Thursday, November 16, 2006

Marblehead resident Tim Brenton is an ardent and active member of the board of directors for the North Shore Arc.

"If you knew Tim the way most people do - he is passionate about his work, his family and in promoting something he truly believes in," said the organization in a press release. "Tim's sense of focus and commitment has led to the development of a successful small business, the Brenton Group Inc., and to providing leadership and guidance to the North Shore Arc for more than 15 years."

Brenton has served as president, secretary and is currently vice president of the board of directors and, according to Arc, has been a significant catalyst to boost fund-raising efforts for the Development Committee as well.

"Tim's keen sense of business savvy has helped the North Shore Arc to become the vibrant business operation that it is today," said the organization.

During his tenure as principal of the well-known Boston-based advertising agency Arnold Worldwide, he was approached by the National Down Syndrome Association and led successful local fund-raising efforts, thanks in large part to deep connections and the admiration and respect of business colleagues, according to Arc. This was how Brenton became familiar with the North Shore Arc.

"I have to admit, my commitment to the North Shore Arc may have been a bit self-absorbed at first," said Brenton, whose 16-year-old daughter, Hilary, has Down syndrome. "The North Shore Arc enabled us to give Hilary the path to a strong education and inclusion in community life to develop the academic and social skills that she needs. The North Shore Arc has helped my family tremendously, and we have experienced first hand the kind of caring, compassionate programs that the Arc provides to thousands of families here on the North Shore."

Brenton spends a great deal of his time raising awareness and helping to raise funds for the Arc's programs and services.

"I remain committed to the Arc not only to ensure the continuation of programs and services for my daughter, but - after seeing the depth and breadth of programs and services that the Arc provides - I want to help continue their mission to provide needed services to the thousands of families who have come to rely on them," he said.

Over the years, Brenton has witnessed tremendous change in size and scope of the North Shore Arc.

"My many years in business have enabled me to provide strategic guidance to the North Shore Arc, which has grown tremendously in the number of families served and the number of people it employs today," he noted.

Brenton has helped the North Shore Arc craft its vision, track trends and hire the right people in key management roles as it works to prepare for future growth and burgeoning demands for programs and services.

Brenton is now president and founder of the Brenton Group Inc., located in Burlington. Brenton is a leading management coach, speaker and sales-training professional. The Brenton Group helps CEOs and senior sales management improve the performance of managers and sales representatives by providing specialized sales-productivity training, sales-management development and business strategies for corporations, small businesses and sales professionals who have to sell in order to build their businesses.

A graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia, Brenton has a unique ability to quickly earn the trust and respect of senior-level management and pinpoint precise areas for improvement, according to Arc.

"The asset I can bring to the North Shore Arc is my business perspective combined with the understanding of the people and families that we serve," said Brenton. "The North Shore Arc has undergone tremendous growth as an organization, and the business skills and experience of all of our board members is critically important to our continued success."

Brenton lives in Marblehead with his wife, Monica, and two daughters, Hilary and Isabelle.

"I had previously worked with multi-national advertising agencies in New York City but was lured to Boston to accept a position with another successful agency," he explained. "My wife, being a wonderful artist, just fell in love with this area. Marblehead is such a fantastic community for the arts. Needless to say, we have settled here and it has been a wonderful move for my family."

Monica is a Montessori teacher at Stoneridge in Beverly. Isabelle is a senior and journalism major at University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Hilary is currently a junior at Marblehead High School and is a perennial swimming medalist in the Special Olympics.

"As Hilary approaches high-school graduation, my wife and I will soon need guidance and support to help her live on her own," said Brenton. "Hilary is also diabetic, and we need to ensure that she maintains proper diet, exercise and insulin levels, which raises additional concern for her overall well being."

He added that the North Shore Arc offers residential and occupational services to address Hilary's medical and social needs, which will be able help Hilary to live an independent and full life.