Consulting Magazine - November 2017

Strong-Bridge Consulting tackles complicated busi- ness, customer, and technology transformation challenges by working alongside its clients to drive positive and sustainable business results. “We roll up our sleeves in our three different practice areas—Customer Experience, Technology Services, and Business Transformation—to help our clients create and implement successful solutions,” says Matt Howe, Managing Director, Seattle for Strong-Bridge Consulting. Howe sat down with Consulting to discuss Strong-Bridge’s financial performance, growth and outlook for the year ahead.

Consulting: What were the biggest factors that contributed to your firm’s rapid growth?

Howe: We’re values-led and
customer-minded. Our work is
always anchored on our val-
ues—chief among them is ‘cli-
ents first.’ That means we strive
to do the right thing for our cli-
ents’ best interests, always. We
also put the customer at the cen-
ter of our work to ensure that
our clients’ goals are not only
in accordance with the expecta-
tions of their customers, but also
achievable by an engaged group
of internal employees. We have
proven expertise, and we’re lo-
cal. Our consultants are experi-
enced professionals who are both
pragmatic (and, fun to be around,
because that really does matter).
Our approach is rooted in trans-
parency and collaboration—we
get in the trenches to best under-
stand our clients’ opportunities,
people, issues, and limitations.
And, we routinely leverage our
experience in customer experi-
ence and process design to meet
customer needs. We’re also lo-
cal. Our team members are a part
of your community, ready and
available to work when you are.

Consulting: How would you describe your firm’s outlook for 2018? Where do you see the most opportunities? Howe: We are excited about 2018. The addition of Envision expands our market footprint and adds new capabilities, including a deep bench of talent on change management and human capital. We will also continue to grow our practice areas and expand thought leadership in those disciplines.

Consulting: What would you say are your firm’s biggest challenges in 2018?

Howe: I think our biggest challenges will be managing growth, through healthy, strategic planning. And, as is often the case with talent-based companies,

there will be battles for talent. We are located in tight job markets, so the on-going challenge will be to hire and, most importantly, retain the best professionals in our industry.

Consulting: What does being named one of Consulting’s Fastest Growing Firms mean to your firm, your employees and your clients? Howe: Each time Strong-Bridge makes this list is a tremendous honor. We’re proud of the work we accomplish as a firm—it requires teamwork, client focus, and plenty of determination. Recognition such as this is a great demonstration of everything coming together. Of course, these recognitions are also the reinforcement we like to hear as we continue to ramp up growth in the years to come.