Dr. Drew Takes a Look at MiCORE Solutions as an Example of a Successful Consulting Practice

As a consultant to non-profit organizations, I am intrigued by the success stories of other consultants - particularly those who provide services to the corporate or government spheres. One of the most surprising things I learned - just this year - is that business consultants will be the fastest growing job category where I live, here, in Orange County, CA.

I just stumbled over an incredible success story regarding MiCORE Solutions. They are a leading Oracle database support and services, specializing in architecting, optimizing, and managing complex Oracle environments. Part of their success appears to be their location in Reston, Virginia, just outside Washington D.C.  This location, I imagine, helps them provide Oracle government solutions.


CEO Blair Tolbard leads
MiCORE’s executive team.

According to the information in their website, they help enterprises solve complex business problems, and strive to enable clients to maximize the value received from their IT investments. One of the most exciting things about MiCORE's is that they are building on their experience in Oracle consulting and adding their experience in applying cloud technologies from Google and Amazon. This enables them, as they say, "...to create a blueprint for tomorrow, leveraging the latest technologies of today."

I was also interested to learn that they have built philanthropy into their business model. They are big supporters of some of my favorite charities including the Wounded Warrior Project.  I was pleased to learn that MiCORE has raised over $15,000 of direct financial support and contributed in excess of $50,000 of ‘in kind’ support for this wonderful charity.

MiCORE's CEO, Blair Tolbard, is clearly an extraordinary leader. He is a U.S. Navy veteran with nearly 30 years of experience in the information technology sector having held executive leadership positions at companies like IBM and Oracle. His specialties include building and nurturing highly effective teams. Prior to his career in the information technology sector, Blair served in the United States Navy from 1975-1979 as a member of the Atlantic Fleet aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher.

In 2012, Tolbard and his wife participated in the annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride where more than 1,000 motorcycles roared through the streets to salute the military. This tradition has raised over $100,000 for local veterans' groups over its six year history. “Sharon and I are moved by the number of people that showed up for the ride this year,” said Tolbard, “it was a beautiful day and an amazing way to honor our military heros and their families.”

I think one of the coolest things about being a consultant like Tolbard is it is easier to plan your business and your life to reflect your values, interests, and specific skills. It makes me feel better about America to know that businessmen like Tolbard are growing their practices and making a difference for their clients.

John C. Drew, Ph.D. is an award-winning political scientist.