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Inside the TAB Experience

What It’s Really Like to Build a Better Business with TAB.

Running a business can be isolating. The decisions are heavy, the stakes are high, and the pressure rarely lets up. We created The Alternative Board (TAB) so you don’t have to navigate it alone. Inside the TAB Experience, you gain the clarity on what you've been too close to notice, the structure to turn ideas into disciplined action, and the accountability to follow through when it’s uncomfortable. Most importantly, you gain a trusted circle that challenges you, supports you, and helps you show up as the leader your business needs most.

What Does Being a Member Look Like?

When you join TAB, you’re onboarded intentionally with a clear plan for engaging the frameworks, programs, and conversations that matter most. Within the first few months you will:

STEP 1
Ensure your TAB Facilitator/Coach is crystal clear on what success looks like for you. Our objective is to help you lead a better business and more fulfilling life.
STEP 2
Define your personal vision and clarify your company vision — like a bike, where the front wheel (your personal vision) sets the direction and the back wheel (your company) powers you forward.
STEP 3
Determine which elements of Business Builder’s Advantage are most relevant to your goals, and build a focused plan to implement the right solutions at the right time.

What Do Members Say?

Ask a TAB member what the experience is like and you’ll hear more than metrics. You’ll hear about clearer thinking in moments of pressure, accountability that prevents drift, honest conversations that drive improvement, and confidence replacing uncertainty.

Behind the growth numbers are real stories of leaders who stopped carrying the burden alone.

Hear What They Have to Say:

Read What They Have to Say:

“I have been a TAB member for almost 3 years and the growth I have made personally and professionally can not be matched. Knowing that I have a team of other business owners I can connect to and who are there to support me has made all the difference. John [my coach] has also been so helpful in pushing me to the next level both in my personal life and in business. I couldn't be more grateful.”

— Cara GrahamGraham Behavior Services

“If you look at the numbers of our business - where we are now and where we are headed, it’s pretty clear TAB had a big effect on it in a very positive way.”

— Matt ReidRAZOR Marketing

“Over 10+ years, the candid advice and thoughtful feedback from my fellow TAB members and facilitators have been invaluable. Whether navigating complex decisions or refining growth strategies, TAB has consistently provided a trusted environment for insight and clarity. I highly recommend TAB to any business owner looking to grow strategically and lead more effectively.”

— Raymond PaveseKing Risk Partners

“My personal stress level today compared to prior to TAB has been reduced by 70%”

— Bill BoisvenueBSC Solutions Group, LTd.

What Will You Gain as a Member?

TAB members consistently describe their experience as both a business advantage and a personal support system that helps them grow with clarity, confidence, and connection.

  • Better decision-making grounded in diverse perspectives
  • Stronger leadership alignment across the team
  • Improved profitability and performance
  • Measurable accountability that builds momentum in your business
  • Reduced isolation and greater confidence as a leader in high-stakes decisions
  • Space to think clearly and strategically

High Retention,
Lasting Impact.

Download “Why Longtime TAB Members Keep Coming Back“

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Our TAB Member Survey data shows clear, measurable impact.

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93%

Members believe TAB adds real value to their business and personal lives

HIMAP-profit-icon

85%

Members have seen an increase in profit since joining TAB
HIMAP-growth-icon

2.5x

TAB owners experience 250% growth over the national average

How Do I Know if I am a Fit?

TAB is designed for leaders who want more profit, productivity, and personal fulfillment.

You May Thrive as a TAB Member If…

  • You are the primary decision-maker and carry responsibility for growth and results
  • You value candid feedback and are willing to be challenged
  • You want structured accountability that turns ideas into execution
  • You think long-term and prioritize sustainable success over quick wins
  • You want your team aligned around clear priorities, shared metrics, and disciplined execution
  • You recognize your managers need stronger leadership skills and clearer accountability
  • You are committed to developing high-performing employees

Member Outcomes: Real TAB Success Stories

See how real business owners turned complexity into clarity, growth, and stronger leadership—and explore the full archive of case studies to dive deeper into TAB member stories. TAB Members stay an average of 5+ years—not because they have to, but because the value keeps compounding. And with month-to-month membership, you're always free to leave whenever you choose.

