Bringing over three decades of expertise, David Bartenwerfer has played a pivotal role in shaping top organizations, including The Boston Consulting Group, Charles Schwab, Verizon, Genesys Technologies, Yahoo!, eBay, Webvan Group, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
With a strong background in strategy, technology, product management, and operations, he has played a key role in shaping these organizations and fueling their success.
Bartenwerfer holds an MBA from Stanford University and earned a BS in Systems Engineering with high distinction from the University of Virginia, along with minors in applied mathematics and economics.
His strong academic foundation played a crucial role in advancing his career.
Immediately after college, David Bartenwerfer joined a defense contractor, earning Top Secret clearance and creating analytical tools for defense system development, risk assessment in cost-benefit analysis for major IT projects, and enhancing joint military operations.
David Bartenwerfer played a key role in the Defense sector, managing operations for $70 million projects, handling budgets, forecasts, and analytics across 20+ sub-projects—earning top evaluations from Department of Defense auditors.
His journey started in the early ’90s as a finance and operations manager at SRA International before advancing his education with an MBA from Stanford University and later joining The Boston Consulting Group.
David Bartenwerfer: A Visionary Executive Driving Industry Innovation
Following his time at The Boston Consulting Group, David Bartenwerfer advanced into executive leadership positions, making a significant impact across top corporations nationwide.
In 2006, he launched Quantum Consulting and Technology in San Francisco, leveraging his entrepreneurial vision to help businesses implement advanced analytics and strategic insights. His leadership has played a key role in driving profitability, fostering competitive advantage, and optimizing operational efficiency.
In 2021, David Bartenwerfer expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by co-founding REALbasis Inc., a forward-thinking real estate asset management firm. As Chief Technology Officer, he pioneers the use of advanced quantitative strategies to help investors maximize returns by identifying high-performing markets and cash flow-generating properties.
QuantumCT empowers product and marketing teams with advanced economic and financial modeling, using customizable algorithms and technology to measure, predict, and enhance ROI—delivering rapid, data-driven insights for long-term success.
Bartenwerfer has collaborated with professional sports franchises and a regional sports network, designing analytical frameworks to assess and measure synergy drivers within conglomerates.
David Bartenwerfer Establishes REALbasis Inc. to Revolutionize Real Estate Asset Management
In 2021, Bartenwerfer co-founded REALbasis Inc., a cutting-edge real estate asset management firm. As Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, he plays a key role in helping investors secure above-market returns by leveraging sophisticated quantitative strategies to pinpoint high-performing markets and income-generating real estate assets.
His expertise has driven the development of innovative solutions for clients and businesses, reinforcing his lasting impact and leadership in the industry.
Bartenwerfer has developed a sophisticated system of nested algorithms to pinpoint high-performing micro-markets that deliver superior returns through strong cash flow and net operating income. Additionally, he created a versatile simulation model leveraging Monte Carlo methods to move beyond traditional expected value analysis, providing a more precise evaluation of risk in meeting investment benchmarks.
His ongoing efforts focus on refining optimization strategies and integrating continuous learning within the investment sector, driving greater efficiency and performance.
Forward-Thinking Leadership with a Strategic Edge
David Bartenwerfer is known for his expertise in leading cross-functional teams in dynamic environments. His collaborative leadership and innovative problem-solving drive exceptional results. Through advanced analytics, he has made significant contributions to business strategy and operations, establishing himself as a forward-thinking and strategic leader.
He has designed advanced nested algorithms to identify high-performing micro-markets and developed predictive methodologies, including multivariate regression models, to analyze supply, demand, and pricing trends in residential real estate. Additionally, he constructed simulation models using Monte Carlo techniques to evaluate project risks, showcasing his expertise in software architecture and optimization.
Bartenwerfer’s leadership in marketing ROI and technology investment serves as a guiding force in the industry. His insights on leveraging advanced analytics for business strategy continue to shape industry practices, inspiring professionals with innovative perspectives and data-driven solutions.
