Press Release: Marketing Externship Program with UNC Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — December 15, 2024 — Since its inception in 2017, Mavendog has a strong relationship with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Belk College of Business. Many of Mavendog consultants have UNC Charlotte degrees, including within Mavendog’s internal marketing division. In the Fall of 2024, UNC Charlotte invited Mavendog participate in an Marketing Externship for undergraduate students pursuing careers and interests in marketing research and data science.
The semester-long externship provides UNCC students with valuable hands-on experience with select private-sector organizations and industries, focusing on the following areas:
- Market Research: Students conduct surveys and analyze data to gain insights into target audiences.
- Project Management: Students prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and communicate clearly.
- Digital Marketing: Students execute email marketing campaigns and implement lead generation strategies.
Through this experience, students build essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, primarily through their own marketing research projects and personal topic interests. For example, at Mavendog, the externship emphasizes management consulting industries and project management as a profession. Students explore target industry buyers, clients (or ‘client avatars’), and buyer behaviors. They also conduct market analysis on the independent consultant movement in today’s modern workforce, which plays a crucial role in Mavendog’s go-to-market strategy.
“The externship at Mavendog is invaluable,” said Emanuel Valenzuela, a marketing student at UNC Charlotte. “I apply classroom knowledge to solve marketing questions facing consulting and project management in 2024. It’s also great exposure to the industry, voice-of-the-customer insights, and our Charlotte market.”
“Mavendog feels truly honored to participate in these kinds of opportunities, particularly through the Belk College of Business,” said Jon Vordermark, Mavendog’s President. “The Belk mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of business leaders, and Mavendog is proud to support that mission. Moreover, the benefits of this partnership go both ways. These students bring fresh perspectives to the table. After all, they are Generation Z—naturally individualistic, pragmatic, and direct in their communication. They grew up in a technological environment that allows them to research and discover what they need independently. It’s refreshing.”
“My team really enjoyed working with Emanuel,” continued Vordermark. “We didn’t need to spoon-feed information. Instead, Emanuel arrived prepared and engaged throughout the process. It felt like having an aspiring marketing consultant on staff—someone who actively engaged us with thoughtful, constructive questions about the market and cross-referenced his findings with the best practices he’s learning at UNCC.”
Looking ahead, Mavendog looks forward to continuing its partnership with UNC Charlotte and supporting the next generation of business professionals.
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About UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business
The Belk College of Business is one of the Carolinas’ largest and most diverse business schools and is a vital intellectual resource to the Charlotte business community. It offers outstanding business education at the undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and executive levels. With more than 4,000 undergraduate students, almost 900 graduate students, over 100 full-time faculty and more than 37,000 alumni, the Belk College of Business is North Carolina’s urban research business school. They are committed to building strong partnerships that have lasting impact across the state.
Their deep-rooted partnerships with business leaders in the Charlotte area create a dialogue that shapes the industry-relevant curriculum and provides one of the nation’s most dynamic business cities with valuable research and employable talent. For more information, visit https://belkcollege.charlotte.edu.
About Mavendog, LLC
Mavendog is the Carolina’s premier project management firm, offering independent, expert program and project managers and interim executive leaders. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients solve their project challenges, from complex enterprise programs and change initiatives to tactical project needs. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information, visit mavendog.com.
Press Release: Mavendog Recognized as One of Charlotte's Top 50 Fastest-Growing Private Companies
Charlotte, North Carolina – December 6, 2024 – Mavendog, a leading provider of independent project and program leadership services, is proud to announce its inclusion in the Charlotte Business Journal’s prestigious Fast 50 list, ranking #19 among the top 50 fastest-growing private companies in the region. This annual award celebrates businesses in the region that have demonstrated exceptional growth over the past three years.
“We are honored to be recognized among such a distinguished group of companies,” said Jon Vordermark, Founder of Mavendog. “Mavendog has been growing steadily since its inception almost eight years ago. The past three years are no exception. The Fast 50 is further validation of the success of Mavendog's management consultant model. It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team over the years, and the continued trust and support of our clients.”
Founded in 2017, Mavendog offers a network of highly skilled, independent project managers, change agents, and strategic practitioners who help companies deliver on their strategic goals. It is a unique management consulting model — both a strategic partner and tactical, “get things done” delivery asset. From a recruiting standpoint, Mavendog attracts delivery leaders who want to wade into the American independent economy, rather than the limited choices of employment, contingent labor, or even traditional consulting firms.
Mavendog's rapid growth can be attributed to several factors, including an increasing demand for skilled project managers; Mavendog's refreshing business model; and its steadfast commitment to its clients and project needs. Mavendog has helped clients across various industries deliver on their project goals.
"We are excited by the success and foresee continued momentum in 2025," added Vordermark. “The momentum is based on positive economic indicators, and an unwavering demand for project leadership. It is truly an exciting time to be in this market, particularly as companies innovate and change. Change means project work, and that’s where Mavendog thrives."
About the Charlotte Business Journal's Fast 50
The Charlotte Business Journal's Fast 50 is a highly respected annual award program that recognizes the fastest-growing private companies in the Charlotte metro area. Honorees are selected based on a rigorous evaluation of their revenue growth over a three-year period.
