Three Years, Three Lessons: What I’ve Learned from Building Strategico

by ​Daniel Elacqua, MBA, PMP

Three years ago, I took a leap of faith and launched Strategico Consultants with a simple mission: to help associations and nonprofits make smarter technology decisions. Since then, we’ve grown from a one-person operation to a team of seven, worked with 18 clients on 25+ projects, and built a reputation as a trusted advisor in the association technology space.
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But like any entrepreneurial journey, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Every success has come with a lesson—some learned the hard way. As we celebrate our third anniversary, I’m reflecting on the three biggest lessons I’ve learned since launching Strategico.

1. Data & Market Analysis Are Everything
Early in my career, I saw how data-driven decision-making could separate successful organizations from those constantly playing catch-up. But it wasn’t until I launched Strategico that I fully appreciated the role data plays—not just in our clients’ strategies but in how I run my own business.

One of the biggest influences in this area was the market assessment we hired Cathy Lada to perform for Strategico, which reinforced the importance of market analysis, trend tracking, and data-backed recommendations. Whether it’s selecting the right AMS/CRM, optimizing IT strategy, or advising on digital transformation, data doesn’t lie. The best decisions aren’t made on instinct alone—they’re made by analyzing the right information and applying it strategically.

For organizations navigating technology decisions, my advice is simple: invest in data, understand your market, and let the numbers guide your strategy. Gut feelings have their place, but data keeps you grounded in reality.

2. The Right People Make All the Difference
When I started Strategico, I knew hiring the right people would be key to our success. What I didn’t fully appreciate was just how much cultural fit matters—and how the wrong fit can slow everything down.

I’ve been so fortunate to find great people to add to our team, like Towsif Nasor, who was my very first hire and came in at a critical moment and transformed how we work. But I’ve also made some mistakes. Our first business development consultant, for example, added little value and didn’t align with our approach to relationship-building. More recently, we hired a data specialist who had the technical skills but struggled with communication, making collaboration nearly impossible.

The lesson? Skills are important, but fit is everything. A brilliant professional who doesn’t align with your company culture, communication style, or values can do more harm than good.

For other business leaders growing their teams, my advice is this: hire for alignment, not just ability. A less experienced but highly adaptable, communicative, and mission-driven team member will outperform a technically brilliant but misaligned hire every time.

3. Clients Want a Partner, Not Just a Vendor
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned in three years is just how much relationships drive repeat business.

When we work with associations and nonprofits, we don’t just provide recommendations and walk away. We embed ourselves in their mission, understand their challenges, and work alongside them to ensure success. The result? They see us as a trusted partner, not just a consulting firm.

This lesson hit home when I started noticing how many of our projects came from repeat business or referrals. Clients who initially hired us for a single IT assessment came back for strategy projects. AMS/CRM selection projects turned into long-term fractional IT leadership relationships.

Why? Because people want to work with businesses they trust. Technology strategy isn’t just about finding the right system—it’s about navigating change, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring smooth execution. That’s where partnership matters most.

For any business looking to grow, my advice is: don’t just deliver services—build relationships. Clients aren’t just looking for a vendor; they’re looking for someone who truly cares about their success.

Looking Ahead
As we enter our fourth year, I’m more confident than ever that Strategico’s success will continue to be built on data-driven decisions, the right team, and strong client relationships.
The past three years have been an incredible journey, filled with both victories and lessons learned. I’m grateful for every challenge, every success, and every person who has been a part of it—our clients, our partners, and our growing team. 

Want to know more about what got us here? Watch the short video below.