As part of our ongoing work to empower local kids with access to education and technology, we partner with Toys for Kids - an outstanding local organization who helps children of all socioeconomic backgrounds be better prepared for school and life. Every year our annual RedCloud Consulting/Dave “Hendu” Henderson Educational Scholarship awards a $5,000 scholarship to a student who exemplifies high standards and commitment to their community. We recently caught up with our past awardee, Emma. Check out what she had to say below. Emma Gruenberg - 2021 Winner I recently started my sophomore year at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. I’m majoring in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, and I’m minoring in Psychology. So far, I’m truly enjoying my life here at college, and classes are going really well for me. After college, I would love to become a forensic accountant or auditor, preferably for a government agency such as the FBI or CIA. I’ve discovered intramural sports as well as fascinating clubs here at school that I love participating in, and my friends and I spend a lot of time together. As for advice for a student finishing high school and going into college, I say this: continue to work hard in school, it truly pays off, but also don’t forget to enjoy your time there and do things you love. College is an amazing experience that not everyone gets to have, so be sure to cherish your time there because it won’t last forever. ​Follow your dreams and make every choice count!

With the New Year upon us like a breath of fresh air, many of us put together a list of resolutions to improve ourselves, our careers, our homes, or our relationships, etc.. The big question is always will those resolutions turn into solutions?  ​At RedCloud, we have a list of our own resolutions for the firm and our approach to this dynamic consulting industry, beginning first and foremost with our continued support and empowerment of our consultants. Our people are the lifeblood of our success and the reason our clients come back with smiles, kudos and future projects. A Quick 2023 Review But before we look ahead, here’s our top highlights from 2023 that will guide us forward:  Expanding Practices and Client Solutions: 2023 was a year spent keeping our eyes on the latest tech trends and tools, and further developing and expanding the solutions we offer, particularly in our Privacy, Data and Analytics, and Business Solutions and Intelligence practice areas. Our client roster flourished, our office footprint expanded, our geographical presence exploded, and our service offerings have diversified. These milestones are not just markers of success; they are reasons to celebrate! Appreciating our Diverse, Nimble Team of Professionals: We’re proud that we’ve maintained a diverse and talented workforce, and even prouder of the work. 2023 brought opportunities and changes to our business, but our consultants stayed nimble, adapting to the ever-evolving demands of our industry and our clients. RedCloud continues to prioritize relationships above all else and values people as individuals, each with their own unique story. Sustaining Sustainability: In the way we operate our business, interact with our clients and support our employees, RedCloud is committed to achieving environmental sustainability to address the impacts of climate change and support a successful future for our planet. 2023 saw us hone our carbon emissions tracking and reporting process and sustained our commitment to . . . well, sustainability. In 2024, we’ll make even greater progress against our goal to reduce our emissions by 55% in the next few years; now that’s a resolution we’ll be keeping.  Our 2024 Outlook We’re seeing some trends and priorities emerge in 2024 that will help guide RedCloud’s work and vision for the consulting industry:  Solutions Evolving Alongside New Technologies:  In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying ahead of the curve is not just a goal – it's a necessity. In 2024, RedCloud’s practices are positioned well to help our clients understand the impact and implement emerging technologies like AI to provide innovative solutions, helping them navigate and leverage these advancements. Investing in Our People: In 2024, we again recognize that our greatest asset is our people. We’ll continue to provide professional development initiatives to connect our consultants (even though they may be geographically spread), and give them the training and latest skills to ensure that our firm remains a leader in the industry. We understand that investing in our team's growth is synonymous with investing in the success of our clients. Investing in our Community: Our long-standing commitment to youth and education in the communities in which RedCloud operates will not waiver in 2024. We will continue to make time for our team to give back to the communities in which we live and work. This is embedded in our company culture. RedCloud's long-standing partnerships with local organizations such as Toys For Kids and Junior Achievement of Washington provide our team with a variety of opportunities to give back every year. ​As we step into 2024, the horizon looks bright for RedCloud. Embracing new technologies, maintaining a people-centric focus, investing in our local communities, and building a sustainable future are key pillars that will continue RedCloud’s upward trajectory, providing unique, rewarding opportunities for our team, and delivering excellence for our clients.

