Description
vQuation is an operations management consulting firm. We provide our clients the key to competitive innovation by tying together management practices and their corporate mission, vision and goals. Our clients’ needs dictate the level of service we provide; from goal definition and action plan to full implementation.

Vision
Today’s business climate is fast and competitive. In many industries the barriers to entry are almost non-existent. The availability of digital information has leveled the playing field quite dramatically. The key to continued success is consistent innovation and creativity. Creating an organization capable of achieving constant innovation is multifaceted. You will need many things, among them leadership, culture, resources, processes, creativity and structure. vQuation can help you create the foundation for an innovative corporation.

Operational Guidelines
We work primarily on a retainer basis. We begin with a consultation meeting where the client outlines the work and goals they are looking for. Following this meeting, vQuation will prepare a proposal with a cost estimate and preliminary timeline.

We also provide project work. Projects have the same process as a retainer but are finite in scope and instead of a monthly fee, billing for small projects is in two parts; 50% prepayment and 50% upon project delivery, for large projects billing is in three parts; 25% prepayment, 50% upon initial project delivery, 25% upon completion of objectives.

Member Bios

Joel Conarton email
Joel Conarton is the senior consultant for strategy at vQuation. Joel moved to Portland from Michigan in 1992 and worked as an independent consultant until 1996 when he founded vQuation. He has consulted with a variety of companies in diverse industries. This diversity allows Joel to be a creative problem solver, applying solutions to one industry acquired from another. In 2002, Joel began consulting in Lithuania, and has recently opened vQuation’s first international office in this Baltic country.

Laura Rowe email
Laura Rowe is a consultant specializing in analysis and research. The early part of her career was spent in the publishing industry. Realizing she was more interested in organization, operations and process, Laura joined vQuation in 1997 to pursue her passion for helping companies achieve their goals. Involved in analysis and research, Laura keeps vQuation knowledgeable about market developments while helping our clients meet their objectives. Keeping in line with vQuation's philosophy of continuous learning, Laura is currently working towards her Master's of Organizational Management.