About Mavendog, LLC
Mavendog is the Carolina’s premier project management firm, offering independent, expert program and project managers and interim executive leaders. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients solve their project challenges, from complex enterprise programs and change initiatives to tactical project needs. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information, visit mavendog.com.
Empowering Veterans: A Commitment to Success at Mavendog
Charlotte, North Carolina — November 11, 2024. When founder Jon Vordermark first envisioned a project leadership firm of independent, expert program and project managers… figuratively “parachuting” into troubled clients to save the day,… he foresaw how service men and women in the U.S. military could be foundational pieces to the company. Almost eight years later, Mavendog owes much of its growth, reputation, and ongoing success to the veterans and military spouses on team. Many Mavendog clients have experienced the impact and value of these veterans firsthand.
In this article we touch briefly on the impacts of veterans on project management today; the tough transition to civilian life; and the attraction veterans have to the booming independent, 1099 consulting market. We also share a few remarks from five of our veterans who have been a part of the Mavendog journey: Liz Gist, Clint Woods, Charles Sieber, Amy Heddleson, and Rachael Gabbard.
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‘Veteran’ Project Management: A Military Advantage
Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 3-90 describes tactical work this way:
“The creative and flexible array of means to accomplish designed missions, decision-making under conditions of uncertainty when faced with thinking and adaptive enemy, and understanding the effects of combat on Soldiers.’ Tactical work is a complement to strategy work.”
This Doctrine sounds a lot like project work, doesn’t it…. It’s no wonder why there is a natural draw for veterans to project management, especially those who are attracted to professional services and consulting market. Project leaders, like those at Mavendog, help clients drive enterprise programs and change initiatives. And as Mavendog has shared in past articles, project management, at its core, is a tactical specialty — a translation that is often seamless for military specialists.
Liz Gist, a former Captain in the U.S. Air Force, shares some of her experiences and military influences this way:
“My military experience shaped my project leadership approach by instilling discipline, strategic planning, and adaptability. In the private sector, this helped me lead teams efficiently under pressure. For instance, when a supply chain disruption threatened a product launch, I applied military-style crisis management. I quickly organized a team, defined clear objectives, and held daily briefings to adapt in real-time. This approach allowed us to find alternative suppliers and meet our launch date, leveraging the decisive leadership and teamwork skills I gained from the military.” – Liz Gist
Liz served 12 years in the United States Air Force in various roles and leadership positions. Today, she is a Mavendog Affiliate and Principal Consultant within our Program Leadership Services practice. Liz’s passion is motivating and mentoring teams to deliver quality programs and projects that solve business problems and achieve tangible results. She has a proven track record in Operations; Product Development; Manufacturing, Software Development; Information Technology; Digital Transformation; Professional Services; Leadership Development; Mentoring/Coaching; and Change Management. She is also known for establishing and leading global Project Management Offices (PMOs) to deliver quality programs and projects that solve business problems and achieve tangible results.
Clinton Woods, a retired Marine Corps Major, highlights his military experience as having an immediate impact on his ability to lead corporate projects and teams:
“The ability to get things done [in the military] and leverage assets to accomplish the mission has aided me greatly. My first job in the corporate sector was leading mechanical engineers designing next-generation engines for GE, which is way outside my area of expertise in IT. Communication, identifying roadblocks, and setting realistic goals and milestones helped my team win team of the year.” – Clinton Woods
Clint served in the United States Marine Corps for almost 20 years. Today he is a Managing Consultant in Mavendog’s Project & Change Delivery Practice. He originally came to Mavendog through its relationship with the Department of Defense (DoD) and its SkillBridge fellowship program – a conduit for Service members to begin their careers within the civilian sector. His military experience encompasses 19+ years in organizational change, project management, and information technology, particularly in IT infrastructure. He has supported medium to large-scale, high-pressure projects and roles. A willing and driven learner with vast experience leading highly technical team members.
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Bridging Worlds: Addressing the Challenges of Military-to-Civilian Transition
Before a veteran’s career in the private sector can really take flight, he or she must first face the challenges of transitioning out of military service. It is a demanding adjustment, learning how to adapt to the nuances of civilian organizations and its leaders. Many of those civilian leaders are unfamiliar with (and sometimes resistant to) working veterans coming right out of the service. Even their own HR managers struggle to understand the transition, let alone the value veterans bring.
Fortunately, veterans have far more access today to programs and services that support military-to-civilian transition. Veteran-facing organizations like Veterans Bridge Home, Hiring Our Heroes, and NC4ME, and Patriot’s Path (now MilBridge) all share in this calling to help veterans through this difficult transition. Most notably, the Department of Defense SkillBridge program grants active service members the chance to be released from duty up to six months before their date of separation in order to receive on-the-job training and work opportunities with civilian companies.
“Mavendog has had a symbiotic relationship with these organizations since its founding,” says President Jon Vordermark. “I grew up in an Army family and witnessed the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. I take great pride in supporting such organizations for all the good they do. With the right support and opportunities, veterans can achieve their professional and personal goals in the private sector.”
