About Larry ...
Larry earned his Master’s Degree from Portland State University, focusing on group dynamics and interpersonal communication. After graduation, he worked as a clinical social worker for five years before joining a small, entrepreneurial telecommunications company as marketing rep. This business experience proved to be his “on-the-job MBA.” There he learned the critical organizational and operational factors that contribute to a highly-empowered customer-focused company.
Four years later, he joined a growing healthcare company in Portland, OR as a marketing representative. As part of his role, he presented a customer service workshop over twelve months. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to be a full-time corporate trainer/organizational development specialist. In addition to leading management development workshops, he conducted assessments and employee surveys, facilitated team-building retreats, and consulted with managers on employee performance and morale issues.
Today, he owns and manages Compass Consulting Group (a division of Larry Ferguson & Associate, Inc.). His focus is on partnering with senior managers to identify ways of aligning employee performance with customer expectations to increase market share and customer retention. Depending upon the situation and desired outcomes, he employs a variety of tools to achieve results: individual coaching, workshops, retreats, training classes, self-paced study tools, etc. He is particularly skilled in assisting operational or customer service teams that have lost their effectiveness due to internal political turmoil, lack of clear direction, or differences in work styles.
When asked why they select Larry to work with their companies, clients consistently cite three reasons: (1) engaging individuals and teams at a level that produces high quality results, (2) having real world experience as a project team member and leader, and (3) demonstrating the determination to insure that results “stick.”
Larry has been an active Board member of the American Society for Training and Development, Cascadia Chapter. He served as the 2004 President. He is also an active member of Tabor Toastmasters and currently serves as President. In addition, he teaches a six-week course on “Group Process and Development,” at PSU’s Professional Development Center.
Today, he lives with his wife, Chris, in Portland, OR, their home for over 29 years. When not actively involved in training or business operations, you'll find him in a number of organized long distance bike events (50 to 200 miles). Or, at Troutdale Airport, flying as an instrument-rated private pilot or working to earn his commercial rating
Contact him to learn more.