SSP Alumni Spotlight
 
RENIE McCLAY
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When Renie McClay found herself in the position of having to job hunt, she wondered if what was happening to her was a sign-a sign that she should use the “down” time to focus her energies on a book editing project that had been simmering quietly in the background while other work demands monopolized her time. Renie, an experienced training and development professional whose line of work was unfortunately an early target for corporate downsizing, was accustomed to keeping a weather eye out for the winds of change. And now that they had arrived, she wasn’t entirely certain the next step to be job hunting again. Transition can be painful, but that discomfort provided Renie the impetus necessary to alter her own course.
For many months Renie had been gathering content for a book she wanted to put together. She’d found a niche book market in the overcrowded subject matter on training—training specific to sales professionals. Renie found her SSP coach, Mike Broscio, helpful in convincing herself that finishing the book was the right thing to do at that time. She was energized and ready to move forward on her aspiration. With encouragement, she was able to use her wide array of existing skills, and reapply them as editor. Renie also credits her improv training at Second City in trusting her own instincts. Though few people associate change and transition with humor, the ability to see the funny side of transitions is a talent that has maintained her spirit to achieve her new goal. Hence the book, ‘Sales Training Solutions’ published by Kaplan, Inc in 2006. Renie, in collaboration with other professional sales trainers, offers expertise and solutions gained from US companies who have created real business value through integrated and innovative sales training initiatives. Renie’s success in this new career extension has led to a publisher contract to write a second book with international training perspectives. SSP congratulates Renie on her success.
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TOM KOWALSKI THE TRANSIT GROUP
Tom Kowalski felt he had the best of all possible worlds at De Paul University. In 1992, Tom helped start a continuing education program designed to assist NFL athletes plan for their post-athletic careers. Enrollment in the program grew progressively each year, to the point where the NFL decided to take the continuing education program in-house This decision resulted in Tom leaving an 18 year career with DePaul, and the end to daily relationships that made his working life so fulfilling – associations with current and past students, colleagues and members of the DePaul athletic community. Tom agonized over his loss, and struggled to think how he could turn the part-time NFL contract into a full-time employment opportunity that would sustain his family with two young children.
Upon separation, DePaul provided Tom with a transition program at The Derson Group (now part of SSP). There, Tom met coach John Russert, who Tom credits as a partner in the design of his future career opportunity. Tom’s expertise was primarily in academia and athletics; he needed to understand the nuancies and structure of business thinking and strategy planning to start his own entrepreneurial venture. Together they explored Tom’s existing skills and networks that could be transferred into a new business concept offering multiple services that did not rely on any one customer for revenue streams.
Today, The Transit Group serves the NFL and a variety of clients across the US. It helps athletes of all ages and caliber in develop academic plans that accommodate the time demands in their sports careers. Typically, athletes leave college early to join a pro team. The Transit Group works with the athlete’s original academic institutions to devise a degree completion plan. For other athletes, it helps choreograph an educational program that best suits their future career needs.
Tom is the first one to admit “I was an educator and an administrator, and never considered myself an entrepreneur.” But with help from his SSP coach, a solid set of skills, and a really great idea to promote, The Transit Group evolved and continues to grow. SSP congratulates Tom on his success.
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