Hello. I’m David Rohlwing.
I believe that everyone can grow their organization by building strategies that center around people. I’m here to help you set aside tech overwhelm and reimagine how you provide meaningful impact to the humans you serve.
I have over 15 years of experience, primarily at Google and Salesforce, building strategies and running operations to bring products and services to life in high-end, in-person experiences: events, executive engagements, developer and community workshops, sales operations and more.
I know what it takes to drive success from the inside, because I’ve done it myself (alongside really incredible people, of course).
My mission is to help you enhance your operations, engage your team and partners, and create experiences that deeply resonate. Let’s work together, grow your organization, and keep it human!
Here are some of my career highlights.
Salesforce Innovation Center
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From 2016 to 2022, I led the Experience team at Salesforce's Innovation Center in San Francisco. I was the first person hired in an operational management role and later became the Director of Experience. Over my tenure, I watched our small team of 11 grow to a robust 40, and was pivotal in expanding the program's (actual) HQ footprint from 11,000 sq ft on one floor to 40,000 sq ft on three floors in two buildings. ...among other centers globally.
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Salesforce wanted to transform its Executive Briefing Center into a true Innovation Center. Our mission was to host top executives from top customers and ensure every engagement was memorable and impactful.
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I built the Experience team from the ground up, ensuring every detail of the customer experience was flawless—from landing at SFO, to the on-site experience itself, to dining at prime Bay Area restaurants.
We didn't just create meaningful experiences and beautiful spaces; we developed operationally efficiency and impact. I managed a $2M annual operating budget, oversaw the design and implementation of state-of-the-art facilities, and coordinated with a myriad of Salesforce partner teams to ensure everything ran smoothly.
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Innovation: We expanded from 5 briefing rooms to 10, added multi-purpose spaces, and expanded 'the art of the possible,' making our center a true hub of innovation.
Global Reach: With the global strategy that I built, I launched additional centers in New York, London, and Tokyo, ensuring a consistent yet locally tailored experience for clients worldwide.
Human-Centric Approach: I brought a human touch to a tech-heavy environment, focusing on what would truly delight and resonate with our executive customers. This approach helped Salesforce strengthen its client relationships and drive business growth.
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This role allowed me to blend my love for design and human connection. We transformed routine meetings into extraordinary experiences, making a significant impact on Salesforce’s executive engagement strategy. I’m proud of the lasting mark I left on what an executive customer experience should be at a leading tech company.
Google Glass
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From 2013 to 2015, I was one of the first program managers on the top-secret Google Glass project at Google X. Moving from Chicago to the Bay Area on three weeks' notice, I jumped into one of the most exciting and challenging roles of my career.
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Google Glass was one of the first wearable technology devices, and the world was watching closely. Our goal was to launch the Glass Explorer Program, inviting select individuals to experience and purchase the device, while also managing public perception and fostering a community of developers.
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I led a team of 30+ Glass Guides in San Francisco (closely tied to Guide teams in Los Angeles, and New York) responsible for fitting customers with the device and demonstrating its capabilities to a wide range of influential figures, from Fortune 50 executives to government leaders and celebrities.
We traveled extensively, hosting closed-door events and showcasing the device’s potential. My team also served as the vital link between Glass Explorers and Google’s internal development and marketing teams, relaying feedback and insights to refine the product.
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Team Leadership: I hired and motivated a diverse team, navigating the uncertainties and rapid changes inherent in pioneering new technology.
Customer Experience: Despite the product’s challenges, we created unforgettable in-person experiences that left a lasting impression on our customers
Developer Community: We worked closely with external developers to explore new use cases and applications for Google Glass, pushing the boundaries of wearable technology.
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This experience was a whirlwind—a crash course in leadership, innovation, and resilience. We didn’t just launch a product; we sparked a conversation about the future of technology. Even though Google Glass faced many hurdles, I’m proud to have been part of such a groundbreaking project. It was a Silicon Valley adventure I’ll always cherish.