| Vertex Partners | 2 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110 |
| www.vpartners.com | (617) 367 7600 Fax: (617) 367 8780 |
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Suddenly Brauny
In 1999, Braun Consulting, a provider of business intelligence, data warehousing, and Web-based application solutions, acquired Vertex Partners. As an integrated firm, Braun Consulting will employ a staff of approximately 300. Over the years, Vertex Partners has worked with Braun Consulting in working on projects in the telecommunications and health care industries. The two firms converged customer strategy and business intelligence to create new opportunities for clients. The merger also widens Vertex's industry focus, as they take advantage of Braun's client base, which includes such industries as health care, telecommunications, retail, and consumer packaged goods. Under terms of the acquisition, management will change, with Steven J. Braun, CEO, President, and founder of Braun Consulting, retaining his roles at the firm.
The new kid on the block
Founded in 1994 by disenchanted consultants formerly employed by many leading management consulting firms (including Mike Evanisko, one of the founders of Boston consulting company Corporate Decisions Inc.), Vertex claims that the industry norm involves storming into client companies, behaving obtrusively, then producing impractical, "C+" solutions. Vertex thinks it has a better way: concentrating on clearing up strategy and implementation troubles in a pragmatic and workable manner. This "roll up the sleeves" attitude has thus far boosted the growth of the young company.
Maximizing value
Vertex, true to its name, strives to offer sharp focus to its clients. The firm works almost exclusively with Fortune 500 companies, especially those involved in health care. When working with clients, Vertex tries not reengineer, downsize hapless workers, implement information technology, or resort to other large-scale changes.
Pleasantville
At the same time, Vertex aims to optimize the workplace experience for employees. The company professes to support creative thinking, a balance between personal and professional life, and teamwork rather than turbulent competition. Most notably, Vertex claims to offer hours that do not detract from - and may even be conducive to - a personal life. Since the founders of Vertex were themselves refugees from other consulting firms, the company actively battles employee attrition and likes to boast of a better-than-average retention rate.
Still, to stay at Vertex one must first get in the door. Although Vertex is rapidly growing, only 20 percent of first-round interviewees have historically been called back for the second round - making this fledgling company as competitive as its elders.
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For full employment information, visit the careers page of the Vertex web site at www.vpartners.com. Candidates can apply directly to the company.
Historically, Vertex has recruited at prestigious liberal arts universities (Harvard, Yale and Brown) and business schools (Wharton, Yale, and Harvard Business School). However, it welcomes applicants from outside its recruitment cycle. The firm also hires a small number of summer associates (four in 1999). That program includes a two-day orientation program and two days of off-site training, along with a slew of social events, like Red Sox games and barbecues.
Vertex hires consultants from a variety of majors and backgrounds, but warns candidates to do their homework on the company before coming in for their interviews. Indeed, candidates must be thoroughly prepared if they are to have any chance of being hired. According to insiders, Vertex accepts only 20 percent and 30 percent of candidates for second- and final-round interviews, respectively. Candidates should expect to meet with "at least six" consultants before receiving an offer. Once accepted, employees can look forward to an intense, two-week training program, but should not expect a systematic program of advancement. At a small firm like Vertex, career paths can fall off course.
Vertex has a flat organizational structure, with five positions on the professional consulting staff - associate consultant (the lowest rung), consultant, senior consultant (typically MBAs with a few years work experience), manager, and partner. Undergraduates and those with advanced degrees outside of business fields generally enter as associate consultants, while MBA-holders from top business schools start as consultants.
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The big little company
For a "little company," insiders say they work on "a wide variety of projects, from mergers and acquisition cases to salesforce restructuring." Major clients include, but are not limited to, the "pharmaceutical industry and communications and technology industries." The consensus seems to be that "Vertex is a great place to work" and a "worthwhile experience." Benefits and salary are "competitive with other leading consulting firms"; perks include tuition reimbursement for associates who return to Vertex after business school, a 401(k) plan and health club membership subsidies. The firm's year-end bonus for consultants has two components: a bonus based on corporate performance targets, and a bonus based on individual performance.
Consultants report that the company "fosters an environment that values creativity, teamwork and a balanced lifestyle." Furthermore, employees enjoy "a high degree of autonomy" if they display the proper initative. Says one consultant: "Because the firm is still very small, you have excellent access to the top people and a minimum of bureaucracy and office politics."
Maybe size isn't everything, but it's something
However, lilliputian size does have its drawbacks. Consultants cite "nonexistent" opportunities to work at overseas branches since Vertex is still based only in Boston, although "we have global clients, so some consultants will experience international travel." Also, Vertex's merger with Braun will ultimately provide opportunities for strategy positions in current Braun locations, such as Denver and Chicago.
Overall, however, Vertex consultants agree that the best aspect of the firm is the network of people. For the most part, the intimate size of Vertex fosters camaraderie and collaboration among all employees, from the associates to the seasoned partners. One insider sums up: "The people here make a tremendous difference."
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Rachel Golder
Associate Director of Recruiting
Vertex Partners1
2 Atlantic Avenue
Boston
MA
02110
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