What Clients Are Saying About Ruby’s
Keynotes and Training Sessions
City of Plano, TX
"Absolutely brilliant! Ruby listened to our needs and personalized the presentation for the ultimate effect. Worth every cent!"
Amy Fortenberry, Recreation Services Manager
California Park and Recreation Society SuperCal Workshop Attendee
"Ruby isn't just a motivational speaker. She's a life-changing speaker.
I felt like she was speaking directly to me. I can't wait to put her advice into practice."
Suzanne Stephens, City of Santee, CA
City of Decatur, GA
"Ruby has inspired and motivated our staff. We owe much of our success to her for helping us develop an outstanding team."
Mary Miller, Director of Parks and Recreation
Shell Grand Prix of Denver
“On behalf of the Victory Lane Volunteer Committee for the
2002 Shell Grand Prix of Denver, a big “High Five” for
your presentation.
As you know, this was the first year for our Grand Prix race which
made it very important to provide the volunteers guidance prior
to the event. Specifically, we wanted our members to be polished
ambassadors meeting the public. And thanks to you, our group received
direction which included keeping guests happy, guidance on what
our volunteers needed to know about our venue, serving guests with
disabilities, calming upset guests, putting this plan into action
and, of course, the “Disney” sweep! Many of our volunteers
came to us and said how appreciative they were for your presentation
– they had no idea of the different situations that could
occur or how they should be handled.”
Bob and Julie Brown – Co-Presidents Victory Lane Volunteer
Committee
Hot Springs Lodge & Pool at Glenwood
“Your ability to instantly bond with the staff at the Hot
Springs is amazing and you have such enthusiasm. Your magic tricks
were a treat, especially how you tied them into your message. Our
hotel front office manger was very excited to implement some of
your ideas. Our hotel manager relayed stories of how his staff took
to heart some of your suggestions on teamwork and dealing with the
‘negative’ individual.”
Kjell Mitchell - General Manager
“Your program was lively, thought-provoking, and far exceeded
our expectations. The passion and professionalism that you brought
to the table, contributed immeasurably to the success of our workshop.
Thank you again.”
Joseph T. Rarer, Jr. Colonel – Director of Services
Kansas Recreation and Park Association
“KRPA members are exceptionally good at sharing their opinions
with me. Many, many were quick to let me know that your sessions
were relevant, interesting and well presented. I had already figured
that out myself though from the times I stopped in to observe. It
was very clear that you had spent a lot of time preparing for your
sessions and that you knew which buttons to push to get a response
from your audience.
Your humor, your respect for your audience, and your ability to
convey to them the importance of what they do everyday, and how
they might do it better, made for some of the best educational/motivational
sessions I’ve ever witnessed.”
Laura Kelly – Executive Director
“Your charm, wit, energy and effort have made a tremendous
impact upon the students whom you spoke to a few weeks ago. The
presentation of MVP was the perfect choice to help motivate, inspire
and educate the student-athletes and coaches that were present.
Thank you for you time and your tremendous energy Ruby. You truly
are an inspiration.”
Dan Gilmartin – Athletic Director of Colorado Academy
Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society, Inc.
“How fortunate for our state society membership that we learned
about you! From the first time my fellow committee chairs and I
heard you speak at a national convention, we knew that you were
someone who had to be lured to Pennsylvania for our annual state
conference. Booking you a year in advance of the event was no accident
– we wanted to guarantee your availability!”
Susan B. Lohoefer – PRPS 2002 Conference Chair
Ruby’s preparation for the meetings was outstanding! In preparation
for the first meeting, it was obvious that Ruby had completed extensive
research in order to prepare herself for the values discussion and
to provide background information to the group. Because of Ruby’s
preparation, time was well spent at all the meetings. For example,
in order to get the group thinking about values, Ruby developed
an exercise where individuals listed their personal values and the
values of their department. Ruby is an excellent facilitator and
I would highly recommend her.”
Greg Caton – Assistant to the City Manager
The University of New Mexico
“As a professional speaker, I view Ruby as a well prepared,
insightful, hardworking, and motivating speaker with great interpersonal
communication skills. She is the type of individual that takes great
pride in her work and presentations. I consider her highly organized
and an efficient and effective public speaker. She interacts with
the participants with great ease and has the skill to direct an
organization to its planned goals and objectives. As a presenter
in all areas of administration and business management she is exemplary.”
