POST-SOVIET STABILIZING, REBUILDING, STRENGTHENING, ADVANCING… via Rapid Expeditionary Development (R.E.D.)

(MONGOLIA’S INDEPENDENCE LATE 1989 –  I ARRIVED TO MONGOLIA MID 1994)

From 1999, I (Alaskan Native Half-Breed; DNA: Alaskan Tlingit, Hawaiian, European and Asian) was contracted part of THE FIRST TIER USAID CONTRACTOR TEAMS (First major USAID Contractor Initiatives to Mongolia) who were responsible/contracted to establish Mongolia’s new foundation to advance its social economic development and conservation aspirations post 1989 transition into an Open Market Economy & Democracy. Historically, this is the first time in human history for Mongolia where USA Teams have every been politically allowed to assist with the entire country’s “Transitional Development/Stabilization of Mongolia’s Advancement” via strengthening its cross/multi-industry social economic supply chains (rural, regional, national and international – it’s their national security matter and my job is to contribute towards its stabilization, development and advancement); since Mr. Fromer’s arrival to Mongolia in 1994 till present day – I have continuously assisted Mongolia for 26+ years across Mongolia and internationally around the world via 1000s of initiatives. From early 1999/2000s, I was DIRECTLY/PERSONALLY contracted by CHIEF OF PARTY Stephen D. Vance (respected colleague/early mentor) to work on the USAID Funded Initiatives (USAID-GOBI INITIATIVE TEAM ONE) that focused on the Gobi Desert’s watersheds monitoring program (Geographic Information Systems) towards greater social economic development initiatives with Mongolia’s nomadic populations. From 2000-2003, I was officially invited to join the USAID Funded “The Competitiveness Initiative” (USAID-TCI TEAM ONE) by the CHIEF OF PARTY Ms. Michelle Morgan (“The BOSS!”, just an incredible Leader); a first of its kind Development Initiative that successfully established Mongolia’s International Social Economic Foundation via 100s of training/export marketing initiatives for the country’s three main GDPs (meat, tourism and cashmere industries) to compete both responsibly and ethically throughout global markets that were historically closed to Mongolia; post Chingis Khan and the Soviet Union – these works were being carried out and implemented for the first time in Mongolia’s history by hand-picked/selected Teams of the United States of America by ‘the best global field experts’.

The USAID Funded Competitiveness Initiative’s aim was to assist in advancement transitional countries like Mongolia and it’s traditional GDPs (meat, tourism and cashmere – companies, associations and industries) into the Global Market via training workshops, product development/branding, international marketing, destination development, international exhibitions, business linkage development, etc. It was from these foundation-building works that Mongolia’s struggling industries and their respective companies were strengthen via countless workshops, product development, international business linkage development, international marketing, and more; of which after the The Competitiveness Initiative (USAID-TCI Team One) implementation works – regardless of TCI Team Two and other nationwide matters – Mongolia’s Social Economic Foundation is still strong today greatly owing to USAID-TCI Team One’s Professionalism… testimony of USAID-TCI TEAM ONE’s professional-excellence still exists today as I (USAID-TCI Team One) have independently continued with USAID-TCI Team One’s Mission for the past decades via GER to GER and other works across Mongolia and around the world. Professional Note: for over 26+ years now – before GER to GER, during and afterwards, I have been continuously engaged in such rural-to-international works – of which I have had the honor to be contracted, mentored and worked side-by-side with a long-list of the world’s renown ‘social economic development experts/field experts’ for decades; Soros Foundation, Mongolian Association for Nature Conservation and Environment (Snow Leopard/Gobi Bear), USAID, World Bank, Swiss Agency for International Development and Cooperation, Rubin Art Museum, National Geographic Society, EMMY/DGA Awarded CBS’s The Amazing Race, etc.

“Zanjan Fromer’s creativity ensures delivery of high quality, professional media work that stands out. Always willing to take on a new challenge, he thrives on problem solving and new approaches.” 

Alan Saffery – USAID Mongolia – The Competitiveness Initiative; Competitiveness, Economic Development and Private Sector Development Consultant

DEVELOPMENT OPS

Definitive LIST of how GER to GER ACTIVELY FULFILLS the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) WHILE actively adhering/advocating the the UN’s UDHR.

