David Bartenwerfer, Founder of Quantum Consulting, Discusses Leveraging Analytics for Profitable Growth
With over thirty years of experience, David Bartenwerfer has made a profound impact on prominent organizations such as The Boston Consulting Group, Charles Schwab, Verizon, Genesys Technologies, Yahoo!, eBay, Webvan Group, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
His broad expertise in strategy, technology, product management, and operations has been crucial in shaping these companies and contributing to their success.
Bartenwerfer holds impressive academic credentials, including an MBA from Stanford University and a BS in Systems Engineering with high distinction from the University of Virginia, where he also minored in applied mathematics and economics.
This extensive educational background significantly advanced his career trajectory.
Right after graduating, David Bartenwerfer began his career with a defense contractor, where he obtained Top Secret clearance and developed analytical tools for building defense systems, quantifying risks in cost/benefit analyses for major IT projects, and facilitating joint military operations.
Primarily engaged in the Defense sector, he managed operations for projects valued at $70 million, overseeing budgets, forecasts, and analytics for more than 20 sub-projects, consistently receiving high praise from Department of Defense auditors.
His career commenced as a finance and operations manager at SRA International in the early 90s, after which he pursued his MBA at Stanford and joined The Boston Consulting Group.
Industry Leader David Bartenwerfer: A Pioneering Business Executive
Following his tenure at The Boston Consulting Group, David Bartenwerfer’s career took off as he assumed executive roles at major corporations nationwide.
In 2006, he launched Quantum Consulting and Technology in San Francisco, embarking on a transformative journey. His entrepreneurial vision and leadership have been crucial in assisting organizations to adopt innovative quantitative methods and strategic thinking, driving profitable growth, securing sustainable competitive advantages, and enhancing operational intelligence.
In 2021, David furthered his entrepreneurial efforts by co-founding REALbasis Inc., an innovative real estate asset management firm. As Chief Technology Officer, he spearheads initiatives that help investors achieve above-market returns by leveraging advanced quantitative techniques to pinpoint top markets and cash flow-generating real estate assets.
QuantumCT empowers product and marketing teams to enhance their decision-making by providing tools for measuring, predicting, and optimizing impact and ROI through economic and financial modeling, utilizing customizable algorithms and technology for rapid, lasting insights.
Bartenwerfer’s influence also extends to professional sports franchises and a regional sports network, where he has developed analytical frameworks to identify and quantify the synergies driving success within conglomerates.
David Bartenwerfer Launches REALbasis Inc.
In 2021, Bartenwerfer co-founded REALbasis Inc., a groundbreaking real estate asset management firm. As co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, he has played a key role in enabling investors to achieve above-market returns by employing advanced quantitative techniques to pinpoint top markets and cash flow-generating properties.
His efforts have led to innovative solutions for clients and organizations, underscoring his ongoing impact and influence within the industry.
Bartenwerfer has developed a series of nested algorithms designed to identify optimal micro-markets that yield superior returns through robust cash flows and net operating income. Additionally, he created a generic simulation model utilizing Monte Carlo simulations to enhance risk assessment beyond traditional expected value analysis, accurately evaluating the likelihood of projects meeting investment thresholds.
He remains committed to developing strategies for optimization and continuous learning in the investment sector, further improving efficiency and effectiveness.
Innovative and Strategic Leadership
David Bartenwerfer is renowned for his exceptional skill in leading cross-functional teams within competitive landscapes. His collaborative management approach and inventive problem-solving abilities consistently yield impressive results. His contributions to business strategy and operations through advanced analytics have established him as an innovative thinker and strategic leader.
He has created a series of nested algorithms to pinpoint optimal micro-markets and developed cutting-edge predictive methodologies, including a suite of multivariate regression models to analyze supply and demand equations, thereby enhancing pricing predictions for residential real estate markets and properties. Additionally, he has constructed simulation models using Monte Carlo techniques to evaluate project risks, showcasing his expertise in software architecture and optimization.
Bartenwerfer’s thought leadership in marketing ROI and technology investment serves as a guiding light in the industry. His writings on leveraging advanced analytics in business strategy not only impact the field but also inspire peers and colleagues, providing them with fresh perspectives and insights.
David Bartenwerfer Investigates the Underlying Risks in IT Projects and Proposes Solutions
In a recent article entitled “Why IT Projects Are Riskier Than Planned and What to Do About It,”David Bartenwerfer explores the necessity for a more comprehensive approach to technology investment that goes beyond conventional ROI assessments.
