I think it's best to do it sooner, rather than later. You want to allow enough time to incorporate the things I teach you into your delivery. By using the templates I will share with you, your answers will be comprehensive, concise, and smooth.

The late Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi said it best; “We practice like we play. Perfect practice makes for perfect play.”

It’s completely up to you. I will help you gauge your progress. My goal is to help you build on your strengths, and identify your weaknesses. I will give you suggestions on how to improve.

I have candidates who have set up appointments every 3 weeks for 8 months prior to their exam. These candidates usually score well on their exam, as this gives us an opportunity to focus on every different portion of the exam, instead of just one.

I can offer you help with fire simulations (including haz mat, MCI, WMD, etc), personnel issues, teaching demos, and oral interviews. You decide where you want to focus your efforts and for how long.

As you know, there are no guarantees in life. I will help you prepare for the position. In turn, you will be prepared for the exam. I do not teach to the test. I have worked with a bunch of candidates who have scored number 1 on their exam. I have worked with many other candidates who scored well enough on their exam to get promoted.

I have to be fair when I tell you that I also have worked with people who failed a portion of the exam. It’s up to you to perform on the day of the exam. I do believe, however that those who prepare are rewarded for their efforts. You will get out of it what you put into it. You must review and incorporate the new information and templates into your delivery. If you do not review on your own, you will not make much progress.

I believe in accentuating the positive. I am a pretty upbeat person. You have my commitment that I will never insult you, or degrade you in any way. I do not believe in breaking a person down in order to build them up. That’s not my style.

I will promise you, however, that I am all business when we meet. Your time and hard-earned money is valuable. We will not talk about the weather, or tell war stories. That’s not what you are there for. It’s important to maximize our time together.

I live in Dana Point, California. John Wayne (Orange County) airport is the closest. I work regularly with candidates who fly in from out of state.

It's completely up to you. If you are flying in from out of town, it's probably best to schedule all day. If you are local, 3 hour blocks are fine.

...Before I reached out and received assistance from a mentor, I thought I could do it on my own; after all I had twenty-five years of service with the LAFD. I believed that I been to all the big fires and responded to all the complicated EMS calls that any Firefighter has experienced; surely I could handle the endeavor of a promotional exam. That was my mind-set before I “fell on my face” and the Chief’s interview.

The competition is fierce. I’ve learned that the promotional candidate needs to be competent. I had the experience, but I wasn’t versed with the fine tactical points and the method to deliver my abilities in the testing process. What I learned from Chief Lepore was a thorough way to handle personnel problems and explain, as a fire officer, my tactical operations while on the fire ground. He individualized each area by helping me refine my natural abilities. Chief Lepore prescribed a method of success base-off my thought process, experiences, and time on the job. This is the trademark of his service and has truly given me the edge that I needed.

I am proud to say that I have recently promoted to the rank of Fire Captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department. I recommend a one-on-one coaching service with Battalion Chief Paul Lepore. ……Thank you Chief Lepore.

Edward S. Valdez
Fire Captain I
Los Angeles City Fire Department

Chief Lepore,

I just wanted to say thank you for your private coaching for our recent San Francisco Fire Department's Lieutenant's promotional exam. As you know, over 850 people competed in the exam. I am proud to say that my study partner Dale Carns and I were promoted in the first group. Without your knowledge and insight, I don't know if I would have scored as well as I did. So for that I would like to say thank you, and that I am deeply grateful for your time and effort. Again thank you for everything that you have done for me and the others.

Sincerely,

Mike Fucciolo
Lieutenant
San Francisco Fire Department

Chief Lepore, thank you for being a great friend and mentor throughout my fire service career. Chief Lepore from the beginning has set me straight with his outstanding organizational skills, dedication, and attention to detail when it comes to the fire service promotional process. His efforts have produced high quality results time and times again for finishing #1 on my first entry-level test and then #2 on my Captains test with Long Beach Fire. Chief Lepore has the essentials to help a candidate package, process, and understand the proper direction to be successful in the fire service. Chief Lepore helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses to further prepare you for game day and your career. If you are want to be the best in your promotional process then you must go to the best; Chief Lepore.

Larry Coots

Captain
Long Beach Fire Dept.