David Bartenwerfer Unveils Hidden IT Project Risks and Presents Strategic Solutions
In his recent publication, “Why IT Projects Are Riskier Than Planned and What to Do About It,” David Bartenwerfer highlights the importance of adopting a more comprehensive strategy for technology investments, going beyond conventional ROI analysis.
“Technology investment is critical,” Bartenwerfer explains. “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 Highlights the Significance of Measuring Marketing ROI
In his recent four-part series, Marketing ROI 2.0, David Bartenwerfer examines the vital role of marketing ROI in today’s fast-changing digital world. In the article Why Marketing ROI Is So Important, he discusses the challenges and opportunities arising from the expansion of digital channels, including social media, search engines, and evolving keyword strategies.
In his recent four-part series, “Marketing ROI 2.0,” David Bartenwerfer examines the vital role of marketing ROI in today’s fast-changing digital world. In the article “Why Marketing ROI Is So Important,” he discusses the challenges and opportunities arising from the expansion of digital channels, including social media, search engines, and evolving keyword strategies.
The rise of these channels has transformed how consumers engage with brands, pushing marketing teams to rethink resource distribution while navigating the challenge of limited budgets.
Bartenwerfer highlights the intricate nature of marketing compared to other business functions. Unlike the clear-cut ROI calculations used for product or equipment investments, marketing demands a more sophisticated evaluation due to its interconnected strategies. He notes that customers typically require seven to nine “touches” before making a purchase, making it essential to implement overlapping and complementary marketing initiatives.
Bartenwerfer notes, “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 explains that 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 Insights on Modern Marketing in the Digital Era
David Bartenwerfer highlights shifting consumer behavior using the example of purchasing a major appliance. Today, consumers have extensive research tools at their disposal, allowing them to make informed decisions before even stepping into a store. As a result, traditional advertising and point-of-sale marketing have less influence. This transformation emphasizes the importance of investing in the evaluation stage of the consumer decision journey, an area often overlooked by marketers.
The rise of social media has given consumers a powerful platform to either promote or criticize brands, adding complexity to marketing strategies. While businesses can engage and influence online discussions, many aspects of consumer advocacy remain outside their control. This dynamic underscores the need for a strong marketing ROI strategy to effectively navigate and respond to these evolving challenges.
Bartenwerfer emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to measuring marketing ROI, highlighting several key advantages:
- Justification: Evaluating the incremental cost and value of each marketing initiative—both at a detailed and broader level—helps quantify its direct impact on profitability.
- Informed Decision-Making: Granular ROI analysis enables marketers to pinpoint high-performing strategies, guiding future budget allocations for maximum return.
- Accountability: A data-driven approach ensures marketing resources are allocated efficiently, requiring marketers to justify each investment.
- Credibility: Presenting ROI in a way that aligns with Finance and executive leadership expectations enhances credibility and reduces pressure by proving marketing’s financial impact.
By establishing effective metrics and understanding their correlations, marketing teams can better measure the effectiveness of their investments and drive strategic, value-driven decisions, he explains.
Looking Ahead
David Bartenwerfer’s career is a testament to the fusion of innovation and strategic execution. From his early work at SRA International to leadership roles in major corporations and the founding of Quantum Consulting and Technology, he has continuously redefined the possibilities in business and technology. His contributions extend across diverse industries, including professional sports franchises, regional sports networks, and his most recent venture, REALbasis Inc., showcasing his adaptability and dedication to excellence.
With a deep expertise in marketing ROI and technology investment, Bartenwerfer has established himself as a forward-thinking leader who understands the complexities of modern business. His thought leadership continues to shape industry strategies, solidifying his reputation as a true innovator and influential executive.
With his holistic approach to analytics and strategic planning, he remains a driving force in helping organizations achieve long-term growth and a lasting competitive edge.