I Need Coffee - Episode 171 - ERP Center of Excellence 2 Year Update

1. Inspiration and Vision: The idea for the ERP Center of Excellence in Berlin, El Salvador, stemmed from a thought-provoking question by the speaker’s tour guide, Salva, about whether tourism and service jobs were the future for El Salvador. This sparked the concept of creating a Business Central ERP training program to provide higher-value job opportunities.

2. Personal Initiative and Risk-Taking: The speaker took a bold step by announcing the ERP Center of Excellence via a live stream on July 29, 2023, without prior connections or a clear plan, highlighting the courage and determination to pursue a challenging idea despite uncertainties.

3. Building from Scratch: The project began with minimal resources in a remote location (Berlin, El Salvador). The speaker had to supply everything, from laptops and furniture to electrical wiring and windows, emphasizing the logistical challenges of establishing a training center in a resource-scarce area.

4. Community Engagement and Impact: The initiative extended beyond training to include community support, such as sponsoring 16 students for an intensive English training program (English Academy scholarship), supporting a local soccer team, and hosting a Christmas festival for children in Canton El Coyolar.

5. Team Development and Growth: The center started with two trainees, Joselyn and David, in June 2024, and expanded to include Ronald, Franklin, and Fatima by July 2025. Each team member developed specialized skills, such as PowerBI, data migration, ISV expertise, and AL development for Business Central.

6. Partnerships and Networking: The speaker leveraged connections (e.g., RSM, Nikki, and James) and serendipitous encounters to build relationships and gain local support, underscoring the importance of persistence and networking in an unfamiliar environment.

7. Overcoming Challenges: Challenges included the lack of local resources, high costs of equipment, and the need for self-sufficiency (e.g., bringing tools and parts for laptop maintenance). The team also renovated a house to serve as a more comfortable office and classroom space.

8. Educational Innovation: The establishment of the Berlin English Academy for advanced English training, focusing on American pronunciation, highlights the commitment to enhancing local skills beyond ERP training to improve employability.

9. Resilience and Adaptability: Despite setbacks like illness from a trip and initial skepticism from locals, the speaker persevered, adapting to challenges and maintaining momentum over two years.

10. Long-Term Commitment: The speaker’s repeated trips to El Salvador, investment in infrastructure, and ongoing support for team and community initiatives reflect a sustained dedication to the project’s success and its impact on Berlin, El Salvador.

These themes collectively illustrate a journey of vision, perseverance, and community-focused development in building a unique training initiative in a challenging environment.