Charles Sieber joined Mavendog after serving as a Combat Engineer Officer (Captain) in the United States Marine Corps. He came to Mavendog through our relationship with DoD SkillBridge, after Charles concluded a stellar, ten-year career in the United States Marine Corps. He spent over a year as an instructor at Marine Corps Engineer School training young Marine officers how to assess strengths and weaknesses when planning various military operations. He shares how he adapted his communication style post-service. But it wasn’t easy:
“Military culture communication is very different from what is found in a corporate environment. My experience with moving to the private sector has caused me to adapt my communication style to accommodate a civilian workforce and learn how to “pace” a team in a way that matches the company’s expectations for delivery and work. I’ve learned how to respectfully (but assertively) communicate in a way that unites towards a common goal, working with people (understanding the human factor and emotional intelligence), combined with my endurance, discipline, and work ethic. Most important is accountability and ownership of whatever task you are assigned.” – Charles Sieber
Charles Sieber is a Senior Consultant and Mavendog Affiliate within our Project & Change Delivery (PCD) practice. He is a highly organized project and process leader with an eye toward production and process efficiency. Mr. Sieber has hands-on experience in several domains, including supply chain logistics; heavy machinery/equipment, support, and mobilization; construction and safety protocols; and resource and facilities management.
Amy Heddleson was an Army Intelligence Officer (Captain) with the Georgia Army National Guard before continuing her project leadership career and eventually joining Mavendog. She shares these tips for navigating the uncertainty of military transition:
“Always use a military-to-civilian recruiter or corporate partner like SkillBridge. Use your own network of past co-workers and leaders you enjoyed working with. Take advantage of resources for mentoring or networking through any enrolled education programs. Join professional organizations like PMI.org and attend their events or volunteer to expand your network.“ – Amy Heddleson
Amy Heddleson is a Managing Consultant and Mavendog Affiliate within our Project & Change Delivery (PCD) practice. Amy has served as a Senior Product Marketing Manager, Technology Program Manager, and SCRUM Team Manager, gaining 20 years of corporate experience managing multi-million-dollar international products and programs in the IT, Telecommunications, VoIP, and CRM industries.
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Veterans and 1099: A Path to Flexibility and Independence
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, regardless of length of service. It is unique for each individual. For some veterans a career in consulting as a 1099 is an excellent way to retain flexibility and independence while transitioning and ‘finding’ their way in a new, post-service career (i.e., 1099-NEC for tax purposes versus a full-time employee, or W2). To that end, Mavendog attracts many such veterans to its own consulting model, which is a conduit to the 1099 market and American independent economy.
For these and other Mavendog veterans, traditional employment models no longer work for high-impact, time-bound project delivery. They gravitate to 1099-based consulting models instead. Roger Hopper, Mavendog Vice President and Chief of Staff (former soldier with the Army National Guard), is a key leader in Mavendog’s recruitment of our veteran consultants. He explains: “Mavendog Affiliates receive the benefits of Mavendog branding, contracting, peer networking, insurance, and protections while retaining their freedom to pick and choose their projects, and negotiating the right balance of work and commitments for themselves and their family.”
Liz Gist concurs: “The flexibility of being an independent contractor has had a positive impact on my work-life balance. Transitioning from a full-time employee to a 1099 worker has given me more control over my schedule and the ability to select projects that suit my interests. This shift has allowed me to better balance personal commitments with professional responsibilities.”
Charles Sieber also supports this view: “The flexibility allows me to structure dedicated family time. One factor I would encourage veterans to consider in a role like this is the freedom to drive your schedule and work with the company you are supporting to ensure their needs are met.”
For Amy Heddleson consulting as an independent contractor gives her much-needed variation: “I enjoy being able to interview the client just as they are interviewing me to choose if it’s a good fit for us both. I am also able to try new industries as I transition from one client project to another, which is refreshing for me and brings value to the client.”
Lieutenant Colonel Rachael Gabbard, an active member of the Army Reserve Medical Service Corps, discovered the advantages of independent contracting after facing challenges with traditional employment models. For Rachael, the flexibility of being a 1099 contractor allows her to seamlessly manage her military commitments while maintaining a civilian career:
“The flexibility of being an independent contractor has had a positive impact on my work-life balance. This shift has allowed me to better balance my responsibilities as a reservist with professional aspirations.”
Today, Rachael is a Senior Consultant within our Project & Change Delivery practice. She is an Operations Leader with 17 years of professional experience in Logistics, Project Management, and Human Resources Management at a strategic level. Rachael adds to Mavendog’s strength and versatility in supporting HR-related programs and projects. She is also instrumental to Mavendog’s capabilities in Supply Chain, Distribution, and Operations, where Rachael helps companies to optimize material flows, minimize supply chain disruptions, and improve responsiveness to internal and external customer demands.
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Learn More About Veteran Project Leaders with Mavendog
Mavendog is the Carolinas’ premier project management firm, offering independent, expert program and project managers and interim executive leaders. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients solve their project challenges, from complex enterprise programs and change initiatives to tactical project needs. Find out how Mavendog can help your company access the American independent economy of highly skilled, motivated, and experienced veteran project leaders.
Press Release: Mavendog Sponsors the 1st Annual SIM South Carolina STEM Charity Golf Tournament
Columbia, South Carolina — September 30, 2024. Mavendog, a leading provider of project leadership solutions, is proud to sponsor the first annual SIM South Carolina STEM Charity Golf Tournament. Held on Monday, September 30th at The Wildewood Country Club, the tournament brought together IT executives from across the state and Carolinas to support STEM education and bridge the gender gap in technology.
