To celebrate our 15th anniversary, we’ll be spending some time over the next few weeks with Starboard’s founders, Karen Buck and Amy Tatum. Join us this week as we dive further into Starboard’s offerings.
Karen Buck, Executive Director for Starboard, has over 25 years of experience providing Maximo implementation services to the Utilities industry, including Electric, Water, Wastewater, and Gas. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Accounting.
Amy Tatum, P.E., Vice President of Technology and Solution Director for Starboard, has over 20 years of experience providing Maximo implementation services to the Utilities and Airport industries. She also has extensive knowledge of the Utilities, Transportation, and Spatial industry/add-on solutions and leads Starboard’s project delivery teams. Amy holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. In 2022, Amy was named an IBM Champion for her commitment to the Maximo community.
What do you think makes Starboard unique in the industry?
I think one of the things we’re known for in the industry is innovation. We’re good problem solvers, and we’re very practical. We like for the things we build to be useful and to be used. Not that there isn’t a place for strategies and ideas, but many times concepts sit on people’s shelves. We’ve always been very hands on and actionable, delivering concrete results to our clients, and that’s where we want to continue to be in the future.
Our main objective at Starboard has always been to serve as a partner to our clients; we want to partner with them to be successful. We’re not going to come in and tell them what needs to happen – we’re going to get to know them and hear what they think needs to happen. While we’ll certainly bring our expertise and experience to bear in that thought process and planning, it’s all about what success looks like to the client, and we’re their partner to help them achieve that goal.
That tailored approach to client service is one of the things that we really bring to the table. We’ve built some solutions that are reusable across different clients, but for every project, we always take it to the client, present the solution as a starting point, and determine what the client needs specifically. We’ve never really put forth a one-size-fits-all kind of approach or tried to impose our will on clients. Granted, we’re always going to try to fit within the software and teach them good business practices, and if they have an idea that doesn’t work well, we’re not going to promote that they keep doing it that way. If a client has a truly unique requirement, though, we’re not going to discourage it, which is why getting to know clients on a personal level is so important.
What sustainability initiatives is Starboard planning for the future?
Sustainability has different meanings to different people. While recycling may be the first thing people think of, I actually think Maximo is all about sustainability by helping extend the useful life of major assets around the world.
A lot of the assets in the public works and utilities arena have been around for 30, 40, or 50 years, if not longer. Many underground pipes, like in the Boston area for example, are at least 100 years old, and in some areas nearing 200. Having the scheduled and preventive maintenance, utilizing those assets to the fullest potential, and keeping them in the best shape for as long as possible is all about sustainability. Whether it’s bridges, or tunnels, or extending the life of a power plant, Maximo can help agencies continue using those assets for many more years to come, which is also a great cost savings for the consumer.
What are Starboard’s goals for the next 15 years?
We want to continue to grow and serve our clients and our people with the same level of quality and care that we have been. We want to be recognized as a thought leader in the industry. We want what we’ve spent so much time investing in and building to continue to be of value to our clients and staff.
Thank you for your continued support!
As we close our 15-year anniversary series, we wanted to extend a sincere thank you to all our clients, employees, and IBM colleagues for helping us reach this milestone. We could not have built our practice without your continued support, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you. We look forward to providing another 15 years of exemplary Maximo services!
