Dan Simmons,

Continental Search and Outplacement

In 1999, Dan Simmons planned to host a job fair at a local hotel and came to Anita for assistance. She responded by designing and placing ads to promote the event. When the day of the event arrived, she visited to ensure things were running smoothly and to get a better sense of the client, his employees and his company. The two shared commonality in their age and positions as self-starters and immediately got along well. Anita knew A. Bright Idea could do more to help Dan build his business, starting with building his brand and positioning Dan as an industry leader.

Anita continued to work for Dan from her home office while he and his staff of about eight worked in a comfortable office in White Marsh, Md. A. Bright Idea developed the logo design as the crux of his brand identity. Throughout the process, Anita joked with Dan about his original logo - a blue rectangle with Times Roman letters reversed out in white - and Dan joked back about anything he could think of to joke about. A bond was formed and after the logo, A. Bright Idea created identity packages, stationary, holiday cards and news releases for Continental Search and Outplacement. A. Bright Idea also designed a dynamic electronic newsletter layout and a Web site, which included revised elements and animation.

Dan and Anita remain close personally and professionally. Dan comforted Anita at her father's funeral, they attend the same holiday parties, and Anita designed his 40th birthday invitation where Dan decided to say thanks by singing to her.

The professional environments have changed over the years - Dan and his wife, Deb, remain the only employees at Continental Search and Outplacement and work in a comfortable space in their home with a happy dog at their feet; Anita traded the home office and company of her dog for a comfortable office and a larger staff. Still, Dan remains a force in the recruiting industry with consistent rankings among the top 10 recruiters in the Top Echelon Network. Recently, he spoke at their National Convention, just as he and Anita discussed years ago, and he called to share personally share the good news.

A. Bright Idea values Dan as a client, business advisor and friend, and he and Anita will remain close for years to come.

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