I owe my Battalion Chief’s promotion to Chief Paul Lepore. I say that because, he is the only difference between my first two failed attempts and my successful completion of the exam the third time around. I tried studying on my own the first two times I took the exam. This time, I went to Paul for help. I spent time reviewing the material on his web site and met with him six times in person. I felt very confident going into this test. Don’t waste your time like I did the first two tries and go to Chief Lepore now.

Chief Lepore has successfully mentored students from the entry level exam to various Chief’s exams. Paul studies the exam process and collects information from many sources. All of his students come back to him with the results of their tests. The material is then processed and used to keep abreast of the current trends in testing. He knows what the raters are looking for and how to get you to that level. He has the unique ability to find out what your deficits are and work on them, turning them into your strengths.

I couldn’t recommend Chief Lepore any higher, than to state again that he coached me to my new position as a Battalion Chief with the Long Beach Fire Department. Thanks, Paul!

Greg Henry, Battalion Chief
Long Beach Fire Department

I wanted to express my sincere appreciation to you for your coaching and mentoring over the past four months. Your knowledge and perspective of the job is without question one of the best! Your ability to teach real world problem solving techniques and operational tactics has prepared me for the position of Captain. Your ability for figuring out the strengths and weaknesses of a candidate and then developing a road map for success is what makes your program truly unique. When I came to you I was a candidate, when we finished I was a contender. On the day of the test I felt confident and assured that I was ready. Your teaching made the difference, I finished Number 1!

I would Highly Recommend any candidate taking a promotional exam to spend the time and meet with Chief Lepore. It is the difference between being a candidate and being a contender!

Thanks again!

Jason Pyle
Fire Captain
Costa Mesa Fire Department

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your work in preparing me for my department’s recent Lieutenant test. With almost 1000 people competing for roughly 175 positions, I had some serious competition. Not only, did I enjoy working with you very much, but your insight to promotional exams and how to study for my departments specific style of testing was both accurate and invaluable. Additionally, the private coaching sessions that I did with you prior to each phase of the exam, allowed me to walk into the test confident and prepared. I have no doubt that working with you played a large role in my successful promotion. Thanks again.

Take care my friend.

Lt. Dale Carnes
San Francisco Fire Department

Chief Lepore,

I wanted to thank you for the coaching you gave to me for my recent Captain's exam. I know that the confidence that you help instill in me carried me through the test. I also think it is very telling of your coaching ability that the top three scores on this Captain's test were all coached by you. So, thanks again and I am sure in a couple of years I will be contacting you for help with the BC exam.

Jamie Newton
Fire Captain
Fullerton Fire Department

There were many candidates from my department that went to Battalion Chief Paul Lepore for promotional coaching. Thankfully, I was one of them. Was I hesitant? Yes. Did I regret it? Absolutely not! Paul is, and was, a great asset to me and my promotion to Captain.

I can tell you that his methods, techniques, and tactical scenarios work. I used them for my Assessment Center Test. I am proud to say that I scored in the top ten out of 85 candidates testing. I know that the days with Paul and my study partners were the reason for it. If others come to me asking for some help, I am first recommending Paul Lepore.

Use him, trust him! I did.

Stan Sgambelluri
Captain
San Diego City Fire and Rescue

Chief Lepore,

Thanks to you, I have achieved my career goal of becoming a Battalion Chief.

Your no nonsense instruction style was very effective for me. Your high energy also made the process very enjoyable. I can highly recommend you to anyone who is interested in promoting or needs to improve their skills.

Rick Riley
Battalion Chief
Fullerton Fire Department

David Gerboth
Captain
San Diego City Fire-Rescue

I went in to the fire simulation portion of the exam with such confidence and preparation that some of the questions the raters asked, I had already answered. Hearing a rater state "He already answered that question", just built up my confidence even more. The oral interview went the same way; I was able to give the raters what they wanted to hear.

I will begin a new chapter in my career as a Captain with the Vernon Fire Department. I believe to this day that without the private coaching from Chief Lepore, my success with this promotional process would not have been what it was.

I can say that when I decide to advance my career again, I will be contacting Chief Lepore for more private coaching. I encourage anyone in the fire service that is considering taking a promotional exam, to call Chief Lepore.

Chief Lepore, thank you for your guidance, experience, and encouragement.