The company’s sponsorship helped contribute to the tournament’s overall success and raised funds for the Dottie Rose Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting computer science education and empowering young women in the field. Founded by Dr. Sharon Torrence Jones, the foundation recognizes the importance of closing the gender gap in technology and offers summer camps and other programs to encourage girls to explore STEM fields and develop essential skills. At the SIM South Carolina STEM Charity Golf Tournament, a $5,000 check was awarded to the foundation. Dr. Jones expressed her gratitude for such generous donations, which help keep the foundation’s programs running and accessible to students.
Mavendog sponsored the 3rd hole, a picturesque water shot that provided a challenging and exciting test for golfers throughout the day. Our Marketing and Sales Coordinator, Jada Cardwell had a great time interacting with attendees and showcasing what Mavendog has to offer. She greeted players with refreshing drinks, Mavendog merch, and golf gadgets. The beautiful weather made the day even more enjoyable, and the view from our hole was simply stunning.
As an added bonus, tournament players had the chance to enter our raffle for a fantastic prize: a Hot and Cold Compact Electric Hand-Held Massager. It was the perfect way to relax and unwind after a round of golf.
We’d like to congratulate the SIM South Carolina Chapter on the success of their inaugural golf tournament! Co-Founders Toni Harrison-Hogan and John Murdock did an outstanding job organizing this event, and it was clear that there was a great deal of enthusiasm and support from the local IT community.
As long standing SIM members, and with several of our affiliates actively involved, we were thrilled to participate and support this important cause. Mavendog is in the process of expanding into the South Carolina regions, so this was a fantastic opportunity to connect with other professionals in the area.
We are particularly impressed by the SIM South Carolina Chapter’s focus on providing a platform for idea sharing, collaboration, and knowledge exchange because it can be invaluable. Their commitment to philanthropy and STEM education is inspiring and we look forward to continuing to support their efforts and being a part of the growing SIM South Carolina community.
“We are thrilled to have been a part of this inaugural event and to support such a worthy cause,” said Jon Vordermark, President at Mavendog. “STEM education is crucial for our future, and we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue a career in technology.”
In addition to sponsoring the tournament, Mavendog took part in the post-golf networking events. This allowed us to connect with industry peers and learn about the latest buzz and opportunities in the IT field. There were raffle items like Yeti Coolers and other fun gifts available along with catering provided for all guests.
About SIM South Carolina
The SIM South Carolina Chapter is a leading organization for IT executives in the region, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and professional development. With a focus on empowering IT professionals and supporting local STEM initiatives, SIM South Carolina is committed to driving innovation and growth in the technology industry.
About Mavendog, LLC
Mavendog is the Carolina’s premier project management firm, offering independent, expert program and project managers and interim executive leaders. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients solve their project challenges, from complex enterprise programs and change initiatives to tactical project needs. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information, visit mavendog.com.
Press Release: Mavendog Kicks Off Its 2nd NFL Season as a Carolina Panthers Small Business Partner
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – August 14, 2024 – Football season is here! 2024 marks Mavendog’s second season as a Small Business Partner of the Carolina Panthers. The regular season opens on Sunday, September 8 at 1 PM EDT against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome.
To get in the spirit of the new season, Mavendog had the privilege of attending a VIP event hosted by the Carolina Panthers and Eleven Sports Media. Mavendog enjoyed a memorable day of networking, celebration, and meeting current players. The event also featured guest speakers from the Panthers Legends Community, including Tre Boston, Mike Tolbert, and Brenton Bersin, who shared their personal journeys as entrepreneurs and acclimating to life after the NFL.
For Mavendog, the Carolina Panthers Small Business Partner (SBP) program aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting and representing small businesses across the Carolinas. Mavendog understands the challenges faced by startups, small enterprises, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs. The main challenge can simply be standing out from large, lumbering competitors. In Mavendog’s case and market, the company is in a hyper-competitive consulting space, providing specialized program and project management services. The SBP program has been invaluable in helping Mavendog become better known.
“The program has been a rewarding and effective platform for small companies trying to get a leg up in the local community,” says Jon Vordermark, President of Mavendog. “These are scrappy, niche businesses that punch above their weight. To say that I’m humbled for Mavendog to be invited to the program would be an understatement. It brings a tear to my eye to see that big, orange Mavendog logo splashed across the stadium. Plus, I am a bit of a Panthers homer ever since I moved to Charlotte twenty-five years ago. I can’t dismiss the motivations of my fandom. Keep Pounding!”
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Panthers, “Keep Pounding” is the Panthers motto. Also… admittedly…, Mavendog Marketing had to look up the definition of a “homer”. It is defined as a sports fan “who is biased in favor of the home team.” Mavendog is not asking you to be as big a Panthers ‘homer’ as its President, but becoming a ‘Mavendog homer’ is always encouraged.
About Eleven Sports Media
Founded in 2009 in north-west England – the spiritual home of football – Eleven has re-imagined end-to-end brand partnerships in the sporting landscape. From historic English towns to major American cities, we connect teams with what matters most to them: their local communities. For Charlotte and the Carolinas, Eleven offers small to medium-sized businesses the opportunity to align themselves with their local sports team, through a proven combination of branding, experiential and activation services.
