David Bartenwerfer, Founder of Quantum Consulting, on Achieving Profitable Growth Through Analytics

With more than thirty years of experience, David Bartenwerfer has made a lasting impact in leading organizations such as The Boston Consulting Group, Charles Schwab, Verizon, Genesys Technologies, Yahoo!, eBay, Webvan Group, and the US Department of Defense.
His expertise spans across strategy, technology, product management, and operations, playing a crucial role in the success and growth of these companies.
Bartenwerfer holds an MBA from Stanford University and a BS in Systems Engineering with high distinction from the University of Virginia, where he also minored in applied mathematics and economics. This strong academic foundation paved the way for his successful career.
After completing his education, David Bartenwerfer joined a defense contractor, obtaining Top Secret clearance. He developed analytical tools to enhance defense systems, assess risk in cost/benefit analyses for major IT initiatives, and create systems supporting joint military operations.
Working mainly within the Defense sector, Bartenwerfer managed $70 million projects, overseeing budgets, forecasts, and analytics for over 20 sub-projects, consistently earning top ratings from Department of Defense auditors.
His career began as a finance and operations manager with SRA International in the early 90s, later earning an MBA from Stanford and joining The Boston Consulting Group.
Industry Leader David Bartenwerfer: A Visionary Business Executive
After his time at The Boston Consulting Group, David Bartenwerfer’s career took off as he took on executive roles in top companies nationwide.
In 2006, he launched Quantum Consulting and Technology in San Francisco, using his entrepreneurial drive and leadership to help organizations implement innovative quantitative methods and strategic thinking. His work has enabled companies to drive profitable growth, maintain a sustainable competitive edge, and improve operational intelligence.
In 2021, Bartenwerfer co-founded REALbasis Inc., a cutting-edge real estate asset management firm. As the Chief Technology Officer, he leads efforts to help investors secure above-market returns using advanced quantitative techniques to identify the best markets and cash flow-generating real estate assets.
QuantumCT supports product and marketing teams in gaining insights, proving, predicting, and optimizing impact and ROI through economic and financial modeling with customizable algorithms and technology, providing quick, lasting insights and actions.
Bartenwerfer has also worked with professional sports teams and regional sports networks, developing analytical frameworks to identify and quantify synergies within conglomerates.
David Bartenwerfer Co-Founding REALbasis Inc.
In 2021, Bartenwerfer co-founded REALbasis Inc., a real estate asset management firm that leverages advanced quantitative methods to identify top markets and cash-flow-generating real estate assets. As co-founder and CTO, he has helped investors achieve superior market returns.
His innovative solutions continue to reshape the industry, demonstrating his ongoing influence.
Bartenwerfer developed nested algorithms to pinpoint optimal micro-markets generating high returns through exceptional cash flows and net operating income. He also created a generic simulation model with Monte Carlo simulations, surpassing expected value analysis, to accurately gauge project risk against investment thresholds.
His efforts in optimization and continuous learning in the investment sector further elevate his expertise and efficiency.
Innovative and Strategic Leadership
David Bartenwerfer is renowned for his leadership of cross-functional teams in competitive environments. His collaborative management style and creative problem-solving have consistently delivered remarkable results. He has earned a reputation as a strategic leader and an innovative thinker in business strategy and operations through advanced analytics.
Bartenwerfer developed nested algorithms to pinpoint micro-markets, along with innovative predictive methodologies, including multi-variate regression models to analyze the supply-demand equation for residential real estate pricing. He also constructed simulation models using Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate project risks. His work in software architecture and optimization mechanisms is a testament to his technological innovation.
Bartenwerfer’s thought leadership in marketing ROI and technology investment has influenced the industry, inspiring peers and colleagues with new perspectives and insights.
David Bartenwerfer’s Insights on IT Project Risks and Solutions
In his article “Why IT Projects Are Riskier Than Planned and What to Do About It,” David Bartenwerfer stresses the importance of a more comprehensive approach to technology investments beyond traditional ROI analysis.
“Technology investment is critical,” Bartenwerfer writes. “Whether to reduce costs, generate revenues, or outpace rivals, investment in technology is an integral part of most corporate strategies. Successful investments can be game-changers for companies, but colossal failures can be equally transformative. Unfortunately, too many technology investments go badly wrong, destroying profits, careers, and sometimes entire companies.
“While successful investments deliver benefits that outweigh the costs, the popularity of return on investment (ROI) analysis often needs to be improved, particularly for technology initiatives. Business leaders who want to increase the likelihood of success should think beyond ROI and employ a more robust process that drives organizational clarity and accountability while uncovering the potential for both hidden profit and hidden risk.”
David Bartenwerfer on the Significance of Marketing ROI
In his four-part series “Marketing ROI 2.0,” David Bartenwerfer delves into the growing importance of marketing ROI in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape. The series, especially in the article “Why Marketing ROI Is So Important,” explores the challenges and opportunities brought by emerging channels like social media, search engines, and keyword options.
Bartenwerfer highlights the complexity of marketing efforts compared to other departments. Unlike straightforward ROI analyses for product or machinery investments, marketing requires a more nuanced approach due to its interdependent nature. It often takes several interactions (seven to nine) before a customer makes a purchase, requiring overlapping and synergistic marketing efforts.
Bartenwerfer writes, “Marketers spend a lot — global spending on media is expected to reach $2.1 trillion in 2019. And, as senior management applies increasing pressure to deliver evidence justifying marketing investments, marketers are also likely to objectively measure the ROI of their efforts. As a result, Marketing organizations today must adapt by optimizing their resources across the new spectrum of marketing objectives. However, even though marketing budgets are high, over 40% of businesses say their top marketing challenge is proving marketing ROI. And without an ROI, businesses cannot determine if their marketing dollars are well spent.”
He further explains, “Measuring ROI can be accomplished most effectively through careful measurement and scrutiny of holistic ROI, employing both top-down and bottom-up approaches.”
David Bartenwerfer’s Perspective on Marketing in the Digital Age
David Bartenwerfer highlights the evolving behavior of consumers, such as how appliance purchases are now informed by research before stepping foot in a store. This shift diminishes the effectiveness of traditional advertising and point-of-sale marketing, underscoring the need for marketers to focus on the evaluation phase of the consumer journey.
Social media plays a key role, as consumers increasingly influence brand perceptions, presenting challenges for marketers trying to steer these online conversations. This further emphasizes the need for a robust marketing ROI approach.
Bartenwerfer advocates for a comprehensive evaluation of marketing ROI, outlining key benefits:
- Justification: Understanding the cost and value-add of each marketing program helps prove marketing’s impact on profitability.
- Decision-Making: Granular ROI assessments enable marketers to identify high-return efforts, guiding budget allocations.
- Accountability: Rigorous analysis ensures funds are used effectively, prompting justification for each dollar spent.
- Credibility: Demonstrating ROI in a language that executives understand builds credibility and relieves executive pressure by showing that marketing investments are valuable.
Through thoughtful metrics and their interconnections, marketing organizations can better quantify investment impacts and drive value.
Looking Ahead
David Bartenwerfer’s career exemplifies the fusion of innovative thinking and strategic execution. From his early roles at SRA International to his influential positions at major corporations and the founding of Quantum Consulting and Technology, Bartenwerfer has consistently redefined business and technology limits. His work with professional sports franchises, regional sports networks, and the creation of REALbasis Inc. underscores his versatility and dedication to excellence.
Through his expertise in analytics and strategic planning, he continues to inspire organizations toward achieving sustainable growth and a competitive advantage.