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The following are extracts from the full testimonial letters to which links are provided. (They descend back to 1970)

Ken Lo:  June 2009
CFP, ICFA, B. Eng (Hon)
Managing Director Barter Money Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
Previous Managing Director Barter Concepts Sdn Bhd. Malaysia
Founder and previous Managing Director of Rockwill Corporation in Malaysia
Author of Malaysia best selling Book 2008 “Secrets of Intelligent Investing”
Board of Governors FPAM (Financial Planning Association of Malaysia)

It has been my privilege to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Ken Muir. In my opinion he is one of the best strategic advisors I have met.
 
My involvement with Ken was when he was contracted to set up a "Greenfields" specialist trading operation in Malaysia.
 
My company Barter Concepts worked in collaboration with Ken and through his efforts, direction and vision the entire trading Company was created and turned into a systemised operation.
 
We worked together to recruit and train over 150 people for the roles that evolved and he guided me how I could work with and create this operation as a collaboration partnership Company.
 
His leadership and mentoring style has earned him many loyal followers and friends. Myself included. It is with sadness we farewell him as he leaves Malaysia.

David Jackson: MBA
Business Owner, Business Trainer and entrepreneur Malaysia June 2009

 
I have been a business owner & entrepreneur for the past 20 years having conducted  various businesses in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore & Malaysia. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to this testimonial page for Ken Muir.
 
I have known Ken since his arrival in Malaysia & I have worked closely with him during this time. I found working with Ken to be an exceptional experience.
Rarely have I met anyone with as much honest, natural exuberance & enthusiasm as Ken. Not just enthusiasm for the project of the moment but a genuine upbeat commitment to  working with a team of people empowering them to achieve beyond what they may have thought possible & to become the very best that could possibly become.
 
Ken is a master trainer & mentor. I have been involved in the training industry for many years & Ken Muir is the best sales trainer that I have encountered. His level of expertise is outstanding. This expertise has been honed over many years being in the field & this experience shows through in his training. More than expertise I believe that Kens success as a people developer comes from the core values that he upholds. The values of integrity in life & business, personal mastery & his lifetime quest to add value to all that he meets.
 
Ken is also a master communicator & I have firsthand witnessed his relationship skills in action. His successful relationship skills are not the result of employing certain tactics of persuasion but again have a foundation in Ken’s genuine desire to have an impact in the lives of those people with whom he comes into contact. I know this to be a fact because Ken has had a major impact in my life.personally & professionally, helping me move to a new level. Ken instinctively goes the extra mile when dealing with all people.
 
Ken has highly developed leadership skills. I have witnessed him in a leadership role in very difficult circumstances. He ALWAYS led from the front being the role model that his people needed him to be, never compromising his commitment to his teams nor his values.
 
It is my sincere wish that in the future I may again have the honour of working with Ken & it is with personal sadness that I see him move back to Australia. I know that Ken will bring his full force to bear on whatever project he embarks on & I know that he will continue to impact the lives of many people in the future.

Nora Law: General Manager BarterXchange Malaysia June 2009

"I have been working very closely with Ken Muir for over a year and a half. All through out this time he has provided me and our team strong leadership, great business acumen, excellent planning and strong organization skills.

Ken Muir is able to strategize from a top management point of view but yet still able to work on ground level with the staff and clients.

His personal attributes of being a genuinely sincere person who is
high in integrity, diligent, positive, with openness, endurance and empathy makes him an advisor/leader you could only meet once in a lifetime; if you are lucky."

Agnes Loh: Trade Director BarterXchange Malaysia June 2009

I am so very proud to have known Ken for the last one & half years in BarterXchange Malaysia. He brought out the best in me and the team with his knowledge, drive & commitment.

What strikes me most about Ken is he is so excellent in creative trading and yet humble when dealing with others.

As a colleague, Ken is exceptionally cooperative and helpful, always courteous and was professional in all he does.

I wish my good friend, Ken well in all that he does and to remember he has a room in my house (and heart) when he is back in Malaysia!!

Link to Fun Farewell poster for Ken Leaving Malaysia

Ken Muir
Marketer extraordinaire!
Ken Muir is one of the most remarkable business growth specialists I have ever met......

