The 2019 Fastest Growing Firms: CrossCountry Consulting

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

Bjarnason: There are several: hiring exceptional employees and outstanding leadership. We have been able to attract and retain the best and the brightest in the market, coming from more established, larger firms looking for a smaller company where they can continue to learn but make their "mark"; outstanding client service. Our quality is our brand and we rely on our excellent client service and technical aptitude to help in growing our business; development of anchor clients. Given past relationships and the strong ongoing quality of our work, we have been able to establish several key anchor clients in each geography. We opened two new offices—San Francisco and Boston—in 2016, allowing us to expand our market and client base. 

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

Bjarnason: We have continued to live our Core Values (Excellence, Collaboration, Energy, Impact) in the face of rapid growth and change within the company; we have partnered with new clients and increased our net employee headcount by 30 percent. We hired new outstanding senior leaders, including a Chief Financial Officer who will lead the company's finance strategy and oversee the financial operations, covering such topics as financial planning, treasury, operational metrics and analytics, accounting, tax, and reporting functions. 

Consulting: How would you describe your firm's outlook for 2020?

Bjarnason: We are excited about the prospects for 2020 and look to further expand our existing markets in DC, New York, Boston and San Francisco with more sophisticated market offerings. We are looking for strong growth in cyber services, data analytics and innovative technologies, cloud-based technologies and deep accounting expertise. Additionally, we see growth opportunities in additional markets over time as we build out our ability to serve clients anywhere they are.

Consulting: What are your firm's biggest challenges in 2020?

Bjarnason: Getting the best people. We cannot continue to grow without the best and brightest employees and leadership. Unemployment is low, so the top tier employees have a number of options. We need to be able to continue to attract the best.

Consulting: What does being a Fastest Growing Firm mean to your firm, employees and clients?

Bjarnason: It is an incredible honor to be represented on this extraordinary list. Our continued growth is attributed to our amazing clients and people, who are the cornerstone of our success. Our commitment to a better experience for our clients and our employees is an integral part of our approach. As we grow and evolve, we strive to continue to not only support them in meeting their goals, but to also support them as they grow and evolve their businesses and careers.