Values-Driven Business
Built on Integrity and Dedication
Honesty, care, and excellence are at the core of everything we do.
ABOUT US
Strategic Business Solutions is a certified professional services consulting firm providing high-end consulting and staffing solutions, with a focus on utilities and critical infrastructure, including green energy. Founded in 2017, the company partners with clients to assess business needs and deliver impactful project leadership and professional services. In 2023, under new ownership, the firm expanded its reach in the Pacific Northwest while maintaining a commitment to excellence and positive impact.
OUR FOCUS
We specialize in utility and critical infrastructure industries, including green energy. Our practice areas include:
• Project & Program Management
• Change Management
• Construction Project Management
• Owner's Advisory
• Industrial Control Systems & Project Management
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We partner with clients to assess their needs and build effective strategies.
OUR STORY
Founded in 2017, we quickly gained momentum with utilities in the greater Portland area. In 2023, SJ Casla acquired the company, leveraging the expertise of CEO Paola Taylor, and expanding to the greater Pacific Northwest. We maintain our name and brand, focusing on delivering impactful services.
OUR MISSION
We serve clients and employees with care, honesty, excellence, and knowledge, making a positive impact through our work.
OUR VALUES
Our values shape our interactions with clients and employees, and guide the execution of our work.
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• Excellence: Demonstrating excellence in all endeavors.
• Caring Relationships: Building strong relationships with clients and employees.
• Honesty: Upholding integrity and openness.
• Knowledge: Committing to continuous learning.
• Impact: Making a positive impact on the community and environment.
​• Safety: Operating safely and respecting clients' safety requirements.
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OUR TALENTED TEAM
Paola Taylor
Owner / CEO
As the Owner and CEO of Strategic Business Solutions, Paola oversees the entire business, fostering strong relationships with both employees and clients while enhancing the company's market share and revenue. Since acquiring the company in July 2023, she takes immense pride in leading a minority and woman-owned business. Before joining Strategic Business Solutions, Paola had an impressive track record of revitalizing business units, strategic planning, team growth, and change management. Known for her ability to map out strategies, define processes, and create metrics adherence, she excels in hiring and managing resources to deliver a clear vision. Her career is marked by continuous evolution, thriving on challenges, and driving efficiency. Paola's leadership has been a constant in her career. In her previous role, her team achieved five years of success providing top-tier services to Microsoft, earning sustained client trust and becoming the largest vendor for a division of the company for three consecutive years. Dedicated to continuous learning, Paola holds an MSc and an MA in Translation and Interpretation, a UW Certificate in Marketing, and a Certificate in Financial Accounting from Harvard Business School Online. She is also PMP, PMI-ACP, and Prosci certified. She believes in achieving client and employee satisfaction while building trust. Originally from Spain, Paola has lived in the Pacific Northwest for the past 25 years. She fluently speaks three languages and is a proud mother of two.
Eleanor oversees the day-to-day operations of the business, serving as the liaison between clients and consultants on operational matters including contracts, employee relations, employee benefits, and onboarding. With a background in customer service, she is passionate about fostering positive relationships and ensuring seamless collaboration between clients, consultants, and internal teams. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, Eleanor remains committed to continuous learning in her field. She takes pride in contributing to a women- and minority-owned business. Starting as an intern, she quickly grew within the organization and transitioned into her current role. Outside of work, Eleanor channels her creativity through sewing and fashion projects, enjoys discovering new books, and loves exploring the world through travel.
Eleanor Brecht
Operations Coordinator
David Strom
Sr Technical
Manager/
Consultant
David is a seasoned IT Enterprise Consultant, Architect, and Manager with over 20 years of experience in diverse corporate environments. Known for his forward-thinking approach and business-IT alignment, he delivers business-centric IT services, operational efficiencies, and sustainable cost-savings. David's leadership is marked by his deep technical knowledge and business acumen, ensuring effective and sustainable solutions. Throughout his career, David has excelled in managing cross-functional IT, business, and vendor teams, providing both technical and operational leadership. His expertise spans developing innovative strategies and processes across multiple platforms. An ITIL/ITSM-oriented professional, David thrives on complex problems, bringing unique solutions to the table. Since 2018, David has been an IT Enterprise Infrastructure/IT Management/IT Senior Consultant at Strategic Business Solutions, offering technical guidance in both consultative and enterprise architect roles. His previous roles at Biamp and PacifiCorp highlight his extensive experience in managing IT infrastructure, security, and large-scale projects, showcasing a consistent track record of leadership and technical excellence.