Today’s major issue in Mongolia are irresponsible tour operators/competitors unethically profiteering/gaining from the ‘responsible tourism’ brand by sabotaging Responsible Tour Operators’ markets via disruptors, trolls, scammers, etc., that use Trip Advisor to damage the alternative incomes of nomadic families via factless statements of concern that the tourism industry “damages” nomads. What truly damages nomadic families are unethical individuals/scams/dishonest reviews and lack of market distinction now between responsible and irresponsible as everyone claims to be ‘responsible’. Hence, GERtoGER is using SDGs to highlight our ‘Responsible Tourism’ methodology:

• SDG 1 – NO POVERTY:  80% of Humanitarian Trips’ finances are returned to rural nomads, drivers, etc.; 20% towards rural communities’ marketing and workshops.
• SDG 2 – ZERO HUNGER: We have/continue to employ nomadic families who are the poorest of the poor.
• SDG 3 – GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: trainings on health/safety/reduce sanitation illnesses (Hepatitis, etc.); incomes for medical insurance, visits, medication, surgeries, etc.
• SDG 4 – QUALITY EDUCATION: Via workshops/incomes nomadic adults/children are receiving education via workshops (locals/internationals), schools, high schools and universities. 
• SDG 5 – GENDER EQUALITY: Over 70% of our national managers are women; rurally, women care for travelers’ family experience (food, drink, etc.) while men generally guide (though some women guide). 
• SDG 6 – CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION: (TRAINING/OPERATIONS) 1) nomads/travelers – “Leave No Trace” 2) waste management to mitigate watershed damages along routes, etc.
• SDG 7 – AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY: assisted all nomadic families to obtain savings accounts across Mongolia – credit histories used for financial services/small-loans to procure solar/wind powered units. 
• SDG 8 – DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH:  Social economic development via tourism while combatting negative aspects of open market growth.  Over 90% of HR are rural; via “Geotourism” we strengthen rural supply chains. 
• SDG 9 – INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE:  “GER to GER” is the Mongol Empire’s ancient “kinetic supply chain” – today this ancient supply chain advances Mongolia’s social economic aspirations. 
• SDG 10 – REDUCE INEQUALITIES: In addition to financial equality, SDG initiatives in Mongolia and abroad – for the last 6+ years we’ve been tracking, mapping, countering, etc., a variety of “inequalities” from Asia to EU to mitigate home-grown issues across multiple countries/internet-platforms.
• SDG 11 – SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES:  GERtoGER meshes “kinetic” and “static” supply chains into itineraries, products, etc., towards advancing social economic development. GERtoGER’s founder has spent 23+ years assisting Mongolia through its post-Soviet transitional development (tourism, meat, cashmere) – first USAID funded “The Competitiveness Initiative”. 
• SDG 12 – RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION: 1) travelers are trained on “subsistence nomadic lifestyles, traditions, history, etc.” 2) nomadic tribes are provided with cashmere-alternatives owing to overgrazing issues (sharp increase in goat numbers); sustainable eco-incomes vs. land degradation incomes that impacts nomadism, livestock, GDPs, nature/environment.
• SDG 13 – CLIMATE ACTION: We have conducted Nomad Relief Efforts during climatic disasters; films, media pieces, awareness campaigns, etc. 2) We established networks ‘that can’ monitor trends (goats, desertification, watershed situations, weather impacts on land degradation, etc.)
• SDG 14 – LIFE BELOW WATER: Via workshops all herder/travelers are trained about the importance of water resources in relation to mitigating waste related issues, etc. Though Mongolia may not have oceans – the quality of Mongolia’s watersheds are vital to nomadic populations throughout the country. Mr. Fromer assisted USAID Gobi Initiative’s “Watershed Monitoring” program works as the quality of the watersheds directly impacts Mongolia’s GDPs (cashmere, meat, tourism) as nomadic families are the core “node” of all three industries.
• SDG 15 – LIFE ON LAND: Via workshops herders/travelers are trained about the importance of land resources in relation to mitigating waste related issues, watershed impacts on land quality, weather/climatic degradation of land, etc., in addition to serious issues pertaining to overgrazing, etc., GER to GER has established nomadic networks ‘that can’ monitor such remote concerns (GDP concerns).
• SDG 16 – PEACE, JUSTICE, AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS: We promote the UN’s UDHRs within Mongolia, social media, etc. Mr. Fromer encourages all countries to “maintain the peace” via making the general public aware of social-issues (extremists, oppression OPS, racial hate CRIMES, etc.) that may indeed hinder social economic development. 
• SDG 17 – PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS: Via social media networks (Facebooking, Twitter, etc.), partners, donors, etc., we proactively expand our initiatives.
  • “Responsible-Tours.org” established by GER to GER and the Founder, this new Initiative is being launched by “The Global Practitioners” to assist International CBTs, CSR Initiatives, alternative community travel networks and Geotourism Initiatives
  • “LastLifeLine.org” under the GERtoGER Foundation this new Initiative aims to match Global Issues of the aforementioned “MDGs/SDGs” that require exposure to better link with like-minded organizations.