In 2023, our "10 Minutes With" blog series has been a voyage full of insights, enlightenment, and even a few surprises. We’ve featured interviews with the brilliant minds (and talents) at the heartbeat of our team. From seasoned veterans and fresh faces to trailblazing visionaries and more, each dialogue delved deep into the distinctive viewpoints and journeys that make RedCloud who we are. So, if you're eager to uncover the insights, motivations, and expertise that power RedCloud, dive into some highlights from our 2023 "10 Minutes With" series. Prepare to be inspired, motivated, and intrigued by the stories and experiences that define our team. Senior Product Manager Bradley Millington Embark on a journey with Bradley Millington, an essential member of the RedCloud team. Discover his unique approach to mornings, the secrets to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and insights into the distinctive company culture at RedCloud. Join Bradley for a glimpse into his vibrant life beyond the office walls. Read Bradley's Insights. Senior Consultant Alka Garg Meet Alka Garg, a seasoned professional shaping the realms of data privacy and tech consulting. In her recent interview, Alka shares insights into her role in developing and maturing RedCloud's Privacy and Security practice. Explore her journey, the seamless onboarding process at RedCloud, and the pillars of trust, integrity, and culture that set us apart. Discover Alka's Story. Alumni Chris Frost Join us for a special Q&A session as we catch up with Chris Frost, a valued member of the RedCloud alumni. Learn about his career path, updates since his time at RedCloud, and the qualities that made him a true friend to our team. Connect with Chris. Account Director Lou Hazim Lou Hazim, our Account Director for the Privacy & Security Practice, has rejoined RedCloud with over 20 years of consulting experience. Explore Lou's passion for enhancing Cyber Security Posture and his role in expanding the success of his practice area. Get to Know Lou. Intern Siqi Zhao Get to know our summer intern, Siqi Zhao, as we sit down for an insightful conversation. With a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Siqi brought tremendous self-driven ambition to the table. Meet Siqi. Senior Consultant Tugcem Kurbanzade Meet Tugcem Kurbanzade, a Senior Consultant leveraging her expertise in Microsoft Power Platform technologies to help our clients. Join us as we explore Tugcem's journey since joining RedCloud last year. Discover Tugcem's Expertise. Senior Associate Marco Gastelum Welcome back, Marco! Explore the journey of Marco Gastelum, a senior associate on our Business Solutions and Intelligence team. With deep consulting experience, Marco is set to contribute to the success of RedCloud. Connect with Marco. Production Designer Chris Munson Join us in celebrating Chris Munson's first anniversary with RedCloud. Discover how Chris quickly settled into his role as a vital member of our team after joining during a busy transition period. Explore Chris's Impact. We're continuously seeking enthusiastic individuals eager to embark on our path of innovation and distinction. If you feel you possess the qualities to contribute to our dynamic team, don't hesitate to get in touch! Be a part of sculpting the future of technology and innovation alongside us. The starting point for the next chapter of your career could be right here at RedCloud.

Cyber security refers to the aspect of protecting an organization, its employees, and its assets against a variety of cyber threats. As businesses become increasingly reliant on technology in today’s digital landscape, improving cyber security is of paramount importance in the face of constant threats from cybercriminals. Here are seven key reasons highlighting the significance of enhancing cyber security posture and where RedCloud can help: Protection of Digital Assets : Businesses accumulate a vast amount of valuable digital assets, including sensitive customer data, intellectual property, financial information, and operational data. Strengthening cyber security posture ensures the protection of these assets from unauthorized access, theft, or compromise. Mitigation of Financial Losses:  Cybersecurity incidents can result in significant financial losses for organizations. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, or system disruptions can lead to financial damages, such as the cost of remediation, legal fees, regulatory penalties, customer compensation, and reputational damage. By improving cyber security posture, businesses can reduce the risk of financial losses associated with cyber incidents. Preservation of Reputation and Customer Trust:  A data breach or security incident can severely damage a company's reputation and erode customer trust. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the privacy and security of their data, and they are more likely to patronize businesses with strong cyber security measures in place. By prioritizing cyber security, organizations can build and maintain trust with their customers, enhancing their reputation in the market. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements:  Numerous industries are subject to specific data protection regulations and compliance standards. Organizations must adhere to these regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to avoid legal consequences and penalties. Improving cyber security posture ensures compliance with these regulations, protecting businesses from legal repercussions. Reduction of Downtime and Operational Disruptions:  Cybersecurity incidents can lead to significant operational disruptions, including system downtime, loss of productivity, and interruption of critical business processes. By enhancing cyber security posture, organizations can proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, reducing the likelihood of successful attacks and minimizing operational disruptions. Protection against Evolving Cyber Threats:  Cyber threats are constantly evolving, with hackers developing new techniques and tools to exploit vulnerabilities. Improving cyber security posture involves staying updated with the latest threats and implementing robust security measures to counteract them. This proactive approach helps organizations stay ahead of cybercriminals and reduces their risk exposure. Safeguarding Business Continuity:  A cyber incident can severely impact business continuity, leading to a loss of revenue, disruption of operations, and a negative impact on customer relationships. By improving cyber security posture, organizations can enhance their resilience to cyber threats, ensuring uninterrupted operations and minimizing the potential for business disruptions. The importance of improving cyber security posture cannot be overstated. It is crucial for businesses to prioritize and invest in robust cyber security measures to protect their digital assets, mitigate financial losses, preserve reputation and customer trust, comply with regulations, reduce downtime, stay ahead of evolving threats, and safeguard business continuity.