About Mavendog, LLC
Mavendog is the Carolina’s premier project management firm, offering independent, expert program and project managers and interim executive leaders. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients solve their project challenges, from complex enterprise programs and change initiatives to tactical project needs. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information, visit mavendog.com.
Press Release: Mavendog is 26th Fastest-Growing Private Company in Charlotte on 2024 Inc. 5000
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — August 14, 2024 – Mavendog, a Charlotte-based project and program leadership firm, was named No. 2203 on the Inc. 5000 annual list of fastest-growing private companies in America. This ranking highlights Mavendog’s expanding portfolio of innovative, high-quality project leadership services over the past three years.
“We are overjoyed to reach this milestone with the Inc. 5000,” said Mavendog
founder Jon Vordermark. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and
hard work of our incredible team. Their passion and expertise have been instrumental to Mavendog’s growth, especially in the post-pandemic economy with greater pressure on successful project and program delivery.”
Founded in 2017, Mavendog helps clients access the American independent economy, making them a bold and versatile alternative to hiring unnecessary employees; overpaying expensive, traditional consulting firms; and relying on generic, contingent labor staffing. This recipe has made Mavendog a preferred consulting partner for project management needs throughout the southeast.
Fueled by the momentum of this recognition, Mavendog is poised for continued growth. “We remain committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service, pushing boundaries, and exceeding expectations,” noted Vordermark. “We are particularly proud of our ranking as the 26th fastest-growing company in the Charlotte metro area,” where several Mavendog clients are headquartered. “We are incredibly grateful to our valued clients and partners for their unwavering trust and support,” concluded Vordermark. “Their belief in Mavendog has been a powerful force propelling us forward. This achievement is a shared success, and we celebrate it together.”
About Inc.
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since its launch as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
About Mavendog, LLC
Mavendog is the Carolina’s premier project management firm, offering independent, expert program and project managers and interim executive leaders. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients solve their project challenges, from complex enterprise programs and change initiatives to tactical project needs. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information, visit mavendog.com.
1st Half of 2024 - A Note from our Founder
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — May 31, 2024 — A good day and summer to our friends, colleagues, and clients! Thank you for reading our semi-annual founder message — a recap of our year to date, along with our impressions of the market and project world.
To cap off the first half, we must start by celebrating Mavendog’s selection for the Inc. 5000 2024 list. We learned this exciting news yesterday. The official announcement (and our spot in the rankings) will be unveiled August 13th. The Inc. 5000 recognizes the top 5,000 fastest growing private companies in the United States. It is amazing feat and award that we had hoped for (albeit a little sooner than 2024… thanks COVID…). But it is a great feather in the cap of our team, and the clients who have supported and stuck with us from the beginning. Mavendog is unequivocally a small business success story — a bright light in our community; a stable asset to our clients; and fantastic source of opportunity for independent consultants. I am proud of what this brand represents, and what we have built over the last 8 years.
As for 2024 itself, it has so far been a solid year, with net revenue forecasts above 2023 levels. But it’s not without its bumps. There have been external headwinds, which we expected – a contentious election year, growing global instability, and economic strains from higher interest rates and stubborn inflation. They have created a challenging demand environment for clients, particularly throughout Q1. Nevertheless, the economic outlook for the 2nd half of 2024 looks stable. The Deloitte Global Economics Research Center published its latest US Economic Forecast for Q2, citing greater stabilization through the rest of 2024 and further optimism for growth in 2025.
We also expect the coming months to be a harbinger of a promising 2025. And Mavendog could not be better positioned to support, having made calculated investments in staff, marketing, and technology. More importantly, we can continue to point to our deep-rooted reputation of seeing projects through. I am proud of our consultants and their daily grind and commitment to their clients and project engagements.
We’ll reach out again 6-months from now and see if 2024 picks up steam. In the meantime, we wish you all a wonderful summer season.
About Mavendog, LLC
Mavendog is a project leadership firm of independent, program and project leaders who operate as Affiliates under the brand. The firm is a unique conduit to the American independent economy. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients with their project challenges, from complex IT portfolios and programs to tactical project needs. Today, Mavendog is a preferred consulting asset for managing and driving information technology and enterprise change initiatives for Fortune 1000 companies. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C.
Press Release: 9th Annual SIM Charlotte STEM Charity Golf Tourney Sponsored by Mavendog
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — May 20, 2024. On Monday May 20th, Mavendog had the privilege of sponsoring the Society For Information Management (SIM) Charlotte Chapter “Tech on the Tees” charity golf tournament at the Ballantyne Country Club. Beautiful weather and a truly wonderful, well-run event. The highlight its success, the tournament raised over $160K in funds for local STEM causes. We believe that’s a new record!
Hats off to all the SIM leaders and volunteers who kept the engine running smoothly all day. An extra special thank-you to SIM tournament leads Randall Franklin and James Kimble for getting us squared away with our sponsorship. Also, thank you to our fellow sponsors, and of course ALL the IT leaders who came out to play and visited with us on hole #17. The 17th hole has been the Mavendog “home” for the past few years sponsoring the event. Be sure to check out our Mavendog signage at Ballantyne Country Club next year.
