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P R O F I L E
Conference call: Gregory J. DeMarco Founder of The Rock Brook Consulting Group, PA (Best Firm Multi-discipline #58 for 2018), a 48-person firm based in Monroe Township, NJ.
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
“W e are always looking to improve our benefits,” De- Marco says. “Our employees are often asked what they would like, or what have they heard about that we could possibly try. We instituted every other Friday off on a trial basis two years ago. Today, it’s ongoing.” A CONVERSATION WITH GREGORY J. DEMARCO. The Zweig Letter: How many years of experience – or large enough book of business – is enough to become a principal in your firm? Are you naming principals in their 20s or 30s? Greg DeMarco: I would name principals in their 30s. I be- lieve people in their 20s are too young. They just haven’t mastered the experience of dealing with delicate situations. I would look at a principal to bring in $1 to $3 million worth of work. TZL: Do you tie compensation to performance for your top leaders? GD: Yes. This is a large part of their compensation. How-
ever, it’s not everything. I believe in the team approach. A person’s efforts can greatly affect the outcome of a project where that person may not be directly involved. TZL: Internal transition is expensive. How do you “sell” this investment opportunity to your next generation of principals? How do you prepare them for the next step? GD: Sharing knowledge is extremely important. I try to teach the principals and senior level managers the busi- ness side of the profession. The more they know the better they’ll do. If we again, work as a team, the strength of many will be a better outcome for the individual. TZL: How do you promote young and new leaders as the firm grows? GD: My attitude is, if you want to do it, go for it. There is no age restriction on this concept. If the person proves that they can take on additional responsibility and are comfort- able handling the challenges, I will promote them. Mentor- ing is key. I fully encourage an open-door policy. Anyone who wishes to speak with me – I’m available.
THE ZWEIG LETTER Decem
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