Our commitment to operating a sustainable business is strong and only grows stronger as we experience severe weather events impacting our region, country, and the world at large. The need to stay focused on decarbonizing our business operations and supply chain becomes more important each year. At RedCloud, we believe that sustainable business practices are not only essential for the health of our employees and their communities but for the long-term success of the company as well. We're proud to be a consulting firm that values sustainability and is dedicated to doing our part to ensure that future generations benefit—as we did--from a healthy planet. In that spirit, we’re sharing a quick update on RedCloud’s sustainability journey to inform and inspire others to act, too. 2023 Sustainability Update Having committed to sustainability several years ago, we’re working to reduce the impact of our business on the world around us. Some of our ongoing sustainability activities and initiatives include: Carbon Reductions We commit to reduce our emissions by about 55% by 2030. This aligns with the goals of a major client, Microsoft, which is a leader in corporate sustainability ambitions and practices. This goal will continue to be our North Star, guiding our decisions and investments in sustainability. Engagement with Emissions Data Specialists Over the last year, we have engaged with Rye Strategy, an independent assessor specializing in emissions data collection, analysis, and reporting, to help us verify that our emissions data is accurate and actionable. This investment will help demonstrate clear emissions reductions. Annual Collection and Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data We continue to collect and disclose GHG emissions data related to RedCloud operations, including our supply chain, to measure the impacts of our actions and investments. This data includes office leasing and energy use, receipts for purchased goods (such as laptops), and travel itineraries and expenses. Identification of Additional Mitigation Strategies We’re investigating and assessing the feasibility and potential impact of new sustainability strategies, including: Sourcing products from “greener suppliers” Using more energy-efficient products in daily operations Reducing overall business travel and investing in “sustainable aviation fuel” Expanding our hybrid work model for our employees Encouraging our commercial landlord to purchase renewable energy Continuous Improvement We regularly review our practices, set new sustainability goals, and seek innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact. As a professional service firm, our carbon footprint is smaller than those of manufacturing, transportation, and other industries, but we still have work to do. Sustainability is an ongoing commitment

Chris is back with us today! We were excited to track him down for a special RedCloud Alumni Q&A session so we could share updates on his career path and his whereabouts since his time working at RedCloud. Chris is the consummate professional. He was always detailed and caring, however, what made him so successful in his client engagements was his ability to relate and empathize with everyone. He’s someone our team would consider a true friend. After his time with us assisting our clients with key IT projects and honing his craft, he’s moved on to impressive projects and is here to share some reflections with us today. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Chris. What was your role at RedCloud, and what position do you hold now?  As a senior consultant at RedCloud, I was a Project Manager….a role I continue today in my current role at Savers, specializing in IT Retail.  What kind of projects/client service did you work on at RedCloud?   I worked on Microsoft projects in the Marketing groups with Avanade and Accenture, focused on driving Azure sales. The last engagement I had was at Savers (also known as Value Village), where I worked as a Project Manager on the IT Retail Team, driving the software updates to the Point of Sales systems, Registers and Self-Checkouts. This project led to my full-time role with Savers, and I am now part of another great group of people. I really miss seeing my RedCloud family. But we still stay in touch, grabbing coffee and lunch when our schedules allow.  What is your favorite part about the RedCloud team members? Or some specific memories about a project or collaboration?  The RedCloud team truly cares about everyone. (Managing Partners) Brett Clifton, Brett Alston, and (Account Director) Scott Ekman are always there to listen and offer advice. Benny Swedberg (BS&I Practice Lead) is always there to help you figure out and understand any technical issues. Emily Barber (HR Manager) is always available with a smile and an immediate fix for any HR or hardware issues. When I had a project end, the team was quick to find me another engagement.  I am in my 40s, and RedCloud is the first place I have worked where I felt like I was part of a family. I am lucky to have these people as friends. What were some skills or best practices you learned during your time with RedCloud that you took with you to your next job? I learned the basics of PowerApps and definitely strengthened my PM skills.  ​ What would you say to someone who was thinking about working for RedCloud?   Engage with the other team members. Ask for help when you need it. Be a part of the family!

