Hi, I’m Ted Cook, and this is my blog, Capitalizing On Your Strengths. Capitalizing On Your Strengths is also the tagline of my company, Benchmark Performance Strategies. My first blog post will discuss what this tagline means, and how I apply it in the work I do with my clients to maximize their profitability. For the balance of this page, though, I will stick to providing you with a little background information about me.
I am a Sales, Marketing and Business Development Professional. I’ve honed my skills in these areas in a number of different industries, including technology, real estate, finance, consulting and non-profits. For a more detailed accounting of my career and accomplishments, please take a look at my LinkedIn profile, and feel free to send me an invitation to connect, if you are inclined to do so. I am a member of the best BNI Chapter on the planet, the Biltmore Power Group, and I fully subscribe to the Givers Gain philosophy of BNI.
My interests are diverse, topped by my family (I’ve been married sixteen years to my wife Jenine, and I have two children, Gabriella and Aaron). My family also includes 2 dogs and 4 cats, all rescued from the pound or the Arizona Animal Welfare League. I enjoy most sports, as a fan, and also participating and coaching. I like to hike, kickbox and bicycle. I’m an avid fan of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondback, Arizona Cardinals, ASU Sun Devils, Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings, and Minnesota Golden Gophers. If you haven’t already figured it out, I grew up in Minnesota, then got smart and moved to Arizona. I love Arizona. I live in North Central Phoenix on a quiet cul-de-sac with awesome neighbors.
I am committed to honoring all who have been touched by cancer. I express this committment by volunteering with the American Cancer Society. I am past Event Chair of the Relay for Life of Central Phoenix, and I’m currently the Sponsorship Chair. My family has been inordinately impacted by cancer. I’ve lost my Mother, my Brother, my Brother-in-Law, numerous aunts and cousins to this disease. Currently, my Sister Cece is 4.5 years into her battle with lung cancer. She lost her husband, Steve, to esophageal cancer 1 year after she was diagnosed. My team for this years Relay is the Tough Cookies, in honor of Cece and the courage she has shown in fighting this disease, and in raising her daughter Tess.
I hope you will enjoy this blog, and that you will get some value from your time spent at Capitalizing On Your Strengths.
Thank you,
Ted Cook