What were you doing before you came to Craftsman and how do you feel that informed your work here?
My education background is in fine arts. Post-graduation, I stayed close to what I knew best and worked for over fourteen years in nonprofit organizations. The first few years were filled with all the things you would expect: organizing solicitations, events, stuffing mailings, etc. I quickly found that working with data and technology was the area for me, and shifted my focus to database administration and management. When I embarked on a consulting career, it was important to me that I continue to support nonprofits. I consulted for several years, specifically with nonprofits, focusing on system and data migrations, streamlining, and training. It was therefore a natural fit to begin working with Craftsman, whose mission and goals align with my own.
What is your favorite thing about being a CSM?
My favorite part about being a CSM is building relationships while gaining an understanding of an organization’s goals and how they are reflected in their systems. Although many organizations share a set of similar needs, each organization has its own unique challenges. I enjoy learning about their needs and providing solutions.
I also like the variety; one day it can be finding the cause of an error, the next we are creating a new business process. It keeps things interesting.
How would you explain Managed Services to someone who has never heard of it?
Managed Services with Craftsman means having a team partner who can provide technical expertise as well as a deep understanding of your nonprofit needs. Your CSM will work with you to understand your business processes and goals, finding the right solution to meet your needs. Your CSM can help you make the most of your systems and keep you on track to achieve your technology goals. In addition, your CSM has a library of extended knowledge at their fingertips in the form of Craftsman colleagues that bring many varied skills and experience to the table.
Our Managed Services clients each have unique missions, business models, and technical needs. What’s your approach to managing your diverse portfolio?
One of my favorite parts of adding a new client to my portfolio is the discovery conversation. I enjoy learning about each organization’s mission and their day-to-day processes. In addition, we create an annual plan to help us identify the organization’s short and long term goals. All of this helps form a solid foundation to begin our work together. Then we dive in!