Craig Peltier - Captain
Vernon Fire Department

Chief Lepore,

I just wanted to thank you for your assistance in my recent Battalion Chief promotion. I am certain that it was your instruction and guidance that put me where I am today. You have incredible ideas and explanations of things that I never even considered. I would definitely recommend you to anyone seeking to promote in the fire service.

Once again, thank you for the career guidance.

Ron Stocking
Battalion Chief
Brea Fire Department

I had the opportunity to work with Chief Lepore to help prepare me for the position of Captain. I found the training and the insight provided by Chief Lepore very helpful. I truly enjoyed the training sessions and each session brought new knowledge and understanding. I am now a Captain and I owe a lot of my success to the time we spent together. Even though I have made Captain, I plan to continue training with Chief Lepore; he has not only become a mentor but also a friend. I highly recommend training with Chief Lepore. His knowledge of tactics and strategy combined with his experience make him a fantastic resource for continuing my education.

Milo Garcia
Captain
Santa Monica Fire Department

Chief Lepore,

I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your assistance in preparing me for our Captain's test. Your intensity, perspective, and passion for the job provided the necessary direction I needed to nail the test. Any candidate considering taking a promotional test would benefit greatly from the teaching style and insight that you provide. You dialed me in for the test and prepared me for a challenging position that I felt confident to step into considering my short time on the job. Since the test and my immediate promotion, I have found myself using many of the problem solving techniques we discussed whether they were operational tactics or personnel issues. You are the first person I recommend to people who are contemplating a promotional exam as I know you will provide them with a road map to success. Thanks again Chief!

Adam Loeser
Fire Captain
Fullerton Fire Department

I met with Chief Lepore for one year before my Captains test and wouldn’t have been successful without his guidance. He gave me the tools necessary to accomplish my goal of promoting to Fire Captain and becoming successful on the fire ground. Meeting with Chief Lepore was the best decision I’ve ever made because he gave me so much knowledge that I carry on a daily basis.

I strongly advise candidates to meet with Chief Lepore so they too can be successful in their career path. The candidates will not be disappointed in their decision and will be steps ahead of the competition.

Kevin Tiscareno
Fire Captain
Newport Beach Fire Department

Chief Lepore,

Just wanted to let you know how greatly I appreciated your help over the last year in preparing myself for the recent promotional testing. More than just completing a testing process, you helped me to understand the difference between completing the test to receive a passing score, and achieving the best score possible. During the personal coaching sessions you provided, I quickly learned to prepare for the position first and the testing process would then take care of itself. You also helped me develop my career goals based upon my background - education and a realistic road map and for the position I was working so hard to obtain. I have found your coaching methods and advise so useful that as an Adjunct Fire Instructor for my local community college, I frequently quote and use your material as a valuable resource. I would strongly recommend your personal coaching secessions to any firefighter desiring to sharpen his skills for advancement or obtain a position in the greatest career there is "The Brotherhood of the Fire Service." Once again Thank You Paul, for your leadership and friendship.

Captain Bryan Perry
City of Bakersfield FIRE Department

The time and effort spent with Chief Lepore was the single biggest reason I was successful on my Battalion Chief’s exam. He was able to easily identify my weaknesses and then customized a plan for me to succeed. The learning environment was extremely supportive and positive, yet right on task when I needed improvement. I highly recommend Chief Lepore for anyone trying to promote.

Robb Rice
Battalion Chief
Loma Linda Fire

After my dept made the decision to start using a professional company to administer our Fire Captains promotional exam, I started looking for resources to help prepare me for the exam.

I contacted Chief Lepore and he explained to me the methods he uses to prepare candidates for all aspects of the promotional process. The decision was simple for me to make. If I wanted to do my best and score high enough to get promoted, I needed Chief Lepore’s help.

Chief Lepore and I met on several occasions. We covered fire ground tactical scenarios, personnel issues, and oral presentations.

I am convinced that without Chief Lepore’s coaching and mentoring, I would not have scored as high as I did. I placed 11th out of 70 candidates and got promoted in the first round.

If you are preparing to take a promotional exam of any rank, I highly suggest contacting Chief Lepore. His methods Work!

Jose Perez
Fire Captain
Orange County Fire Authority

I strongly recommend the career preparation and promotional assistance that Chief Paul Lepore offers.