“Technology investment is critical,”Bartenwerfer asserts. “Whether to reduce costs, generate revenues, or outpace rivals, investment in technology is an integral part of most corporate strategies. Successful investments can be game-changers for companies, but colossal failures can be equally transformative. Unfortunately, too many technology investments go badly wrong, destroying profits, careers, and sometimes entire companies.”
“While successful investments deliver benefits that outweigh the costs, the popularity of return on investment (ROI) analysis often needs to be improved, particularly for technology initiatives. Business leaders who want to increase the likelihood of success should think beyond ROI and employ a more robust process that drives organizational clarity and accountability while uncovering the potential for both hidden profit and hidden risk.”
David Bartenwerfer Discusses the Significance of Marketing ROI
In his latest four-part series titled ““Marketing ROI 2.0,” David Bartenwerfer examines the vital role of marketing ROI in the fast-changing digital landscape. The series, especially the article ““Why Marketing ROI Is So Important,” addresses the challenges and opportunities arising from the explosion of new channels such as social media, search engines, and diverse keyword options.
These channels have transformed how consumers engage with brands, leading marketing organizations to reassess their resource allocation in the face of competition for limited funding.
Bartenwerfer highlights the intricate nature of marketing initiatives compared to other departments. Unlike the straightforward ROI analyses typically used to justify investments in new products or equipment, marketing demands a more nuanced strategy due to its interconnected aspects. He notes that it usually takes seven to nine “touches” before a customer makes a purchase, which requires overlapping and synergistic marketing programs.
Bartenwerfer goes on to state: “Marketers spend a lot — global spending on media is expected to reach $2.1 trillion in 2019. And, as senior management applies increasing pressure to deliver evidence justifying marketing investments, marketers are also likely to objectively measure the ROI of their efforts. As a result, Marketing organizations today must adapt by optimizing their resources across the new spectrum of marketing objectives. However, even though marketing budgets are high, over 40% of businesses say their top marketing challenge is proving marketing ROI. And without an ROI, businesses cannot determine if their marketing dollars are well spent.”
Measuring ROI, he states that, “can be accomplished most effectively through careful measurement and scrutiny of holistic ROI, employing both top-down and bottom-up approaches.”
David Bartenwerfer’s Insights on Marketing in the Digital Era
David Bartenwerfer demonstrates the evolution of consumer behavior by examining the purchase of a major appliance. Today, consumers have a wealth of research resources at their disposal, allowing them to make informed decisions before even stepping into a store, which reduces the effectiveness of traditional advertising and point-of-sale tactics. This shift emphasizes the necessity for marketers to focus more on the evaluation phase of the consumer decision journey, an area that often receives inadequate attention.
The rise of social media further complicates marketing strategies by empowering consumers to both promote and criticize brands. While marketers can strive to shape online discussions, many aspects of consumer advocacy lie outside their influence, underscoring the critical need for a comprehensive approach to marketing ROI.
Bartenwerfer advocates for a thorough measurement of marketing ROI, highlighting several key advantages:
Justification: Analyzing the incremental costs and value of each marketing initiative at both detailed and overarching levels helps quantify marketing’s contribution to profitability.
Decision-Making: Detailed ROI assessments allow marketers to pinpoint high-return strategies, informing future expenditures and budget decisions.
Accountability: A rigorous analytical approach ensures that funds are utilized efficiently, compelling marketers to justify every dollar spent.
Credibility: Presenting ROI in terms that Finance and C-Level executives can easily comprehend enhances credibility and alleviates executive concerns by demonstrating that marketing generates significant ROI.
By establishing effective metrics and grasping their interconnections, marketing organizations can more accurately measure the impact of their investments and create value through data-driven actions, he explains.
Looking Ahead
David Bartenwerfer’s career embodies the blend of innovative thinking and strategic implementation. From his beginnings at SRA International to influential positions in major corporations and the founding of Quantum Consulting and Technology, he has consistently expanded the limits of what can be achieved in business and technology. His collaborations with professional sports franchises, regional sports networks, and his recent endeavor with REALbasis Inc. highlight his adaptability and dedication to excellence.
Bartenwerfer’s thought leadership in marketing ROI and technology investment showcases his profound understanding of complex business dynamics, establishing him as a genuine industry leader. Through his holistic approach to analytics and strategic planning, he continues to motivate and steer organizations toward sustainable growth and a competitive edge.