There are often ad hoc needs that go beyond what is possible with a human clicking on their computer, or should be possible for productivity’s sake. For example, a need we ran into was capturing a datetime in a SharePoint list for when an item was approved. Done manually, this meant looking through the history version. That would be fine if it were for a few items. ​ The Concept We needed to detect when a SharePoint item was approved. At first you may think that could be found with the earliest version where the Status column was equal to ‘Approved’. However, what happens when something is then set back to ‘In Review’ before being set to ‘Denied’ or ‘Approved’ again. That means we need to find the most recent time the Status column was changed to ‘Approved’. ​ Building the Utility Flow At its most basic level, this utility flow only consists of three actions, which I’ll outline below. Before that, I’d like to show how we made the flow a true utility with the 5 required parameters: ​ SharePoint Site URL: the base URL for the specific SharePoint site that holds the List SharePoint List Name: the name of the List to be queried Field Schema Name: the schema or logical name of the column, which may be different than the display name Target Value: the value of the field you are interested in determining when it became that value ID: the ID of the SharePoint item These are all critical to composing the SharePoint http requests that respond with version history information. So now let’s get to the more exciting part of building the actions. As described above, we need to find the most recent version where the specified column does not equal the target value. ​ Following that step, you then find the most recent version where the specified column is equal to the target value but is also a later version than the version returned in the first http call. ​ Code snippet for the VersionId gt comparison: first(outputs('Get_first_non_target_version')?['body/value'])?['VersionId'] With that, you have all the information you need! The final step is responding back with the datetime of the change. This makes it possible to call this flow as a child flow and run it for numerous items! Suggestion: make a Utilities Solution that holds these types of Flows and share them with your team. ​ Response snippet: first(outputs('Get_last_target_version')?['body/value'])?['Modified'] ​This isn’t a complicated build, but it is incredibly useful when backfilling data. It can also be tweaked to restore information while not being able to restore an actual version. If you’d like to use the Flow yourself, you’ll find the file below. You’ll also find a more thoroughly built out flow that takes into consideration many of the potential failure points. For example, what happens when the column isn’t found or when the item has never been set to the target value?

It's incredible how quickly time flies - we're already more than halfway through the year! While it may signal the end of summer, there's still so much to look forward to, especially with the exciting new releases from Microsoft Power Apps. Let's dive into the highlights of the upcoming features in the 2023 release Wave 2, which will be rolling out between October 2023 and March 2024. ​Power Apps is making significant investments in multiple areas as part of the Microsoft Power Platform 2023 release wave 2. Here are some highlights: ​ Copilot for makers and users This innovative feature harnesses the power of AI and natural language to expedite app development. By leveraging Copilot, makers can build and modify apps more efficiently, work with data seamlessly, and enhance overall functionality. Users, on the other hand, can explore data and navigate apps using natural language, greatly enhancing the user experience. Building modern apps Power Apps is introducing updates that will modernize apps by default. These updates will lead to higher developer productivity and user satisfaction. Developers will have access to modern controls, responsive templates, and offline app capabilities. Users can look forward to a refreshed and modernized interface, simpler sharing options, and improved collaboration tools. Enable enterprise scale Power Apps is dedicated to empowering makers and administrators to implement low-code solutions at an enterprise level. Upgrades to Power Apps Studio will enhance monitoring and code management tools, providing makers with better visibility and control over their solutions. These improvements will streamline app development for larger and more complex