What our Clients are Saying
Sprint
“Throughout the course of this national project with more than 4,000 devices we increased the
overall discounts to 15% for monthly services, combined 40 accounts into one account, and eliminated multiple carrier solutions in a large portion of the West Region. The Above the Standard Procurement Group team drove this project by gathering detailed information regarding the current systems deployed and understanding the long term cost for those systems. We were better able to understand where Sprint was and was not a fit. The bottom line result was almost a 44% cost reduction per year. This resulted in more than $2,100,000 in savings for the contract term!”
Jon Schoepflin, Texas, Major Account Executive, Sprint
Corporate Printing Solutions
“I worked with Above the Standard Procurement Group to reduce costs and centralize all print, stationary, envelopes, business cards, and miscellaneous marketing items across the U.S. in more than 300 locations. The outcome for the company was a cost reduction of more than 30%, increased efficiency, brand management and standardization, and a 24/7 online ordering system. I would recommend Above the Standard to any client for cost reduction and increased efficiency.”
Scott Hargest, Maryland, CEO, Corporate Printing Solutions
Del-Jen (Fluor Company)
“We have known Ted Landgraf / Above the Standard and have had a great relationship with them since 2007. In July, 2011, procurement training was provided to us by them for several of our senior staff and purchasing agents. The feedback from our staff is that it was one of the best and most practical training’s they have ever attended. There is no doubt that anyone who works with Above the Standard Group will benefit like we have, because they went above and beyond. They care about long-term working relationships and understand Department of Labor requirements and the needs of the program.”
Jim Cashin Sr., Glendale, AZ, Dir. Administration & Operation, Del-Jen (Fluor Company)
ETR
“Above the Standard Procurement Group, Inc. (Above the Standard) came in and helped us to do the following:
- Created Technical Guides for thirteen different areas in our organization;
- Centralized Standard Operating Procedures from each location to one standard for some areas (procurement, property, finance, and administration);
- Reduced costs for office supplies by 47% (more than $250,000), janitorial, cleaning and green supplies by 24% (more than $120,000), and copiers by 17% (more than $70,000);
- Assessed our procurement systems for compliance with procurement plans for improvement; and
- Provided procurement, green, assessment, and management training to our staff at each ETR location.”
“Above the Standard’s sense of professionalism and timeliness of our needs was almost as strong as his knowledge base on our business as a government contractor. Above the Standard has become an excellent resource for ETR in the areas of procurement and technical training…. We are fortunate to have found them!!!”
Geiger
“We at Geiger worked with the Above the Standard team in putting together a successful national company store program for a large multi-billion dollar company. Objectives were to reduce overall costs for branded promotional products and logo apparel while at the same time reinforcing the companies brand through consistent use of the company’s identity throughout their various divisions. They made their objectives very clear to us from the start and then worked carefully with us to craft a successful program that remains in effect to this day.”
“Cost savings to the company amounted to 15% plus the resulting consistent display of the companies brand in all regions. Efficiency improved greatly as Geiger acted as the single point of contact company-wide for all issues regarding use and display of logo on branded merchandise and apparel.”
Scott Boyages, CAS, Massachusetts, Geiger Sales Partner
Fortune 100 Financial Institution
“Above the Standard was involved in a national fleet project that streamlined efficiency and reduced costs across the U.S. During this time the company went through an extensive RFP project for their entire corporate fleet. They were very involved in the project and their research was thorough and comprehensive.”
Account Manager, Fleet Services, Maryland
PanAmerican
“With Above the Standard, they have created an outstanding service that can save any business money, increase purchasing productivity and – importantly – provide stability in these difficult economic times. He has assembled a comprehensive network of premier vendors, strategic partnerships and industry experts that can substantially increase short- and long-term profitability. I strongly encourage business owners, in any vertical, to contact them.”
Jeff Greenberg, Managing Partner, PanAmerican
Capital One Bank
“Above the Standard is an action oriented company with a laser-like focus on saving their clients money. Their deep experience and team-based approach allows them to help companies set up new money savings processes that memorialize their savings methods for years to come”
Steve Dolbow, Vice President, Capital One Bank NA
Cheek Consulting
“I have worked directly with Ted in the Solar Energy area and in the development of the ATSPG business development. They are honest, motivated, strategically orientated and can see business opportunities and act on them. His currently company, ATSPG, is hitting a sweet spot to enable companies to save through various forms of partnership. I recommend ATSPG and am pleased to be working with him.”
Gary Cheek, Owner, Cheek Consulting
Genesis Management Group
“Above the Standard are the consummate professionals in their field. I am impressed by their ability to create value and deliver results, and are undisputed leaders in the arena of procurement cost reduction.
Chris Parsons, Director, Genesis Management Group
Global Consumer Products
“ATS has high moral character. Their knowledge, experience, and success in the procurement industry speak for itself. They have the great ability to listen, define the needs, and then create a successful action plan to meet the client’s needs. Their procurement organization is a reflection of his work and beliefs. I recommend their organization to any business needing a true professional partner.”
Garry Quarles, Owner, Global Consumer Products
Valassis
Above the Standard is very conscientious and knowledgeable of their product and industry. They freely share their knowledge base and time to insure that their colleagues and clients understand how to apply that knowledge properly. Above the Standard is not only passionate about their industry, but about the people as well. In short, he’s passionate about life; and that passion is expressed through his work, family and business. I’m sure that any time you spend in association with them will lead you to the same conclusion!
Eric Fields, Systems Analyst, Valassis
XO Communications
“I have worked with Above the Standard Procurement Group, Inc. (ATSPG) for approximately almost six years for wireless and communication solutions. The primary objective for each project has been to provide a one-carrier solution where possible, with the most functionality, at the least cost, without jeopardizing quality. Throughout each project I interacted frequently with Above the Standard’s teams, and found them to be organized, team players, communicated well, and always delivered on time.”
