Parent Testimonials

September 14, 2006

Our journey began when our son decided he wanted to be a pilot and go to the Air Force Academy.  We started looking into the process of being selected to a service academy.  It didn’t take long to discover that an academy appointment would be a long and daunting road.

While looking at the various academy, and prep school websites, we discovered a link to the Olympic Institute, and Brian Douglass.  The Olympic Institute advertised an incredible success rate in successfully placing clients at service academies, and prep schools.  We recognized the services offered by Brian, and the Olympic Institute could help us immensely with preparing our son to fulfill his dream.

We made an appointment for Brian to meet with us, and our son.  It was immediately apparent Brian was a “straight shooter.”  He was honest and direct with what the academies expected of prospective cadets.  After meeting with us, Brian outlined a course of action for our son to follow.  Brian patiently, methodically and enthusiastically walked us through the academic, athletic and civic preparation, congressional nomination, and application process over the next three years.    

Although the Air Force Academy was our son’s first choice, Brian counseled him to keep several options open.  It was sound advice.  Our son’s SAT scores were a little short of what the Academy was looking for.  “Plan B” was attending a prep school for a year.  A good performance there, along with meeting all the other standards, would virtually guarantee an academy appointment the following year.      

With the assistance of Brian, and the Olympic Institute, our son received a full Army scholarship to attend Marion Military Institute, in Marion, Alabama.  In retrospect, going to Marion is the best thing that could have happened.  Our son will benefit greatly from the extra year of scholastic and military preparation, which ultimately will make the transition to the demands of a service academy much smoother.

As parents, we are thrilled at the prospect of our son receiving the education a service academy can provide, an education we could never afford otherwise.  Our investment in the services of Brian Douglass, and the Olympic Institute, has been invaluable to our son’s future.  He is now within sight of his dream.

Mike and Mary Miller
Lake Oswego, Oregon
 

July 14, 2003

We met Brian Douglass at an informational seminar through the Mountain View JROTC program in late 1999.  Our daughter, Stacy Sult, had met his son, Scott, the previous summer and was very impressed with the direction that his life had led him.

We met with Brian because we had heard that he knew about the academies and what it took to approach the possibility of Stacy attending one of them.  He described to us what it would take to get to the academies, life while at school, and outlined options that were available to Stacy once a degree from there was obtained.  Everything was laid out thoroughly, concisely, and predictably.

Since that important initial meeting, Brian has taken on the role of mentor, caregiver and inspiration.  He always has had time for us and our questions.  In short, he has been a great person to work with.  He is well prepared, knowledgeable, and thorough.  He is a person that encouraged our hopes and was very straightforward with the entire process.  Stacy, in the fall of 2003, will be attending Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama.

I cannot say enough about Mr. Brian Douglass and the Olympic Institute.  He has been a great supporter of Stacy, our family, and the future of our younger generations.  If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (541) 923-0637.

Gratefully,
Stephen v. Sult
Tina M. Wagner-Sult
 

July 29, 2003

My son, Landon Palmer, has had a dream to fly jets since he was a little boy.  To fulfill that dream, he entertained the idea of attending one of the Service Academies.  Research showed that receiving an appointment is incredibly difficult, with thousands of applicants and only minimal acceptance.

My son never gave up, and for one very good reason--Brian Douglass.  Landon is now attending Plebe summer at the United States Naval Academy.  Brian has been the most instrumental person in helping Landon achieve his goal.  Without Brian's help, it would surely have been an overwhelming challenge.

Brian was diligent with Landon, following up on every detail, and also giving tremendous support for all the work necessary to make an exemplary application.  They developed an amazing working relationship that translated into friendship, camaraderie and respect.

Truly, Brian Douglass deserves the highest recommendation for his services in fulfilling this young man's dreams.  I am deeply grateful for his valuable services and his eager enthusiasm in guiding Landon on this rigorous path.

Very sincerely yours,
Patricia Palmer
Santa Ynez, CA
 

May 10, 2000

"Brian Douglass helped with every bit of the process in getting our daughter appointed to the Merchant Marine Academy.  He went through every step with her.  Through the process, Brian also knew our daughter was interested in other schools.  Not once did he try and talk her out of looking at any other school.  Brian is very thorough at representing the service academies and programs."

Linda Burley
School Teacher
Bear Creek Elementary School

Charles Burley
Eastern Oregon Manager
Northwest Forestry Association
 

"If I had to highlight one of Mr. Douglass' numerous strong points, it would be the sincere and dedicated attention he displays towards the students he recruits.  In summation, I believe Brian Douglass has been an asset to our Academy."