projects. These investments in Copilot, building modern apps, and enabling enterprise scale demonstrate Power Apps' commitment to delivering cutting-edge features and empowering users to create powerful and scalable solutions. Some of our favorite upcoming features Below are some of our favorite features to look out for. The full list of upcoming features is at the bottom! Power Apps Canvas App Makers can easily unlock a wealth of useful and captivating layouts designed for common scenarios and enhanced with data-connected components. These layouts effortlessly adapt to different window sizes, ensuring a stunning experience for app users on any device. Accessing these immersive designs is just a few clicks away for makers. With the latest update, screen layout templates come pre-configured with layouts for multiple form factors, empowering makers to swiftly create stunning apps for any device. Public Preview: October 2023 Experience the enhanced look and feel of model-driven Power Apps. Power Apps has been updated the user interface to align with Microsoft Fluent Design System, offering makers a stunning range of controls and experiences to captivate users. Revitalize your model-driven app with fresh layouts, themes, and colors. Users can opt-in by selecting "Try the new look". Once enabled, your app will incorporate the latest Microsoft Fluent Design-based elements. And remember, users can switch back to the previous version anytime. ​ Microsoft Fluent is a powerful, open-source design system that enables engaging product experiences, encompassing accessibility, internationalization, and top-notch performance. Public Preview: August 2023 / General Availability: October 2023 Monitor is a widely used debugging tool that helps makers diagnose and resolve app issues. Gain insights into your canvas apps through its user-friendly interface. Microsoft is enhancing Monitor to streamline usability and empower makers to quickly identify and address problems. Key areas Microsoft is focusing on to enhance the Monitor experience: Improved discoverability: We'll make it easier to find and launch Monitor within Power Apps Studio. Data quality enhancements: We'll consolidate duplicate log entries for easier troubleshooting. Enhanced data relevance: We'll establish guidelines to ensure relevant and actionable data in Monitor. UI improvements: Streamlining navigation in Monitor's tabular grid with sorting, highlighting, filtering, and search capabilities. This will be an amazing elevated debugging experience for optimizing canvas apps with ease. Full List of New & Upcoming Features Building Modern Apps Feature Enabled For Public Preview Early Access General Availability Quickly create dataconnected apps with rich, responsive layout templates Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically Mar 2024 - - Enjoy the new look and feel for model-driven Power Apps Users by admins, makers, or analysts Aug 2023 - Oct 2023 Copilot for Power Apps makers and users Feature Enabled For Public Preview Early Access General Availability Write formulas from natural language or examples using Copilot Users by admins, makers, or analysts Oct 2023 - - Use Copilot to build and edit apps in Power Apps Studio Users by admins, makers, or analysts Oct 2023 - - Enable enterprise scale Feature Enabled For Public Preview Early Access General Availability Set the solution context for customizations Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically Oct 2023 - - Debug canvas apps more quickly and efficiently with Monitor tool improvements Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically March 2024 - - Debug canvas apps more quickly and efficiently with Monitor tool improvements Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically March 2024 - - Experience improved named formula browsing in Power Apps Studio Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically March 2024 - - Resize and reposition the Power Fx editor within Power Apps Studio Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically March 2024 - - Resize and reposition the Power Fx editor within Power Apps Studio Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically March 2024 - - Direct new makers to their own developer environments Users by admins, makers, or analysts Aug 2023 - Oct 2023 Power Apps can make direct calls to SQL Server stored procedures Users, automatically - Jun 11, 2023 Oct 2023 ​To learn more about the entire set of capabilities being delivered during the release wave, check out the release plan for Power Apps HERE .

