Client: Jennifer Kelso, Owner of Oleander Marketing

Industry: Marketing

“It is my pleasure to provide this professional reference for April Oertel, whose leadership and strategic insight I witnessed firsthand during one of the most ambitious projects in the history of the Galveston Railroad Museum.

In 2019, the museum launched its first-ever Polar Express Train Ride—an eight-week event that sold more than 32,000 tickets and required the recruitment, training, and management of over 100 seasonal employees. I served as the Marketing Director and Events Coordinator during that time, and April directed the workforce coordination, operational planning, and team performance.

From the start, April approached the project with the mindset of a business developer rather than an event manager. Her ability to read situations early, anticipate obstacles, and implement proactive solutions was remarkable. April’s strength lies in her rare combination of strategic foresight and people intelligence. She understands how to align workflow, communication, and accountability in a way that builds both structure and confidence across teams.

Even in the fast-paced environment of live operations, she guided employees toward greater self-awareness and responsibility—skills they carried long after the project ended. It’s this same approach she now brings through Nexus Strategies, helping businesses refine systems, reclaim time, and scale with purpose.

April is an exceptional strategist and coach, and I have every confidence in her continued success helping other organizations reach their full potential.”

Client: Chris Becker, Owner of Woven Inspiration

Industry: Interior Design, Historical Preservation, and Upholstery Arts

“I’ve had the privilege of working with April for more than six years, and she has been a trusted and influential presence in every stage of my business. What began as an assistant role quickly evolved into a true collaboration — April became my business development manager, my sounding board, and now my coach.”

“As an artist, upholsterer, and preservationist of historical furnishings, I’ve built Woven Inspiration around craftsmanship, authenticity, and detail. April understood that from the start. She helped me translate those values into structure and strategy — managing transitions, guiding growth, and ensuring that every operational decision supported the creative integrity of my work.”

“April is a rare kind of professional — insightful, organized, and remarkably intuitive about what a business needs to grow and stay strong. Woven Inspiration has become more structured, resilient, and forward-focused because of her expertise and steady leadership. I would confidently recommend Nexus Strategies to any business ready to grow with clarity and purpose.”

Client: Tanner Rushton, T.R. Fencing Company

Industry: Fencing & Construction

“Working with Nexus Strategies has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business. I reached a point where I knew that if I wanted to grow, I needed stronger systems, clearer structure, and a more professional foundation behind the work we do. April brought exactly that. Her guidance immediately helped streamline how we operate and present ourselves, and my closing rate has already increased from about 40% to over 60%.

She has a way of seeing both the big picture and the small details that matter. With her support, our business is more organized, more consistent, and more confident in how we communicate with customers and manage projects. I now have a clearer path for growth, and I’m planning to expand with another crew and additional services in 2026.

April’s expertise has strengthened T.R. Fencing in every way, and I’m grateful for the impact she’s made on our business and its future.”