We also want to send a shout-out our IT Executive/Mavendog foursome, which included Terry Payne, Suzanne Collins, Christina Lutkus, and our own Jon Vordermark. A great round, especially from Terry, who pulled the team through with incredibly stellar play. Suzanne also won the closest to the pin competition, and Christina won longest drive competition. Solid!
Our team at the annual Golf Tournament charity event. It is SIM’s leading fundraiser each year, raising record funding for their STEM Outreach programs.
Thank you to our Mavendog lead Amy Heddleson, who ran our sponsored hole. Amy offered players information, Mavendog swag and refreshments throughout the hot day. Tournament players had the opportunity to enter our raffle for a prize package that includes a one night stay at the Hyatt Centric South Park and a $150 gift card at Mizu Restaurant.
2024 was Mavendog’s 5th year of sponsoring the tournament, and we’ll be back in 2025. Hope to see everyone again soon!
Mavendog looks forward to sponsoring upcoming SIM Charlotte-sponsored events, including the 10th Annual Charity Golf Event in 2025 at the Ballantyne Country Club.
For more information, visit the SIM Charlotte website.
About Mavendog, LLC
Mavendog is a project leadership firm of independent, program and project leaders who operate as Affiliates under the brand. The firm is a unique conduit to the American independent economy. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients with their project challenges, from complex IT portfolios and programs to tactical project needs. Today, Mavendog is a preferred consulting asset for managing and driving information technology and enterprise change initiatives for Fortune 1000 companies. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C.
Press Release: Jon Vordermark Presents at PMI Metrolina
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — March 1, 2024 — On February 28, 2024, Mavendog’s President Jon Vordermark was invited to present at PMI Carolina Chapter’s Monthly Meeting.
PMI Carolina is a part of the Project Management Institute, which is the governing body for the project management field. It has become a professional partner of Mavendog here in the Charlotte area, and a wonderful forum for networking and sharing views about the profession.
“I greatly appreciate the warm welcome and positive feedback I received from attendees. It was truly rewarding to reconnect with our community. I have been a member of the Charlotte chapter for almost 25 years, and it is heartwarming to now be able to give back in this way.” – Jon Vordermark
Jon’s presentation “Don’t Get Stuck!” is intended for project professionals who feel their careers have plateaued, or who are struggling to break through in their respective organizations. It’s a common challenge. A PM has to be careful to not get stuck in roles that are (or perceived as) merely administrative, coordinative, or at best, middle management. The role can also be diminished a victim of limiting organizational structures (i.e., weak versus strong-matrixed structures).
Jon discussed the various options and paths now available to project managers, and how the profession is becoming more and more advanced, specialized, and ‘executive’, whether in governance (PMO), strategy (program and portfolio management), or traditional project management delivery. In the Mavendog world, “project manager” is positioned as not only executive-level leadership, but also as a specialized skill and service.
Jon also walked through the wide array of career paths available to project managers today, and how (and when) to best make the various jump, whether through employment advances, staffing, consulting, or freelance options.
“When discussing the future of work and the modern workforce, it should be exciting to all project managers of the options they have ahead of them. This is especially true for independent contracting and freelance, which is becoming a rapidly evolving workforce paradigm for future generations of project leaders.”
We would like to thank PMI Carolina again for this opportunity — a wonderful chance connect in a virtual space to explore a complex, multifaceted, and exciting topic.
If you would like to invite Jon as a speaker for your organization or event, please contact us!
About PMI Carolina
PMI Carolina was founded in 1985 with a membership of more than 1300 professionals. The goal of the Carolina chapter is to advance the mission and objectives of the Project Management Institute. Over the years PMI Carolina has established well-known and respected training programs in the area of project management and especially in the area of preparation for the Project Management Professional (PMP®) exam. Since its inception, the chapter has provided a platform for monthly gatherings, where people of the project management profession can exchange views and network with other professionals.
About Mavendog, LLC
Mavendog is a project leadership firm of independent, program and project leaders who operate as Affiliates under the brand. The firm is a unique conduit to the American independent economy. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients with their project challenges, from complex IT portfolios and programs to tactical project needs. Today, Mavendog is a preferred consulting asset for managing and driving information technology and enterprise change initiatives for Fortune 1000 companies. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C.
5 Predictions for 2024: The Independent Workforce of Project Management
2024 IS UPON US, which means it’s time for bold predictions. Mavendog prides itself on its unique place in a saturated consulting market. Our model, growth, and staying power are emblematic of a dramatic shift taking place in the workforce – a movement toward greater worker independence, autonomy, and 1099 contracting. The movement is particularly evident in project management – a perfect arena for individuals who thrive in gig-centric work. The theme of our 2024 predictions, therefore, is based on this workforce movement that is both entrepreneurial and uniquely American.
1. The surge of independent workers is here to stay in 2024.
More and more working professionals are moving away from traditional employment paradigms and ‘ways of working’ to independent contracting (i.e., freelancing, “solopreneurship”, and self-employment). The numbers supporting this movement are staggering. According to Emergent Research, which draws its data from the Department of Labor, there are now 72.1 million active independent workers. That’s roughly 45% of the American workforce. For full-time independent professionals, the number was 26 million in 2023 (16%), up from 13.6 million in 2020. That’s 90% growth in three years.