As we excitedly announced last month , Lou Hazim has re-joined RedCloud as an Account Director for our Privacy & Security Practice! Lou adds a valuable set of skills, insights, and an engaging personality based on his more than 20 years of consulting experience. In fact, Lou helped start our Privacy & Security Practice five years ago and is looking forward to expanding on its success so far. He has a passion for helping clients defend and improve their Cyber Security Posture.  Read on to learn more about Lou and his role at RedCloud, as well as a tool he’s added to his belt since we last spoke with him - his work as a volunteer firefighter! What was it like to return to RedCloud? Coming back to RedCloud felt like I never left. Seeing familiar faces and talented teammates is a highlight for sure. Given your background and other experiences, what stands out to you with RedCloud?  I would say the transparency of the management team and the level of talent of this firm is unparalleled. What originally drew you to RedCloud? The feeling of trust and integrity through the initial discussions made it clear that RedCloud was a top-tier firm. Tell us more about the Privacy & Security practice. How are you helping clients?  The importance of improving cyber security posture cannot be overstated for any sized business, no matter their sector or industry. It is crucial for businesses to prioritize and invest in robust cyber security measures to protect their digital assets, mitigate financial losses, preserve reputation and customer trust, comply with regulations, reduce downtime, stay ahead of evolving threats, and safeguard business continuity. Where do you see the future of consulting or the future of RedCloud? The stellar reputation RedCloud has and its dedicated, talented people will lead to tremendous growth. Tell us something unique you do in your time away from RedCloud. I decided to become a volunteer firefighter in my new hometown of Manson, WA.  It is so important for a small town to have a dedicated team of firefighters, especially during the hot summers. Name one piece of technology you couldn’t live without and why? Aside from my iPhone, I would have to say our Sonos system,  We love music! What are you looking forward to the most this year with RedCloud? Landing new key clients and growing the team!

We are thrilled we found time to sit down with our 2023 summer intern, Siqi. With her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, we can already tell that she’s a self-driven and ambitious individual with a bright future ahead. Read on to learn more about her experience thus far and what app she can’t live without (it may surprise you)! What were your main tasks and projects during the internship? I have primarily focused on conducting background research on the consulting industry and our client base. My research involved utilizing platforms like LinkedIn, Google, and Glassdoor to collect data that will help RedCloud continue to provide our clients with top-notch service and unique and rewarding opportunities for our consultants.  What did you use the most from school in your internship? During my internship at RedCloud, I primarily utilized the soft skills I acquired during my education. These skills included interpersonal skills, data organization skills, and a basic understanding of business concepts. A significant aspect of my internship involved actively and regularly communicating with Account Manager Scott Morton to better understand RedCloud’s current position in the market. Additionally, my expertise in data organization, stemming from my background as an industrial engineering major, allowed me to effectively consolidate seemingly unrelated data and present it coherently and structured. What is it like working with the RedCloud team? I decided to join RedCloud primarily because of its inclusive and supportive atmosphere. Despite being a short-term intern, I have experienced a strong sense of respect and integration within the team. I greatly appreciate Scott for providing me with this opportunity and emphasizing the importance of my learning experience during the internship rather than merely focusing on completing mandatory tasks. What were the biggest takeaways you had from your internship? The most significant lesson I learned is to go beyond the minimum requirements when approaching tasks. I view my internship as a stepping stone from academic life to the professional world, encompassing both skill development and a shift in mindset. In school, I often focused solely on completing assigned tasks without fully grasping the broader significance or ultimate objective of the assignment. However, RedCloud has taught me the value of working backward. This approach involves identifying the desired end goal and then meticulously planning and implementing all the necessary steps to accomplish that goal. By adopting this proactive mindset, I have learned to take ownership of my work and actively contribute to the overarching objectives of the organization. What do you think will translate most to your next job that you learned? The internship provided me with valuable experience, particularly in terms of the web tools I became proficient in and the work mindset I cultivated. One key aspect of this experience is that having prior knowledge or exposure to similar tasks enhances my ability to complete assignments successfully.   Where do you see the future of RedCloud? Based on my current understanding, I think RedCloud has the capacity to become the top technology consulting firm in Washington. This is due to its comprehensive consulting services, which combine various aspects. Moreover, RedCloud has received an impressive rating of 4.9 (out of 5.0) on Glassdoor, indicating that it is highly regarded and has a welcoming environment for both clients and employees.  Name a piece of tech you can’t live without or your favorite app? An important piece of tech that I can’t live without is LinkedIn since it’s an efficient tool for me to not only connect with and learn the experiences of people around me but also search for companies’ information, background, and recent activities.

