Brookfield-based Patina Solutions has launched its Patina CIOs program, which provides information technology (IT) assistance to large and midsize companies.
Patina Solutions specializes in the placement of workers ages 50 and over, for part-time or project-based work, executive or management needs, consulting services and training or operational support. The CIO program will offer the same service, but with a designation focus of information technology. Robert Fronberry, practice director of technology services, was hired to lead the Patina CIO program.
“Large organizations typically have a CIO. Small to midsize organizations typically don’t,” Fronberry said. “This program gives those smaller organizations the same option of having first class IT professionals leading their business decisions without the on the books cost of hiring someone full time.”
Patina currently has offices in Brookfield, Chicago, Cleveland and Boston, and has 265 professionals in its Milwaukee-area portfolio alone. Fronberry, and Michael Harris, president and chief executive officer of Patina, said that they feel the establishment of the CIO program will boost the company’s goals to grow nationally.
“What Bob and the other Patina professionals offer is the flexibility for companies to continue to add value to their businesses, but to do so at a fraction of the cost, and on a short term as needed basis,” Harris said.
“We are already seeing a need for what we do in markets where we don’t have offices,” Fronberry said. “What is happening here with the baby boomers, and the demand for high quality, trained employees is happening everywhere and Patina Solutions can satisfy those needs for any company.”
As a former CIO, Fronberry said he recognizes the need for the Patina CIO program.
“As a CIO, I was in constant need of experienced knowledgeable help for my company,” he said. “And when taking a look at the Patina model, I thought an information technology specific program could really be beneficial to the market.”
The Patina CIO program supplies information technology professionals with more than 25 years of experience, most at the CIO or management level to firms in need of that expertise. Patina CIO professionals have varying degrees of expertise that can be tailored to the needs of the company, he said.
“Part of what makes us so flexible is the variety of programs we offer,” Fronberry said. “We realize that some companies may not require the expertise of a CIO on a fulltime basis.”
Patina CIOs can serve as an interim CIO for a company, an as needed CIO that assists with technology decisions and upgrades on a routine basis or as a CIO mentor for young and less experienced IT professionals.
“Our people are there to help businesses make good technology decisions, and good technology investments,” Fronberry said. “It’s a critical component to any business, and it’s important that decisions are made wisely the first time.”
According to Fronberry, the heart of any business improvement process lies in successful technology decisions. With Patina, companies are able to get that first class expertise without having to pay the price of a full time employee, he said.
“Our professionals have a tremendous amount of skill and ability,” Fronberry said. “They go into a company with the genuine desire to do what’s best for the business.”
Patina works with the client to determine what kind of information technology professional they could benefit from the most.
Patina has professionals that specialize in IT Business strategy, infrastructure, investment, installation and a combination of skills, Fronberry said.
Professionals work for companies on a contract, as needed basis, and can vary between a few hours a week, a few hours a month or on basically a full time basis.
“We can make contractural agreements based on the needs of the company and the desire of our professionals,” Fronberry said. “Our desire is to remain flexible, so we can grow the business as a viable option for businesses and a viable option for our professionals to continue to be a contributing part of a business.”
