What Easie did in 2021
As Easie’s fourth year of business concludes, it is interesting to see how it has progressed since first launching in 2018. We started off the year 2021 cautiously optimistic and extremely grateful for our clients and team after experiencing record growth in 2020 despite a profoundly strange year.
Easie started as an experimental business model around the idea that a single-source consultant was possible through novel business methodologies and centralized project management. The core purpose of Easie has always been to be a service where clients can ask for support with any project at any time.
This idea can be seen when looking at one of Easie’s first social media posts in 2018:
Figure 1.1 - June 2018 Instagram post during the initial launch of Easie
The first two years of Easie operations saw many in-person business events and networking parties hosted in Los Angeles and San Diego as our main method of outreach. These “popups” took place at WeWork locations, co-working spaces and other areas with the goal being to spread awareness on the broad range of possible projects Easie could help virtually any business with. Early Easie team members were a major factor in this initial campaign consisting of over 150 separate events.
Some of the first Easie clients came from these in-person events and showed a much higher conversion rate than paid advertising or digital marketing strategies. Indeed, figuring out the best way to communicate exactly what Easie is capable of doing as a business has always been our biggest challenge.
Being a bootstrapped company, we were grateful to see a handful of early adopters that really “got it” and understood the true possibilities of a single-source business-to-business consulting model.
Figure 1.2 - January 2019 Easie popup in Los Angeles with team member Jack Marchese
In continuation of this strategy, January 2020 started off with fifteen popups in Boston with the next phase of the tour scheduled in Los Angeles. We had just returned to California when the COVID-19 outbreak occurred in the United States.
Figure 1.3 - January 2020 Easie popup in Boston prior to US COVID-19 outbreak
2020 consisted of major adaptations in our strategy, technology profile, marketing and business objectives. We were grateful for the support of existing clients who continued to send interesting, complex projects throughout that bizarre time.
Since then and throughout the year 2021, Easie has continued to establish itself as a go-to resource for many different types and sizes of businesses.
We are incredibly grateful for the Easie community and wanted to thank everyone who has supported us during our first four years of business. The market has clearly validated our experimental business model of centrally managing our exclusive team of experts and project specialists as a single, diverse business group.
This article summarizes five trends we observed in 2021, notable developments and our high-level plans going into 2022.
Trend 1:
Long-term, complex projects & recurring clients
Easie has always encouraged clients to send us any project, any time. However, we saw a notable shift towards longer-term, advanced projects that required larger teams, research, expert judgement and more robust project management. While microservices was our fastest growing program area in 2021, we found that microservices generally led to more advanced projects that required formal, defined scopes.
The majority of projects sent to Easie are still business-to-business, a trend which only became more apparent in 2021; although we do occasionally see business-to-consumer projects.
Design, microservices, business development, research and marketing were some of the most frequently requested types of projects in 2021.
Trend 2:
Growing interest in advanced microservices
In addition to seeing more complicated projects, we also saw notable growth in microservices. Microservices are consulting services charged on a per-minute basis for a wide range of specializations. Examples of microservices can be seen in the following case studies:
This appears to have correlation with advanced or complex projects over time as we found most client relationships started with microservices. Notably, the majority of clients that started with microservices generally evolved into recurring, complex projects across multiple program areas.
This is exemplified by the advent of multiple master services agreements with clients in 2021. Operational excellence, engineering, marketing and research were some of the areas where we saw the fastest growth in 2021. Field services (sending a specialist or team to a physical location) saw rapid growth as well, however this was largely due to limited travel overall in 2020.
Trend 3:
Launch of the Easie research & development group
Figure 1.6: Computer vision research prototype involving PPE tracking from Easie labs
When we launched Easie labs in 2020, our goal was to help startups and early-stage business ventures achieve functionality and operational excellence faster and at lower cost using novel methods and emerging technologies.
We also found that internal research efforts to develop solutions to meet scaling requirements or to achieve greater operational excellence led to breakthroughs and ultimately new products and services for our clients. Further, Easie’s research services have been a consistently demanded program area throughout the existence of Easie.
Given these findings, we launched Easie’s formal R&D group in 2021 with James Lee being promoted to Head of Research & Development to lead this effort. Here are some examples of notable research work the Easie lab conducted in 2021:
Automated reporting. Facing scaling requirements in reporting, communications, data analysis and other areas, many businesses sought custom automation for their unique business cases.
Generative art. Easie created a generative model using randomization and EasieCloud software to generate custom artwork on-demand for a client to demo to potential investors.
Computer vision. There is a growing interest in applications using video streams, stored video and still images to make conditional interpretations automatically. This technology offers vast possibilities for manufacturing, health and safety, transportation, research and many other industries. Easie has supported computer vision projects for multiple clients in the past and is actively working to support this field in expanding further.
