A story of innovation, growth, and the people who helped shape it.
Initial Involvement and Early Challenges
When I began my work with Study Groups, the organization lacked a website and there were no data warning messages in place. At that time, much of the effort was dedicated to the careful evaluation of raw data, as well as correcting errors and adding any missing information. Each member firm was responsible for completing the reporting forms according to specific instructions.
Role as Group Support
As an independent contractor, I provided group support for three groups. My responsibilities included processing their monthly data, generating monthly and meeting reports, and emailing monthly paper packets that contained the memo, financial reports, and graphs. In addition, I assisted the facilitators with planning their meetings.
Introduction of the Website and Database Improvements
The launch of the Study Groups website marked a significant improvement. The database became more stable and began providing automated warning flags for missing information or discrepancies from prior months for various metrics. The website also allowed members to access meeting minutes and best ideas. Posting these resources online became an added responsibility for those in group support roles.
Enhancing Reporting Consistency
I learned how to assemble individual reporting templates from Vicki Kristoff, who at the time worked for NACS and created financial reporting templates for their firms. Her efforts contributed greatly to greater consistency in financial reports and shortened the time required to prepare monthly reports, which in turn led to more firms submitting their data regularly.
Organizational Growth
The arrival of Jed Brewer as the first Study Groups employee marked the beginning of significant growth for the organization. With his leadership, the number of groups expanded rapidly and the organization entered a new trajectory of progress.
Study Groups Culture and Values
Throughout my involvement with Study Groups, one constant has been the culture of respect, a commitment to offering the best possible service to group members, and a strong sense of responsibility concerning the information entrusted to us.
Personal Reflections
It has been both a pleasure and a valuable source of provision for my family to work alongside such a dedicated team at Study Groups.
