Bruce Skaar

Co-Founder

Seattle, WA, USA18 yrs 8 mos experience

Key Highlights

  • 20+ years of experience in technology consulting.
  • Expertise in AI integration and data strategy.
  • Proven track record of driving measurable business growth.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a technology consultant specializing in AI and analytics for business transformation.

Contact

Skills

Other Skills

Cross-functional Team LeadershipBrand ManagementFinancial PlanningStrategic PlanningStrategic Financial PlanningCorporate FinanceSocial EntrepreneurshipSocial NetworkingProject ManagementSocial MediaWeb DevelopmentAccountingManagementLeadershipStrategy

About

I’m a technology consultant and founder helping organizations harness AI and analytics to drive smarter decisions and measurable growth. With 20+ years of experience at Microsoft, Nike, and Precor, I bridge the gap between data strategy, business operations, and emerging AI tools—turning insight into impact. Certified in Data Analytics (UC Berkeley Extension), I specialize in: ⚙️ AI integration and automation 📊 Data strategy and business intelligence ☁️ Cloud analytics and workflow optimization My focus is simple: transform data into intelligent, actionable outcomes that scale. 💬 If you’re exploring AI transformation or data strategy initiatives, let’s connect. You can DM directly here on LinkedIn.

Experience

18 yrs 8 mos
Total Experience
1 yr 11 mos
Average Tenure
--
Current Experience

Redcloud consulting

CES Reporting Project Manager

Jan 2025Aug 2025 · 7 mos · Redmond, Washington, United States · Remote

  • Orchestrated QBR reporting processes to improve data and efficiency for Leadership Ad Hoc requests.
  • Acted as a liaison between CES and GDC Analytics team during the migration to a new ticketing system.
  • Collaborated with teams to enhance reporting processes and streamline communication channels.

Derflan, inc.

Business Analyst (@ Microsoft) GDC ABM Azure Analytics

Mar 2023Sep 2023 · 6 mos · Redmond, Washington, United States · Remote

Launch consulting group

Business Engagement Manager (at Microsoft) FD&E WIND\RCR\RMI

Nov 2021Sep 2022 · 10 mos · Bellevue, Washington, United States

  • Business Engagement Manager within the FD&E team overseeing the following platforms: Windows Activation (WIND), Retail Channel Reporting (RCR) and Retail Market Investment (RMI) cubes and PBI reporting.

Derflan, inc.

6 roles

Business Analysis Manager (at Microsoft) in WW Windows Devices

Jun 2021Oct 2021 · 4 mos · Redmond, Washington, United States

  • Provide analysis as part of the Windows Devices team that aligns with key stakeholders (Marketing, Engineering, OEM, and Finance) to help inform decisions on device build and features, mix, price, and competitive landscape

Sales Excellence Lead - SMC (at Microsoft) in US Services Sales Excellence

May 2019Jun 2020 · 1 yr 1 mo · Bellevue, WA

  • Currently SMC Sales Excellence Lead – driving weekly Forecast calls, Coaching Sellers & Sales Manager on CRM hygiene & sales process, accountable for Deal Based Forecast
  • Lead West OU as Interim Sales Excellence Lead and provided coverage for Great Lakes & N. Central OU’s
  • Weekly updates to Leadership on Sales attainment, Top Opportunities, Deal Status, and Business Insights
  • Cross-collaboration with Sales Leadership, SOPM, Finance, Business Ops, and Sales Enablement

Business Consultant and Project Manager (at Microsoft Corporation) in OCP Solution Strategy Team

Promoted

Oct 2018Jan 2019 · 3 mos · Redmond, WA

  • Sr Project Manager for the OCP Solutions Strategy Team.
  • Responsible for the monthly business unit (MBU) process across the Solutions Areas for Customer Add (CA), Partner Capacity (PC), and Azure Consumed Revenue (ACR)
  • Oversee D365 Managed Partner Yammer site (Posting community content and managing access)
  • Projected management within Azure Partner Strategy team for EOS Windows Server 2008\SQL Server 2008 project.

Business Consultant and Project Manager (at Microsoft Corporation) in CDS Field Finance team.

Feb 2018Jun 2018 · 4 mos

  • Business Analyst assigned to the CDS Field Finance team
  • Designed and developed CDS Device Sales Growth Model as part of FY19 Planning process.
  • Engaged with internal stakeholders to gather reporting requirements from Device Sale business & CDS Operations to enhance Channel & Partner reporting for FY19.

Business Consulting and Project Manager (at Microsoft Corporation) in CDS IoT Marketing team.

Sep 2017Jan 2018 · 4 mos

  • Program Management for the CDS IoT Marketing reporting to Director
  • Designed and developed CDS IoT Solution Map process to enable Sales channel & Partners to accelerate sales motion through repeatable solutions to drive Azure consumption.
  • Drove activities with Field to deliver Repeatable Solution submissions as part of the OCP Solution Map process.