Like all master networkers, Ken understands the simple but powerful principle: people like to do business with people who do business with them. Successful networking is all about relationships and resourcefulness, and Ken Muir is very generous with both.... Full letter link Feb 2005: New Zealand

Tom Cannard, State Sales Manager of Victoria, Australia Clearwater Filter Systems:  August 2007 www.clearwaterfilters.com.au 

To Whom It May Concern,

I had the pleasure of working for Ken Muir when his NZ Company was contracted to re-engineer all National Sales Management of Clearwater Australia (in mid 2007). I am pleased to say that I now consider Ken a personal friend, also a mentor and so much more than a boss or co worker.

Ken has the unique ability of making everyone of his staff feel special, their opinions valued and their efforts appreciated. The remarkable thing about this achievement is that his persona is real and those emotions are absolutely genuine.

Ken is an amazing communicator and exceptional teacher.

It is hard to explain or give a testimonial without sounding a little corny or contrived, yet I do so because I wish Ken well in his future endeavors. I hope that our paths cross sooner rather than later, whether it be enjoying a frosty beer or trying to absorb more of the amazing lessons he has taught me in life, business or perhaps in both because they are so often intertwined.

To Ken I say thanks, to his future students or understudies, I say enjoy, listen and learn and to any enterprise or organization that he involves
himself, I say congratulations in finding a fantastic leader and person.

Peter Spargo (Pictured below)
State Sales Manager Victoria,
Murray Goulburn Co-operative Limited
18 February 2008: Australia

Ken Muir is one of the most interesting and dynamic individuals that I have ever met.

Jeremy Thornton, Managing Director, Status Furniture Ltd.
18 July 2005: New Zealand.....The network staff are amazing to deal with, and the resources they have developed are fantastic in terms of the web site, and tools.

I have found the Foundation System to be a culmination of the best points of the other networks I have looked at. If I was only involved in one network it would be this, or this would be the first I would recommend to all business owners.... Full letter link

Tony Falkenstein; Governing Director, Bartercard New Zealand Ltd, Chairman Red Eagle Corporation Ltd.

28 January 2005: New Zealand & Australaia

• I table below the chronology of our business relationships:
• 1991 We contracted Ken's Company to ...........

Ken's Company completed contracts with Red Eagle Corporation prior to the end of 1998, after which time his Company was contracted to Bartercard New Zealand Ltd and he was appointed National Sales Director within 1 year. In his tenure Bartercard NZ underwent explosive sales growth. He personally lead the Company to have the top performing sales team internationally and he still personally holds the international top individual sales record still not broken even though he has long since left...

I am sure that he will continue to refine his unique professional success style on an ongoing basis and am sure that he will continue to exercise high levels of professionalism and results...Full letter link

7 April 2003: New Zealand          Allan Clarke; Managing Director of Pinefarm Investments Ltd.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

We first developed a working business relationship with Ken Muir and his business network through The Foundation System in August 2002. We have always been very strong believers in the need to develop new business networks to operate within because all business ultimately comes down to people and relationships.

In the time that we have networked through Ken and as a result of his efforts we have enjoyed additional sales in excess of a MILLION DOLLARS. This is all business that we would not have otherwise enjoyed, so we are grateful for this new association. Link to full testimonial letter

Rhys Coffin, Managing Director, Icon Studios Ltd.
1 May 2003: New Zealand

...I have known Ken Muir for 4 years. It was due to Ken and his great integrity and business acumen that we agreed to be part of his organisation as a customer.

We recommend the system to any company or individual business person looking to explode their bottom line....
Full letter link  

Copy of newsletter on the website of Ice AV Technology Ltd
Kevin Andreassend, Managing Director, Ice AV Technology Ltd
30 June 2005: New Zealand

... ICE AV commends The Foundation System Business Network as a means to support local and regional companies and also to offer preferential pricing and services .....The Foundation System is the brainwave of champion networker and facilitator, Ken Muir who established a unique company with the main focus of assisting companies to grow and mature by enabling companies to establish relationships with each other. The Foundation System provides a forum where businesses can develop partnerships, establish preferred supplier/client relationships and offer exclusive deals......One of the advantages of joining The Foundation System is the personal attention from fellow members and the effort Ken makes to ensure members are made to feel part of a dynamic business network complete with an open referral system....... Full newsletter link

Seperate Testimonial letter from ICE AV 28 June 2005

...Last night when we had the chance to tell about 40 other companies what we do was great and as a result we may have a potential distributor in the South Island, asked to quote for two installations by the venue owner and was able to put one of our clients in touch with another Foundation System member.
 
