My journey within the tech industry has taken me to many locations, but it is here in Manchester, N.H., just 20 minutes from my hometown, where I have found a profound sense of belonging.
The catalyst for my passion for technology occurred at the age of 14 when I was diagnosed with a rare leg disease, leading to a period of confinement in a wheelchair. This unexpected turn shifted my dreams from a path as a professional athlete to the realm of technology. In this new domain, I cultivated a deep appreciation for the capabilities of technology and developed a passion for product development.
This passion translated into success during my tenure as the chief technology officer at Forcivity, where I played a pivotal role in growing the company from two to 35-plus people, having a successful merger and acquisition, and contributing to the company’s inclusion in the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies two years in a row.
Jumping ahead two years, I now stand at York IE. Continuing my journey within the SaaS landscape feels like a natural progression, given that Forcivity was a portfolio company of York IE. The early backing and support from the team here at York IE, coupled with the relationships I’ve cultivated here, have fueled my excitement for this new chapter as a senior product strategist.
In this ever-evolving landscape of technology, Software as a Service (SaaS) has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the way businesses and individuals access and utilize applications. As a product strategist, understanding the intricacies of the SaaS lifecycle is paramount.
It begins with the strategic ideation phase, where market needs are identified and innovative concepts are crafted. As a strategist, my role is pivotal during the planning and design stages, creating a product roadmap that aligns with market demands and a user-centric design that enhances the overall experience. Overseeing the development process, I emphasize agility, allowing for adaptability to changing market needs.
The crucial testing phase ensures a resilient product, and the launch involves executing a well-thought-out go-to-market strategy. Scaling the product to meet growing demand, ensuring customer success and driving iterative development are ongoing responsibilities.
As the product matures, my focus shifts to optimization, exploring opportunities for growth and enhancing the product’s ecosystem. Ultimately, I must be prepared to guide the product through its lifecycle, from successful launch to potential sunsetting, all while navigating the ever-evolving SaaS landscape.
At York IE, I am presented with the daily opportunity to contribute to the success of customers and their products. This is precisely where my passion lies, and I am thrilled to play a role in the journeys of numerous startups.