Experienced fundraiser Dick Collins founded The Collins Group (TCG) in 1979, one of the first fundraising consulting firms based in the Northwest. The high standards he established and the major gift fundraising expertise he offered differentiated TCG from other Seattle-area firms. Under Grover and Campion's leadership TCG focused on creating strong, collaborative partnerships with clients to increase the organizations' probability of successful sustainable fundraising long after TCG's services were no longer needed. This close coaching style proved popular among many clients and during the 1990s TCG continued to grow in size, innovation, and wisdom. In 1996, a second TCG office opened in Portland, Oregon to serve clients throughout Oregon, Southwest Washington, and surrounding areas. TCG's inventive and daring approaches to capital campaigns clearly established the firm as a leader in the field.