Ryan Hernalsteen

How did you get started with Salesforce?

Like many consultants, I was an accidental admin.  I was working at a company that implemented Salesforce, and I took over our Marketing Cloud org with no prior experience.  Once I started to get experience with the broader Salesforce ecosystem, I saw the opportunity to expand my knowledge in consulting, and ran with it.

What’s your favorite thing about building solutions with Salesforce?

There's so much you can do declaratively, but the possibilities are endless when you throw in some coding as well.

What energizes you at work?

Solving a problem that I've been struggling with for days, or building something that really excites or delights a client.

Name a work achievement you are proud of.

Speaking about Data Cloud on one of the main stages at Connections in 2024.

Who or what inspires you?

JP Dinnell.  He's a retired Navy SEAL, who served under Jocko Willink (podcast host, co-author of "Extreme Ownership", and co-founder of Echelon Front, a leadership consulting group).  Not only is he extremely accomplished, but he is open about his weakness and failures, and how he has overcome them.  A lot of these guys seem perfect and larger than life, so I find great inspiration from hearing how a "regular" guy has done great things through discipline and hard work.

What’s one thing you recently learned or are learning now?

I feel like Data Cloud and Agentforce are evolving so rapidly, I'm always learning something new about them both.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Disciplined, loyal, friendly

What's something you love about where you live?

I'm less than 5 miles from Lake Michigan. I can be on the beach with my family on 10 minutes notice!

What could we find you doing outside of work?

Watching either of my girls play volleyball (school and club), or watching my youngest daughter play softball.  Other than that, I also love hiking, traveling, and watching Marvel / Star Wars stuff.

What trend do you hope makes a comeback?

Video games for under $50, that don't require a subscription or try to sell you additional content

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I don't do karaoke... so "Tequila" I guess!