James M. Skinner
Capt. , USMS
Director of Admissions, United States Merchant Marine Academy
 

"His experience is invaluable as he guided us through the intimidating application process such as Congressional nomination, DoDMERB, essays, application preparation, interview tips, high school classes to take, extracurricular activities and ongoing follow-up throughout the entire process.  As a result of Brian's hard work, our son received an early appointment to the USMMA!"

Ron and Joyce Blair

 

"My son, Tim Cresse, decided when he was in the third grade that he wanted to fly and be an astronaut.  The summer before Tim's senior year, Brian Douglass contacted us.  He had heard about Tim's goals from the NJROTC instructor at the high school.

It was decided that the best plan for Tim was to attend a prep school for one year after graduating from high school.  Brian set him up at Marion Military Institute in Alabama, a very respected military college for the last 150 years.  Tim also received an Army scholarship to attend this school through Brian's work.

Tim now has before him options that he never would have had.  Brian Douglass opened up the doors.  We are very grateful to him that Tim has these opportunities available to him."

Pat Bergen
Educator

Jim Bergen
Bulk Mail Technician, USPS
 

"We met Brian in late October, 1998.  Our son (Todd) had expressed interest in attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.  Brian met with us and answered many questions, described life at the Academy, outlined options a degree from there offered, explained the admission process, etc.

Since the initial meeting, Brian has been a great person to work with.  Throughout this period of time Brian was informative, and an advocate on our son's behalf.  He was straight forward and encouraging.  I'm not sure if we could have made it through the process without Brian Douglass' timely assistance.  Brian has stuck with us and has been a great supporter of Todd's.  We are grateful for his time, knowledge, professionalism, enthusiasm, connections and advocacy."

Sue Hoyt

Director of Children Ministries

First Baptist Church
 

Ray Hoyt

Instructional Dean

Central Oregon Community College

 

"We have known Mr. Brian Douglass for more than a decade.  Should you take advantage of his unique, inspired experience you can be assured that Brian will produce results.  Brian is a most engaging man.  The successful candidates are his first, always and last consideration.

You can search far and wide for someone with more qualities and experience in dealing with the admissions process for ROTC, Service Academies and Preparatory programs and you will find no one better prepared than Brian Douglass to tackle the task at hand.  He does this with equal parts of humor, measured patience and prodding and a great deal of humility.  We are proud to call him a close friend and confidant."

Jeffrey R. Lipscomb

Commander, USN (Retired)

United States Naval Academy '70

Frances H. Lipscomb
Colonel, USAR (Retired)

Brian met with us at his home, carefully examining my son’s potential based on his high school transcript and résumé.  He confidently told us that he was an excellent potential candidate and should begin the application process.  Mr. Douglass mentioned to us that he only accepts students as clients that he believes have an excellent chance of an appointment.  This, I believe, ultimately is what convinced my son that he should move on with the process.  

The Olympic Institute provides personal attention to each detail of the process.  There are many pitfalls that applicants may fall into, and Brian was able to give us a preview of what may happen, and help us to avoid future difficulties.  I am reminded of a joke I heard, maybe from Brian, that says, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is, “one bite at a time.”  Mr. Douglass helped us view this as a process that we tackle one detail at a time, making the process manageable.  

Just yesterday, my son received his appointment to USMA.  I  am not sure if my son would have pursued this had we not met Mr. Douglass, as the impression given us from all the written correspondence produced by West Point gave the impression that only supermen and women could receive an appointment.  I assure you, my son is not a superman, and I believe there must be other kids like him with the potential to get there, but simply do not pursue it.  I, therefore, would highly recommend the Olympic Institute to anyone who is serious about pursuing an appointment to any of the Military Academies.

Nick Kezele
Physics/Chemistry Teacher and Parent
 

Carrie McPherson,
Broad Resident in Urban Education
MBA Candidate, Boston University
 

II fully support the mission of the Olympic Institute.  This is exactly the support I could have used when I was in high school and looking for information about officer careers in the military.  With the standards being set so high at the present time, prospective applicants need greater preparation to not only be selected into an officer commissioning program, but to successfully complete it as well.  The internet has been a great tool for obtaining information, but nothing can replace mentoring and true counseling over several years starting from the 8th and 9th grade.  If I had the financial resources, I would position dozens of Olympic Institute representatives all across the country.  This is part of the long term solution of developing leaders for our military and corporate America!

Richard Hsu
Class of 1995  
US Merchant Marine Academy
 

For the past ten years I have worked directly with education enterprises in delivering career development and educational planning services to middle and high school students throughout our nation.  It takes an in-depth understanding of the enterprise and the needs, values and perceptions of today’s students to effectively serve our nation’s youth in making critical decisions regarding their future life plans.  The Olympic Institute offers first-hand experience and expertise in navigating this complex process.