George Manson, President of PSI Urethanes, Inc.

When George joined TAB in 1995, his company was growing rapidly, but he lacked experienced business guidance and formal support to navigate scaling challenges. Through decades on his TAB Peer Advisory Board, he gained perspective, refined his leadership philosophy, and strengthened a people-first culture rooted in accountability and profit-sharing. The outcome: PSI grew into a $10 million company with 40 employees, and George built not just a thriving business, but a lifestyle aligned with his personal definition of success.

Stacey Putka, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Breakthrough

As a nonprofit leader, Stacey was determined to build a mission-driven organization that operated with the discipline and structure of a strong business, but lacked a peer group that treated her like a CEO rather than “just” a nonprofit director. Through her TAB board, she gained actionable solutions around marketing, staffing, and operations, along with the accountability and perspective shared by fellow business leaders. The result: Breakthrough strengthened its operational foundation, expanded its impact, and reinforced a leadership model rooted in empathy, structure, and sustainable growth.

Jon Lisko, President of Lisko Environmental

Two years after launching his environmental consulting firm, Jon sought mentorship and structured accountability to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Through his TAB board and coaching support, he gained confidence in decision-making, strategic planning discipline, and long-term goal alignment. The result: his business tripled in revenue, strengthened profitability, and created a high-quality work environment for both him and his team.

Jennifer Collins, President and CEO of JDC Events

Jennifer had built a thriving event management company, but global crises—from 9/11 to COVID-19—repeatedly tested her business’s resilience, culminating in a near-total shutdown of her industry during the pandemic. Through TAB’s strategic planning and risk management work, she had already built a roadmap that allowed her to pivot, protect her team, and navigate prolonged disruption without layoffs or furloughs. The outcome: JDC emerged stronger, more innovative, and diversified, with Jennifer crediting TAB as a critical force behind her growth and long-term sustainability.

What is TAB?

The Alternative Board (TAB) has supported business leaders for more than 30 years across 27 countries. TAB’s Business Builder’s Advantage is a complete system designed by and for business owners and leaders, integrating peer advisory, coaching, leadership development, and manager training into one structured framework.

“Joining TAB has been one of the best decisions I’ve made as a business owner… It’s helped me think more strategically, grow my company with confidence, and make better decisions—not just for my business, but for myself as a leader.”

Tara McCafferty
SoFo Solution Focused HR

TAB's Culture

At TAB we support and celebrate our community member’s personal and business vision, journey, and achievement through measured accountability, collective wisdom, continuous learning, innovation and leveraging global best practices and tools. We are a giving and receiving community, where we treat each other as we would like to be treated and pursue trusted advisor relationships.

C
COMMUNITY

We are a global community, willing to both give and receive to improve our business and the people within it.

A
ACCOUNTABILITY

We are accountable for our results in all areas of our work and lives.

L
LEARNING

We believe lifelong learning improves our knowledge, perspective and self- awareness.

I
INNOVATION

We are agents of change and embrace innovation, fresh ideas and approaches.

B
BELIEF

We are passionate about TAB and the impact it has on businesses, communities and lives.

E
EXCELLENCE

We continuously strive to provide excellence in everything we do.

R
RESPECT

We always interact with others in a respectful and professional manner.

Community: We are a global community, willing to both give and receive to improve our business and the people within it.

Accountability: We are accountable for our results in all areas of our work and lives.

Learning: We believe lifelong learning improves our knowledge, perspective and self- awareness.

Innovation: We are agents of change and embrace innovation, fresh ideas and approaches.

Belief: We are passionate about TAB and the impact it has on businesses, communities and lives.

Excellence: We continuously strive to provide excellence in everything we do.

