Darien CT 06820 - (203) 224-8906 ford.gardner@gmail.com, http://www.linkedin.

com/in/fordgardner/

M. Crawford Gardner

SUMMARY Seasoned veteran with myriad skills developed through both management and non-management positions. Effective as a leader or team member. Excellent communicator who is equally comfortable as a learner or teacher. CAREER EXPERIENCE 2012 to Present Imagineers Holdings, LLC Property Management Hartford, CT Property Manager Darien, Connecticut Two properties managed total of 88 units Leased up new development, certifying 55 households Negotiated and executed contracts for landscapers and other vendors 2011 to 2012 MCG Associates Norwalk, CT Principal Sourced B2B opportunities worldwide Designed protection plans for small businesses Designed discretionary bonus plans for key executives Sourced insurance carriers and professionals for enhanced charitable giving program 2002-2011 Five Star Financial Consulting Insurance Fairfield and Milford, CT President Co-designed charitable funding program Developed and maintained relationships with insurance carriers Developed and maintained relationships with funding sources for program policies Oversaw underwriting of program policies Directed execution of transactions resulting in $8.2MM of cash delivery to 23 non-profits in 10 states Coordinated nationwide network of sales professionals Co-designed enhanced charitable funding program 1996-2002 Diddel & Diddel Financial Advisory Services Stamford, CT General Manager Managed and developed marketing, communications and presentation materials Set and managed prospect meetings resulting in 4x increase in opportunities Enhanced mutual fund portfolio design and analysis Oversaw compliance with FINRA (then NASD) regulations 1986-1996 Corner Sports, Inc. Sporting Goods Sales Darien, CT Owner & President Transformed skate shop into a full-line sporting goods store Sourced partners for collaboration with products and services Trained over 20 employees Maintained gross annual revenue of over $400/square foot for ten years

1978-1996 New Canaan Country School Education New Canaan, CT Teacher & Coach Taught and mentored students in 8 different grades 1976-2007 Various Youth Athletic Programs Lake Forest, IL, New Canaan & Darien, CT Coached over 100 teams in five sports Supervised a coaching program for Darien (CT) Youth Hockey Coached and mentored over 2,000 athletes from age 9 to college

PHILANTHROPY 1972 to 1973 St. George Society Middletown, RI President Led raising of record funding for summer camp for underprivileged youth

EDUCATION Connecticut College New London, CT History Fairfield (CT) University M.Ed M. Crawford Gardner Recommendations

Ford is a dedicated and hardworking partner with a rich and varied insurance background. It was a great pleasure to work closely with Ford. I recommend Ford and hope to have the opportunity to work with him again.
Lee Greenberg, Strategic Advisor at Flowtech

I have known Ford for 17 years and he is one of the best people I've worked with. He is honorable, patient, diligent and dedicated to serving clients, co-workers and collaborators. He is hard-working and has a broad range of experience, knowledge and capabilities. He is a strategic thinker who can see the big picture while still being willing to work in the trenches when necessary. Ford is a consummate people person who always looks for a win-win approach in business and in life.
Peter McCrea, Business Development Advisor, Foundation Source

I've known Ford for many years. Throughout that time he's impressed me as a smart, intuitive person who brings distinct insight to any conversation. He offers creative solutions to complex problems. He's a team player, has the ability to work effectively with a wide spectrum of different people and will get the job done. Anyone would be lucky to have him as part of their team.
Christopher Bushnell, Executive Vice President Client Engagement at Media Management, Inc.

Ford is a very smart and conscientious. As a key member of my team for more than six years, he was a quiet leader who put service to clients before personal gain. He was a sports coach for students for over three decades: this says a great deal about his character. Ford is honest and a career professional who demonstrates a capacity for excellence. He is a real doer and very dependable.
G. Scott Diddel, Founder & CEO, Diddel & Diddel, LLC

I worked alongside Ford for over three years on many projects. Ford is extremely knowledgeable about certain types of financial, estate and charitable purposed planning. He was a tremendous asset and resource throughout our relationship. He has a great work ethic and I strongly recommend his services on all matters related to his personal business expertise.
Guy Neumann, President, Benefit Plan Advisors

Ford is a consummate professional who knows his product well. He works with a sense of urgency and definitely adds value to transactions he is involved with managing. Through his efforts, Five Star developed an important financial tool for benefactors and the charities they help support.
Ted McGraw, SVP, Wells Fargo Insurance Services

Ford is a quick study with excellent command of the written and spoken word. He delivers on time and on budget and has excellent business acumen. Finally, Ford's quick wit and sense of humor make him an excellent addition to any office environment. We recommend him highly.
Hank Berkowitz, Thought Leadership

I have known Ford for about 15 years. He is an intelligent, hardworking, valuable member of any organization. He would be a great addition to any team that could use a goal oriented self-starter.
Jim McCarthy, President, Empire State Benefits