Through Brian Douglass’ leadership, the Olympic Institute serves families and their students with professional integrity, extensive knowledge and passion unparalleled in the private coaching industry.

Cindy Ralston, Educational Consultant
Former Associate, Wilson Riles & Assoc. Inc.
9539 S. Coast Lane
Elk Grove, CA  95758
916-684-5833
916-825-4836 cell
 

Over a period of nearly 10 years, I have watched the birth, evolution and development of OILD by Brian Douglass of Bend, Oregon.  Brian is a fine example of good old American ingenuity and a practitioner of free enterprise.  He has moved into an area with no similar competition from private sources to challenge the traditional longstanding methodology of Federal academy recruiting.

Brian brings to his outreach for candidates these elements: 

Professionalism, 

Personalization

And an understanding of the rapidly changing youth of today from a holistic point of view.

In addition, Brian has skills of organization and management in business to match and surpass the traditional alumni volunteer approach to recruiting.

Brian has background in understanding and caring for American youth and is in a unique position to offer them professional help in preparing them for admission to an academy as well as the guidance to assure their successful completion of their program.  Brian can, and does, work 'outside the box'. 

Cmdr.Willard W. Bartlett, USN (Ret.)
US Merchant Marine Academy
Class of 1947
 

I have worked very closely with the Olympic Institute since 1999 as both a ROTC recruiter and an Officer Recruiter for the Army National Guard.  During the past 8 years I have seen countless officers produced through the OILD program.  I highly recommend their services to anyone who is considering a career in public service.

Rick Mercer
CPT, AV, IN ARNG
Officer Strength Manager, 81st Troop Command
 

The Olympic Institute stands as a beacon of guidance to those with the desire and fortitude to become the leaders of tomorrow.  America's Federal Service Academies are the pinnacle of academic challenge, athletic excellence, civic duty, and leadership and character development. However, while their curricula challenge the individual, the path to them and beyond cannot be traveled alone.   

The application and preparation process is a formidable one, and in order to give themselves the best possible chance of success, candidates should take advantage of the experience and services of the Olympic Institute to guide them. By availing themselves to the expansive knowledge base of the Institute, candidates can not only pursue their dreams with confidence and sure-footedness; but be assured that the Institute will help steer them on the path that is best for them, even if they aren't completely aware of the opportunities and challenges that await.  

The role of the Institute isn't one-way however. With so many choices and opportunities, these same candidates are met with enticing offers from other public and private institutions. It is as much a battle for admission for the Service Academies as the candidates themselves.  This is where the Olympic Institute plays a dual role that benefits all involved. The Institute acts as recruiter, counselor, and preparatory consultant. Its own marketing campaigns attract many individuals who may have not realized the opportunity of Service Academies, but when presented with the reality are eager to pursue admittance. In addition, all candidates who utilize the Institute are well prepared and versed in what is expected of them throughout the admissions process, easing the burden on all involved.  

As a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Class of 2002 I'm convinced that the Olympic Institute shines as a guiding beacon that can bring prospective candidates and Service Academies together to mold future leaders.

I was born and raised in Toms River, NJ, a large sprawling township that is part of the area collectively known as the Jersey Shore.  On a good day, it is only an hour and a half drive from Toms River to SUNY Maritime College.  After graduating from SUNY Maritime in 2002, I had the opportunity to represent the school at a local college fair in Toms River. 

I very clearly remember my shock in discovering that not one of the perspective students at that college fair had heard of SUNY Maritime College.  I found it unfortunate that so few people living so close to SUNY Maritime College and the US Merchant Marine Academy were even aware that either place existed.  With three large high schools and a growing population, I can only imagine the positive impact that the OILD would have in a place like Toms River.  

I believe the OILD is in the unique position to not only find the future officers of the US Merchant Marine, but also to prepare them for the challenging and rewarding experience that the US Merchant Marine Academy and state maritime colleges have to offer.  It did not take long for me to realize that my hard work at SUNY Maritime College would not go unrewarded.  Working as a Third Officer in the US Merchant Marine has been a satisfying and lucrative experience for me.  I would like to see the OILD apply its proven methods to guide more young men and women to the success that I have enjoyed in the maritime industry.   

In the five short years that I have sailed as a licensed officer in the US Merchant Marine, I have witnessed some major shipboard and industry wide innovations.  If the US Merchant Marine as a service is to stay viable and adapt to the demands of the dynamic maritime industry, I firmly believe that innovation is needed in the recruitment of licensed officers.   I think it is to the benefit of both perspective cadets and the US Merchant Marine to take full advantage of the services that the OILD provides.

Scott Wagenblast, 
Second Officer, US Merchant Service