Responsible Travel Notes: 

* All Humanitarian Trips and Homestays are 100% “Reality Trips” that are managed and operated by locals and nomadic families; GER to GER Office operates ONLY AS A Humanitarian “Travel Agent” for communities (non-tour operator).

* GER to GER humanitarian trips is about “Reality” – real families, real lifestyles, real situation, etc. (who are the Mongols? And not about our expectations).

* GER to GER humanitarian trips are not an amusement park experience – it’s about awareness/respecting nomadic lifestyle and learning “their ways” (not ours), etc.

* GER to GER is an opportunity for people to learn how to integrate within other cultures vs. other cultures catering to our international norms and standards that we have become overly accustomed too and demand others to adhere too (like paid entertainment slaves).

* GER to GER has generated over a Million USD towards Mongolia’s social economic development via supply-chain synergies and provides over 80% of its revenues toward rural nomadic families that greatly need this alternative income source.

Shortlist of Endeavors, Marketing and Awareness Campaign Initiatives – Online Links to Supportive Documentations of me and my established organization (GER to GER):

STRATEGIC COMPETITIVENESS
Competitiveness Analysis
Competitive Intelligence
Marketing Strategy
Market Intelligence
Business Analysis
Business Intelligence
Business Development
Competitiveness Development
Communications Strategies
Mass Media
Digital Media Marketing
Print Media Marketing
Tourism/Market Supply Chains
Tourism/Market Value Chains
Corporate Social Responsibility

PROFESSIONALISM AND ASSOCIATED TANGIBLES

The following skill-sets have been developed and honed throughout countless projects (film/tv, social economic development, business, etc.) for a vast variety of businesses, development agencies, famed film/TV shows, and more as clearly highlighted by aforementioned ‘Career Accomplishments Timeline’.

Leadership skills: field specialist, founder, project manager, production facilitator/manager/producer/fixer/etc., social entrepreneur/field specialist (GER to GER Geotourism, World Bank, SDC, USAID, Ministry Medal of Honor for Leadership, National Geographic Society Certificate of Excellence as well as Geotourism Ambassadorship, etc.)

Interpersonal skills: over a decade of international experiences ranging from recognitions in famed publications, honors and awards by top tier international agencies, organizations, Ministries, etc., that cover a geographic territory spanning around the world ranging from participatory trainings with nomadic tribes across Mongolia to being Ministry approved Country Level Exhibitor and guest speaker at famed international travel shows (LA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW, ITB BERLIN, WTM LONDON, HONG KONG, COTTM CHINA, TAIWAN, etc.)

Communication skills: Global Marketing Communications & Mass Media Specialist, branding, export marketing, etc., for multi-industry development of rural to international supply chains (USAID The Competitiveness Initiative and many other domestic/international public-private sector initiatives).

Management skills: project manager (World Bank, USAID, SDC, etc.); facilitator/fixer (The Amazing Race, etc., TV Shows); founder, field specialist, developer, global marketing/business linkage development, project management, etc. (GER to GER GEOtourism); etc.

