The WestWord Group is made up of people with a track record of performance both as providers of business services, and as clients.
We understand the challenges and pressures that face business leaders, and we work with clients to find answers to their questions and issues that are not just right, but possible - answers that aren't prepackaged - answers that fit each client's unique needs and circumstances - answers that actually work.
Leadership
For more than twenty years, Garland worked for Cargill, Incorporated, an international commodity, food, and financial services company, serving as vice president of public affairs and director of corporate communications. He also served as a senior vice president and managing director for the international brand and identity firm, Enterprise IG. In 2001, Garland helped start the WestWord Group. Garland is an honors graduate of Wake Forest University.
A.J. has over 15 years of experience helping small companies get turned around and getting new ventures off the ground. A.J. started his career working on Capitol Hill as a legislative aide. Afterward, he pursued a career in advertising where he worked for clients including 3M, Cargill and Target. In 2001, he helped create the WestWord Group, and marking and business venture consultancy that work primarily with food companies. A.J. has a degree in economics from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.
Ron has years of experience in international business law, with expertise in contracts and business negotiations. In addition to a diverse international client list, Ron works with a number of venture capital groups. He is well versed on almost all legal issues that face start-up businesses. Ron is a graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law.
Joe has extensive experience in both consumer and business-to-business marketing. As founder and president of Garritano Group, Joe has helped both large and small companies grow revenues and expand margins through innovative marketing and results driven business strategy. A graduate of Michigan State University, Joe is a frequent lecturer at St. Thomas University and the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business.
Having a B.Sc. degree in Business Information Systems, John has worked as a Project Manager throughout his career for companies including SARPRAZ – Petros Kiriakidis Group of Companies and Technopolis S.A. During last year, he is working as a Project Manager and Web Consultant for several clients from various sectors including PR, foods, graphical arts, services etc.