Accelerated Learning Systems

For the first ten years of Accelerated Learning Systems existence the firm thrived in the intensely competitive New York City Metro market. Based in Randolph, NJ, just 40 miles from downtown New York, the firm focused on serving the New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania markets for "business specific experiential" learning. During this period the firm developed a solid reputation among the best and the brightest of the Fortune 500 firms in a wide range of industries and applications.

Notable clients include: Accenture, BASF, Black & Decker, Boehringer Ingelheim, Booz Allen Hamilton, Cisco Systems, Cooper Tire, Corning, Cytec, Dell Computers, Dun & Bradstreet, Duracell, Ethicon, First Brands, GAF Building Materials, GE Aircraft Engines, GE Capital, GE Healthcare, The Guardian, IBM, International Specialty Products, ICI Americas, T.J. Lipton, Matsushita Electric (Panasonic), Metropolitan Transit Authority, Merck & Co., Microsoft, Murata Electronics, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, The Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, Royal Insurance, Sandvik Coromat, Siemens Corporation, SKF USA, Sony, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Young & Rubicam.

With the impact of the World Wide Web it became increasing obvious that a virtual organization like Accelerated Learning Systems could operate from "virtually" anywhere. Since Gery Cummings, the founder and owner of the firm, and his wife, Bettie Cummings where both from Mississippi a decision was made to relocate the business to Starkville, Mississippi, home of Mississippi State University. On October 1, 2000 the firm moved its operation to Mississippi close to family, old friends and Mississippi State ballgames.

With the help of e-mail, the web, 800, 888, 877 numbers we plan to stay just as close to our established base in the New York Metro area as always. At the same time we plan to find new applications for our special base of learning tools in the Southeast and the rest of the USA and world.

Gery A. Cummings - founder of Accelerated Learning Systems, Inc.

A business owner, consultant and facilitator Gery Cummings helps organizations improve key processes that impact business results. He specializes in premier business-specific experiential learning and pioneered the delivery of Celemi programs throughout the U.S. He has experience in and delivered training initiatives that focus on business acumen, knowledge management, change management, bridging silos, consultative sales development, team building, and values vs. results, among others.

Gery's career includes serving as Board Member and Vice President of Sales for Porter Henry & Co., and Manager of Sales Training for Ingersoll-Rand. He was an Assistant Vice President at Continental Insurance, and held several sales management and marketing positions with Pitney Bowes. He is founder and principal of Accelerated Learning Systems, a consulting company that specializes in advanced experiential learning techniques. Gery earned a B.A. degree in Marketing from Mississippi State University. He serves clients from his Starkville, MS office and enjoys gardening, following MSU sports and reading in his spare time.

Name some organizations with which you've worked.

Accenture, BASF, Cisco Systems, Corning, Dell Computer, Dun & Bradstreet, Ethicon, GAF Building Materials, GE Aircraft Engines, IBM, Matsushita Electric, Microsoft, Motorola, Smith & Nephew, University of Dayton.

How does this experience benefit what you offer clients today?

It enables me to make a quick connection with their needs. Because of my varied experience in the corporate arena and as a consultant, I'm able to get to the heart of the issue quickly. I can pull from solutions that have worked in similar situations in order to target the right issues and adapt programs precisely and effectively to each client's particular climate and culture.

What's the best thing you do for clients?

I have the ability to work effectively at the executive level, where we focus primarily on strategy, at the middle where the focus is implementation and at the rank and file level. At all levels I use experience, empathy and energy to help participants relate to the learning. The result is a smooth and effective working relationship during the consulting, development and the training delivery process.

What delights you about your work?

It's a lot of fun. I especially enjoy experiential-based learning because people are totally engaged in the process. That's an environment in which people really learn and truly enjoy the experience. We double the learning effect in half the time of traditional training methods, and have fun at the same time.

What are your personal "business words to live by?"

"Training when you can't see the real business need is like trying to drive looking out the rear view mirror." You won't get anywhere if you can't see where you need to go. Companies first must figure out what they need to accomplish, then analyze competencies and design training that relates directly to current business needs.

If you could make only one thing happen for your clients, what would it be?

Reap the benefits of their training investment all the way up to increased shareholder value.

Email Gery at: geryc@alsinc.com