Focused Advisory.

Elevate your business strategies and marketing with The Proper Group.

Contact us today →

Taking your business to new heights…. the PROPER way.

Developing your business objectives with marketing consulting services to maximize growth and profitability.

Focused Advisory is the heart of our group, and the key to understanding customers and growing your business.

While the core principles of marketing remain the same, the landscape has shifted dramatically. We consult with organizations and non-profits in navigating this new terrain by providing guidance on how to adjust their strategies to account for changes in motivating factors, goals, expectations, talent needs and more.

Learn More About Me →

Lawrence J. Burns
President, The Proper Group

Focused Advisory Solutions

providing our clients with transformative results and a clear, sustainable path forward.

Partners

Michael Betz

Douglas Marketing Group

Treasure Coast Multimedia

Premiere Podcast Productions

Tanner Friedman

Hi-Falutin’ Music

Hammond & Associates

Staff

Caitlin Cruickshank

Program Coordinator

Our Services

The Proper Group has the expertise to assist you in defining your business objectives and developing the most effective processes and strategies to reach them.

Organizational Development

We help businesses with organizational business goals including board development and operational planning.

Branding and Design

We develop and create unique identities and campaigns to stand out from the competition by developing a cohesive visual that resonates with your target audience.

Leadership & People Development

We offer executive and employee training and coaching to help organizations create a culture of growth and success.

Recruitment Strategies

We help organizations such as Universities and Colleges develop effective strategies to attract and retain top talent, and increase enrolment and improve student success.

Workplace Culture Development

We help organizations create a positive and productive environment that encourages collaboration and growth. We have expertise developing diversity (DEI) and E.S.G strategies.

PR Training and Consultation

We provide comprehensive training and consultation services to help organizations develop effective public relations strategies.

Strategy and Marketing

We provide strategic planning and integrated marketing development to help our clients create and implement effective plans that will drive their business forward.

Crisis Management

Crisis management services help organizations prepare for, respond to, and recover from unexpected events that can have a negative impact on their operations.

Assessments

We can conduct an organizational assessment that takes a close look at marketing, fundraising, organizational structure, strategic planning, Board relationships and staff structure. This service includes a two-day interview process with individuals identified as key to the organization.

Specialized Industries

We have extensive experience in helping many different organizations and we recognize that each situation is unique. We will collaborate with you to identify the ideal solution for your business.

Non-profit organizations can benefit from marketing solutions that focus on building relationships with their target audiences, creating meaningful content, and leveraging digital channels to reach their goals. We have expertise in fundraising strategies, donor development, generational philanthropic planning and coaching.
Non-Profits
University and college marketing solutions can help institutions reach their target audiences, increase enrollment, and build brand awareness. They can also help create a positive online presence, develop effective communication strategies, and create engaging content.
EducationUniversities and Colleges
We provide comprehensive marketing strategies to help families build and maintain a sustainable plan for their foundation. From creating a brand identity to developing an effective digital presence, we offer tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each foundation.
Family Foundations and Family Offices
Consulting and marketing services for healthcare organizations are essential for success in the ever-changing healthcare landscape. By leveraging the expertise of experienced consultants and marketers, healthcare organizations can develop strategies to reach their target audience and increase their market share.
Healthcare
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Case Studies

Before starting The Proper Group, Larry helped lead several organizations to success. The case studies below detail how Larry has used his skills to make positive change throughout his career. 

Board Development →

Building an active and diverse Board of Trustees at The Children’s Foundation.

Crisis Management →

Managing a communications crisis at the University of Toledo involving a gambling accusation.

Brand Creation and Launch →

Developing a recognizable brand for The Children’s Foundation as it became a “new” foundation.

Presentation →

A presentation Larry has given to students at several universities.

Organizational Chapter Launch →

Creating a new chapter of the national nonprofit organization First Tee in the Detroit area.

Enrollment Growth →

Developing an innovative strategy to increase enrollment at The University of Toledo.

Family Foundations and Offices →

Helping a family strategically create an impact and honor a legacy through The Jamie Daniels Foundation.

Episode 6 coming December 6th!

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Get in Touch

Ready to get started the proper way?

Anything is possible when you have the right support.
Let’s get started with a proper introduction.

Contact Us Today →

The proper group   |   419.261.3049   |   Michigan   |   Florida

The proper group

419.261.3049

Michigan

Florida

Contact Us Today

Email Lawrence Burns

Call Us at 419.261.3049

Lawrence J. Burns
President, The Proper Group

Lawrence J. Burns, a Detroit native, is a highly talented business consultant, executive and community leader with an esteemed career that has spanned over 40 years. His dedication to serving non-profits, higher education, healthcare and community foundations has enabled him to successfully impact numerous organizations.

Upon his return to his hometown in January 2017, Mr. Burns was appointed President and CEO of The Children’s Foundation and successfully directed its growth and presence in the region. The Foundation now boasts over 160 community-based and service-oriented partners.

