The 2018 Fastest Growing Firms: Focal Point Data Risk

Consulting: What were the main factors that contributed to your firm's exceptional growth?

Marlier: Simple—at Focal Point, we put clients first. We have built strong, successful relationships with our clients by prioritizing exceptional quality and service. Our clients come to us time and again to solve their toughest challenges, and we take that responsibility seriously—it's what drives us to innovate new services, hire the best people, and be relentless about our pursuit of client satisfaction. That reputation propelled our growth in 2018 and will carry us on to an exceptional 2019.

Consulting: How is this year shaping up for your firm?

Marlier: This has been a record-setting year for Focal Point, as we continue to see growth in all areas of our business including consulting, technology implementations, and cyber workforce development. I couldn't be more excited to close out this year strong and continue accelerating in 2019. 

Consulting: How would you describe your firm's outlook for 2019? 

Marlier: We expect another big year in 2019. Data risk management is the next evolution in enterprise risk and security for organizations that increasingly rely on digital processes to run their businesses. In 2019, we're sure to see the first penalties handed down under GDPR, new large-scale cyber attacks, and potentially new laws and regulations mandating stronger security and privacy controls in the corporate world. Combine those landmark events with the prevailing changes in the industry—the continued migration to the cloud, unprecedented rates of sensitive data creation, and a growing reliance on third-party data processors—and you have the makings of another excellent growth year for Focal Point. 

Consulting: What would you say are your firm's biggest challenges?

Marlier: As always, our biggest challenge is hiring to match the demand for our services. We do an excellent job of cultivating skilled experts internally, but because the pool of talent in this industry is so limited and our standards so high, we will always be more constrained by "people" than by "selling."

Consulting: What does being named one of Consulting's Fastest Growing Firms mean to your firm, your employees and your clients?

Marlier:  Being named to Consulting's Fastest Growing Firms list yet again is an honor, and one that reflects highly on our people and our mission. We take tremendous pride in the work we do for our clients, and as employees, it's rewarding to see those efforts recognized in this way. I want our clients to know that as we grow, our commitment to quality and service will never waver. Our growth is fueled by a desire to better serve them, to innovate on their behalf, and to continue to stay ahead of the curve.