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And a bunch of other people who are really talented. My Zero to Cube session won the Summit Spotlight track for the BI sessions at the upcoming SQL Rally. This means we get to debunk the myth that you have to be a Genius to use Analysis Services. How you ask? I’m going to do it! Then we have some special secret tricks. If you want to know find someone who went to the summit and see what kinds of fun things we did in my session. We’ll do some of those and some new ones. It’s going to be LEGEND.. Wait for it …………………….. DARY.

Thank you all for voting for my session. I’m excited to see you all there. Make sure to get to SQLRally.com and register. May 11-13. We are also doing a precon on the whole BI Stack. See you there! Check the sessions out that won the BI track at http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/Agenda/Sessions.aspx

I’m out….

Let me start of by saying I could have taken this picture in Florida. But I didn’t. I was in Alabama. Folks – we’re not helping our stereotype here in the south.

In the meantime I was working with a cool client who is delivering BI  as part of their application. I had found Birmingham to be a cool city with some really neat parts. Mostly the really nice lobby of the Hilton I stay in and the rental car facilities.   I know some of you have wondered why I’m behind on posting comments and have only done one blog post this week but I’ve been booked up with clients since we’re so busy!  

Keep up the good work and I’ll see you out there. Hit me up on twitter at @Adam_Jorgensen.

Hey Everyone – SQL Rally Voting opens today for the BI Track. There are lots of good sessions and at the risk of being self promotional I thought I would share that my Summit spotlight Zero to Cube session was top five in it’s track and the 23rd session overall at the summit. IT is a LOT of fun and the way I present it is like NOTHING you’ve ever seen!.  We’ll have some real fun. Here are some real comment from folks who attended my session at the Summit:

“Best Session at the Summit So Far” (Second Day)

“Most I’ve learned in a single session”

“Did not know Analysis Services was this cool”

“Wow he is ruggedly good looking” – Yes Brian Knight said this one .. 

The session and I received over 200 comments and the overal rating was over 4.85 (the first place session was rated 4.92). I know it’s like the Olympics …

Most importantly please vote!! AND Register!!!! Until then – See you out there!

They say to save the best for last and while I’m not so sure about that I was truly honored to be awarded as a SQL Server MVP from Microsoft for 2011. I know many in the community who are deserving and did not get this honor and all I can do is remind you that you’re not doing it to get a blue square, you’re doing it because you want to do the things you do for the community.  I’m very excited about the opportunities this will give me for more access and exciting Non-NDA things to share with what community.  Thank you all for your kind words and emails over the holidays when they were announced.

I now I’ve been on a sabbatical and most of you know me by which city I’m in during a particular week but I’m REALLY planning on getting off the road when my current schedule begins to free up in March. I will be doing some SQL Saturday events but trying to concentrate on doing more frequent online events like SQLLunch (Woohoo) and our Pragmatic Works Free Trainings, Virtual chapter presentations and SO MNY MORE! So keep your eyes peeled here. I know it’s been quiet. I’m sorry but I truly needed a break. Thank you for your patience and for the emails asking where I was! Are you stalking me? Don’t … Please don’t.. I mean please stalk me .

I promise I have some cool things coming up. Catch me here or at @adam_jorgensen.

SQL Stadium will be crowded with anticipation very soon in Tampa. Come watch as Adam Jorgensen takes on a challenger from the SQL community in a BI Head to Head showdown! Iron chef was born here last year and this event is a very special homecoming for those who have waited all year to see it again. Make sure to come check it out at SQL Saturday 62 in Tampa FL on Jan 15th! See you there!

This season, as we continue to grow and partner with some of the best of the best in the industry. I find myself very thankful. We have been blessed to hire many that were under or unemployed and are now kicking butt in the BI, SharePoint and SQL Server world. I have been both under an unemployed at times in my life and I realize it’s the little things that make our team the best.

So this season I thought  I would share some of the reasons I’m not only thankful for our growth and success at Pragmatic Works, but also for the growth and success of my peers here and abroad. So in no particular order, here are some great holiday reasons why I love this company and it’s people.

