Frieda Edgette and the team at Barbary Coast Consulting were instrumental in the formation, growth, and development of our organization. Without the direction of their dedicated professionals, we would still be a disjointed group of business owners with common goals but no connection. BCC helped with all facets of our group’s development - from guiding our internal structure and creating our brand identity to managing and coordinating our media outreach. BCC deftly guided us through the political landscape ensuring that we fostered long-term relationships at all levels of city government. Their understanding of the inner workings of City Hall was essential to our long term success. Sean Manchester California Music & Culture Association "When dozens of reporters camped out on my front door and rang my phone off the hook, hundreds of opportunities to lecture poured into my email account, new and intriguing opportunities vied for my attention, and requests for my time appeared never-ending, my family and I turned to Libby Smiley and Alex Clemens. They helped us set priorities, strategically think through events and opportunities, and manage many thousands of details. I have spent much of my life focusing on building good teams – and Libby, Alex and their colleagues are a good team. I’m glad they’re part of my team.” Chesley B. Sullenberger Pilot, US Airways Flight 1549 "In the process of opening a new store, Ralph Lauren needed to reach out to nearby residents and businesses. We hired Barbary Coast Consulting, and were amazed by the work their team did on our behalf.
When you hire a consultant, you want them to treat your project like their own - and that’s what Barbary Coast did for us. They met with residents, merchants, and community leaders, diplomatically negotiated a package of community benefits, built a supportive coalition, and advised us every step of the way. From the first day, they performed at the highest level and melded into our team so seamlessly that we forgot they were consultants." Cliff Sutherland, Senior Director Ralph Lauren “Barbary Coast Consulting is a great project partner. They deftly handle governmental liaison work, community issues, and run strategic messaging efforts for all manner of public affairs issues. Alex Clemens and his team take time to learn what their clients need to do their jobs as well as possible, and they’re available 24/7. I appreciate their ability to switch gears quickly – analyzing issues and problems from political, policy and legal perspectives. I enjoy working with them.” Andrew Junius Reuben and Junius "[Alexis’] dedication to detail, task-oriented follow up and proactive outreach have helped us move at a rate faster than we would have otherwise been able to in establishing ourselves back into the San Francisco community." Jennifer White California Culinary Academy "After six years of frustration and challenges, I held out little hope that my home expansion would get approved and that I would be able to move my elderly parents in to live with me. Desperate for someone who understood the political landscape of San Francisco, I was referred to Barbary Coast Consulting. From the onset, they guided my family and me throughout the entire process, working around-the-clock to make sure that we took all the necessary steps to make sure my neighbors and key decision makers were informed of my project. Despite my skepticism, the Barbary Coast team reassured me that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Sure enough, my project was approved unanimously. I cannot thank them enough." Delly Wong San Francisco Property Owner "With Barbary Coast, we hired the A-team of public affairs consultants to assist us in getting the largest municipal solar installation in California approved in San Francisco. Frieda Edgette and Jaime Rossi guided us with steady leadership, sound advice, resonant messaging, and strong community outreach. Their relationships in the community and at City Hall really helped make the difference in getting our project over the finish line." Arno Harris Recurrent Energy “With Barbary Coast on our team, we get to keep our focus on our core business and the big picture, confident that our consultant is on top of the hundreds of small details that must be managed well. We’re impressed at how deftly Alexis Smith handles the to-do lists, rides hard on the deadlines, produces the materials, preps us for meetings, and ensures that absolutely nothing slips through the cracks. We’re very glad she’s part of our team.” David Rhoades and Martin Sawa Urban Realty Co., Inc. "After concerned neighbors got the City to postpone our Fillmore Street ski jump event, we knew we needed to readjust our strategy. Barbary Coast Consulting showed us the way. They were swift, efficient, and effective. These guys are pros." Jonny Moseley 1998 Olympic Gold Medalist “The Barbary Coast team was of great assistance to Nordstrom. Whether Alex was handling complicated City Hall political matters or Alexis was creating partnerships with community organizations and ensuring that events and activities in San Francisco didn’t negatively affect our business, they were always focused on our best interests. Barbary Coast helped Nordstrom successfully navigate many issues, and I enjoyed working with them.” Alan Morrell Nordstrom “It is so important when seeking help in the government and community relations field that you get advice from people who are in touch with the current City leadership, rather than resting on past laurels. Alex Clemens and Jaime Rossi are the right people to turn for guidance in what is happening today in San Francisco. I was incredibly impressed with the work Jaime Rossi did in taking a project that was dead in the water because of community opposition and converting it to one with overwhelming community support. The project literally switched from one facing unanimous opposition by Planning Commissioners to a project having the Commission’s unanimous support. These guys are great.” Scott Emblidge Moscone Emblidge and Quadra “The Urban School hired Barbary Coast Consulting to guide us through a complex process involving media relations, community outreach and politics. Alex and his team quickly became an indispensable part of our effort. They managed communications in the community, at City Hall, and with the media; they introduced us to the decisionmakers who held our project’s fate in their hands; they helped us identify, build upon and leverage the strengths the Urban School had created over the years. Hiring Barbary Coast Consulting to assist us in our efforts ranks as one of the better decisions I’ve made.” Mark Salkind The Urban School "University High School worked closely with Barbary Coast Consulting to ensure our school expansion proposal went smoothly. We worked hand in hand, reaching out to our neighbors and the government officials who would review and approve our proposal. The Barbary Coast team was instrumental in guiding us through the approval process. We found them to be responsive, professional, knowledgeable, and great team players. We are very happy with the help we received from Barbary Coast, and delighted with the way everything turned out." James Chestnut University High School |