The first opportunity I had to work with Chief Lepore was during my preparation for the Captains promotional exam. Chief Lepore covered fire ground tactical scenarios, personnel issues, and how to do the job of a progressive Captain. Chief Lepore reinforced how to be good on the job, and that would make me successful during the promotional exam. I scored out number 1 out of 12 on my Captain’s Exam. The practical application on the job of Chief Lepore’s lessons made the position as a Captain even more enjoyable than I expected.

Recently, I had the opportunity to take the Battalion Chief’s promotional exam. Prior to the test I continued to apply Chief Lepore’s lessons during my day-to-day operations. Applying the same principles as the Captain’s exam, I enter the Battalion Chief’s promotional process. I came out number 2 out of 16. I have continued to apply the lessons learned by Chief Lepore over the last year and a half as a Battalion Chief.

Chief Lepore provided me with the tools to be successful as a Captain and Battalion Chief. I fully endorse Chief Lepore and the services he offers.

Brian J. Helmick
Battalion Chief
East Contra Costa Fire Protection District

If you want to be the candidate that is fully prepared for all aspects of the testing process, then Chief Lepore is the resource you're looking for.

I encourage anyone looking to promote to meet with Chief Lepore.

Chip Duncan
Battalion Chief, Newport Beach Fire Department

After many years of trying to promote to Captain, I finally met with you to improve my chances of getting promoted. Your coaching helped me realize my potential to manage a major fire ground incident, handle complex personnel issues and refine my oral interview skills. In part thanks to your guidance I was able to promote to Captain.

Three years later I set my sights on becoming a Division Chief. Again we worked on ICS, Oral Interviews, and personnel issues, this time taking it up a few notches to match the position. I am honored to say that I received a 100% on my fire simulator as well as scoring well on the rest of the exam.

I am proud to say that through your guidance and mentoring I have realized my dream of becoming a Division Chief.

Respectfully,

Carl Whitaker
Division Chief
Redondo Beach Fire Department

I am pleased to say that I promoted to the position of Captain in January, 2011. The advice you gave during our training has been applicable each and every shift. Words cannot express how nice it is to be trained for the position I strived for. Other tutors teach how to succeed in the testing process, you teach to be successful after the testing process. You are an admirable instructor and a credit to the fire service.

Thank you again!

In highest regards,

Joe Matsch
Fire Captain
Beverly Hills Fire Department

I had prepared my entire career for the position and was ready for more when the test was completed. I found that Paul's coaching allowed me to demonstrate how our organization can expand our command awareness and grow with the new information. I can now create a plan for any incident that is duplicatable for today and the next generation".

Jim Hanson
Battalion Chief
Ross Valley Fire Department

For those of you considering Chief Paul Lepore's coaching assistance you will be doing yourself a great service by using his proven methods. As I have found he will give you some of the best advice and strategies in our field. I did a rather lengthy search and found Chief Lepore is the best.

While preparing for my exam process I was aware that others were using him in my department. It was not until after the results were out that I found out he had successfully coached myself to a number 2 spot on the Captain's list and also, coached the number 1 candidate as well. The study group I was part of retained Chief Lepore for two days. The success of his methods also helped another member of this group finish number 1 on a neighboring Department's Captain exam.

So, there is proof that the information he will provide you with is worth the effort. I would highly recommend Chief Paul Lepore if you desire a superior showing on you next promotional exam.

Bob Atlas
Fire Captain
Contra Costa County Fire

Thanks again Chief Lepore for all your help. Your coaching helped me improve on the areas where I needed the most help. It’s quite remarkable that I took in your coaching and come out #1, not only in the employee problem but in the test overall.

If there was a cookbook for promotional success, your recipe would be on top.

Thanks again,
Jeff Gillette
Captain
Loma Linda Fire Department

I cannot explain how nice it is to go into the testing process with the confidence that your preparation has prepared you to tackle any problem or issue the panel will present. Chief Lepore's coaching helped me gain confidence. In fact, this was the first test in my entire life that I actually could not wait to take, because I felt so prepared.

I am now a Captain and I truly believe that my decision to use Chief Lepore's coaching was the main reason for my success in the promotional process.

We all know how competitive the promotional process is and I truly believe that the private coaching Chief Lepore provides is crucial to being at the top of your game.

Thank you again Chief Lepore for your guidance and most importantly your friendship.

Todd Schoenig
Captain
Vernon Fire Department