Bree is a dynamic business development professional with extensive experience in B2B strategy, marketing, and customer success. With degrees in Product Development and Business Management, Bree combines a deep understanding of market innovation with strategic leadership skills to deliver measurable results. Bree excels at identifying opportunities, building strong client relationships, and implementing impactful strategies that drive growth. Known for creating transformative solutions, Bree has successfully led initiatives across diverse industries, navigating the unique demands of B2B markets with precision and creativity. Notable industries: B2B medical device, aerospace, and SaaS.
Bree
Ustation
Manager, Biz
Growth & Accounts
Steve Morse
Sr Project
Manager
Steve is a seasoned Senior Project Manager with over 16 years of experience in building and directing enterprise software and infrastructure project teams. Known for deploying complex integrated solutions across various business lines, he has a decade of experience managing enterprise IT infrastructure projects, leveraging vendors, consultants, and cross-functional staff. Steve also has two years of expertise in managing product releases and developing company-wide product management and go-to-market processes. With a diverse industry background spanning electric utilities, telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, retail, construction, and infrastructure, Steve excels in leading multi-year programs aimed at replacing large integrated systems. He has successfully managed budgets up to $5M, led cross-functional teams of over 20 members, and overseen direct reports of up to 10 team members. His skills include requirements gathering, functional specifications, vendor negotiations, and proficiency in tools like JIRA, Confluence, and SharePoint. Steve has worked in various roles for prominent companies such as PacifiCorp, Con-way, Century Link, Pacific Telecom, GST Telecom, Mobility Cubed, OSS Technologies, and Daimler. His expertise in different SDLC methodologies, including Rapid Development, Agile, and Waterfall, highlights his adaptability and leadership in the IT industry.
At Strategic Business Solutions, Blake manages multi-million-dollar cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring compliance with federally mandated regulations while navigating changing business needs, budgets, and schedules. He has successfully led IT infrastructure and cybersecurity projects, leveraging his expertise to mitigate risks, streamline workflows, and manage vendor relationships. Previously, Blake held leadership roles where he managed global IT certification programs and training deployments, achieving significant cost savings through process improvements and automation. Additionally, as a business owner, Blake demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen by developing operational strategies that increased profitability, enhanced customer experience, and improved inventory management. Blake holds an MBA in Global Business Strategy from Arizona State University and a B.S. in Political Science and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A community leader, Blake served as President of the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce and has officiated high school basketball championships for over two decades. His well-rounded experience and strategic mindset continue to drive operational excellence and business success.
Blake T.
Zoglman
IT Program Manager
Doug Lucht
Sr IT Project
Manager
Doug is a distinguished Senior IT Project Manager with over two decades of experience in utilities, finance, transportation, and education. Known for his adaptability, motivational leadership, and business acumen, he excels in delivering high-quality IT infrastructure, application development, and business projects. Doug holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Applications Management from the University of Portland. Doug has led teams to ensure compliance with standards such as SOX, NERC, and FERC, building robust relationships with project suppliers and vendors. His recent notable projects include the SCADA Telemetry Tech Refresh, SCADA Human Machine Interface (HMI) upgrade, Data Center Modernization & Migration, Genesys Hybrid Cloud, Customer Self-Service Web Portal infrastructure upgrade for NW Natural. He has also managed critical short-duration projects like SAP Upgrade integration and CIS Failover Tests. His previous roles at PacifiCorp, DISYS, and US Bancorp highlight his ability to manage high-visibility projects with significant budgets. Doug exemplifies a commitment to excellence and high-quality IT project delivery, making him a respected figure in the field.