According to the annual 2023 MBO Partners State of Independence study series, the independent surge is not just confined to a handful of, established, semi-retired professionals. It is a movement that transcends all generational categories. Of the Gen X community (i.e., those at the peak of their careers), almost a third (29%) are abandoning formal, corporate leadership positions for self-employment. The Millennial community (Gen Y), who had soured on traditional employment after the Great recession, are opting for independent work (33% independent) for the next phase of their careers. The same is true for Gen Z (19% independent), or the “Zoomer” generation. Their motivations and individual preferences are entrepreneurial – creative autonomy, project preferences, self-actualized personal branding, work/life flexibility, and self-driven career growth. To Zoomers, full-time employment is both unappealing and anachronistic.
The movement towards independent contracting is not a temporary trend. It’s a new a workforce zeitgeist – a generational, cultural, and labor movement that has been bubbling under the surface of our corporate landscape for decades. Expect it to stay, if not spread in 2024.
2. Talent/skill shortages will “get worse” (from an employment sense).
In the annual, 2023 IT Trends study by the Society for Information Management (SIM), it cites Talent/Skill Shortage as a top issue for organizations – a spike from the 16th “most worrisome issue” in 2021 to 6th in 2023. This shortage is a systemic problem, not an isolated or cyclical economic dip. It can be attributed to several factors (an aging workforce; a smaller pool of skilled labor; etc.). Many corporate leaders have a singular interpretation of the issue – that a stubborn segment of the workforce is clinging to the COVID remote lifestyle and doesn’t want to return to the office. The Elon Musks of the world are downright combative about it.
But this is 2024, not 2021. The issue is more than a lingering, post-COVID, “remote vs. onsite” tug-o-war between workers and executives. It is a significant workforce migration from traditional, W2 employment to independent, 1099 contracting. Today, more and more workers have the preference, capability, and technical tools to compete in our marketplace as standalone, self-employed assets.
HR leaders who try to solve talent shortages solely by hiring, retaining, and developing employees may find themselves short-changed. Even the typical “carrots” of employment that would attract talent are less and less motivating to 45% of the American workforce. Only healthcare benefits remain the biggest obstacle to independents, with options limited to the Affordable Care Act (ACA)’s Healthcare Exchange; Medicare for ages 65 or older; TRICARE for the military/Veteran community; or a spouse’s healthcare plan. Healthcare aside, for the self-employed, the independent economy is more lucrative with wider access to diverse and career-building challenges (and of course greater work/life flexibility and autonomy). Plus, the more capable (and specialized) the self-employed are, the more sovereign they can be, with often a legitimate argument for certain privileges, such as remote work. Simply put, employers can no longer ignore the reality of the independent market. If their talent strategy is biased towards employee labor, then their talent/skill shortages will indeed get worse.
3. AI will democratize the project management career landscape.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is the buzzword of the day, but it is worth mentioning in context of the independent workforce. Cloud computing and AI are huge factors in a technical revolution that has enabled smaller businesses, boutiques, and sole proprietorships to ‘punch above their weight’. This is particularly true for project management companies. Gartner, Inc. predicted in 2019 that 80% of project management work will be done by AI by 2030. That prediction does appear to be coming to pass, with AI-driven project management tools, notably generative AI, streamlining the administrative drag on project managers and Project Management Offices (PMOs) – scheduling, resource allocation, status reporting, etc. These tools can analyze vast amounts of project data, providing insights that help forecast potential challenges and optimize resource utilization.
The impact on the project management market is a ‘leveling of the playing field’ between employed and independent project managers — a sort of democratization of that career landscape. AI tools liberate individual project managers from large scale, enterprise project management software that was once necessary to practice their trade at a high level (and often exclusive to employees). As a result, it’s far more feasible, common, and even preferred for corporate leaders to turn to independent, third-party, contracted project managers to run large, enterprise projects.
4. More product managers will enter the independent economy.
The independent movement impacts the product management domain too. Product managers, like their project manager colleagues, bring a wealth of experience from working with various industries, product types, and operational frameworks. The role is more evolved, elevated, and specialized, not only in product innovation, but also for value analysis and engineering, product maintenance (i.e., parts becoming obsolete), and automation.
Mavendog has seen a rise in demand for product management freelance, consulting, and entrepreneurialism. With the advancement of technology and the tempting pull of the independent economy, product managers are no longer confined to rigid employment constructs for a product management career. The independent economy offers them more mobility to take their talents on the road. It gives them the flexibility of working on different products, collaborating with various company types and challenges, and building a professional portfolio of product types.
As the demand for experienced product management expertise continues to rise, companies often seek external consultants to provide specialized product insights, strategic guidance, and hands-on support.
5. PMOs get smaller, leaner, smarter.
A lot has been written about PMOs (the Project Management Office), including through Mavendog’s thought leadership. In 2024, we will continue to see the impact of digital transformation on PMOs, particularly in Machine Learning tools that help with project definition, planning, and reporting. Corporations have been investing in their PMOs since COVID, arming them with cloud based A.I. platforms designed to help organizations effectively manage and execute projects and enable remote, diversified teams. PMOs as a result are getting smaller, leaner, and smarter, freeing up their PMO Directors to be even more effectual on a corporate, strategic level. Like an intelligence director, they oversee and react to a clearing house of corporate and departmental intelligence and project requisitions. Such information is analyzed, prioritized, defined, and planned as actionable projects, products, and program transformations. In 2024, the PMO Director role tied to driving innovation and change more than ever before, especially when speed-to-market urgency is high.
