of the company. The results are still being realized on a daily basis."

- Stephen Herlong, President, Herlong & Associates Inc. AIA, Isle of Palms, SC,

"Al, I wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you have done and are continuing to do for me and everyone at GDC. The Position Development Plans and accountability in my view are the ‘piece de resistance’ and will have a major impact. Hopefully then I will be on track towards becoming the Al Katz of the home decorating business!"

- Harry Gregorie, President, GDC, Inc., Charleston, SC

"Al, I really appreciate all that you have done over the past year to assist Utilities in its Mission. You have helped clarify our process, and brought some discipline to our methods of business. Thank you for that and for your great assistance."

- James C. Murray, President-CEO, Utilities Construction Co. Inc., North Charleston, SC

"Al Katz is an expert in discerning how you and others process and communicate information. Al’s seminar is a ‘must’ for couples who want to hone their business, family, and personal communication skills."

- Harris and Fran Morrissette, YPO Meeting Chairs, Telluride, CO

"Consultants large and small have come and gone! But Al has been "the best coach" a team could find. The positives are there, processes are set, communication has clarity, direction is going forward, and budgets are in place and results better than planned. Business and personal life has so much more clarity and direction. HAVING AL'S ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN THE BEST DECISION I HAVE MADE FOR THE SUCCESS OF BUNCH TRANSPORT, INC. AND MY PERSONAL LIFE. TRULY A BLESSING!"

- Rich Bundschuh, President, Bunch Transport, Inc., Summerville, SC

"Al has a terrific record of guiding entrepreneurs to reach the next level of corporate development, without which the enterprise will not succeed. He did this for QuickFarm.com which we are most grateful."

-Gayle Averyt, Chairman, Colonial Life, Member of the Board of Directors, QuickFarm.com, Charleston, SC

"Working with Al Katz and understanding his professional approach to business has truly strengthened NBI. We have benefited from his sensible approach to effective communication and customer service. I would recommend his service to any company looking to improve its position in the marketplace."

- Andrews E Groves, Jr. - V.P. Newton Builders, Inc.