Appreciate the personal service, friendly welcome, introductions and well managed evening.
 
You must be the next best thing to a Dating Service!... Full letter link

Constable Leonard Casey
Routley Drive
Glen Eden
West Auckland
16 February 2005: New Zealand

....I worked with Ken Muir at Bartercard from January 1999 to December 2002. During this time, I was continually impressed by his integrity, energy and business acumen. Ken has an astute understanding of business operations, networking, sales development and training and staff management.........

Ken's business knowledge and his ability to understand people are two skills that give him an edge when it comes to networking... he constantly saw opportunities to connect businesses together for their mutual benefit. Business owners knew that Ken had an ability to add value to their operations.

Ken has an abundance of energy and focus that goes beyond "the ordinary" and is a significant component to his success. I am certain that "The Foundation System" will be successful because of Ken's passion and 100% commitment to excellence...Full letter link 

Mike Osborne, Managing Director, Aquarius Data Management Ltd
8 April 2003: New Zealand

...Since you first started working with our business in 1999, we have enjoyed significant growth.  The importance of being an active member within both local and wider business networks has been a wonderful lesson that you have played a major part in guiding us through. The experience that you have imparted to us via the business networks that you have both created and developed is much appreciated.

Eddie Grooten, Managing Director, Dads Pies Ltd.
15 May 2003: New Zealand

....Ken has been working as a consultant for various companies. I have found Ken always professional and thorough in his manner and I would like to congratulate him for his open attitude and follow through, it has definitely created a relationship of trust between him and I.

I would like to wish Ken good luck with his new adventure, Foundation System, and look forward to growing our relationship for many years to come... Full letter link

Russell Brown, CEO, Digital Stream Ltd
November 2005: New Zealand

...An invitation to attend a networking evening, followed by a personal introduction to the members resulted in us securing a large contract. It was particularly rewarding as our new client is a company with similar goals and attitudes to our own. We are dealing with the owners rather than managers, so decisions are made and immediate action is taken!

We also find that there is a great mix of products and services offered - these are highly relevant and valuable to our business...Full letter link

   
Dominic Davis, Mortgage Broker, Bortgages By Design
www.mortgagesbydesign.co.nz
1 July 2005: New Zealand

...Participation in The Foundation System offers me the opportunity to widen my network and to meet and mix with like minded and motivated business professionals.

While The Foundation System offers its members wider privileges, it is the networking opportunity that is by far the most valuable for my business.

Already, Ken has given me the opportunity to join a panel of speakers at several meetings, an opportunity that I ceratainly would not have obtained otherwise.

I have seen the membership grow rapidly and significantly over the last 18 months, in itself, a testament to Ken's integrity and wonderful networking ability.....
Full letter link

Tony Dowse
Chartered Accountant:

121 Forrest Hill Road
Milford
North Auckland
7 February 2005: New Zealand

....I have known Ken Muir since July 1999  working with him....

..."The Foundation System" a system that I am well versed with.  Although not involved with this business I have watched its growth with a keen interest and seen it grow into a very successful business.
 
As I have seen Ken successfully introduce Bartercard town by town across New Zealand and also seen his input into international operations I look forward to seeing the exciting growth of The Foundation System here in New Zealand and beyond.  Especially as this style of business concept has such a wide and simple basis to provide business owners tangible benefits...Full letter link  

CHRIS KEE

68 b Peer Street
Upper Riccarton
Christchurch
7 February 2005: New Zealand

...I first met Ken in Auckland back in March 1999. He was and continues to be an excellent mentor to myself.....

...Needless to say, the Auckland Branch became the number one branch in the country for the first time ever, simply because of Ken's ability.
Not surprisingly, Ken went on to become the New Zealand Sales Manager, and then a Director of the company. 

I have since kept in touch with Ken and have been observing the phenomenal growth of "The Foundation System" and I can see that Ken is simply continuing his path of success.

I fully support the integrity, skills and successful attitude of Ken Muir and his ability to make other people successful...
Full letter link 

May 2002: New Zealand

James R Hare
MANAGING DIRECTOR
 
........The Bartercard experience has been so positive because of active networking by Trade Coordinators and Ken's ongoing involvement and advice.

.......We have gained several hundred thousand dollars in sales we would never have had.........

