The Lifelong Learner: Jeff Mars, Senior Business Intelligence Consultant
Senior Business Intelligence Consultant and Power BI Lead Jeff Mars started his career with Prime 8 in 2015 and hasn’t looked back since.
With 3 degrees in Business, it’s obvious that Jeff is a lifelong learner. Certified in Power BI, Jeff is now working on a professional certification as a Microsoft Data Analyst. A resident of beautiful Kirkland on the Eastside, where he lives with partner Erin, a Jack Russel Terrier, a Chihuahua and one cat. In addition to being a Prime 8 Consultant, Jeff has run a successful tax corporation for the past 8 years.
We chatted with Jeff about his role in Prime 8s Business Intelligence practice, how he recharges outside of work, and what he considers the highlight of his career.
Tell us a bit about your role as a Senior Business Consultant.
I support multiple internal and external projects, and work with our top clients as our Power BI dev lead. I enjoy building insightful dashboards and reports in Power BI with a great team.
Why did you choose to work for Prime 8?
When I started with Prime 8 five years ago, I had worked with other consulting firms that has different business models. I knew that I enjoyed the small company approach rather than the large firm alternative. After interviewing and meeting some of Prime 8’s employees, I truly felt at home and I felt valued.
What is your favorite Prime 8 value and why?
I experience all our values daily with our Prime 8 family. While ‘working as a team ‘and ‘knowing our stuff’ are crucial values, I competitively strive for success while simultaneously working as scrappy as I can. This is what is required to get our customers the results they expect and deserve with ‘above and beyond’ satisfaction.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Hard work pays off. Stay on your path of constantly learning new things.
What do you feel makes Prime 8 unique and valuable to a consultant that might be considering applying?
If you align with our core values and want the opportunity to put your honed skills and experience toward delivering high end consulting services with some of the best in the industry, then Prime 8 is the place for you!
What makes Prime 8 unique and valuable to organizations that might be considering hiring a consulting company?
Through our collective professional experience, work ethic, and desire for client success you will truly experience a winning team that drives home results.
What are the three most important skills for your role? Why?
Good listening: you must understand what the clients’ needs and wants are to deliver success.
Good problem-solving: we work in a scrappy environment and it helps to be creative and find ways to get the job done with new and innovative solutions for our clients.
Be a Power BI Guru: working in Power BI as my main tool daily, I constantly strive to know the product in and out while constantly learning new techniques. Regularly incorporating new features in our builds sets us apart from the field.
How do you recharge outside of work?
Outside of work I travel both around the world and across the country. I also off-road in my Jeep with a local club, boat on the many lakes and bays in the PNW, watch sports, make and play music in my studio, go for nature walks with our two dogs and cat.
Do you have a recent favorite tv show?
I love comedies and historical stuff, but I think Bob's Burgers is our go to dinner time show right now.
Do you have a favorite place in Washington?
Another tough one! I fell in love with this state when I first arrived here about 7 years ago coming from South Florida via Chicago. Big change! Nature is so abundant here. While driving up atop mountains for the views or having a brat & pilsner in Leavenworth are great experiences, I think spending time up in the San Juan Islands is tough to beat as the best!
What has been a major highlight in your career?
Working at Prime 8 truly has been the most rewarding career highlight. Being recognized for your achievements by executives at our largest client, helping to grow our business, and doing it all with a team that is more like a family makes a world of a difference!
Learn more about why our consultants love being a part of the Prime 8 family. Want to join the us? We’d love to hear from you. Tell us about yourself here.
