Best Of

Thanks so much @Alison C. for the post and everything you do for the community!

I'm looking forward to connecting with more of the community, my line is always open for any reason.

Hip, hip, hooray! 🙌🏻 That’s what we say when we get to introduce you to amazing Community Members each month - and this time, we’d like you to meet @SoS | Dan Palenchar.

Dan is the founder and CEO of School of Sheets Solutions Consulting, a Smartsheet Aligned Solutions Partner, and lives in California. With a background in scientific research, Dan initially used his advanced Excel training to take on Smartsheet architecture work at a healthcare agency. He quickly fell in love with the balance of art and science required, finding great satisfaction in solving complex technical challenges. This is what ultimately led him to dedicate his career to Smartsheet Solution Architecture. 

“I really love the core platform. It’s extensive and robust by itself, and the more you know how to use it, the more remarkable it becomes. I appreciate how other tools like Control Center, Data Mesh, and Dynamic View solve the inevitable challenges with operating at scale, but they have to rely on a solid foundation.”

His favorite solutions include Dynamic Dashboards, Automatic Duplicate Removal, Multi Colored Bar Charts, and what he deems as the “People’s Choice”: Automatic Document Generation Workflow. Click above to watch Dan’s demo to get your own personalized walkthrough!

When asked about the Smartsheet Partner Program, Dan says he’s proud to have been a partner for over the last 5 years, and feels that it’s allowed him to not only run his own business but to grow and go after bigger and bigger problems. “For anyone who is offering Smartsheet Professional Services, not being a partner is like being on hard mode,” he says. “The program gives you credibility, recognition, access to customers, training and incentive to do the work you already do.”

Community has also played a role in Dan’s growth, and he says he’s learned from it throughout each chapter of his Smartsheet story - from newbie to expert. “As I’ve moved from a ‘student’ to an ‘educator,’ I continue to learn from the Community by answering questions which keeps me sharp both technically and by understanding what people want out of Smartsheet,” he says. He also recognizes @Paul Newcome's efforts on the platform, finding his support incredibly helpful. 

Looking ahead, Dan hopes that School of Sheets continues to grow and help others, and has found making YouTube videos about Smartsheet to be an effective way of reaching a broader audience. “I have always loved to help others…I hope over time and with enough dedication, the School of Sheets YouTube channel will delight millions of people,” he says.

Dan says he doesn’t do well sitting in one place for long, and spent eight months in Africa last year! When he’s in California, he’s an avid beach volleyball player and the proud founder of the Life’s A Beach Volleyball Club, providing training programs, games, leagues and tournaments with a focus on inclusivity, community engagement and fun. He also loves music, and plays several instruments. 

Thank you Dan for all that you do!

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👉🏻 Do you know someone in the Community who should be next month's Member Spotlight? Nominate them here. (NOTE: Any Community member can nominate someone else in the Community).