

From Meta to independent data consultant, Seattle Data Guy moved to Denver, Ben Rogojan, the data scientist show #090
11 snips Feb 17, 2025
Ben Rogojan, known as the Seattle Data Guy, is a former Meta data engineer turned independent consultant and popular YouTuber with a strong online presence. He dives into his transition from traditional employment to consulting, sharing insights on the evolving landscape of data engineering influenced by AI and low-code tools. Ben discusses the importance of effective stakeholder engagement and personal branding in building client trust. He reflects on the diverse tech cultures of Seattle, San Francisco, and Denver while emphasizing the need for work-life balance and taking time off.
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Seattle Data Guy's Origin
- Ben Rogojan started Seattle Data Guy after a friend asked him for help on a consulting project.
- This led him to set up an LLC and start his journey as an independent consultant.
Client Acquisition
- Don't rely solely on referrals for client acquisition as a consultant.
- Actively create content and market yourself to attract potential clients.
First Project
- Ben's first consulting project involved migrating a company's database from Access to SQL Server.
- This improved query performance significantly, demonstrating the value of data engineering expertise.