From underwater basket weaving to teaching Operations Management and Supply Chain at Mankato State, Larry Odebrecht brings so much talent to Trissential… along with a fantastic sense of humor – Meet Larry Odenbrecht.

What makes you excited to start work each day? 

Since the pandemic started, I started spending a little time in the morning (time that I used to spend fighting traffic) enjoying a cup of coffee, thinking about spirituality, and a little reading. I find it’s a much better way to start the day.

What’s your biggest motivation in life?

To finally eat an Arby’s ‘Meat Mountain’ (linked because we know you’re interested). Kidding aside, throughout my life, my parents always encouraged giving back to the community. My wife and I are huge organ donation advocates. LifeSource named us the 2017 Community Partner of the Year. Giving back is a high motivator… that and the Meat Mountain.

What is the most important accomplishment of your career? 

Previously in my career, I was given carte blanche to create and drive a Customer Experience Team. I had just a few folks from the company that didn’t really have a home. By leveraging the group, (which turned out fantastic once I stepped aside and started leading), we turned the Net Promoter Score from 20 to 64 in three years. Not only that, but I helped promote of one the team members to Director, who is still thriving today. She earned it, and I was honored to be her coach.

What do you do when you are not working?

I’m very involved in the Stillwater community. If you’re coming to visit, look me up – I have tons of hotel and restaurant recommendations. I also lead a troop of Scouts made up of brilliant young men and women. In addition, I periodically teach Operations Management and Supply Chain at Minnesota State.

What was your inspiration to enter the technology field? 

Honestly, technology was the only thing I was good at in college and luckily paid well. Although, I am still waiting for underwater basket weaving to become a rich person’s game. However, what kept me IN technology was when I realized the job was about enabling people to solve problems. I enjoy the fun challenge of speaking the language of both business and technology.

Who is your biggest hero? 

From a career perspective, Edwards Deming. He worked for MacArthur in WW2 and developed much of what became the Toyota Production and continuous improvement. From a personal and leadership perspective, Winston Churchill. From an MCU perspective, Ant-Man (even though Paul Rudd beat me out for People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive last year).

What’s the best part about being a Senior Principal Business Consultant?

Being able to lead your client to a brighter future. When the lightbulb goes off and you see that the needle moved not just for your program but for that person’s career, it’s a thrill.

How would you describe Trissential in five words or less? 

Grown-up workplace but fun.

What would you be doing if you hadn’t gone into technology consulting? 

Underwater basket weaving I guess. Honestly, Recruiting always struck me as a fun job… but I think I’d end up being a Technology Consultant.

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