Reason #1- Strong commitment to employee development and advancement

We have programs in place to drive growth and mentoring for all our employees. This targets areas for immediate improvement, then focuses on longer term goals to increase their confidence, presence and technical capabilities. We focus on the whole individual, not just technology to help make sure our team is the most well-rounded, technically skilled team in the business. This ties directly to our internal advancement policies, putting the consultants goals in their hands.

Reason #2 – Demonstrated commitment to diversity

We strongly believe that to have the best team, you must get the best people. That means we look for the best fit for our culture, project needs and company growth no matter what gender, background, orientation or taste in color they may have.

Reason #3 – Creative Personalities

Many of you know some of our Pragmatic characters. We’ve even got a SQL Chicken, former armed forces members, marketing executives, dungeon masters, metal rockers, professional dart champs, and others. We encourage our folks to express their individuality in the community, in the office and to help our clients see value in their data.

Reason #4 – Organized Executives

Our executives and management team come from the technical trenches. We know that organization is important, but agility is it’s best friend. I’m proud of the team we have to reason not only technical but business model solutions because of their experience and depth.

Reason #5 – We are Committed to a safe workplace

We have a great time, but do our best to ensure that everyone is healthy, happy and wise. We even have fitness programs in our building that employees are encouraged to participate in! I should get on that myself .

Reason #6 – Awesome Travel Policy and Combat Bonuses

Many consulting firms place travel expenses on the consultants and provide reimbursement. We do not! We work very hard to ensure that we book all travel corporately, provide flexibility to our team and reward them and their families in special ways when travel is unforeseen is more extensive than planned.

Reason #7 – Helpful Peers always willing to lend a hand

Jut this week I saw several questions from folks in the field and other teammates jumped right in and began helping to get to the bottom of it. I was SO proud. This is a critical part of our culture and I love seeing it in action. I don’t know if anyone’s hands got washed, but their brains got some extra bling from the effort.

Reason #8 – We lift each other up

Sometimes projects and people don’t go together perfectly. Some days it’s the project, some days it’s the people. Either way, we are a team. Teams make sure to help each other through challenges in technology, process, heavy desk moving, or how to improve the prank idea that they can’t get off the ground. 

Reason #9 – We stay up on the latest technology

Our partnerships and work with Microsoft, HP, Fusion IO and others, keeps us on the cutting edge of prototyping and delivering new technology. This is a lot of fun and reward for those who make it to our Sr. ranks as they deliver a lot of these types of engagements and get to play with some COOL toys. Check the newest BI appliance we’re working with here .

Reason #10 – We pride ourselves on teamwork and communication

When I saw this In the fridge I was so proud that we’re able to be honest with each other. Immediate and constructive feedback is so important in our business to improve client relationships, reduce technical errors and reworks and improve professional development. Keep it coming. I won’t leave my salad dressing in the fridge anymore!

Reason #11 – The best client benefits

We really take care of our clients. By working with us, they get top notch access to vendors, best practice guidance and a wealth of information on how best to manage their environments and data services organizations.  We often consult not only on technical challenges, but also on ways to improve cost efficiency, performance per dollar and decrease project cost and increase deliverables. Those are some pretty good benefits.

And of course….. Bacon…

Obligatory for any decent SQL Server team. Yes it’s USB powered .

If you would like to be a part of this kick butt team, check out my blog post here and submit your information.

So yes, I’m quite thankful for many things this holiday season. Most of all my family, loved ones, friends, peers, clients, the community and all of you. God Bless you this holiday season! Let us know what you’re thankful for.  Ladybird and I wish you a terrific upcoming 2011.

Have you been trying to figure out how to take your career in Microsoft BI, SharePoint and SQL Server to the next level?

Have you wanted to go from being the best at what you do to being the best in BI and other technologies?

Do you have a passion for the community and sharing what you know with others?

Do you want to be mentored by the best in the business to reach your ultimate potential?

Do you want to give yourself the holiday gift of a new and exciting career? Then we’re looking for you!