As we discussed throughout this article, the makeup of the modern American workforce is a hybrid one of employees and independents. There is no greater evidence of this than today’s PMO. In this vein, strategically positioned PMOs are starting to trump traditional HR when it comes to talent evaluation and selection, especially for the formation rapid-response, project management teams. At least from the project and product perspective, PMOs are better positioned to not only mitigate the talent shortage issue, but also become the engine of corporate innovation and competitiveness. It is an exciting evolution to witness. PMOs, which have the reputation of being slow, lumbering, and bureaucratic, now find themselves as the motor behind strategic change, differentiation, and competitiveness. To this end they are moving up into C-Level spheres of influence. Just as Information Technology began to rise in executive prominence in the 2000s, with the advent of the CIO and CTO roles, PMOs and its leaders will find themselves in complementary, executive seats.
About Mavendog, LLC
Mavendog is a project leadership firm of independent, program and project leaders who operate as Affiliates under the brand. The firm is a unique conduit to the American independent economy. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients with their project challenges, from complex IT portfolios and programs to tactical project needs. Today, Mavendog is a preferred consulting asset for managing and driving information technology and enterprise change initiatives. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C.
Announcement: Mavendog Welcomes Tracey Clark
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina—August 30, 2021 — Mavendog is excited to announce the addition of Tracey Lee Clark, PMP, CSM, as a Managing Consultant within our Project & Change Delivery practice.
Tracey is an accomplished IT management professional with extensive experience implementing strategic IT initiatives that significantly improve business functionality. She has demonstrated success in diagnosing complex problems and consistently delivering effective solutions that directly impact the bottom line. Tracey draws on her creativity and broad range of IT and non-IT experience to integrate teams and find common ground among stakeholders. She is known for creating profitable business conditions by applying her first-rate communications and collaboration skills to effectively lead diverse teams.
Tracey’s multi-industry experience spans practitioner and management roles in: Project Management, Risk Assessment, Vendor Management, Business Continuity, Strategic Planning, Team Building & Leadership, SDLC, IT Management, Waterfall/Agile/Scrum, Technical Training, Contract Negotiations, Change Management, and Business Process Improvement.
As a Managing Consultant at Mavendog since 2021, Tracey has been an integral part of our Project & Change Delivery practice, expediting, managing, and delivering complex programs and projects, along with the organizational transitions that accompany them. Her work has included leading significant IT infrastructure and technology stack modernizations for multi-billion-dollar manufacturing clients, managing global telephony programs, and implementing IPsec redundancy for critical systems.
“Tracey Clark is a powerhouse when it comes to IT transformation and project delivery. Her ability to diagnose intricate technical challenges and then lead diverse teams to implement effective solutions is truly exceptional. Tracey’s combination of deep IT expertise, strategic vision, and unparalleled communication skills makes her an indispensable partner for clients seeking to navigate complex organizational and technological change. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Tracey’s personality and track record strengthening our Program Leadership practice.” – Jon Vordermark, President of Mavendog
Notable Past Roles Include:
- Mavendog, LLC (2021 to present): Senior Project Manager (clients confidential) managing IT infrastructure projects for a headquarters move, led a global telephony program across nine sites, implemented global IPsec redundancy, and directed network discovery for business continuity documentation.
- Lowe’s Companies, INC (Carolina IT Professionals) (2020–2021): Senior Project Manager leading a corporate services digital transformation project, managing an enterprise service continuity project, and overseeing the procurement and deployment of USB cameras for remote work transition due to COVID-19.
- Elite Comfort Solutions/Leggett & Platt (2016–2020): IT Infrastructure Project Manager providing project leadership for IT implementations across 15 physical sites, including deploying a Wide Area Network, relocating WAN/LAN/WIFI network connectivity significantly under budget with no downtime.
- Goodridge USA (2013–2016): IT Manager – US/MX Operations, building a structured IT Department and strategy, developing 5-year department strategies and budgets with significant cost reductions, earning the first-ever Microsoft software license compliancy, and establishing US-based Tier 3 technical support relationships.
Tracey pursued coursework towards a degree at Washburn University and holds a Data Entry Certification from Kaw Area Vocational Technical School, Topeka, Kansas. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), and holds a State of Kansas Project Management Methodology Certification. Her technical proficiencies span a wide range of hardware (e.g., Cisco Meraki, Fortinet, Nutanix, Dell PowerEdge, Office@Hand Communications) and software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Azure DevOps, Jira, Microsoft D365).
About Mavendog, LLC
Mavendog is a project leadership firm of independent program and project leaders who operate as Affiliates under the brand. The firm is a unique conduit to the American independent economy. Since 2017, Mavendog has been committed to helping clients with their project challenges, from complex IT portfolios and programs to tactical project needs. Today, Mavendog is a preferred consulting asset for managing and driving information technology and enterprise change initiatives. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C.