Fred V. Perez – Director
Summit on the Park
“Our staff has been discussing our past and future training
sessions and your name keeps coming up along with one word –
WOW! Your previous training sessions with the Summit staff, the
Michigan Recreation and Park Association and the Southwest Metropolitan
Recreation Executive Group was met with overwhelming success and
I frequently hear “Rubyisms” among staff. Your style
is personal, humorous and inspirational and leaves a positive impression
on each person you come in contact with. Thank you for speaking
to our group and customizing the training to our specific needs.
We look forward to having you back in the near future.”
Debra Bilbrey-Honsowetz, CLP – Manager
“Your multimedia presentation was engaging and your style
was entertaining. Your unique stories, relevant examples, and interactive
exercises created a memorable education experience. You have a knack
for getting people excited and motivated. Thank you for customizing
the program to fit the needs of our Public Works Department and
for reinforcing the message I wanted.”
Karen Zamora – Employee Relations
Colorado Festivals & Events Association
“The Colorado Festivals & Events Association was truly
privileged to have Ruby Newell-Legner as the closing presentation
speaker at our annual conference and trade show last month in Vail,
Colorado. Our goal for a closing speaker was to find someone who
was motivational yet could deliver meaningful information that would
be of interest on a variety of skill levels. Ruby was by far the
best speaker we have ever had! Her closing presentation not only
met our expectations, but as a bonus – Ruby enlightened and
inspired our attendees to leave the conference ready to hit the
ground running!”
Lora Raber – Chapter Administrator
Thank you so much for working with me to bring meaningful trainings
to the City of Westminster and its employees. Your experience as
a supervisor and employee for a public sector organization has been
helpful as our employees find it easier to relate to someone who
has had similar experiences with the public. The stories and analogies
you add to your presentations are stories I often hear employees
repeating in the hallways. This shows that your trainigns have had
an impact on employees and has been an enriching experience for
them. I look forward to working with you in the future.”
Kathleen Hix – Employee Development Coordinator
Canadian Park and Recreation Association
“You came, you spoke, and you conquered Canada…you
were a smash! People are still talking about what a pleasure it
was to meet and speak with you, and to hear your wonderful presentations.
You were definitely a highlight of the symposium, and I am so pleased
that the folks from Penticton had the pleasure of introducing you
to our colleagues from B.C. and across Canada. I know you will be
back!”
Ron Philpott – Co-Chair
The Chamber - Colorado Springs, CO
“WOW!! You were TERRIFIC and the RAVE REVIEWS are still coming
in!! You were outstanding! Your presentation was very well received
by all in attendance, and your energy was contagious.”
Brenda Whitlock – Director of Women’s Programs
“It’s been a while since you provided us with the training
program on Supervisory Skills, and I wanted to let you know that
the material has made a huge impact on my department’s operations.
Now it’s been time tested, and we have seen a remarkable improvement
in the skill levels and general attitudes of my seasonal supervisors.”
Wendy L. Rubin, CPRP – Director
AQUA International
“Wow, we were impressed! This is the first time in the six
years that we have been doing AQUA International that our attendees
really got involved in a presentation. They are usually reluctant
to get involved by raising their hands and working with the people
next to them. This is so important for them to be able to do and
will help them tremendously in being effective in their small businesses.
Ruby, you truly have a knack of getting people excited and motivated.
You are not at all like the “typical” motivational speaker.
You did your research on this industry and it showed.”
Diane M. Hamm – Program Director
Hamilton County Park District
“On behalf of the staff of the Hamilton County Park District,
I would like to commend Ruby Newell-Legner on a very enjoyable and
informative program. Ruby is a gifted speaker and had no problem
holding the attention of a very diversified group of people. Thank
you for a very memorable training session – one of the best!
Ruby is enthusiastic, genuine, has a great sense of humor, knows
her material and keeps things moving at a comfortable pace. We look
forward to working with her again in the future!”
