WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
GCS has served hundreds of businesses and organizations internationally. We are proud of the commitment we make to our clients' success and the results we deliver. At GCS, facilitating positive change is more than our driving purpose, it's our passion.

Diana Dykstra
Former President, California & Nevada CU Leagues
I have had the distinct honor to have worked with Neil on multiple projects over the past 20 years. His clarity in defining success and ability to keep complicated concepts simple made me a better CEO. The Escalator Effect keeps you looking forward and moving upward. I encourage you to take the first step by reading this book. Enjoy the process as the results are remarkable.
MIA PEREZ
Chief Administrative Officer, Coastal Credit Union
I've worked with Dr. Goldman in a number of capacities: as a facilitator for one of my professional organizations then again at my own credit union. There are many facilitators, but few provide actionable results. Neil is not only one of the most intelligent professionals I know, but he leaves you with real, tangible, and meaningful deliverables that you can implement today. Neil provided the framework for our corporate scorecard which has provided focus in our operations and allowed us to keep a constant pulse check on the performance of our organization. His delivery is effective, easily understood by volunteer board members, and relevant. His focus on clarity has helped our organization tremendously. And, it doesn't hurt that he's one of the most personable and humble folks around.
Brian Dorcy
President / CEO, Excite Credit Union
Neil provides an easy to understand process for developing a strategy to move your organization forward. As the new CEO of a 65-year-old organization which didn’t have focus or distinction, Neil was able to help me and the team define a new direction. Since working with GCS, the organization has grown by over 50% in under five years. What’s more important is that all stakeholders (employees, management and the Board of Directors) are finally on the same page.
RANDY SHULTZ
VP Marketing, Strum
What an honor to have the opportunity to cite Dr. Neil Goldman as not only one of the most dedicated, hard-working and respected business partners and industry advocates I know, but also one I count as a trusted friend. Neil’s interaction with clients, colleagues and organization leaders frequently reminds me of the catch phrase “what you see is what you get.” His role as an honest advisor, combined with their professionalism and drive to always go the extra mile is why we continue to count on GCS for their expertise and valuable insights beyond a normal scope of work. Enthusiasm, a good dose of adrenaline, vision and keen business sense…teamed with his own brand of humor and way to always leave you smiling – is why you won’t find a better person to work with than Neil Goldman…someone I consider a true friend in both my personal and professional life.
Laura apperson, mshr
Director of HR / OD, United States Appellate Court 9th District
Dr. Neil is perhaps the best consultant that I as an HR senior leader have had the pleasure and honor of partnering with. Neil emulates the principles of The Escalator Effect: listening and instilling inspiration into the core of the organization's foundation. The process helps to build,
or in many cases, rebuild, trust and collaboration even amongst the most fragmented of teams. His motive is simple: for all to be a part of continued success and forward momentum. The practices within The Escalator Effect helped the organization in countless positive ways.
DOUG CHAMBERS
President / CEO, ISUCU
Neil Goldman possesses the rare talent of building high functioning teams. His ability to ensure everyone has a voice in a group dynamic creates better dialogue and an environment where each person feels empowered and confident to express their opinions and share ideas. I recommend Neil’s work to anyone interested in deconstructing corporate echo chambers of agreement, and looking instead to build real trust and stronger teams.
Dr. BLAKE SILVERS
Superintendent of Schools, Wiseburn Unified School District
Dr. Goldman combines his expertise in organizational leadership and change with purposeful storytelling to inspire thoughtful, vision-focused, and compassionate leaders. The Escalator Effect engages leaders through four essential steps along a practical, strategic, and thought-provoking path. The Escalator Model provides a playbook for any organization seeking continuous improvement and ongoing success through a growth mindset and adaptability.
Avo Mkhitaryan, MBA, CCE, CCUIP
COO at Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union
We have worked with GCS on numerous strategic initiatives for several years, including Strategic Planning, Brand Awareness, Various Research Projects, and Net Promoter Score surveys for our employees. To say that we have received extraordinary service would truly be an understatement. The team is knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and prompt. Their knowledge of our Industry is admirable and has provided invaluable intelligence, which has been used to serve of our members and employees efficiently and effectively. I would highly recommend GCS as a strategic partner for virtually every business need.
