How CWL Started

CWL Associates was founded with the recognition that senior executives can take up to a year or more to find their next career adventure.  During that time, they welcome the opportunity to keep their skills sharp with intermittent projects--whether they last 3 days or a month or whether it's 2 days a week or 4; hence, Consulting While Looking.  Since they aren't looking to make a career out of consulting, their rates are significantly below what "consulting" fees would be.

There was also the recognition that companies, constrained by headcount, still needed to keep the business moving forward. What they lack is the leadership to get things done as the existing leadership does not have the time to juggle all the priorities facing them.

David Grocer, Founder

David recognized the need on both sides of the equation--Executive and Client, shortly after re-entering the job market.  Quick background summary:  After earning his Bachelor's from Duke and MBA from Northwestern, he learned to build business, mostly new brands and products, through classical packaged goods marketing at Procter & Gamble.  He subsequently applied those skills as a strategic marketing leader, launching new products at technology firms including telecom (MCI), supply chain software (Manhattan Associates), and a dotcom (hsupply.com—e-procurement for the hotel industry).  Most recently, he served as SVP, Marketing & Sales at Park 'N Fly where he championed Game Changing Initiatives by increasing their Internet presence and establishing an on-line central reservation system for the off-airport parking category.  By changing the game, they opened up new channels, which gave Park 'N Fly unique and exclusive access to travelers, thereby building share.

Details and recommendations can be found at his LinkedIn Profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgrocer 

Criteria to be a CWL Associate

• Minimum 15 years work experience
• At least Director or above
• Track record of successful leadership
• No interest in consulting as career