Intellectual skills: I have dedicated decades towards enriching my multi-sector/multi-industry capacities for a variety of purposes. My skills range from professional research/analytical works such as the ‘Cross-Industry Tourism Competitiveness Survey, Mapping and Supply Chain Analysis’ for World Bank that focused on surveying/mapping accommodations, food & drink, fuel & oil, operators, transportation sector (ground/air) etc., to obtaining a vast variety of skill-sets (filmmaking/editing, audio mixing/editing, photography, digital media, graphic designing, web development, print publications, GIS/mapping, etc.) as briefly covered via my graphic resume; virtually an all-in-one/in-house multi-purpose field/production unit. It’s my broad variety of skill-sets that famed Reality Shows like CBS’s The Amazing Race (EMMY/DGA Awarded Season) and others rely on – from location scouting to production facilitation/management to wrap up they all know that they can count on me to get the job done and make unforgettable TV Episodes.

MARKETING
Content Analysis
Content Strategy
Content Creation
Copywriting
Content Development
Print Marketing Development
Digital Marketing Development
Content Management
Content Marketing
Distribution
Branding
Brand Management
Brand Security

PRINT DEVELOPMENT
Graphic Design
Brochure Designing
Leaflet Designing
Billboard Designing
Gifts: pens, bags, etc.

DIGITAL MARKETING
Online Strategy Analysis
Strategy Development
SEO Strategies
SEM Strategies
Strategy Implementation
Web Development
eBrochures
Email Marketing
Social Media Management
Social Media Marketing
Blogging

SEO ANALYTICS
Google Analytics
SEO Tools
SEO Analysis
SEM Analysis
Website Analysis
Content/TAG Analysis
Code Analysis

WEB DEVELOPMENT
Website Analysis
Development
Content Management Systems (CMS)
WordPress
Web Development
Web Design
Website Maintenance
Organic SEO Strategies
Content Strategies
SEO
SEM
Graphic Design
User Interface (UI)

VIDEOGRAPHY & PHOTOGRAPHY
Videographer
Photographer
Audio
Video Editing
Photo Editing
Audio Editing
Photo Editing
Photo Manipulation
Photo Retouching
Audio Editing
Soundtrack Mixing

FILM & TV PRODUCTIONS
Scout Planning
Scout Budgeting
Scout
Creative Development
Production Planning
Production Calendar
Production Budget
Production Document
Shoot Calendar
Production Fixer
Mongolia Fixer
Zone Management
Location Management
Event Management
Production Management
Video Production
Producer
Infomercials
Documentaries
Reality Shows

TOURISM
Industry Analysis
Geographical Analysis
Strategic Development
Community Based Tourism
Supply Chain Analysis & Initiatives
Cultural Tourism
Responsible Tourism
Expeditions
Expedition Management
Expedition Leader
Risk Assessments
Risk Mitigation
Training Workshops
Navigation
Geographic Information Systems
Route Planning
Travel Planning
Logistics
Management
Travel Expos

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Founder
Chief Marketing Officer
Social Entrepreneur
Social Enterprise
Tour Operator
Business Coaching
International Management
Marketing
Networking
B2B
B2C
Expos
Corporate Social Responsibility

SOCIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Rural Development
Sustainable Development
International Development
Tourism Supply Chain Initiatives
TAA: Train, Advise, Assist
MEL: Monitor, Evaluate, Learn

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (R&D);

COUNTLESS GLOBAL EXPERIENCES & SUCCESSES

Historically, I am one the longest-standing USA social economic developers within Mongolia with an in-country presence of 26+ years. I’m internally complex yet externally simple, an experienced leader who can enjoy taking the back seat for the team; I’m actively able (technical skill sets/experience) to lead from the front, in parallel and from behind when situational environs require different styles of leadership and/or supportive roles (out in the field or in the office).  Even though I’ve been in the lime-light (fancy suits, event speaker, country specialist for famed reality shows, filmmaker/producer, project manager for international initiatives at top-tier development agencies/organizations, Ministry approved exhibitor for famed international business expos, etc.), I prefer a pair of jeans, cowboy boots and living a wholesome life in a cabin out in the woods – I’m still Alaskan to my core.

In my resume, kindly note that I referred to a “supplemental section”, that can be accessed by the tabs to the left that are in relation to my skill sets.  Lastly, I have 5 years of “professional” (non-degree) overseas education backed by 20 up to 30+ years of “equivalent experience” that far exceeds any Bachelor and most Master Degree requirements; as proven by my successful “timeline” as a Specialist and as an Executive supported by two decades of recognitions & honors with top tier international organizations, agencies, tourism boards/associations, businesses, film/tv production companies, etc.

