Business Articles
| My First Stop CIBER | |
|
Upon successfully selling SagaSolutions.com, I embarked on an exciting new phase of my professional journey. The initial destination on this path brought me to CIBER, where I eagerly assumed the role of National Practice Leader and Pre-Sales Architect. This opportunity granted me valuable exposure to enterprise-level deals and the firsthand experience of working for a large company. It marked a significant milestone in my career, providing invaluable insights into the inner workings of the corporate enterprise level. The first deal I worked on was with AARP in Washington DC, where I learned the true meaning of discipline and customer service. Our focus during this engagement was on upgrading their CRM system from Version 3 to Version 2011. |
|
|
During that period, most of the work was strictly on premises, so we didn't face any major obstacles except for the fact that the system was heavily customized. In my book, customization referred to anything that deviated from the out-of-the-box functionality (OOTB). Quite often, we found ourselves in situations where we had to pick up the pieces after a solution provider had failed to deliver. |
|
|
As the lead architect, I had the privilege of working alongside a remarkable lead developer who possessed exceptional skills in upgrades and coding. Our goal was to roll back the system, replacing a significant amount of custom code with OOTB solutions, and perform two iterations of the upgrade: one from V3 to V4 and the second from V4 to V2011. Together, we meticulously designed an implementation plan and a work back plan, ensuring that we delivered the project on time and within budget. |
|
| My time at CIBER taught me invaluable lessons. Not only did I realize my capability as a solutions architect, but I also discovered my aptitude for project management. The technical and functional skills I had acquired since starting in the technology field gave me the confidence to take on enterprise-level opportunities. Keeping the major stakeholder satisfied with my service-oriented attitude was paramount. Additionally, the developer I worked closely with became a close friend, and our careers after CIBER allowed us to collaborate on numerous occasions. |
|
| However, as the industry landscape continued to evolve, CIBER faced challenges in competing with offshore firms. Eventually, the company became overextended and went bankrupt. Recognizing the writing on the wall, I knew it was time to proactively seek out another opportunity and explore new horizons. | |
| SagaSolutions.com, LLC * | |||
|
As time progressed, the landscape of technology evolved, and new software leaders emerged, presenting me with a fresh challenge. I began losing sales to competing software solutions known as GoldMine and ACT!. Recognizing the need for change and growth, I initiated a discussion with the president of the company I worked for. Unfortunately, he was unwilling to embrace a different software solution. It was at this moment that I realized it was time to embrace my true calling and embark on the path of entrepreneurship. |
|||
|
Fueled by an unyielding desire to fulfill my destiny, I made the courageous decision to start my own company. This pivotal moment marked a significant transition in my professional journey as I ventured into entrepreneurship armed with my extensive knowledge and expertise in sales and Customer Relationship Management. Establishing my own company, SagaSolutions.com, provided me with the opportunity to shape my own destiny, create a business model aligned with my vision, and leverage my skills to cater to the evolving needs of the market. |
|||
| This leap into entrepreneurship not only symbolized a bold step towards realizing my true potential but also showcased my unwavering determination and resilience. It was a defining moment that propelled me into a new phase of my professional life, where I could chart my own course and make a lasting impact in the industry. |
|||
| I began my entrepreneurial endeavor modestly, setting up shop in my own garage. However, as the demand for my services skyrocketed, I quickly outgrew that space. Determined to accommodate the expanding needs of my company, I took the leap and rented a suite of offices in Shelton, CT. From being a one-person operation, I gradually expanded my team, transforming from just "Me" to "Me + 12." |
|||
| Between 2001 and 2007, my company experienced remarkable growth, earning recognition as one of the top five GoldMine resellers for seven consecutive years. This consistent achievement was a testament to our unwavering commitment and expertise in the field. In 2006, our dedication and innovative solutions were further acknowledged when we received The Business Solution Architect Award for one of our exceptional offerings. |
|||
|
We catered to diverse industries, specializing in serving hi-tech firms, consumer product companies, and various sectors within the financial domain. Our client roster boasted esteemed brands such as Priceline, Toyota, Mercedes Benz, and Smith and Wesson. In the financial sector, we established strong partnerships with wealth management firms, including the likes of Merrill Lynch. Our emphasis on serving reputable organizations across multiple industries not only reinforced our expertise but also solidified our reputation as a trusted and reliable provider. |
|||
|
This remarkable growth trajectory was a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork of the entire staff. Together, we forged meaningful partnerships, delivering exceptional solutions and services to our esteemed clients. It was a period of tremendous growth and accomplishment, paving the way for future successes and establishing a solid foundation for the company's continued expansion. |
