H - HI&I: A History

They say the universe works in mysterious ways, and the journey of Herbert Insights & Innovations (HI&I) is living proof of that. From technical expertise to compliance-driven solutions, the story of HI&I reflects the complementary strengths and shared vision of its founders, Jessica and Marty Herbert.

A Steady Hand: Jessica’s Story

Jessica Herbert’s story is one of steady growth and technical mastery, forming the backbone of HI&I’s leadership. As the Chairwoman and CFO of HI&I, Jessica brings a wealth of experience in finance, ERP systems, and data analytics, alongside a steady commitment to delivering accurate, on-time results for clients. Her career is defined by solving complex problems and creating systems that work - now and for the future.

Jessica’s journey began with a solid foundation in Management Information Systems, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. From there, she embarked on a career dedicated to solving complex data and integration challenges, quickly becoming a sought-after expert in her field.

Her early roles focused on managing database security, developing data migration tools, and integrating legacy systems into platforms like Deltek Costpoint. She honed her skills in data transformation, ETL processes, and project management, setting the stage for her future leadership roles.

Jessica continued to excel as a senior principal consultant and director where she designed integrations across multiple platforms, utilized APIs for custom enhancements, and managed large-scale ERP transformations. Her ability to balance technical precision with strategic oversight has earned her numerous accolades.

Today, Jessica’s expertise spans Deltek Costpoint, Power BI dashboard development, workflow automation through Nutrient Workflow Automation (formerly Integrify), and advanced financial analysis. She has built a reputation for her ability to streamline operations, enhance data accuracy, and provide usable intelligence that drives smarter decision-making. Whether addressing inefficiencies in financial system data or designing workflows that align with business goals, Jessica approaches every challenge with precision and purpose.

As the primary owner of HI&I and a leader in this Woman-Owned Small Business, Jessica exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation and care. Her leadership style prioritizes collaboration and mentorship, ensuring that HI&I is a place where both clients and team members feel supported. Jessica’s vision for the company reflects her belief in empowering others and creating solutions that make life easier for everyone involved.

The Road to Here: Marty’s Journey

Marty Herbert’s path to founding HI&I was shaped by a mix of chance and determination. Originally set on a business administration degree, Marty’s journey took a turn when a professor recognized his talent for accounting and encouraged him to switch majors. That pivotal moment set the stage for a career focused on solving complex problems and creating efficient systems.

Marty’s love for cost accounting, a niche few embrace, led him to the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), where he launched his career as a GS-7 auditor. His time at DCAA was marked by rapid advancement and an ever-growing passion for compliance and government contracting. From there, Marty explored roles in compliance, risk management, and analytics, including stints as a Regional IT Auditor and Director of Finance.

Throughout his career, Marty has worn many hats, from implementing ISO 9001 quality management systems to building tools for government contracts compliance. His title as Government Compliance Workflow Specialist highlighted his ability to design innovative solutions, while his blog on compliance amassed a loyal following of 1,500 monthly readers.

The last decade of Marty’s career focused on building practices, managing clients, and developing relationships and processes that now form the backbone of HI&I’s approach. Marty has overcome numerous bumps in the road related to his health, but has accelerated rapidly after each one. Every 10 years or so since starting his career, a health scare has caused him to take stock of what matters and re-prioritize. Most recently, that event came just before creating the idea for HI&I with Jessica after a serious hospitalization. His journey reflects a commitment to growth, embracing challenges, and finding new ways to simplify the complex. His focus is leading the company as a servant leader and providing direction to the next generation of professionals.

A Vision for the Present and Future

HI&I is a reflection of the values Jessica and Marty share. As a Woman-Owned Small Business, HI&I operates with transparency and collaboration at its core. The founders believe in “oversharing” in the best way possible: openly sharing skills, knowledge, and lessons learned to empower clients and employees alike.

The company’s approach is rooted in mentorship, guided by the influence of great professors, supervisors, and managers who shaped Jessica and Marty’s careers. Whether working with clients or building their team, they prioritize genuine connections, blending professionalism with personal care. Their goal is simple yet profound: to create a business that supports growth, fosters trust, and delivers solutions that make complexity simple.

Depending on where you look it up, Jessica and Marty might be labeled as Xennials - a fitting reflection of their ability to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. Whatever the label, they wear it with pride, infusing HI&I with the best of both worlds: time-tested values and forward-thinking strategies.

At HI&I, the past informs the future, and every step of the journey has been intentional. Together, Jessica and Marty have built a company that reflects their shared vision of making complexity simple, fostering collaboration, and delivering value to clients every step of the way.

-Marty & Jessica Herbert