Nancy Montague – Administration Director
Oswegoland Park District
“Ruby embodies the word ‘professional’ in professional
speaker. She conveys clearly what she needs to deliver a quality
presentation. She arrives in plenty of time to be ready; she brings
her own equipment and is thoroughly knowledgeable in its use. The
technology, content, presentation, handouts are all flawless.
As her hostess for her two-day visit, I was able to ask lots of
questions and follow up with issues that could not be covered during
her presentation. I believe the reason she is such an effective
speaker is the depth of her knowledge and experience, and her true
affection and commitment to those she serves. She is able to go
in any direction and tap into a wealth of resources, and is as effective
‘coaching’ one-on-one as she is with a large group.
She is not just a performer with a set script who is done after
her presentation, but continues to teach and encourage throughout
the day.”
Ginny Bateman – Director of Leisure Services
Athletic Business
“I greatly appreciate the personal contact you made with
attendees before, during and after the presentation. Your ability
to communicate and motivate people is truly a gift. It was evident
that you truly understood our unique requirements and did your homework
in order to provide useful and practical information to our attendees.”
Diane M. Hamm – Program Director
New Jersey Recreation and Park Association
“I want to thank you for your participation as a featured
speaker at the conference. We know that presentations to professional
groups require extraordinary time and effort to prepare, and we
gratefully acknowledge your efforts on our behalf.”
“Excellent Programs!”
William D. Foelsch – Executive Director
City of Plymouth, MI
“I am so impressed with all of the positive comments here
at Plymouth City Hall. I went around to everyone who attended and
asked them about the session. WOW! Great comments. People really
connected and they were able to repeat back several parts of the
session. The connection and content recall was SIGNIFICANTLY higher
that I anticipated.”
Paul J. Sincock – City Manager
World Waterpark Association
“Kudos for your presentation of “How to Become an MVP
(Most Valuable Player)”! Our attendees enjoyed your humor
and quick wit. They learned, but were not lectured to. Our attendees,
from our post show questionnaire, spoke of your session very highly
and said they felt re-energized and took home information that they
can implement right away. The topic was certainly timely and well
presented. Thank you so much for making our Aquademicstm program
so successful. It was our pleasure to have you.”
Statia Leeds – Director, Convention and Educational Programs.
Department of Parks and Recreation County of Maui
“I really appreciate the extra care and professional way
you brought “How to Become an MVP” to our Recreation
staff. The staff’s top four impressions of your presentation
were that you were fun and motivating, portrayed a positive attitude
and were well organized. This was the first time in recent history
that this particular employee group was gathered together. You helped
them feel comfortable with each other and motivated them to start
the summer season working as a team.”
Valerie Magee – Recreation Program Planner
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
“From the moment you started speaking, I realized you were
a very talented and capable speaker. I watched the audience on several
occasions, and I was simply amazed the way you kept their attention.
I, too, was just spellbound by your enthusiastic approach to presenting
the program material, and, of course, your magic tricks.”
Brandon Berg - Director of Human Resources
Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department
“Ruby has the rare quality to effectively translate complex
information into common terms. Her effective use of humor and visuals
hold her audience in rapt attention and she wisely knows when it
is just the right time to change pace and involve her listeners
to reinforce a point. We were putty in her hands.”
Margery Gruber – Morale, Welfare and Recreation Director
American Cancer Society
“I believe that your influence on our Senior Management Team
is directly linked to the excitement and comfort level they now
display when talking to other staff managers about presentation
skills. Thank you for leading in the right direction and giving
our staff the confidence to be better skilled managers.”
Larry G. Newnam – Chief Executive Officer
American Public Works Association
“Our goal to cultivate a collaborative exchange of knowledge
and education could not have been fulfilled without expertise such
as yours.”
Karen Wilson – Project Manager, Education Department
National School-Age Care Alliance
“Thank you for your contribution to the National School-Age
Care Alliance 2003 Conference. The workshop you presented was extremely
well received. The Keynote you presented was right on target and
kept participants attention to the end. Participants not only loved
the knowledge share but the style in which you presented the material.”
Beth Lobdell – Deputy Director
Oregon Recreation & Park Association
“Your opening keynote address was informative and very entertaining.