Pragmatic Works is looking for developers and consultants at all levels to grow our team of talented folks. Many of you have already reached out and we are very excited about the discussions we’ve had so far.  Our business pipeline for next year is so exciting that we find ourselves needing to bring in more talented individuals like you to expand our team. We talked to many of you at SQL Saturdays, the PASS Summit and other events and many of you have the same questions. So I’ve decided to answer them ahead of time for you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Working at Pragmatic Works

1. What will I be doing? – You will be working right away in your current skill set while we work together to expand your experience and move on to new and exciting projects. Our goal is to help you go as far as your motivation and our teamwork can take you. You will get involved in the community, have some fun, learn some exciting things and be a part of a great team. Check out the pictures in this post just some of the fun time we have together.

2. How do we get there? – Our in house mentoring program pairs you with the best minds in the business and the most efficient methods of applying your experience to a new technology.  Then we get you using it in the field as soon as you’re ready! It doesn’t stop there! You continue your work within the mentoring program to continuously learn and grow!

3. Do I need to live in Jacksonville to work for you? – Our strength as an organization is in our ability to work together, mentor each other daily. While this best takes place in our new state of the art office facility, we are sensitive to family and economic factors that limit options. Our goal is to have folks dedicated to what they do no matter where they live. Travel to the office may be required for some roles or projects.

4. Will I be on the road all the time? – One of the best things about working with our team is the variety of industries, and experiences we have to leverage for our clients and consultant growth. The only way to do that is to go out in the world and experience them.  Our goal is to provide a balanced approach to travel and many of our clients are flexible and do not require fulltime on site presence. Typically the travel requirement does not go above 50% weekday travel for an extended period of time. We couple that with Combat Pay style bonuses and goodies to help make the process enjoyable.

5. What kind of benefits do you have? – We have the a standard personal benefits package, but the real benefits go much deeper.

- Have you ever wanted to be a part of an expert author team, or go on a speaking tour with the Microsoft product team?

- Have you wanted to present like a superstar? Our mentoring program includes presenting skills, and exposure to quality in person and virtual events to get your brand out there!

- Have you dreamed of working alongside SQL Server MVP’s and experts as part of a SWAT team to solve complex problems and deliver innovative solutions for the most influential companies in the world?

6. How has Pragmatic Works grown over time? – Our growth over the last few years has been tremendous. Our partnerships with Microsoft and other vendors provide even greater avenues for new business partnerships, increased delivery pipeline and expanded marketing reach. Our innovative techniques or reaching the clients and making the technology real to them is unrivaled in the industry. We deliver engagements globally and have just moved into a new expanded facility in Jacksonville. 2011 will see significant expansion and growth with the new technologies being released. We remain committed to quality, diversity, and excellence of character in all we do.  Check out some of our folks from the PASS Summit this year with some of our friends.

7. Will I get to play with the hottest new technology? – OF COURSE! Our relationships and partnerships keep us on the cutting  edge of things like Parallel Data Warehouse, Fast Track DW, new hardware based appliance solutions, Alpha and interim beta builds of SQL Server products and the latest in SharePoint and other tools. We put a focus on getting you exposed to these as early as possible to make sure we have the best prepared team in the business.

8. How do we get on board? – You need to email your resume and cover letter including salary requirements(a range is fine) to Jobs@pragmaticworks.com. This alias is reviewed by the hiring team regularly so you’re not sending it in to a black hole.  If you have questions, let me know – catch me on twitter or via email. @Adam_Jorgensen or Ajorgensen@pragmaticworks.com. For some of our job openings you can check them out here: Pragmatic Works Jobs.

We would love to hear from you. We’re expanding our world class team and want you to be a part of it.

We are currently expanding the following roles:

- SharePoint Architects (with 2010 experience)

- SQL Server Architects with Performance Tuning & High availability skills

- Microsoft BI developers & consultants (Data Modeling, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS)

Let’s do something great together. Make your holiday even better with a new and exciting career to look forward to. Don’t wait, Contact us today.