The Team

Our team is comprised of three individuals with careers in Marketing, Sales, Fundraising and Public Relations, with a combined experience of over 40 years.   Tenure includes leading these efforts in Fortune 500 companies, national broadcasting and publishing firms, as well as political  and non-profit organizations.  Though we have the capability to  focus globally, we have strong sense of community and are  very involved in efforts right in our own backyard.  We have each been based in the Central Florida Community for the last 25 years, on average. In that we offer all the benefits and insights of  a major U.S. Marketing Organization, but bring the value  and attention of working with a small company.

Mary Gardner
Mary Gardner enters Persimmon as one of the dynamic young forces behind the exciting avenue of career development known as “business coaching.” Mary has helped numerous business executives, sales professionals, entrepreneurs and celebrities achieve the success they need in both their personal and professional lives.

Mary’s diverse background in the fields of entertainment, sales and communications has provided her with hands-on expertise on effective coaching. Mary background includes time on Capitol Hill for Senator Paul Laxalt (R-NV) on the Subcommittee of Criminal Law, a Division of the Judiciary Committee. From there, was a celebrity lecture agent with Keppler Speakers in Washington, D.C., where she worked with such renowned personalities as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., William F. Buckley and Senator George McGovern, actors Charlton Heston and Suzanne Somers, and comedians Jeff Foxworthy, Carottop, Jerry Seinfeld, and Rita Rudner.

Mary then started her own public relations firm, which organized national media campaigns for numerous authors, athletes, lawyers, politicians, and other professionals, she represented a wide variety of personalities, ranging from Olympic gold medalist swimmer Melvin Stewart, to New Jersey high school principal Joe Clark, the inspiration for the critically acclaimed film “Lean on Me.”

Mary later launched The Coaches Certification Institute in Princeton, NJ. She was a coach and trainer with organizations such as Goldman Sachs, Mercedes Benz, Computer Associates and The Mony Group and several large Wall Street institutions. She was the Lifestyles Editor for The Tony Trupiano Show on the Talk America Radio Network.

Mary appeared on the ABC John Stossel special, “Social Cruelty, The In-Crowd”. Mary self published her book; “Insiders Guide to Professional and Motivational Speaking”. Mary co-wrote a story that is featured in the 6th addition of the international best seller, “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”, and has also contributed many articles to national publications in the area of public speaking, charisma and sales skills. Mary was a regular contributor to FOX’s and ABC’s Charlotte bureaus.

Mary is currently a regular business columnist for the Orlando Business Journal, and has a popular and active blog at www.marygardner.com. Her book, “Blessed Chaos! A family Journey in ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Frustration, Faith and Food” , Chronicles her journey of raising a son who is a bit “unique” It’s a support to families who struggle everywhere.

Mary is a graduate of Auburn University.