The message was upbeat and very applicable to professionals in parks
and recreation. I know that many delegates were motivated to develop
positive relationships in the workplace with your excellent ideas
and encouragement.
As part of Ruby's conference package, she partnered with our awards
committee and created a PowerPoint Show for our Awards Banquet.
She raised the bar so high that we wouldn't dare have an awards
banquet without a multimedia show now! What a difference she made!"
Frank E. Jagodnik – ORPA Executive Director
City of Plymouth, MI
“Our Department Heads were amazed by your ability to reach
out to the crews in the field, understand them and give them some
positive examples of customer service. Your unique perspective and
understanding of local government gives you the credibility that
other seminar speakers don’t have. You develop an almost immediate
respect and connection with your audience.”
Paul J. Sincock – City Manager
Illinois Professional Development School
“Thank you very much for making the 2001 Professional Development
School a large success. Moving to a new location and changing the
curriculum proved to be a slight challenge. Your presentation for
the first-year students gave the program the lift the school needed.”
Pete Stankiewicz – Board of Regents
National Recreation and Park Association
“I would like to thank you for your inspirational and motivating
speech during the Citizen Board Member National Awards Program held
at the NRPA Congress and Exposition in Tampa, FL. The feedback from
the Branch leadership and citizen delegates was outstanding. Many
folks indicated they had attended the banquet just to hear you.
Many said that they “heard” from state conference attendees
that your presentations are inspirational and exciting!
Ruby I appreciate your ability to customize your presentation to
meet the needs of the citizen delegates. You demonstrated an understanding
of their dedication as “citizen volunteers”. Moreover,
you publicly thanked them for their continued efforts in their communities.
I know the delegates appreciated that very much. Our citizen members
are a unique organization. I feel confident that you rejuvenated
their spirits and made them feel proud of the commitment they make
to parks and recreation as volunteers.”
Karen B. Miller, CPRP – Citizen Development Director
Oklahoma Recreation and Park Society
“Our members are still talking about the great keynote and
sessions you presented at our November conference. The specific
techniques you gave us were ones that could be implemented immediately!
Our new board met last Friday and they are still motivated by your
message. I wanted to especially thank you for that special touch
you lent on our awards banquet with your high tech equipment. It
was really neat how you displayed the winners’ names on the
screen for everyone to view. Your humor and inspiring, yet practical
breakout sessions have generated lots of positive comments. What
a talent you are! Our members said you really did your homework
and it was evident in your presentations.”
Jan Speegle Scott - Executive Director
Illinois Park and Recreation Association
“On behalf of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association,
I would like to thank you for making the Seminar a success. The
evaluation forms were very positive. I appreciate the time and effort
that you put into this seminar. The knowledge and experience that
you brought to the table was priceless.”
Lori Karole Shook – Educational Services Manager
National Speakers Association of Australia Ltd
“I’m delighted to put down on paper my recollections
of the feedback we got at our National Convention in Canberra. As
you know I missed the session due to my commitments with organizing
the convention but the rave review we had from our members indicated
you hit the mark – dead centre. I still remember the people
who came out of the end of your session so animated and energized
by the valuable content they received, practical real can do’s.
Your results are proof you walk your talk. We took a big gamble
because no-one had seen you present before. There was something
g about your proposal that caused us to believe it was a risk worth
backing. You delivered 110%. A true professional.”
Sarah Cornally APS – National President 2000-2002
Wyoming Recreation & Parks Association, Inc.
“Thank you for presenting at the WRPA (Wyoming Recreation
and Parks Association) annual conference and trade show. Your presentation
was very well received and enjoyed by all the members. I certainly
enjoyed having the opportunity to meet you personally and hear your
presentations. Your enthusiastic and professional approach to the
parks and recreation industry was truly inspiring.”
Paul Harrison – Parks & Recreation Manager
New Jersey Recreation & Park Association
Thank you for presenting at the New Jersey Recreation and Park
Association’s 27th Annual Conference. I appreciate you giving
of your time to impart some wisdom to our membership! Thanks for
making the conference so successful.
Cynthia A. Sullivan - Program Chairperson
National Recreation and Park Association – National
Aquatic Section
“I was going over notes from our National Aquatic Conference
last year in Mesa in preparation for our upcoming Aquatic Conference.