Brian Dorcy
President & CEO, Excite Credit Union
It is with great enthusiasm that I share this testimonial for Goldman Consulting Services and, in particular, Dr Neil Goldman, whose expertise and dedication have profoundly influenced Excite Credit Union over the past seven years. Neil’s exceptional moderating skills have consistently fostered open dialogue, thoughtful reflection, and meaningful collaboration among our leadership team and board of directors. His ability to create an inclusive environment where every perspective is valued has elevated our discussions and ensured that strategic decisions are both well-informed and forward-looking.
Neil’s guidance has been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of Excite Credit Union. Through countless planning sessions, workshops, and board offsites, Neil has helped us crystallize our vision, refine our goals, and adapt to a changing marketplace. His insights and facilitation techniques have encouraged us to challenge assumptions, explore new possibilities, and stay true to our core values. As a result, our organization has grown stronger, more agile, and better equipped to serve our Members and community.
Goldman Consulting Services stands as a beacon of professionalism, integrity, and transformative impact. Neil’s steady hand and thoughtful approach have made him an indispensable partner in our journey, and we are sincerely grateful for the lasting contributions he has made to Excite Credit Union's ongoing success. I wholeheartedly recommend Neil Goldman and his team to any organization seeking not just a consultant, but a catalyst for meaningful change and lasting excellence.
ROBIN LENTZ
CEO, Cabrillo Credit Union
Foothill has had the pleasure of partnering with Neil Goldman and the GCS team for many years on a variety of strategic initiatives. From leading comprehensive brand research to facilitating impactful culture workshops, GCS consistently delivers meaningful results that move the organization forward. Neil’s ability to bring structure, clarity, and focus to our strategic planning process has been instrumental in advancing Foothill’s mission. The GCS team excels at asking insightful questions, fostering productive discussions, and incorporating diverse perspectives that strengthen our strategic direction. I wholeheartedly endorse GCS as a trusted partner and valuable contributor to any credit union’s strategic success.
TED HUNTINGTON
AVP of Marketing, AltaOne Credit Union
Our organization has worked with Neil Goldman on several occasions to conduct extensive research. It is an absolute pleasure working with Neil. He is brilliant, extremely thorough and highly professional.
RICH JONES
President, Leading2Leadership
Neil brings an amazing sense of passion, skill and knowledge to everything he does. As a presenter, he knows how to connect with an audience and engage them into a robust conversation. As a businessperson, he understands the value of creating and nurturing trusting relationships and bring unique value to the table. As a friend, he know how to lift you up and make you and your ideas seem relevant and important. Any way you engage Neil you will get a great spirit, great attitude, great value and will walk away a better person.
JEFF STEPHENS
CEO, Creative Brand Communications
Neil has unmatched expertise in research, with particularly deep experience and insights into the credit union industry. Many of my clients have worked with Neil, as well, which speaks to his noted reputation as a go-to guy for research and consulting. I'd definitely recommend Neil for research, management consulting and strategic planning.
MARK DEBELLIS
President, PSB
Our company has enjoyed a 10 year relationship with Neil and his firm. Neil is a true professional that marries strong analytics and creative insight with a warm and engaging style. I've met few people like Neil in my professional career and would heartily recommend him as a researcher, consultant, and business coach.
EVAN HITCHCOCK
Marketing Manager, E-Central CU
I highly recommend Neil Goldman and his company. His work is outstanding and he is always insightful with expert advice. He’s easy to work with; and more importantly, gets the job done on time and on budget.
KRISTIN DOVE
VP, Marketing, Pacific Services CU
Smart and funny...what more could a client ask for? Working with Neil is a pleasure. A true expert in his field but with the added bonus of being a really nice guy. You won't be disappointed if you hire him.
STEVE LEVIN
VP Marketing, NIH Federal Credit Union
I enthusiastically endorse Dr. Goldman to any organization looking for an enthusiastic, thoughtful and engaging partner for their research endeavors. Dr. Goldman provided timely, professional and spot-on support for the credit union’s re-branding and expansion efforts. This included surveys, branch intercepts, and member/prospect focus groups. The analysis and recommendations were well developed and his ongoing advice and observations were critical to the success of these initiatives. You will enjoy working with Dr. Goldman – a bright, smart, caring professional and also an all-around incredibly great guy.