Business Consulting and Project Manager (at Microsoft Corporation) in Americas OEM Device Sales team

Oct 2016Aug 2017 · 10 mos

  • Business Manager for the Americas OEM Devices Sales team reporting to GM
  • Managed Pipeline and direct sales activities for the Americas Windows Device Sales team with 8 Field Sales Device Solutions Specialists across US, Canada, and LATAM.
  • Responsible for tools and processes to drive engagement with OEM partners in delivering Enterprise level solutions with OEM Hardware and Windows 10 Pro for WW DSSP team.
  • Managed transition of 120 Compete opportunities to MNA teams as result of FY18 CDS reorganization.

Microsoft

Senior Finance Manager

Mar 2014Jan 2015 · 10 mos · Redmond, WA

  • Performance Lead for WW Customer Service and Support (CSS) organization
  • Finance lead overseeing end to end processes for Close, Forecast, and Reporting
  • Lead fiscal FY15 rollover and redesign of monthly close reporting and financial accountability scorecard
  • Drive insight and analysis with CSS Controller’s in reporting to CSS Finance LT of key business drivers
  • Engage with key partners in SMSG Finance and CFP&A to drive ROB processes and accountability

Tiporia (startup)

Founder

Apr 2012Dec 2013 · 1 yr 8 mos · Bellevue, WA

  • - Localized search and recommendation application

Precor

Finance Manager

Jul 2010Apr 2013 · 2 yrs 9 mos · Woodinville, WA

  • Finance lead for International Business driving planning insights for $150 million in sales.
  • Drove engagement and cross collaboration to deliver market and business objectives.
  • Lead newly formed Consumer Business Team to reset strategy and align business for growth resulting in 27% YOY overall growth in 2011 and 130% growth in online business in 2012.
  • Developed pricing modeling and lead pricing conversations for new Consumer Elliptical Category.
  • Developed financial models (discounted cash flows, NPV, IRR) for evaluating new products.
  • Identified market sizing opportunities for consumer category business.
  • Developed new Tiered Pricing structure for Specialty Dealer channel.
  • Developed pricing for new distribution channel analysis (Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Costco).
  • Presented key milestones of Consumer Business to Sales Leadership and Senior Management Team.
  • Developed investment analysis and executive summary for VP of Finance for potential acquisition.
  • Enhanced Finance Ad Hoc capabilities by developing Access database that incorporate internal SAP extracts and external table.

Nike

Senior Financial Planning Manager

Jun 2002Oct 2008 · 6 yrs 4 mos · Beaverton, OR

  • Drove financial and strategic retail plan alignment across 4 subsidiary brands, including Converse, Cole Haan, Hurley, and Umbro.
  • Optimized performance visibility of $2 billion in corporate sales through benchmarks & review processes.
  • Provided month-end and quarter-end financial reports.
  • Conduit for corporate and subsidiary leaders to develop and update 3-year category forecast.
  • Developed and refreshed financial planning processes for Nike Affiliates, Global Brand Management, and Global Apparel categories over 6-year period
  • Drove mid-year & Fiscal-Year Budget assessment and spearheaded Nike Affiliates results review to plan.
  • Enhanced category performance tracking through creation of Affiliate Scorecard.
  • Designed Category presentation for Nike CFO Finance Leadership event.
  • Partnered with Affiliate Retail Director through conceptualization of Annual Retail PMO Strategy Review.
  • Member of Football Category Leadership in development and alignment of 5-year business strategy.
  • Drove management of 14-month $200M marketing initiative for the World Cup 2006.
  • Partnered with cross functional teams to execute product launches such as Nike + and Air Force 25.
  • Oversaw and motivated 2 Senior Financial Planning Analysts.

Standard insurance company

Consultant

Nov 2001Apr 2002 · 5 mos · Portland, OR

  • Provided financial management expertise to Corporate Financial Services Group.
  • Improved workflow documentation and conceptualized user testing / training programs.
  • Collaborated with Accounting Manager of Reporting, assisting in direction of CFS team members.

Symatrix technology

Accounting Manager

Jan 2000Feb 2001 · 1 yr 1 mo · Portland, OR

  • Privately held, IBM Total solution provider with 120 employees in five offices located in the Northwest.
  • Oversaw accounting department and reporting directly to CFO
  • Spearheaded accounting, budgeting, and forecasting functions including monthly and annual reports.
  • Reconciled revenues, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other balance sheet items.
  • Handled bank partnerships, ensuring compliance with terms of $1 million line of credit agreement.
  • Managed team of 3 direct reports.

Kindercare

Corporate Accounting Supervisor

Dec 1997Jan 2000 · 2 yrs 1 mo · Portland, OR

  • Orchestrated corporate accounting function, managing $600 million in accounts across national operation and 2 U.K. subsidiaries.
  • Executed formal monthly, quarterly, and annual financial review of consolidated results.
  • Supervised team of 4.

Education

UC Berkeley Extension

Certificate — Data Analytics & Visualization

Feb 2023Aug 2023

UW Foster School of Business

MBA — Executive MBA

Jan 2007Jan 2009

Linfield University

Bachelor of Science — Accounting

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