Percentix Profile:
Rita Longcore, Manager of Strategic Accounts

Q1: What's your daily function at Percentix?
A1: I'm the Manager of Strategic Accounts, a new role at Percentix. I will take over a lot of the business development and client relationship responsibilities that Thomas and Chris have been responsible for in addition to their full time roles. A role solely dedicated to growing the business and managing key client relationships was long overdue for this growing company. My strong consulting background gives me a different perspective in a sales function. My ability to diagnose is still prominent. In this difficult economic environment, it's more important than ever to truly understand our client's goals, problems and needs in order to establish a vision of capability: what they need, why they need it, and how we're going to get them there.

Q2: How long have you worked at Percentix?
A2: Since August 2008

Q3: How does your experience and expertise benefit clients?
A3: Early in my career I was an ERP consultant, working with the same Accenture team for 7 years. We implemented ERP all over the country and world. It was a great experience to help clients implement a system that could, at times, fundamentally change the way they run their business. I quickly realized that change is hard for a lot of people and enjoyed helping them through transition periods. As consultants, we know a lot about best practices, but having the ability to understand the emotional process people experience with change requires a different kind of knowledge. It was also a great opportunity to learn all different aspects of a company, from order to cash, to manufacturing to shipping.

After my ERP career, I joined Business Objects. It made sense to me to shift my career focus from helping companies "run" their business, to helping companies "understand" their business. I managed the consulting practice in Southern California and Arizona and moved away from executing to managing the client relationship. My primary focus was to understand a client's overall company goals in order to establish strategic BI initiatives and solutions to help them meet those objectives.

I joined Percentix in August. Again, it made sense to me to shift my focus from helping companies "understand" their business to helping companies "manage" their business. The Enterprise Performance Management space is by far the most exciting for me yet. EPM is essentially the heart of any company and is where all the key strategic decisions that influence the business as a whole are made.

Q4: What do you like most about Percentix's clients?
A4: Innovative, fast-moving, global companies.

Q5: What do you like most about Percentix?
A5: I've known Thomas on a personal and professional level for years. We worked together on the Toshiba project while I was with Business Objects. I've always had a great respect for his leadership style, his employees, and the core values of Percentix: Honesty, Vision, Competence, and Inspiration.

Q6: What do you like to do in your spare time when you're not helping clients? Any hobbies?
A6: I play polo. Yes, with horses! I'm not good at all, but it's the most fun I've ever had. I have four horses, Milagrosa, Martini, Fanta, and Grace. All of them are from Argentina and are wonderful polo ponies. Milagrosa taught me how to hit the ball. She knew the distance away from the ball we should be, and she would automatically turn around when I missed!

Q7: If you could travel anywhere around the world, where would you go? Why?
A7: I go to Argentina every year to play and watch polo. It's the polo capital. I plan to retire there with a million horses on a large ranch.

Q8: What's your favorite TV show or movie?
A8: I love anything science fiction. I can't get enough of Lost.

Q9: Where did you grow up?
A9: I was born and raised in Michigan. My entire family is still there, so I go back often. I don't think people from California know how beautiful Michigan really is. Seeing one of the great lakes for the first time is eye opening for most people!

I currently live in San Diego with my dog, Scarlett. She's a black and white Basenji, the breed that doesn't bark. Perfect for living in a condo!