On Ownership Transitions:

“It's hard to believe that in October, 2010 (a mere 3 months ago) at dinner in Charleston, you encouraged my to "start dating" Watson Tate Savory. And it has been a true Blessing. This merger would have never happened without your guidance, wisdom and shepherding.” –Dinos Liollio, President, Watson Tate Savory Liollio Architects, Charleston, Columbia and Charlotte, SC and Asheville, NC

"I want to let you know how much I truly appreciate your services throughout this entire transition process.  I never would have made it through without your guidance and expertise."
– Barbara Turpin-Vickroy

"Michael's understanding of architectural practice was essential as he skillfully led our two firms through the entire merger and integration process."
– Charles Downs, ANOVA Architects, Sacramento, CA

"What a dazzling, seemingly effortless performance. But I know that it is work, and I appreciate it."
– Frants Albert, Frants Albert Associates, Oakland

"I knew it was best to sell part of our company, but I was so emotionally attached that I couldn't bring myself to do it. Michael guided me through the process with great insight, sensitivity and a superior knowledge of our business. Thanks to him, I made the right decisions and feel great about it."
– J.S., Denver

"You showed me how to present myself and the firm; how to evaluate which types of experience and skills were significant and those that were not. I felt I had a knowledgeable friend looking out for me and that made a big difference in the way I was able to present myself."
– Stan Gould, San Jose, CA.

"After working with Michael on marketing and fee negotiations, both with outstanding results, I was not at all surprised with his significant, timely, and focused contributions on a proposed merger and firm transition. He quickly identified the essential issues and led the players through an otherwise confusing process."
– R.L., Oakland

"Thank you for all of your assistance in the transition process, specifically in the evaluation process and articulate presentation of the findings. Your help has been invaluable."
– Mike Cleary, Cleary Consultants, Palo Alto

"Our meeting regarding my transition was really a watershed moment for me. I am deeply grateful."
–John Peterson, Peterson Architects, San Francsico


On Negotiating:

"Your negotiating advice resulted in our most profitable project ever!"
– Ralph Lotito, BFHL Architects, Oakland

"You are extremely well suited for negotiating. You're non-confrontational, but you hold your ground. Your results have exceeded all expectations."
– J.S., Santa Rosa

"It was as if I had a skilled negotiator as a business partner. Michael intuitively grasps participants' agendas and formulates solutions that respond to them. His disarming style allows him to present difficult options without ruffling feathers."
– Beverly Prior, Beverly Prior Architects, San Francisco

"I have found Michael to be a huge benefit to the negotiation process; he is knowledgeable, reasonable, and direct in his communications. I feel he is providing a long needed service to the architectural community in his capacity as an architect and a businessman."
– J.L., San Francisco

"The agreement you proposed was the most unbiased and balanced agreement I have ever seen." – From a school district superintendent commenting on an agreement drafted by Michael Strogoff on behalf of an architect.

"I want to commend you on your skills and tact in bringing together the disparate perspectives on the contract terms. You were truly the calm between the storms."
– E-mail to Michael Strogoff by attorney representing school district in $36 million negotiation.

"We have found Michael's contract review assistance to be valuable. His thoughtful suggestions are typically well-received by Owners, and often lead to more fair and balanced contracts."
– Dan Cash, AIA, Sr. Vice President, HOK


On Management Consulting and Strategic Marketing:

"Michael skillfully guided our leadership team through two days of intensive, creative discussion. His approach and manner inspired confidence in our diverse group and encouraged all to participate. He kept us focused on high-level strategic issues that will help us for years to come."
– Jennfer Devlin, AIA, Principal, EHDD, San Francisco

"Michael gets right to the heart of the issue and offers specific strategies. After my experience with other consultants, his targeted style is refreshing."
– K.W., Sacramento

"You're good. You're very good. Because of you we have a project."
– Carolynn Abst, Carolynn Abst Associates, San Francisco

"We had a real gap in the experience and skill level of our Project Managers. Through a series of workshops and exercises, Michael not only taught them many essential skills, but helped create a tight-knit group of effective managers who continue to share their experiences and learn from each other."
– A.J., San Francisco

"You've been a great influence on us and how we see the future."
– Dinos Liollio, AIA Liollio Architecture, Charleston, SC

"You ROCK!"
– Margie O'Driscoll, Executive Director, AIA San Francisco


On Training:

"Michael is a change agent"
– Beverly Holton, Director, Continuing Education, The American Institue of Architects

"I've never learned so much about how to be a better communicator during the negotiation process in our industry, as I learned in your 4 hour seminar! I have always had a hard time getting a face-to-face meeting during the proposal process, and now I have a technique that will help me get that face time. I especially like the role playing and exercises because it breaks your audience out of their mold, which is key for any paradigm shift. It opens them up to new ideas and possibilities. My transitional enlightenment was the connection of marketing to negotiation/proposals. It is something that I will incorporate immediately into our practice. It was fantastic!
– John Fox, Principal, Fox + Fox Design

"Michael is a deep, deep well of knowledge and information gained from experience-not from books!
– ASID 2005 National Convention attendee

"The course you taught was the single most valuable thing I have learned in the 5 years I have been here."
– R.K., San Jose

"Michael's experience, reinforced by his ongoing involvement in the industry, was very convincing and effective."
– J.R., Portland, Oregon

"I wish I had this information earlier in my career."
– "Guidelines for Effectively Managing Clients" attendee, Oakland, CA

"Your animated style makes training fun!"
– Annie, Border Collie Mix, Mill Valley, CA


On Speaking:

"Of all the workshops I took, I found yours to be the most provocative. I experienced a mental shift out of it-I continue to be very much aware of how we and our clients live by the paradigm of 'an hour of pay for an hour of work.' It's a tough one to break out of. I appreciate your championing this!
– AIA National Convention seminar attendee, Charlotte

"Your insightful presentation, comments and examples from your experiences with your many clients were of great value to our conference participants. Your manner of working with our panel of distinguished government officials was the major reason for the success of our conference."
– Richard Berich, PE, Chairman Maryland QBS Council

"Thanks for taking the time to prepare your talk and traveling to Arkansas. Yours was the best and most useful workshop for me in the last 4 years.
– Dan Bartlett, AIA

"Michael is one of the best speakers ASID has ever had-maybe even THE best speaker. He gives intelligent, easy-to-follow directions and suggestions to improve your business."
– ASID 2005 National Convention attendee

"Dynamic presentation. Certainly thought-provoking. Should be of great value at our next negotiation."
– Dealey, Renton & Associate seminar attendee, Oakland

"Thanks for the great presentation in Denver. I am still talking about it more than a month later. Your story telling and humor, as well as your detailed suggestions, were motivating and inspirational!"
– J.B., Minneapolis

"The more I listen to presentations like this, the more control I feel I can have over our business."
– AIA National Convention seminar attendee, Dallas

"My husband has traveled the country as a speaker and I have heard many others. You delivered an excellent seminar-interesting and informative with great group participation."
– "Strategies for Pricing A/E Services" seminar attendee, Oakland

"Thank you for not using PowerPoint!"
– AIA San Francisco seminar attendee, San Francisco