 Full letter link
  

May 2000: New Zealand

STEVE BARON
Managing Director 
BARON MARKETING LTD

Dear Ken
 
It's been some months since I first joined Bartercard, with a whole lot of reservations I might add, and I just wanted to let you know my thoughts just in case it can help someone else in the business to get a competitive edge. My business has gone ahead leaps and bounds since joining Bartercard!!!
 
I guess my major concern initially was "even if I got loads of new business, how would I ever spend the trade dollars when I'm only a very small business". ........

I have been amazed at just what I have been able to use my trade dollars on in my business. It ranges from stationary, printing, toll calls, temp workers, computer repairs, postage, accountants fees and the goes on and on!................
 
Thanks again for preserving with me because I thought I knew what Bartercard was all about and as you know I even disregarded it several years ago before becoming a member. That was a 

"Big mistake... big, huge!"

As Julia Roberts put it in Pretty Woman!
Thanks again .... Full Letter Link 

23 May 2002: New Zealand

Mike Osborne
Managing Director
 

 
Dear Ken

....... Since you introduced us to Bartercard in 1999, our Company has enjoyed significant growth. Much of the additional business we have received has come from our trading through the barter network. In actual fact, our projected Barter turnover this year will be as big as our entire turnover in the 1999-2000 year.
 
Bartercard has provided us with the opportunity to substantially grow our revenues and enhance the lifestyles of the Companies directors. With your guidance we have seized the opportunity and have never looked back since.
 
One again, thanks for all your support. We look forward to continuing to develop our win-win relationship with Bartercard and enhancing trading opportunities in North Auckland...... Full letter link:

For period 1991 to 2005 See Red Eagle/Just Water/ Bartercard Merger Chronology as above or this fresh link

PANASONIC BUSINESS CENTRE WELLINGTON

October 1990: New Zealand
Paul Williams
General Manager

.........Ken Muir has requested this reference from us in the light of his proposed venture in Marketing Consultancy.
 
We have do doubt that Ken will have every success in his domain.
 
During our association with him, the Wellington copier Sales Team benefited tremendously from his contribution.
 
Cleary, Ken's management style, encompassing, innovative marketing techniques, in-depth market awareness and obvious leadership qualities helped lift both the profile of our product and the performance of our team. 

We are in no doubt as to the significance of this man's contributions.... Full letter link  
 

Havills Business Center Ltd. (Palmerston North NZ)
 

21 September 1990
Martin Havill
Managing Director
 
........Havills Business Center Limited has used Mr. Ken Muir in his capacity as a Sales Training Consultant for two of our sales representatives.
 
We sent people on a two day sales and motivation course run by Ken primarily for office equipment.
 
Both our sales people had been on a number of courses previously and felt they knew it all and were not all keen in attending the course. However, when they arrived back they were full of praise for Ken's professional and enthusiastic approach to sales training and motivation which he had obviously passed on to our people. We saw a direct result from this in the form of increased sales.......  Full Letter link
 
19 October 1990

Star Office Systems, Rotorua, New Zealand

ROB VIDLER
MANAGING DIRECTOR

....Over the last 2 years many of our key sales people have attended various sales training programs run by Ken and the results have been outstanding...

......Kens sales programs have been a valuable asset to our company and without them I do not believe that we would have the professional and motivated sales team we have today....

....I highly recommend that they employ the services of Muir Marketing Ltd.... Full letter link

SMI (Hamilton Distributor New Zealand) November 1987
Alan McCall & Associates 
Managing Director
 
...... KENNETH DANE MUIR has been associated with SMI for seven years as a client, and of more recent times as a sales associate and a group motivator.
 
Ken, having been a regular participant in our client workshops and ongoing programme, has over the last year been working for the company very successfully following our approaches to him, on a freelance basis.
 
Whereas Ken has excelled by his professional sales ability, it has been his management and organizing ability's that have given us a team member that people look up to. Ken has been very much involved in running client workshops and has shown true expertise in goal setting. Time management, and in being able to motivate others...Full letter link
 

U-Bix (U.K) Limited London October 1986

Cliff Brooke
General Manager 

....Ken has been a member of the U-Bix London staff for only nine months, in that time he has proved himself to be not only a an exceptional salesman (having realized more then a years quota) but his general being, personality and business acuaman have marked him out as a man ho would have progressed through the management structure of the Company. I would therefore recommend Ken Muir unreservedly as an asset to any Sales or Marketing organization and indeed their gain will be our substantial loss. Full letter link

Robert Jane Founding Partner (Accountant)

December 1984
 
.......It is with considerable pleasure that I am able to give a reference for Kenneth Dane Muir, having known Ken since 1979....
 
