John K. Burke
Founder & President
Talent & Energy Inc.

John has had a remarkable sales, public relations and marketing career that evolved into corporate strategic solutions. It's not where he began, but it's where 30 years of national and international sales and marketing have propelled him.

"Strategic Solutions makes great sense today. It fits. And I love the diversity and challenge of helping several clients solve problems and reach marketing and communications goals." Says John

Growing up one of seven children in Rochester, New York, John showed early signs of leadership as captain of the Varsity Soccer team and graduation student speaker at St. Bonaventure University. John went on to graduate from the International Senior Management program at the Harvard Business School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1977, he took his first step up the success ladder as unit sales manager with Colgate-Palmolive Company. Twenty four months later, he was named "Outstanding Salesman of the Year" and promoted. By 1981, and still in his 20's, he was promoted twice more and responsible for budgeting, hiring, marketing and training for a staff of 100. In 1985, he took another step up when named Southwest Regional Sales Manager in Texas with a sales team of 135 in 17 states.

John's next move was more like a quantum leap. In 1988, he was appointed body care National Sales Manager - the youngest in the company's history. Within months, John was assigned to an eight-member worldwide task force to recommend and develop global strategic initiatives for the entire company. And just like that, his interest in pursuing International business was born.

By the end of 1988, John was Vice President of Colgate-Palmolive Italy, the company's fourth largest subsidiary. A national staff of 200, plus an in-office team of 30 - most of whom only spoke Italian, were quickly captivated by their young American boss who immersed himself in their culture and customs, while bringing a new sales dynamic to the organization. Soon after came European coordinator for sales and eventually, Sales & Marketing Director - in New Zealand.

Being in New Zealand reminded me of just how far we've come in the U.S. in marketing and sales. "Working there," John observes, "is like stepping back in time. We were able to bring all of our ideas and technologies to the South Pacific. It was an amazing experience."

Wearied by nine moves in 15 years, and recruited by several top firms, John decided to make the break from Colgate that would alter his life. He returned to Texas as Senior Vice President of Foster-Grant sunglasses, and was instrumental in dressing up the company for sale to an international concern two years later. He also parlayed his motivational sales training expertise by speaking before other companies and business groups. This has propelled him to national prominence in this field. In the past 10 years, John has spoken to tens of thousands of salespeople from dozens of industries, including giving the keynote address with such giants as Coca-Cola, Starbucks and his next challenge - Reebok's wholly owned subsidiary, Avia Group International.

A great sports lover and enthusiast, John was attracted to this industry. And the sports industry was attracted to him. John was invited to become Senior Vice President of the company, sit on its five-member board, and oversee five sales divisions. The perennial "quick study" John was soon named co-chairman of the Athletic Footwear Association. Sales at Avia rose dramatically. And John's cost cutting measures shaved 35% from the bottom line. But, it was now time to really spread his wings.

After 20 years of corporate structure, discipline and training, John had to try his hand as owner and entrepreneur. In 1995, John began a full-service public relations agency and marketing / brand management firm with offices in New York and South Florida. As President of the firm, John quickly used his past experiences to secure long-term projects with Johnson & Johnson and Gillette's Oral B division.

Today, that agency has evolved into Talent & Energy. "It's been a lifelong dream to lead a team of professionals with specific talents and the drive to make an immediate impact on any company" states John. And its no surprise they are already creating a buzz in the industry. Talent & Energy has secured an array of clients in record time.

Talent & Energy is a team of marketers, brand managers, sales vice presidents, graphic artists, trainers, editors, advertising managers and entrepreneurs all brought together to assist clients with expertise and experience that they could never assemble internally, much less afford. It's a highly specialized project team of independent contractors under the direction of John who are called upon to perform various functions depending on the scope and timing of a project. The project team concept is adapted from the successes of the leading corporations in America who have brought together their best to lead a specific timed project. John and his team have an interesting story to tell, and love exploring ways that they can assist businesses both large and small. Call him. He's a great guy too.