Respect: We always interact with others in a respectful and professional manner.

Our Team

Top Business Coach and Executive Coaching

Allen E. Fishman

Founder and Executive Chairman
Top Business Coach and Executive Coaching

Jason P. Zickerman

President and CEO
Top Business Coach and Executive Coaching

David Scarola

Chief Operating Officer

Who Are the Members?

At a glance, TAB Members Are:

  • Business owners and leaders actively running companies
  • Decision-makers responsible for growth, people, and long-term outcomes
  • Leaders running privately held companies across industries

Global Reach

TAB operates in 27 countries, connecting members to a worldwide network of business owners. Your board is local, but the perspective you gain is global. With TAB Connect, tap into our global network of thousands of business owners to solve challenges and share expertise.

What Does A TAB Member Actually Do?

Being a TAB member means having ongoing support as you navigate the real challenges of running a business. Our integrated Business Builder’s Advantage system includes:

Peer Advisory Boards

Structured monthly meetings with fellow leaders who provide candid insight, challenge assumptions, and share real-world experience.

Leadership Coaching

Personalized sessions focused on your leadership, blind spots, and growth priorities.

StratPro®

A strategic transformation program that helps your team get on the same page, work collaboratively, and make progress toward your long-term goals.

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High-Impact Manager Accelerator Program

Management development that strengthens your leadership bench and aligns managers around accountability and communication.

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Blueprint™ Platform

Our proven digital platform that helps you lead strategically and drive your business instead of reacting to it.

Not sure where to start?

Explore the Tools, Insights, and Frameworks Behind the Experience

Practical resources designed to strengthen strategy, leadership, execution, and decision-making—so growth is supported by structure, not guesswork.

Podcast Episodes

View All Podcasts

Blogs

View All Blogs

Case Studies

VIEW ALL CASE STUDIES

Why TAB Over Alternatives?

Before StratPro
Before StratPro / After StratPro
After StratPro
Scattered Effort
 
Strategic Alignment
Individual Focus
 
Collective Focus
Culture By Default
 
Culture By Design
Vague Responsibilities
 
Clear Roles and Accountability
Confusing Value Proposition
 
Clear and Compelling Offer
Reactive Decision-Making
 
Proactive Decision-Making
Time Wasted in Meetings
 
Purposeful and Strategic Check-Ins

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does membership require?

Unlike other peer board groups which require an all-day commitment, TAB’s 4-hour monthly meetings are structured to deliver maximum impact without overwhelming your schedule.

What if my industry is different from others on my board?

Industry diversity is built in by design to prevent groupthink and bring in fresh perspectives. And in practice, at least 75% of the challenges business owners face are universal, regardless of industry."

Is confidentiality protected?

Confidentiality is foundational. Members operate under strict agreements that foster trust and candor.

What makes the Business Builder Advantage different?

Most programs offer surface-level advice or disconnected tools. TAB gives you a complete, integrated system of coaching, strategy, peer support, team development, and planning, all aligned to help you lead with more clarity and confidence. The Business Builder Advantage isn’t a course - it’s an executable business advantage.

I don’t have time to add more to my plate. How will this help?

We get it, you're busy. That’s why we designed the Business Builder Advantage to reduce the noise, not add to it. With structured support and aligned tools, you’ll spend less time reacting and more time leading. Members often tell us they “finally feel in control again.”

What kind of business is this best for?

If you’re a business owner or leader of a privately held, growth-focused company, TAB was built for you. Our members span industries, but they all have one thing in common: they’re ready to lead better and grow smarter with support that actually works.

How soon will I see results?

Many members report shifts in mindset and clearer decision-making within the first few sessions. Tangible business results, such as better execution, more aligned teams, and stronger leaders, build over time through consistency, guidance, and commitment.

You Don’t Have to Lead Alone

Leadership carries weight. TAB provides perspective, accountability, and a structured path forward, so you can make clearer decisions, strengthen your team, and build a business that performs at its peak.