Brent Solem: A Veteran Professional at Target from Burnsville, Minnesota
Brent Solem is a highly experienced and dedicated professional currently serving as the Office 365 Process Owner at Target, a role he has excelled in since May 2018. His extensive career, spanning over three decades, has seen him contribute to various technological and business operations within the company, positioning him as a key figure in Target’s technological infrastructure. This article explores his career journey, contributions, educational background, and his personal achievements in the world of enterprise solutions and collaboration technologies.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Burnsville, Minnesota, Brent Solem’s educational journey began at Luther College, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from 1989 to 1993. His academic background in political science helped him develop a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving, which would later become vital in his professional career. Although his degree was not directly related to IT or engineering, his strategic mindset and ability to navigate complex situations played a significant role in his successful transition into the technology industry.
Brent Solem’s Career at Target
Brent’s career at Target, one of the largest and most recognized retail chains in the United States, began in 1994. With over 30 years of dedicated service, Brent has had an impactful journey with the company, holding various significant roles and overseeing numerous projects aimed at enhancing Target’s internal systems and collaboration technologies.
Office 365 Process Owner
Since May 2018, Brent Solem has been working as the Office 365 Process Owner at Target. In this role, Brent is responsible for ensuring that Target’s enterprise collaboration tools and platforms, such as Office 365, align with business needs. He works with agile teams to deliver solutions that optimize workflow, communication, and project management across the organization. His skills in SharePoint Administration, data analysis, and product management have been essential in improving how Target’s employees communicate, collaborate, and share information through digital tools.
Brent’s deep expertise in collaboration technologies such as SharePoint Online and Software Development has allowed him to make substantial contributions to Target’s internal infrastructure. His work has ensured that employees across the company have access to reliable, efficient, and cutting-edge solutions that help them perform their daily tasks seamlessly.
Lead Functional Analyst / Information Architect
Before assuming his current role, Brent served as the Lead Functional Analyst / Information Architect at Target from February 2010 to May 2018. During this period, Brent was instrumental in the transition of Target’s intranet system to SharePoint, which is a platform for collaboration and document management. This shift played a crucial role in connecting various teams, enhancing productivity, and providing a unified platform for sharing information. His work focused on creating business profiles and activity streams to connect different areas of the company, improving the overall user experience for employees.
In this role, Brent was also responsible for designing and implementing the architecture needed to manage and organize the vast amount of data within Target’s intranet. By improving internal communication tools and introducing new ways for employees to interact with company resources, he was able to streamline business operations and enhance collaboration across departments.
Business Analyst and Senior Systems Engineer
Earlier in his career at Target, Brent held the roles of Business Analyst and Senior Systems Engineer. Between November 2008 and September 2010, Brent worked on redesigning Target’s intranet, focusing on the enhancement of the search functionalities, collaboration tools, and portal systems. This redesign helped to improve how employees accessed information and communicated across departments.
As a Senior Systems Engineer from May 2006 to November 2008, Brent managed the full lifecycle of releases for an internal Rich Internet Application (RIA). His ability to coordinate different phases of the project—from planning and design to development and deployment—demonstrated his technical expertise and project management skills. Prior to that, he also held roles as a Systems Engineer and Associate Systems Engineer, where he contributed to the development and optimization of internal systems at Target.
A Diverse Range of Skills
Brent Solem’s expertise spans various areas within IT and business operations. His work includes project management, agile methodologies, software development, and the optimization of enterprise systems such as SharePoint and Office 365. His ability to manage complex projects, ensure they align with business objectives, and deliver results that improve operational efficiency has made him a trusted leader within Target’s IT department.
His skill set includes expertise in communication, SharePoint administration, and product management, all of which are crucial for the smooth functioning of a large-scale enterprise like Target. These skills have allowed him to navigate through the challenges of managing enterprise systems, ensuring they meet both business needs and employee expectations.
Brent Solem’s Impact on Target and Beyond
Brent’s contributions to Target have been fundamental in shaping the company’s approach to internal collaboration, data management, and technology-driven solutions. His work in transitioning the intranet to SharePoint and enhancing collaboration through Office 365 has had a lasting impact on how employees at all levels work together. Brent has been a key player in transforming Target into a more connected, efficient, and tech-savvy organization.
Additionally, his ability to manage large-scale projects has earned him a reputation as a reliable and strategic leader. Whether managing the transition of the intranet or overseeing the adoption of new collaboration tools, Brent has always focused on driving value for the business, ensuring that Target remains competitive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Outside of his professional life, Brent Solem is a family man and a strong supporter of community initiatives. He is involved in local activities and has a passion for soccer, both as a coach and a supporter. Brent’s ability to balance his personal and professional life demonstrates his dedication to not only his career but also to making a positive impact on his community.
His long tenure at Target and his successful career path show how hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new technologies can lead to a fulfilling and successful professional journey. As an Office 365 Process Owner, Brent continues to make important contributions to the way businesses operate in the digital age.
Conclusion
Brent Solem’s career journey at Target serves as a powerful example of dedication, expertise, and leadership in the tech industry. From his early days as a Technical Analyst to his current role as Office 365 Process Owner, Brent has been a driving force behind Target’s success in adopting and implementing advanced collaboration tools that have improved the company’s internal systems. His career highlights the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and a passion for solving complex business challenges with technology.
As Brent continues to contribute to Target’s mission of delivering exceptional guest experiences, his role in enhancing collaboration and communication within the organization remains essential. With over three decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, Brent Solem’s professional legacy at Target will continue to be felt for years to come.
In a fast-paced, ever-changing world, Brent’s story stands as an inspiration for professionals striving to make a meaningful impact in the world of enterprise technology and business operations. His journey proves that with dedication and a strong skill set, it is possible to achieve long-term success while driving innovation and change within a major corporation.