Meet Tugcem Kurbanzade, a Senior Consultant on our team who joined RedCloud last year. She’s quickly become a valuable member of our team, leveraging her expertise in Microsoft Power Platform technologies to help our clients. Read on to learn more about Tugcem, how she envisions the future of consulting, and what piece of technology she can’t live without!​ Briefly describe your role and how long you've been at RedCloud. As a Senior Consultant at RedCloud, where my main area of expertise is Microsoft Power Platform technologies, my job involves designing and implementing creative business solutions for our clients, which help to enhance productivity and streamline processes. This is achieved through the development of customized business applications, automation tools, and analytics dashboards. I have been a part of the RedCloud team since October 2022. What was it like to join RedCloud (onboarding process)? My experience of becoming a part of RedCloud was seamless, thanks to their well-organized onboarding process. I was offered a thorough orientation program, which included meeting fellow colleagues, getting acquainted with the work culture, and learning about different projects and resources. Our BS&I Practice lead, Benny Swedberg, was always approachable, and he ensured that I never felt lost or uncertain about what to do. This was a refreshing change from other companies where confusion is common during the onboarding process. Given your background and other experiences, what stands out to you with RedCloud? What stands out to me about RedCloud is its dedication to innovation and the collaborative work environment. The company constantly invests in the latest technologies and encourages employees to develop new skills. At RedCloud, we work on a diverse range of projects for a wide variety of clients. The team at RedCloud is also very diverse, which means that everyone brings something unique to the table. This diversity creates an environment that fosters growth and development, allowing team members to learn new skills and expand their knowledge base. Moreover, RedCloud offers an abundance of support and resources to its team members, treating them with utmost respect and trust. This approach ensures that team members can lead their work without feeling unable to make decisions or suggestions. What originally drew you to RedCloud? Initially, I was interested in RedCloud due to its established reputation as a top-notch technology consulting company that specializes in Microsoft Power Platform technologies. Moreover, the firm's dedication to assisting clients in enhancing their business procedures and productivity was in line with my career objectives. Where do you see the future of consulting or the future of RedCloud? I see the future of consulting being driven by the increasing importance of digital transformation and data-driven decision-making. RedCloud is well-positioned for this future, as it is at the forefront of leveraging new technologies and methodologies to deliver cutting-edge solutions to its clients. Name one piece of technology you couldn’t live without and why? One piece of technology I couldn't live without is my smartphone. It enables me to stay connected with colleagues and clients, manage my calendar and emails, access important documents, and utilize various productivity apps that help me stay organized and efficient. What are you looking forward to the most this year with RedCloud? This year, I'm most looking forward to working on some exciting new projects at RedCloud, where we will be utilizing the latest Power Platform features and innovations to assist our clients in staying ahead of the competition and driving their businesses forward.

Meet Marco, a valued senior associate on our team who recently returned to RedCloud to join our Business Solutions and Intelligence team. With deep consulting experience and previous RedCloud experience, he has a bright future ahead. Read on to learn more about Marco and his role at RedCloud, what attracted him to our team, and hear about his goals for 2023. ​ Briefly describe your role and how long you've been at RedCloud My current role at RedCloud is Senior Associate. At the moment, I am on the business solutions and intelligence team over at our clients Savers. This is my second stint with RedCloud.  What was it like to join RedCloud (onboarding process)? Given that this is my second time around, onboarding was very simple. Previously knowing all the people that helped me onboard made a considerable difference. Scott, Benny, Sean, and Emily made it a very enjoyable experience for me. Given your background and other experiences, what stands out to you with RedCloud? The people at RedCloud are amazing, they truly view you as a friend, and they make your success their success. Having worked at several companies in tech, I can honestly say that RedCloud attracts the very best people. It is a pleasure working with such talented and invested individuals. What originally drew you to RedCloud? What originally drew me to RedCloud was the work and the learning opportunity that I could see with this group. When I first started here in 2020, I was fairly new to the Power Apps platform, and I certainly wanted to get more experience. After interviewing with Benny (Practice Lead), I knew I wanted to learn as much as I could from him. Where do you see the future of consulting or the future of RedCloud? I see an extremely bright future for RedCloud, I think the company benefits from great leadership at multiple levels, is well-positioned in the market, and employs some of the best talent in the area. You can see the fruits of that in just how much the company has grown in the last few years. It is a very exciting time to be a part of RedCloud Consulting, I am very excited to be part of this team. Name one piece of technology you couldn’t live without and why? I hate to admit this, but I would have to say my iPhone, one of my goals for 2023 is to cut back on my screen time, so perhaps by this time next year, I will have a different answer. Unlikely, but that is my hope! What are you looking forward to the most this year with RedCloud? Getting settled in and establishing myself within both RedCloud and Savers, I look forward to adding immediate value to our teams and helping meet the goals of the company.