....In 1981 Ken approached me to act for him as he was taking over the family business, as well as running his own commercial stationary wholesaling business.......
 
There is no doubt that the success that Ken has achieved has been brought about hard work, diligence and effective use of business managerial skills.
 
Ken has also established a successful property development business in Hamilton City and a 10.6 meter charter yacht, operating in the Hauraki Gulf. Ken's ability's in the field of commerce speak for themselves in his achievements over last four years......
 
I would have no hesitation in recommending Ken for a managerial position which requires skill, diligence, application and integrity. Full letter link
 
  New Zealand 1984

Posted On: Friday, 11 March 2005

Hamilton City Council is to bestow its highest honour on Ted Armstrong, a former councillor who served the city for 27 years. (News transcript)

21 December 1984

To Whom It May Concern:

Kenneth Dane Muir

Kenneth Muir has been known to me during the past decade, as a citizen of our city and an industrious, successful young businessman. I have been in almost daily contact with him during this period.

Mr. Muir is a citizen of excellent repute and is well respected and admired for his business acumen.

I have no hesitation in recommending him for any position where honesty, integrity and reliability are required, and would be pleased to support this reference in person if so desired.

Edgar T. Armstrong

Councillor

14th December 1984 (Hamilton New Zealand)

TANNER FITZGERALD GETTY 
M.G. POCOCK
Partner
 
.....Mr. Muir appears to us to be a young businessman of considerable acumen and enterprise. In a short space of time the Company has purchased, developed and turned to account several properties in the Hamilton area all successfully. Parts of the proceeds of the company's activities have been channeled towards a charter yacht operation.
 
From what we know of Mr. Muir's personal and business affairs it would seem to us that he is a person of considerable entrepreneurial and organizational abilities. Backed with a good deal of common sense and a sound appreciation of the basics of a good commercial practice... Full letter link

19 December 1984

R C McNulty
Manager
 
ANZ Bank
Frankton
Hamilton
New Zealand
 
....Ken has been known to me for the past eighteen months but has maintained accounts with ANZ bank since 1974.
 
During this time he has proven to be honest and reliable in his dealings with us.
 
Over recent years he was involved in the rapid development and expansion of the family drainlaying business (since disposed of) where he has displayed good business sense and management skills.
 
I consider him capable, conscientious and he should acquit himself well in any vocation.... Full letter link

1978 Hamilton, N.Z.

The Commercial Establishment.
 
J.L.N. Harris
Manager.
 
 
.....Mr. Ken Muir first joined the staff of Cobb & Co, as casual Steward on 4th 1977 and shortly afterwards joined the permanent staff as a bartender.
In October 1977 he was appointed Assistant Restaurant Manager.
 
A young man of good dress sense and bearing, Mr. Muir impresses with his diligence and attention for detail. He enjoys good relationships with staff and customers who appreciate his positive but polite approach, at all times he has shown a willingness to co-operate and portrays a good sense of duty and awareness.
 
Mr. Muir is confidently recommended to any future employer who seeks in his staff the qualities of loyalty, reliability and iniative.... Full letter link 

4 March 1976 N.Z.
 
G. S. Crocker
Dean of Form VI and VII
Fraser High School 

 
Re Kenneth Dane Muir
 

...Ken has been a student at Fraser High School..... and has proven to be young man of considerable quality.

Personally he has set a High School standard in attitude and effort in his studies and has earned recognition as a capable student. In 1975 he, along with others was promoted from an accelerated fourth form into from six, where he gained University Entrance through sitting this external examination.
 
Ken has pursued many interests, table tennis, chess, music and drama as well as martial arts activities outside of school. He has shown initiative and leadership on school committees and has gained the respect of staff and students alike.
 
In dress and personal relations Ken has always been an example. His frank forthright attitude in dealing with others has always gained respect. Therefore I personally recommend him to any prospective employer. Full letter link

Frankton School, Hamilton, New Zealand

1970 Kenneth Dane Muir (School Dux)