“Above the Standard is one of the most detail oriented groups of people I have worked with in the industry. It gives me great satisfaction to not only work with ATSPG, look forward to future projects, and we are proud to be an ATSPG Premier Vendor.”
Major Account Executive, XO Communications
Ron Baker
“I reported to Ted Landgraf during a need for a procurement consultant for one of their client’s projects. Initially, I found the organization to wear a very unique name, however, upon partnering with Above the Standard, while watching their work ethics, qualities, and personal communication traits take place I know why the name was chosen. They not only bring an extremely high level of energy and procurement knowledge to clients, but they present themselves and their service in a way which truly puts their clients at ease.
In addition, they always maintain a very professional and positive attitude while working with both clients and staff. I would highly recommend them to any potential business associate and organization.”
Ronald Baker, Independent Consultant
AZ Solutions
“My name is Brad Sternberg, owner and CEO of AZ Solutions. I have had the honor to work with Above the Standard on several projects. I have found them to be fair, cutting edge, efficient, and effective. Each procurement project has helped me to know and understand exactly what was needed. I would recommend Above the Standard to anyone, whether a vendor, a client, and/or a corporate opportunity.”
Brad Sternberg, AZ Solutions
Owner/Sara Lee Franchise
“After budget over runs for the last three years, higher cost of materials, payroll, and other areas, by utilizing procurement cost reduction and increasing efficiencies with Above the Standard’s team of professionals, we are in the black now. Above the Standard were true experts in what they did for us – they met deadlines and implemented procurement procedures and policies. And above all his people take a personable interest and take your companies best interest at heart.”
Terry D. McClain, Alabama, Owner/CEO
YWCA of Greater Los Angeles
“Above the Standard Procurement Group is the premiere go-to company for cost savings, efficiency and training! They worked beyond expectation with the YWCA Greater Los Angeles on various tasks in procurement, finance, and administration; saving us thousands! Above the Standard Procurement Group carries the highest level of integrity and professionalism and I am pleased to recommend them to anyone looking for a better way of managing.”
Elsa Luna, CEO, YWCA of Greater Los Angeles
Republic Real Estate and Development Company
“Ted Landgraf and his team worked with one of the largest Native American Casinos in the U.S. They were responsible for the development of a procurement department, as well as streamlining the efficiencies, processes, and procedures. The results of the reorganized systems and processes of procurement and asset management was a savings in the millions of dollars annually.”
Mark Heiser, Nevada, Vice President, Republic Real Estate and Development Company
HK Sports
“My company, HK Sports, worked with the Above the Standard Procurement Group team to select us as a national company for uniform, sportswear…. supply to all their locations across the nation. Because of the process, cost was reduced to the client, communication increased; there was more efficiency, better customer service, and greater satisfaction.”
Jason Phipps, Virginia, CEO, HK Sports
Dyno Nobel
“Ted Landgraf, his team, and I worked together on a national procurement program in more than twenty locations for the supply of explosives products and services. As part of the program a Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) known as Blast Optimization was used significantly reducing Aggregate Industries operating costs, while increasing productivity.”
EJ Burke, Texas, General Manager, North America, Dyno
Horizon Youth Services
“Horizon Youth Services has had Above the Standard provide procurement and training services to our company, such as: Green Regulations; Contractor Purchasing System Review Regulations; Procurement Process and Procedures; the RFP process; and other Procurement related topics. Their expertise has helped our staff from all across the country understand Government contracting requirements and provided a platform for greater efficiencies.”
Peter J. Calvo, New Jersey, President, Horizon Youth Services
Staples
“During my time working with Above the Standard, I found them to be very upstanding, honest and trustworthy. They never held back information and were completely fair and unbiased in their decision making process. I look forward to working with them in future endeavors.”
Jon Butwin, Business Development Manager, Staples, Inc.
SAVE
“I highly recommend Above the Standard! There is no doubt “Above and Beyond” will serve your needs and save you money! The CEO, Ted Landgraf, is one of the most diligent and hard working men I know!!!”
Lon Calkins, Board Member, SAVE
EXCEED Corporation
“Ted Landgraf is an exceptional professional. His skills as a project manager are unrivaled and he is one of the more dependable colleagues I have ever worked with. His knowledge of ISO 9001 is unsurpassed in the field of quality assurance and his work product comes in at the highest level of proficiency. I would recommend Ted and Above the Standard without reservation and feel that he would do well at whatever task he was asked to undertake.”
Eugene Rudder, Project Manager, EXCEED Corporation
RCAP Solutions
“Mr. Landgraf has impressive talents and a willingness to do what it takes to get things done. He developed systems to improve tracking, follow up and accountability; spearheaded an overhaul of company operating procedures as well as employees evaluations and job descriptions which was a massive effort; instituted regular contacts with field staff to improve communication and follow through to ensure results; and was creative in identifying strategies that bridge gaps between corporate and field staff in order to meet objectives.”
Ben El-Qasem, MBA, Massachusetts, Chief Financial Officer, RCAP Solutions
Object Points
“I have worked with Ted Landgraf and his team for more than ten years. I have had the pleasure of working on several projects ranging from training and development, to management systems, to procurement systems.”
“With my background in IT as an upper manager, and having owned my own computer IT company, I have more than 25 years in the industry of managing groups and teams. With this said, I want you to understand that Ted has a unique quality of simplifying things with technology. He is an out of the box implementer, yet knows the proper foundation in each situation, that he builds from.”
Jeff Joslin, Washington, Owner