"More Than a Vendor: A Decade-Long Strategic Partnership"

By Klinsmann Gutierrez, IT Director

In my current role as IT Director for a CPA firm in Los Angeles, and throughout my previous positions at law and architecture firms, I've worked with countless technology partners and consultants. But my decade-long partnership with Evan Dumouchel of North Star Strategies stands out for a simple reason: he transforms complex technical challenges into clear business outcomes.

The Trust Factor

Early in our relationship, I experienced firsthand what makes Evan different. We were battling a critical server backup failure at 3 AM, the kind of crisis that typically brings out the worst in people. But Evan's calm, collaborative approach never wavered. He treated me as an equal partner in solving the problem, not just another stressed-out client. That night laid the foundation for years of trust.

Beyond Technical Expertise

When my firm needed to upgrade our aging server infrastructure, Evan didn't just present a technical solution - he built a compelling business case that resonated with our COO and accounting team. He showed exactly how the investment would reduce downtime, increase productivity, and protect our operations. That project was so successful that the firm is still running on that same system today - fully patched, secured, and protecting against vulnerabilities that plague many businesses.

Strategic Security in a High-Risk Market

Los Angeles professional service firms face relentless cybersecurity threats. Beyond just implementing security tools, Evan understood that staff education was crucial. He helped us build a culture of security awareness that protected our firm from becoming a target in a high-risk market. His approach wasn't just about deploying technology - it was about making security an integral part of how we operate.

A True Strategic Partner

What truly sets Evan apart is his accessibility. Despite taking on increasingly senior roles over the years, he's never developed that 'untouchable' feel that often comes with executive positions. Whether it's a major strategic decision or a quick gut-check on a new technology, I know I can still text or call him anytime and get honest, strategic guidance focused on actual business outcomes.

Today, as an IT Director, I still rely on Evan as a trusted sounding board. He understands that technology decisions aren't just about capabilities - they're about empowering business growth while managing risk and resources effectively. The conversations we started years ago about aligning technology with business goals have evolved into a true strategic partnership.

For firms looking to bridge the gap between technical requirements and business strategy, I can't recommend North Star Strategies highly enough. They don't just solve technology problems - they help you build a stronger, more resilient organization.