Professional Overview
Steve Stroz is the President of Gold Coast Advisors, Inc., a position he has held since July 2005. Based in Chicago, Illinois, he leads a firm specialized in the development of contact management and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions. With over 20 years of experience in CRM and contact management systems, Steve is recognized as a leading authority in this field.
Company Profile: Gold Coast Advisors, Inc.
Gold Coast Advisors, under Steve’s leadership, provides comprehensive CRM solutions, reporting and analytic services, and digital marketing consulting to a diverse client base that includes Fortune 500 companies, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, and small businesses. The firm’s primary focus is on designing, customizing, and training clients on CRM and contact management technologies that improve relationship management and profitability.
Gold Coast Advisors is distinguished by having consistently won the Sage Software Customer Excellence Award every year they participated, outperforming over 3,000 business partners. This achievement underscores the company's strong client satisfaction and high service standards.
Professional Background and Expertise
Steve Stroz’s career began in the mid-1980s with a technical foundation from DeVry Institute of Technology (A.A., 1984-1985) and later formalized with a B.A. in Business Administration from DePaul University (2002-2005). Prior to founding Gold Coast Advisors, Steve accrued 15 years of experience as a CRM consultant and business analyst, complementing earlier roles as a financial planner and tax advisor.
He has served in multiple industry leadership roles, including:
- Keynote and instructional speaker at numerous national and international industry conferences across North America, Europe, and Australia.
- Membership on product councils, advisory boards, and participation in industry trade associations.
- Founder and facilitator of the ACC Roundtable and the CRM Consultants Conference and Cruise.
- Expert court witness for forensic database issues.
Steve’s technical certifications and partnerships are extensive, covering a wide spectrum of CRM and related platforms:
- ACT! Certified Consultant
- Zoho Authorized Partner
- HubSpot Solutions Partner
- Author of CRM content for Salesforce.com and Microsoft Dynamics CRM
- Certified in Drip Marketing & Inbound Marketing
- Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor
- Additional certifications in SalesLogix, Microsoft CRM, Pipedrive and more.
His client implementations include high-profile companies such as General Electric, Quaker, Motorola, Citigroup, and CBRE, spanning projects in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia.
Industry Insight and Thought Leadership
Steve has demonstrated foresight regarding the evolution of CRM technologies, notably emphasizing the transition from locally installed software to cloud-based applications that facilitate mobility and globalization. He expresses strong interest in practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within CRM software ecosystems, highlighting capabilities such as predictive client engagement and market profitability analysis.
His frequent contributions to trade publications and technical manuals have found adoption in international academic programs, including graduate courses at DePaul University.
Client Testimonials and Reputation
Multiple endorsements from clients and peers testify to Steve’s combination of technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Clients cite his ability to effectively communicate complex issues, deliver solutions within deadlines, and successfully navigate cross-departmental initiatives.
Firm Contact Information
- Address: 980 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611
- Phone: (877) 276-8880
- Email: steve@goldcoastadvisors.com
- Website: [www.goldcoastadvisors.com](https://www.goldcoastadvisors.com)
This profile captures the detailed background and expertise of Steve Stroz, positioning him as a strategic leader in CRM and business technology solutions with strong credentials, international client experience, and recognized industry leadership.