Short List of Skill Sets:

• Many analytic initiatives/projects have been independently/contractually carried out via USAID, World Bank, Swiss International Development Agency, GERtoGER.org, Adventure-Studio.com, etc.:

  • Special Projects (R&D): online/offline data-collection/mining; strategy development; project/budget/deliverable designing/launch; management/operations; monitor/evaluation; re-strengthening, etc.
  • Rural Initiatives (R&D): cashmere/ meat/ tourism development; community-based tourism; SMEs; product development; branding; photography/filming; mass media deliverables & distribution; etc.
  • National/International Initiatives (R&D): multi-industry development; destination development; international market linkage development; international business/market expos; etc.
  • Competitiveness (R&D): multi-industry/ business/ SMEs/ associations/ product/ service/ market intelligence; marketing strategies; project/budget designing; deliverable planning/ development and distribution; etc.
  • Tourism, etc., Supply Chain Initiatives (R&D): cross-industry survey mapping, analysis, reporting, project designing (community-based, destination development, etc.), implementation, management, node monitor/evaluation, node re-strengthening, community mobilization, outreach training and program development, rural to ministerial and international market communications (vice versa), etc.
  • Internet/Offline Mass Media (R&D): tailor-made websites/other deliverables; informercials and short documentaries; market strategies; press-releases; publications; media-outlets pieces; tourism board/national association info packets; email marketing; expo spots; social media campaigns; SEO/SEM; etc.
  • Film/TV (R&D): digital photography/videography for film/TV productions, reality shows, documentaries, travel infomercials, museum centerpieces, expo centerpieces, websites, marketing, etc.
  • Digital/Print (R&D): digital (web, eBooks, etc.) and print (expos, brochures, etc.) designing, publishing and distribution; distribution strategies and channels; etc.
• And MORE…

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Brainstorms/Mind Mapping, etc.
Conceptualization
Research
Feasibility
Project Development
Plan
Budget
Implement
Launch
Manage
Monitor
Evaluate
Learn
Strengthen
Advance

SOFTWARES
Gantt Project Management
Adobe Audition
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Media Optimizer
Adobe Creative Suite
Adobe Mobile Apps
Word
Excel
Powerpoint
Apple Pages
Apple Numbers
Apple Keynote
Scrivener
ETC.

IMPORTANCE OF NON-DEGREE STUDIES AT NUM

THIS WAS A “ONCE IN A LIFETIME” OPPORTUNITY; THE FIRST/LAST CHANCE FOR A “REAL” TRANSITIONAL-EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Post-Cold War (1992), I would be the First and Only American to independently experience a vast multitude of situational environs and realities firsthand – in Mongolia (since 1994); among Mongolian Students (1995-2000) AFTER ‘The Cold War’.

At this early transitional time (I arrived June 1994), just couple years after the Cold War/collapse of the Russian Federation States (1989), the National University of Mongolia (NUM) wasn’t properly setup for “non-communist” foreign EU/American students; regardless, I attended courses and concluded as a non-degree program (in 2000) for I had professional goals to achieve.

This experience, beyond course works, provided me 1000s of firsthand insights into an old-world educational system… to comprehend how Mongolia trains/educates its people, within their own environs/experience countless realities, based on an archaic soviet system provided me with unparalleled access to countless levels of comprehension that would allow me to better assist “Mongolia” through its social economic transition into a non-communist Open Market Economic Society; one must understand the people to be effective – which my career timeline/recognitions clearly show (SEE MULTI-INDUSTRY: PORTFOLIO/HONORS). This education provided me with parallel comprehension into Russia/China systems as they indeed share pedagogical methodologies and more – countless in-depth situational comprehensions of learning-styles, behaviors, psychologies, methods, opinions, challenges, aspirations, constraints, etc. Via my unique educational preparation, beyond operational management, I was able to apply these “lessons learned/experiences” towards advancing/strengthening/re-strengthening numerous USAID, World Bank, Adventure Studio, GER to GER, etc., Initiatives while assessing, mapping, planning, implementing, countering, mitigating countless potential risks/pitfalls that these Transitional Initiatives could have encountered if I didn’t pursue my Education; as I’m able to sense what others were/are unable too.

Miyamoto Musashi

“Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.”

“Perception is strong and sight weak. In strategy it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.”