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The Story:

"Blue is a stable, loyal and approachable color ~ the River has long been a form of guidance and a communication tool for many cultures throughout history.... BlueRio Strategies^TM has been an evolution, all stemming from a passionate belief in fair, loyal, ethical guidance, integrated branding, communication, collaboration and smart consulting." Jessi LaCosta

The Vision: BlueRio's vision is to use brain & mind science, mindfulness and branding to transform the way that leadership is developed and sustained.   I believe there is power in this approach for organizations and communities to effectively live out their visions and be the best they can be.   My vision is also that in this brain-based, relationship-focused solution, meaningful, transformational, empowering partnerships are formed. BlueRio Strategies aims to make a difference in the world, starting first with helping organizations, their leaders and other mission-minded people articulate and live out their visions.

The Mission: To help transform leaders, organizations, and communities into being effective, healthy and sustainable, through a creative blend of brand leadership building, strategic coaching and consulting. My core values: Integrity Respect Authenticity Compassion Empathy Quality

The DNA Story: LaCosta started her career in marketing, branding and communications. Yet, she always found extraordinary fulfillment when helping others accomplish their goals. In fact, without really knowing it she had been coaching staff and colleagues all along. After some prompting from some colleagues, LaCosta studied and practiced Coaching as a profession. What the Clients Say. "Jessi's client-focused and individualized approach to issues of strategic planning and branding inspired confidence in her ability to provide custom-tailored coaching to both individual and group projects. CLICK HERE to read more about the clients.

BlueRio is in the NEWS. (click NEWS for more information.)

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Our Team: Founder

Jessi LaCosta is a thought-leader, and specialist who focuses on organizational effectiveness through Brand Leadership as the core method for achieving results. This includes approaches such as visioning, coaching, facilitation, training, strategic planning, conflict resolution and strategic communications. She is a dynamic coach and strategist with more than 15 years experience in reputation management, brand development and organizational communication. Her firm serves professionals, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations on a national basis. Her clients regard her style as laser-like focusing on issues and problem solving, but always with a compassionate, positive and creative approach. She is very skilled in helping others find clarity in their situations whether they stem from extreme challenge or high potential.  She has a BS in Corporate Media, an MA in Publication Design, a Certificate in Leadership and is trained in Mediation for the state of California. She enjoys reading, singing, visiting museums and days at the beach. Her next adventure involves learning how to surf. She is a dedicated volunteer for several San Diego nonprofits and serves as a board member at the University of Baltimore Alumni Association and just elected to the San Diego chapter's OD Network Board of Governors as the Co-Vice President of Marketing and Membership. She is also a student in the Graduate Level Certificate Program: Interpersonal Neurobiology. Learn more about her here. Follow her on Twitter: BlueRioBranding

AFFILIATE Team Consultants:
To best serve my clients, I will often partner with other respected professionals with similar missions & visions in the HR, OD, Training and Coaching industries.

Chris Saunders is a Communications Specialist at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, working with media relations, website and publications. He is also is a media consultant, specializing in interview coaching, crisis communications, video production and is an adjunct instructor with the California Specialized Training Institute of the state government's California Emergency Management Agency. Saunders is the former Public Affairs and Community Relations Officer for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and before that served as Executive Director of the Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc., a non-profit citizen volunteer crisis team which works closely with police, firefighters and other emergency responders. Chris worked for 20 years as a producer, reporter and anchor at KFMB television, Channel 8. He won numerous awards, including three Emmy's and the Sol Price Award for Excellence in Journalism from the Society of Professional Journalists, as well as the San Diego Consumer Attorneys Media Person of the Year award. Because of his passion for volunteer work, Chris also serves on the board of directors of the San Diego Crime Victims Fund and is also active in the San Diego Regional Hate Crimes Coalition. Chris is a graduate of Towson University in Baltimore, and lives with his wife and two daughters in Encinitas.

Mark Edmead obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in business management and organizational leadership. He is a sought-after author and instructor on organizational development, leadership, change management, and how companies can meet their strategic objectives. Mark has consulted with Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies in the areas of change management, organizational development, and technology strategic alignment. He has worked with many international firms, and has delivered presentations and seminars in United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Mexico, Japan, China, Singapore and Europe. His articles have appeared in: Western Banking, Compliance Advisor Magazine, Mobile Advisor Magazine, IIA Insights, IT Compliance Journal, Gaming and Leisure Magazine, and The Auditor. Mark has developed and delivered courses for the SANS Institute, MIS Institute and the University of California San Diego, and currently a trainer at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Technology Training Corporation and Learning Tree International. He is also an adjunct professor at Keller Graduate School of Management and teaches business development and leadership courses at the Professional Development Academy. Mark is a master trainer, facilitator, and storyteller and has a very energetic and entertaining style that keeps audiences attention from start to finish. Mark is a member of the International Association of Facilitators, National Speakers Association (NSA), the Organization Development Institute, the Organization Development Network, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).

Will Grupenhoff is a passionate and driven leader that has over 23 years of successful sales management and marketing experience in a variety of industries from building products to high tech data storage and software sales. His superior achievements in creating strategic sales & marketing plans have led to greatly increased market share, considerable sales increases, greater profits and winning product launches. Will’s sales philosophy centers around a consultative sales approach and pull through/market building strategy that engages every buyer and influencer in the purchasing process. He has a keen sense for operational strategy and how all departments can work together to achieve bottom-line success. Will has proven leadership success in transitioning teams and companies during high-stress situations like mergers and acquisitions.   Will’s MBA from San Diego State University combined with real world experience running companies as a General Manager, as a co-founder of a software startup and extensive experience working with executive management, provides client companies with a sales and marketing executive that understands all aspects of an operation. He is an accomplished photographer and loves to surf and golf when time allows.

Voluntary Advisory Board Members:

Cathy Benson, has over 20 years experience in sales, development and executive management in the nonprofit sector. She is a sought-after professional for transitional management and organizational improvement. Cathy has worked primarily on the medical side of things including positions as the Executive Director of the Del/Mar region of the American Diabetes Association and as the President and CEO of the Eastern Pennsylvania Arthritis Foundation Chapter. For six years she also assumed large responsibilities as the Executive Vice President of the Delaware Goodwill Industries. Recently, Benson was promoted to Vice President, Field Operations for the Arthritis Foundation’s national office. She has a BA/AS from the University of Delaware. When not running a nonprofit, Benson enoys being a part-time yoga and kick-boxing finstructor at her local YMCA.

Tony Gates is a successful leader and charismatic West Point graduate with 14 years with Pfizer – including sales, training, and district management, 11 years in the military - including command of troops, and 2 years as a director with Insituform Technologies - the world’s premiere trenchless underground pipeline rehabilitation company. Tony launched a successful advocacy practice in Omaha, NE, where he worked with several non-profits, institutions, and businesses. He was also appointed to the Omaha City Planning Board.    He has a Masters Degree, superb analytical and operational expertise, and is experienced in community, government and public affairs/relations. In addition, Tony has hands-on experience in business operations, sales and marketing, and knows how to assemble, train, and motivate teams of successful sales representatives and managers. Tony is now putting his experience to work by motivating, empowering, and coaching individuals and groups, as well as facilitating and conducting various meetings and training sessions. He is also an accomplished speaker. Tony served his country as an Army officer in the Field Artillery, and enjoys playing golf, sports, staying current in news, and spending time with his family. He sits on the boards of directors of the West Point Society of Northern California, and the Pleasant Grove Jr Eagles Football and Cheer Organization, and is actively engaged and involved in several social media organizations in the Sacramento, CA area.