From Custom Builds to Fivetran: Evolving Our Data Pipeline Strategy

From Custom Builds to Fivetran: Evolving Our Data Pipeline Strategy

Author: Brick Thompson, Jon Thompson, Caleb Ochs, Landon Ochs August 14, 2025 Duration: 7:34
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, Brick and Landon discuss their shift in thinking on whether to build custom data connectors or use third-party tools like Fivetran. They share the pros, cons, and lessons learned from their proof-of-concept with Fivetran, and why APIs are changing the data pipeline game. Key Moments: 1:15 – Why custom connectors made sense in the past 2:00 – The rise of APIs and the challenge of building connectors for them 2:39 – Realizing the variety of systems—and...

Every other Thursday, The Dashboard Effect cuts through the noise around business data. Host Brick Thompson of Blue Margin sits down with operators and leaders who are actually using analytics to steer their companies, moving beyond theory to the tangible realities of implementation. This isn't about abstract concepts; it's a focused discussion on building clarity and accountability through dashboards and reporting that people actually use. You'll hear specific stories about the hurdles mid-market and private equity-backed firms face when trying to make data-driven decisions a daily habit, not just an aspiration. The conversations in this podcast are built for leaders who need practical frameworks, whether it's about selecting the right metrics, fostering a data culture, or justifying the investment in business intelligence tools. Each episode aims to simplify a complex landscape, providing listeners with a clearer path to turning their information into a strategic advantage. Tune in for grounded advice that translates data from a potential asset into a genuine driver of business performance.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Dashboard Effect
Podcast Episodes
How to Unlock Value from Your Source System Data [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:39
In this episode, Brick and Caleb delve into the reasons why businesses might want to access and analyze data from systems like CRMs or ERPs, going beyond the system's built-in reporting capabilities. Listeners will learn…
Database 101: Breaking Down the Basics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:21
In this episode, Brick and Caleb lay out the fundamentals of databases. They provide a clear understanding of how data is structured, stored, and related in a database, using relatable examples like Excel sheets. This di…
Is Microsoft Fabric Your New All-in-One Solution? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:58
Brick and Caleb discuss the impact and implications of Microsoft's new data stack, Fabric. Can it completely replace the myriad of tools needed for data operations? How well will it integrate into a business workflow? De…
Get Ready for Power BI Copilot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:42
Brick and Caleb delve into the latest announcements from the Microsoft Build Conference, specifically focusing on Power BI and its upcoming Copilot feature. They share some of the capabilities of the Copilot's natural la…
Demystifying Microsoft Fabric and OneLake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:18
In this episode, Brick and Caleb discuss Microsoft's upcoming AI tools ("Copilots") and their new data management system, Microsoft Fabric, and how it fundamentally differs from its predecessor, Azure Synapse. They expla…
The Complexities of Data Lake Management [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:03
Brick and Caleb outline the importance (and complexities) of actively managing a data lake to meet ever-changing business needs and user requirements. Click here to watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Blue Margin…
Three Pillars for Your BI System Framework [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:26
In this episode, Brick and Caleb outline the three pillars of a BI system framework: data lakes, data modeling, and data visualization. Click here to watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Blue Margin increases enter…