ECE Celebrates 40th Anniversary

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ECE started because of the promise one person made to James S. Frey when he left his former employer as a credential evaluator. One of his customers told him that if he started his own company, they’d switch to him. With that promise ECE began.

Jim’s goal was to develop evaluation standards based upon factual information obtained from official sources, without any outside influence. Jim’s commitment to the ethical practice of the profession of credential evaluation, based on facts and for the benefit and wellbeing of our global community, has provided the foundation on which we have built ECE.

ECE has grown from a one-man operation working out of a basement with one client and a handful of evaluations to a staff that now numbers 94, occupying a modern office in Milwaukee (though most are working from home nowadays). More than 600,000 evaluations completed is quite an accomplishment in that 40-year span of time.

We honor Jim (pictured right) for making our world a safer and better place by ensuring appropriate assessment of educational credentials for people around the world who are using their education to improve their own lives, those of their families, and their communities.

And we still live the promise that ECE is built on.

Sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in you – one person to change the entire trajectory of your life, which ends up touching the lives of so many.

We believe in you and can’t wait to feel the impact of your contribution in the world.

To our current and former employees, applicants, partners, and friends, we thank you for a wonderful and rewarding first 40 years.

-- Margit Schatzman, ECE President

Fun Facts

ECE's founder, Jim Frey loved his puns. Here's a favorite:

The pun is the lowest form of humor, unless you thought of it.

And here's one from a staff member:

I have a bachelor's and a master's, but my parents keep criticizing me for not getting a doctorate - they won't stop with the third degree.

The Cat's Meow

ECE's first employee was Jim Frey's cat Taro.

◄— That's Taro in the video. In Japanese, taro means "eldest son."

Did someone say pie?

ECE’s second office was across the street from an outlet of a now defunct national restaurant chain that specialized in pies. Back in the day when there were about 12 employees, we looked for any possible excuse to celebrate with a pie or two.

True Blue

Why have all of ECE’s logos included the color blue?

Easy, that is Jim Frey’s favorite color.

Jim Frey had a massive turtle knickknack collection. The strange thing was, he did not particularly like turtles. A former colleague gave him one upon returning from a trip. Someone else saw the turtle on his desk and gave him another one. The collection reproduced from there to over 100 of the creatures.

ECE Craft Corner (Using 40th Anniversary Socks)

Sock Koozies

What you’ll need:
-   Preferred beverage
-   One ECE sock
-   Scissors

Optional:
- Sewing supplies
- Glue

Step 1: After gathering your supplies, cut the sock just above the heel at a straight angle.

Step 2: Flip the sock pieces inside out.

Step 3: Fold the cut edges on both pieces over to create a cuff.

Optional step: Glue or sew the edge so it stays in place.

Step 4: Carefully flip the sock back to its right side.

Step 5: Pull your new koozie around a preferred beverage of your choice and enjoy!

DIY Sock Facemask

What you’ll need:
- One ECE stock
- Scissors

Step 1: Cut through the sock halfway between the toes and the heel.

Step 2: Cut off the top portion of the sock just above the ankle.

Optional step: Use the excess pieces for other fun projects like can koozies or a reusable heating pad!

Step 3: Use the scissors to cut the bottom edge (side with the heel) of the sock completely off. When finished, the sock should be able to open flat.

Step 4: Turn the sock so the heel is facing left and the cut is facing upwards. Fold the sock over itself evenly.

Step 5: At about ½ an inch down from the top, make a straight ½ - 1 inch cut into the folded edge of the sock. Do not cut all the way through the sock.

Step 6: Unfold the sock. Use the loops around your ears and - voila - you have a new facemask!

Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers, Recognizes ECE's 40th Anniversary

ECE has prepared credential evaluations for nearly 1 million foreign educated people. Sometimes we sit back and think about how many lives have been touched by our work. The stories of our clients humble us and give us encouragement and enthusiasm to do the best possible work for them.