Machine learning. Firms in machine learning represent a growing proportion of Easie’s clients. Easie has supported firms in multiple domains of machine learning including predicting weather, sentiment analysis and automated document processing. Easie continues to conduct active research efforts to diversify our scope of services as an ongoing element of our long-term strategy.
Easie shared memory. We launched our centralized internal knowledge base in 2020 that has helped core team members to query diverse and important information in a dramatically streamlined way. This has supported continued scaling and a reduction of bottlenecks in knowledge access.
Easie journalistic arm. We launched our internal blog with Rock W. Vitale as the sole author in 2018 to share helpful business philosophy, current events and research. The editorial team has since grown to write articles on a recurring basis for multiple major news publications in the United States. The Easie journalistic arm also continues to publish high quality editorial content on a regular basis.
Given these findings, our larger scale goals for 2022 will coincide with continuous research from the Easie R&D group.
New case studies added to the Easie website
Easie’s homepage has a responsive word cloud that visually shows project types demanded by clients over a four-year period. Clicking on a tag in the word cloud leads to a collection of micro-case studies for that specific tag (e.g. engineering).
This interface allows site visitors to intuitively filter and explore over 500 micro-case studies in a matrix architecture using clickable labels representing each program area. Since we launched this feature in 2020, the following screenshots can be used to visualize the difference in skills demanded in 2020 compared to 2021 using the word cloud:
Figure 1.7: Easie website responsive word cloud in 2020
Fastest growing program areas in 2020:
Interior design
Frontend development
Design
Technical writing
Logistics
3D modeling
Figure 1.8: Easie website responsive word cloud in 2021
Fastest growing program areas in 2021:
Microservices
Operational excellence
Engineering
Marketing
Field services
Research
Trend 4:
Continued growth into diverse program areas
Network diversification
The Easie network continued to see diversification into different industries and specializations to support increasingly broad client requests.
Our results-oriented work environment combined with strong central project management have helped grow our network while maintaining project quality.
Environmental initative
Launched in 2021, Easie is offering services to support businesses in accelerated development of cleantech and innovative environmental initiatives to help achieve net zero.
The Easie network comprises seasoned professionals with several decades of experience in EHS, lithium batteries, compliance, chemistry and other environmental specializations to create a comprehensive, single-source environmental consulting solution for businesses.
Accessibility program
Launched in 2020, this program helps businesses set up accessible websites to comply with ADA and Unruh act requirements. This service was adopted across multiple Easie clients in 2021
Easie’s team of lawyers, developers, designers and other professionals create technical accessibility solutions for multiple websites.
EasieCloud
Since launch, EasieCloud has automated over 1,000,000 tasks:
- Business automation
- Marketing automation
- E-commerce automation
- Data entry automation
EasieCloud is used as a SaaS product in several business technology stacks.
Easie project whisperer
We launched this technology suite in early 2021 to help with automated reporting and communications across a wide range of services.
Easie project whisperer technology has enabled businesses to conduct more informed operations, reduce costs and increase process quality.
Operational excellence
Our execution of deliberate business strategy produced measurable results using workflow-based models and key performance indicators identified by our team as well as our clients.
Additionally, operational excellence was the second fastest growing program area in 2021. Operational excellence initiatives saw optimized business activities, less risk and cost savings for our clients.
Trend 5:
People recruited in the Easie network stay in the Easie network as a long-term career path
As trends in working continue to shift towards hybridized working models, the Easie network has demonstrated the clear advantages of this type of workplace configuration. Here is an except from the Easie careers page that was written in 2018:
Current technology has rendered traditional working obsolete. Join the Easie network: a consortium of highly specialized professionals that rapidly mobilize in a centrally managed way to complete projects. We recognize that traditional models of generating work product required offices, commuting and rigid work schedules. Technology in existence today gives people the potential to work on their own schedules 100% of the time to provide their skills to the workforce.
The rise of people working outside of offices (from home, cafes, co-working spaces, etc.) shows this trend. Working models that rely on commuting and physical proximity despite strong technological alternatives that produce equivalent work product ultimately will not prevail.
Easie offers a better way of working
- 2018 Easie network careers page
The following are some testimonials from some members of the Easie core team on their experience working at Easie:
“Working at Easie has offered me the opportunity to work in areas of passion and strengths. Not only have I found an environment that wants us to succeed in what we love to do but also supports us to move forward professionally.
I work 100% remotely and travel frequently around the United States; Easie offers flexibility that very few companies would even consider. Easie has single handedly reignited my passion in working for a company again.”
— Rebecca Gray
Head of Operations
"Working at Easie has helped me carve a career path that makes me excited to work. Coming from a career in finance, it's great applying my knowledge by working on many different kinds of interesting projects. The Easie network has a lot of very talented and vetted subject matter experts and the projects we’ve been working on are cutting edge.