It is remarkable to me how vivid my memory is of your presentation
still. The session evaluations were so consistently positive that
I had to stop what I was doing and write to you. As I looked around
the audience, all I could see were heads bobbing, alternating between
laughing, and nodding in agreement at shared experiences and common
dreams. You have a remarkable ability to relate to your audience
by sharing your experiences and being willing to poke fun at yourself.
You left us feeling that you really do care, that you really do
understand, and you really have “been there”. This is
so much more rewarding than listening to someone present a highly
polished talk about his or her personal philosophy which, let’s
face it, sounds great but in reality cannot be implemented. You
inspired so many of us to keep plugging away at our dreams. I’m
honored that we were able to be a part of your dream to be keynote
at the National Aquatic Conference.”
Lili McGovern – Manager of Aquatic Services
City of Durango, CO
“The staff at the Durango Community Recreation Center loved
your presentation “The Secrets to Keeping Our Customers Happy!”
The other supervisors as well as myself have really seen a difference
with the staff that has been through your training and the new ones
that have not.
We invited you to pump up the new young staff, as well as give
them the customer service background and understanding we were going
to need to open a new Recreation Center. You definitely did that!
I cannot say enough about how much all those involved enjoyed and
benefited from your presentation. It was very motivation, educational
and funny.
Not only did you give us the information we needed on customer
service, but you shared your own experience with opening a new center,
which definitely helped us!”
Kelli Jaycox – Recreation Center Facility Manager
The City of Henderson, NV
In reviewing the evaluations of your session, I was taken aback
and you are to be commended on the fact that approximately 99 percent
rated you and your program as above average or outstanding. In my
tenure, I have never encountered such a high rating. The comments
received included dynamic, high energy, highly motivating, easy
to understand and apply, etc. You can be sure that you will be place
on our “welcome back” list of speakers/trainers.”
Steve Rongyocsik – Director Parks and Recreation Department
Colorado Parks and Recreation Association
“It is rare to have a speaker that is so informative, but
fun and entertaining too. You certainly have a gift for that, and
I am thankful that you so willingly share your talent with your
professional friends. It is apparent that you have experienced many
of the situations that you speak about, and that makes it “real”
and believable to those of us who need to learn.”
Martha Derda – Chairperson, CPRA Professional Development
Workshop
City of Englewood, CO
“Thank you once again for the excellent customer service
training you provided for our Department last week. Although we
had over 60 participants from three divisions, golf parks and recreation,
your presentation was personal, entertaining, and tailored to our
work environment. I was particularly impressed with the pre-training
time you took to interview several staff members to assure you covered
the material most helpful to Englewood Parks and Recreation. I look
forward to working with you in future trainings.”
Jerrell Black – Director of Parks and Recreation
Town of Taos, NM
“On behalf of the Mayor, Town Council and Staff I would like
to convey our utmost appreciation of your participation in our recent
retreat at Pendaries Village Lodge and Golf Club. Staff comments
on your facilitation were very positive. They especially liked the
set up of the interactions between us. The relationship between
ourselves and the penguins will be something we can cherish as we
move forward in our day to day missions.”
Gustavo “Gus” Cordova – Town Manager
City of Long Beach, CA
“The Customer Service training you conducted for all staff
was just what we needed. Your enthusiasm and creative presentation
materials made a positive impact with all staff who attended your
sessions. It was great to see how you were able to relate to the
business we are in and how many employees actively participated
in the sessions. I heard nothing but positive comments from staff.
They said the sessions were entertaining but contained practical
information and that the handouts were a good reference tool. We
have requests to bring you back to conduct additional training sessions.”
Cristina L. Cota – Superintendent of Personnel and Training
City of Commerce City, CO
“We have made significant advances within the parks and recreation
department as well as throughout our city regarding team building,
problem solving and improved communication. I believe Ruby has been
instrumental in contributing to our success and that she truly believes
you only become successful by helping others become successful.”
Carolyn J. Keith, CPRP – Director of Parks Recreation and
Golf
Athletic Business
“Ruby, you’re a terrific asset to the Athletic Business
Conference.”
Sue Searls – Publisher/Conference Director