|||
|
In an extraordinary feat of adaptability and growth, my company progressed from generating zero sales to achieving an impressive $3 million in revenue over the span of eight years. As technology continued to evolve, the industry underwent a shift, transitioning from Sales Force Automation to the realm of Client Relationship Management (CRM). |
|||
| In 2003, Microsoft recognized the potential of SagaSolutions.com LLC and approached us to address the challenges posed by their Microsoft CRM platform. Embracing the opportunity, we accepted their invitation and swiftly established ourselves as a Gold Managed partner of Microsoft within a year. This partnership propelled us to the forefront of the industry, solidifying our expertise in CRM solutions and positioning us as a trusted partner for both Microsoft and our clients. |
|||
|
As our success continued to soar, the demands on our technological infrastructure increased significantly. Recognizing the need for change and desiring to shift my focus, I made the strategic decision to sell my company to a larger regional firm. This transition allowed me to redirect my attention toward specializing in Client Relationship Management and honing my expertise in CRM solutions. |
|||
|
By divesting myself of the operational responsibilities associated with owning a company, I gained the freedom to concentrate fully on providing exceptional CRM solutions and delivering unparalleled value to our clients. This strategic shift enabled me to explore new avenues of growth, enhance my skills, and better serve the evolving needs of the industry. |
|||
|
This transformative decision marked yet another significant chapter in my professional journey, highlighting my adaptability and unwavering commitment to remaining at the forefront of the industry. Through aligning myself with a larger regional firm, I gained access to the necessary resources and support to further expand my expertise in Client Relationship Management, solidifying my position as a trusted leader in CRM solutions. |
|||
| *The name was derived as a combination off my daughter Sara and my son Garrett” first names, hence SAGA. | |||
| Back | |||
| Home | |||
| Ciber The Next Chapter |
|
Reinventing Myself |
 |
||
|
Taking on an entirely unfamiliar domain proved to be an immense test for me, and the expedition was not devoid of its fair share of obstacles. To this day, I keep a collection of 373 rejection letters I received during that period, serving as a constant reminder of the challenges I encountered while pursuing my aspirations. |
|||
|
Here I was, a certified Chef, a Restaurant Manager and an Accountant, venturing into the realm of technology during 1995. All I could do was persistently send out resumes through snail mail or fax, as those were the prevailing methods at the time. Nonetheless, I remained resolute and committed to securing a position in this new field. I was determined not to resort to the restaurant business again, and I genuinely meant it. |
|||
|
Despite the initial hardships, I eventually managed to land a job as a trainer for accounting software, a role that seemed like a natural fit given my background. Little did I realize that it wouldn't unfold as smoothly as I had anticipated. |
|||
| The Connecticut Computer Group (Read On) | |||
|
The Connecticut Computer Group |
|||
|
Due to my background in accounting, I was hired to teach accounting to Hotel and Restaurant majors at the University of New Haven. As a result of my expertise, I was then hired as a trainer for Open Systems, an ERP solution by The Connecticut Computer Group. |
|||
|
To my surprise, I found myself entering unfamiliar territory. I had never received training on DOS, as I had been immersed in the world of Windows since 1991. Consequently, I faced initial struggles, and the learning curve appeared daunting. However, amidst the challenges, one remarkable ability stood out—I had a natural talent for generating sales orders whenever I returned from a client's location. It seemed that I possessed an inherent knack for technology sales evangelism. |
 |
||
 |
While I faced difficulties as a trainer, my gift for promoting and advocating technological solutions shone through. Each interaction with clients became an opportunity for me to showcase the value of the accounting software and persuade them to place a sales order. This unexpected success in sales served as a glimmer of hope during a challenging period. |
||
| The journey I embarked upon during this time taught me resilience and the ability to discover alternative paths to success. Although my initial aspirations did not unfold as planned, I uncovered a hidden talent and passion for technology sales. This realization opened new possibilities and avenues for growth in my career, leading to unforeseen opportunities. |
|||
| During this period, I came across a Sales Automation Tool called TeleMagic, which proved to be a pivotal turning point in my professional journey. With the introduction of this innovative technology, my role and title underwent a transformation, and I was promoted to the esteemed position of Director of Sales and Emerging Technologies, specifically in Sales Force Automation. This promotion provided me with an invaluable opportunity to build a business from the ground up within an existing organization. For an incredible five years, I thrived in this role, honing my skills and gaining invaluable experience. | |||
| Go Back | |||
| Next Stop SagaSolutions.com | |||
 |
Steven J. Jacobowitz 196 New Haven Avenue Unit 214 Derby, CT 06418 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. O: (203) 736-2612 C: (203) 605-9353 |