Easie is incredibly organized and takes operational excellence seriously, even automating internal processes to maximize efficiencies with minimal touchpoints. There are always new and interesting projects coming from our clients. It's rewarding when you can solve their problems while continuing the growth and expansion of our knowledge areas and service offerings."
— James Lee, PMP, CMI
Head of Research & Development
“Working with the Easie network is an amazing experience. Having the opportunity to work from anywhere has drastically improved my relationship with work. Easie has a very human approach and you can feel the care they put into their people. In addition, having the ability to manage my own time while still being in close contact with the Easie team makes for an ideal work environment.
— Vincent Paradis
Senior 3D Designer
"Working with Easie’s talent pool, which is comprised of those with diverse working backgrounds and expertise, is not only enriching to the projects we work on, but also the network itself. With Easie, I work on interesting projects, in many different industries, and collaborate with the network to produce solutions for our clients and internal project initiatives. These are great professional development opportunities to dive into and explore.
Easie’s remote first, flexible environment breaks the barrier to entry I felt when looking to add consulting to my resume and helps fuel a “sky’s the limit” attitude that is missing from many working environments. It’s exciting to be a part of a business that embodies this working model which is challenging the current state of work and is leading the way for the future of work."
— Dominique Sobieski
Senior R&D Analyst
Featured projects of 2021
These projects were picked to represent the broad, specialized skills and creativity of the Easie team:
Plans for 2022
Building on the progress from 2021, here are a few programs we are planning to expand in the upcoming year:
Conduct research using emerging technology and continue experimental development. The Easie R&D group will continue to work on targeted development initiatives in the Easie lab.
Expand partnerships with new and existing clients. Continue and execute new master services agreements, unique cross-business activity opportunities and other partnership programs.
Further work in machine learning and emerging technology. The Easie lab will continue to experiment with a range of machine learning frameworks and emerging technology to generate unique product offerings for business.
Continue the Easie environmental initiative. Easie will continue to offer comprehensive environmental services for cleantech, renewables and innovative industrial firms in 2022. Easie provides a unique solution to businesses by being a single-source consultant for cleantech and environmental initatives.
Grow the Easie network with impactful recruiting. The continued growth of the Easie network through recruiting with its unique perks and mutualistic benefits is a critical element of our business model. We continue to advance our organization using demand-driven recruiting.
Executive team growth
Rock W. Vitale, CEO
Rock founded Easie in early 2018 and brings significant experience to the business. He is responsible for overseeing new business development, creative direction, research, operational excellence, client relations and journalistic efforts.
His career has encompassed multiple industries including energy, lithium batteries, biotechnology, analytics, research, design, machine learning, engineering, field services and international supply chain management.
Rock is also the Vice Chair on the board of directors for a literary and performing arts non-profit in San Diego, California.
Rebecca Gray, Head of Operations
Rebecca joined Easie in 2020 and quickly expanded into her multidisciplinary work in project management, operational excellence execution, business strategy, specialized network management and internal growth. She comes from a strong background in hospitality and project management with deep experience in business operations and managing dozens of complex projects simultaneously across interconnected program areas.
Through Easie, Rebecca has been able use her variety of subject matter talents that she has developed over many careers into her current role as Head of Operations.
Her educational background is centered in the sciences and environmental/wildlife biology with graduate studies in statistical analysis and environmental economics.
James Lee
Head of Research & Development
James joined Easie in 2020 to apply his knowledge and experience in project management and business development. He is a subject matter expert in technical project management, complex research and niche tax compliance.
His accomplishments include multidisciplinary research and development of program areas in design, business and software development, fintech, competitive intelligence and other expanding areas. James also frequently contributes to drafting, review and editorial for multidisciplinary creative projects within Easie.
His previous experience includes financial compliance consulting for Fortune 100 to Fortune 500 companies. He led and managed projects pertaining to analyzing and monitoring large sets of data, developing process efficiencies and automation, researching gray area topics and compliance with mandated regulations and requirements.
James’ educational background is centered around business administration and accounting. He is a certified project management professional (PMP) and a certified member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation (CMI).
Jack Marchese, Ops Executive
Jack was an original member of the Easie team from their 2018 launch. Jack brings executive-level business and marketing experience to the team and helps guide strategic and product vision.
Throughout his career, Jack has been a business consultant for high-growth brands in consumer-packaged goods, technology and other sectors. Some areas of focus for Jack include marketing, analytics, new product development and leadership.
Conclusions
Once again, thank you to the Easie community for the support these past four years. Easie has demonstrated that there is a better way of working and this is the future of work. We look forward to addressing your interesting projects in 2022 and beyond.
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