Mr. Burns has also held notable roles in the education and healthcare sector which include; Vice President of Advancement at the University of Akron, President of the University of Akron Foundation, Vice President for External Affairs at the University of Toledo and the Director of Capital Campaigns for Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Mr. Burns was also President of the Medical University of Ohio Foundation and a leader in the Foundation’s involvement in real estate, intellectual property, clinical and retail initiatives.

Mr. Burns has gained recognition as a leader in the consulting and marketing sectors and is highly sought after as a speaker, mentor and advisor. He is frequently invited to speak at conferences and seminars on topics such as; marketing, operations, strategic planning, personal branding and cultivating leadership development. His expertise in marketing and operations, combined with his passion for optimizing efficiency and sustainability has enabled him to be successful in developing and implementing successful growth strategies.

Mr. Burns has been the host of popular radio programs such as “The Relevant University” and “Caring for Kids”. He has recently launched a podcast entitled “The Power of You”.

Mr. Burns is an alumni of Central Michigan University and an active member of numerous professional organizations.

Michael Betz
Partner, The Proper Group

Mr. Burns and Mr. Betz have known each other for over 20 years going back to the University of Toledo. Mr. Betz served as Student Body President. 

Mr. Betz brings a dynamic personality and years of experience in the marketing field and is now based in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Michael is a marketing executive and has worked with numerous brands throughout his 20-year professional career, including Goodyear Corp, Whole Foods Market, and Gannett Corp. 

While at Gannett, Michael joined the Enquirer and Cincinnati.com’s staff in 2012, where he ran external relations, including marketing, communications, community, and government relations. 

Michael has always been involved in numerous civic and community events. Michael is a board member of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, where he is Chair of their largest fundraiser, “Hats Off.” Michael is also a member of Leadership Cincinnati Class 45, named 40 under 40 from the Cincinnati Business Courier, as well as many other nonprofit and community-based organizations. 

Michael brings a broad scope of experience and expertise to The Proper Group.

Douglas Marketing Group

About Douglas Marketing Group

“The Proper Group is delighted to announce that Douglas Marketing Group is now an affiliate partner.”

Douglas Marketing Group is an international, multi-dimensional marketing firm that has tremendous talent in all facets of communications.

DMG is a results driven firm that integrates strategies for results through award winning campaigns for clients. The diverse team of talent creates unique and fresh approaches designed to produce outcomes for the clients they serve.

Relationship building is the foundation for the development of effective co-opportunities with community and corporate communication partnerships.

From concept to outgoing communications their experience in the not-for-profit sector becomes an active partnership for success.

Treasure Coast Multimedia
Partner

About Treasure Coast Multimedia

Rick Miller has been an award winning Video Producer since 1992, and has owned Treasure Coast Multimedia in Stuart, Florida since 2005.  Rick has produced hundreds of video productions, including corporate, documentary, medical, and many other subjects.  In addition, Rick produces Live Stream and Virtual events. 

Rick Miller

(772) 521-9901

www.tcmultimedia.net

Premier Podcast Productions
Partner

About Premier Podcast Productions

Premier Podcast Productions is a full-service podcast production and marketing company dedicated to developing effective content strategies that get results.

440-653-9911 

info@bvsfilmproductions.com

Tanner Friedman
Partner

About Tanner Friedman

The Proper Group is grateful to partner with Tanner Friedman.

With decades of experience working closely with leading non-profit clients and educational institutions, Tanner Friedman brings experience in key areas of strategic communications, including media relations and helping mission-driven organizations communicate during times of adversity and change. Tanner Friedman is led by co-founders Don Tanner and Matt Friedman, both inductees in the Public Relations Society of America (Detroit) Hall of Fame.

Hi-Falutin' Music
Partner

About Hi-Falutin' Music

The Proper Group is pleased to partner with Hi-Falutin’ Music. Led by Alexander Zonjic, a 15-time Detroit Music Awards winning flutist, Hi-Falutin’ Music will be a unique and dynamic partner to The Proper Group.

Over the years, as Zonjic puts it, he has morphed from “that flute guy from Canada” into the owner of a veritable cottage industry as the artistic director and producer of more than 10 annual festival events in the region and philanthropist under the umbrella of his Hi-Falutin Music.

Hammond & Associates
Partner

About Hammond & Associates

Hammond is atypical among nonprofit consultants. Partners in counsel, Chuck Hammond and Virginia Fallis, bring a depth of understanding and hands-on performance that others may promise yet rarely deliver.

From Hammond, you can be assured to gain not only a disciplined and realistic perspective on non-profit management, campaign strategy, and execution, you will also achieve access to higher levels of thinking and understanding of philanthropy in the current era.

Caitlin Cruickshank
Program Coordinator

The Proper Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Caitlin Cruickshank to Program Coordinator.

Caitlin is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University, and she is now headed to the University of Notre Dame for her master’s degree in nonprofit administration.

Caitlin interned for The Children’s Foundation during her undergraduate years. And she proved to be a true asset to the organization.

Caitlin has been assisting in launching The Proper Group. She will now expand her duties with clients and affiliate partners and continue assisting with the new podcast Discovering the Power of You.

Our future is very bright with young professionals such as Caitlin.

Presentation
Case Study

Discovering the Power of You Episode 6 coming soon!

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Click here to watch previous episodes