Enhancing educational impact.
Helping colleges, universities and large scale organizations navigate an ever-changing financial landscape since 2023.
Why We’re Here
We provide strategic insights into mission-driven initiatives focused on sustainability and growth.
By emphasizing data-driven decision-making, operational efficiency, innovative program development, and diversified revenue streams, we can help colleges and universities navigate an increasingly complex landscape while enhancing their educational impact and mission.
Our Approach
Analytics to inform decision-making processes including assessing market trends, student demographics, and institutional performance metrics.
Empowerment
Through Data:
Revenue Generation:
Leveraging partnerships and unexpected ideas to grow revenues and build capital for all types organizations.
Enhancing student outcomes to foster learning and personal development.
Operational Excellence:
Student-Centric
Approach:
Streamlining operations to reduce costs while maintaining or improving service quality.
Who We Are
Dr. Brian Wickstrom
Managing Partner
Dr. Brian Wickstrom is an accomplished leader with 25+ years in higher education. In his current role as Managing Partner of Top Class, LLC, Brian focuses on fundraising, revenue generation, and operational improvements. He holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership, Sports Administration, and Business Administration, with a career spanning leadership roles at Division I universities and a private high school. Widely recognized for his expertise in fundraising and diversity hiring, Dr. Wickstrom has been named a top fundraising director and is actively involved in advancing college athletics and education. His work at Top Class, LLC focuses on helping institutions achieve sustainable growth through strategic guidance.
DEGREES:
Eastern Michigan University
Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership
Ohio University
Master of Sports Administration
Kansas State University
Master of Business Administration
Kansas State University
Bachelor of Science, Finance
FOCUS AREAS:
Revenue Growth
Fundraising
Public/Private Partnerships
Community Relationships
Branding
Media Exposure
Melanie Marcaurel
Managing Partner
With over 20 years of experience in finance and operations, Melanie is a results-driven higher education consultant specializing in cost-saving strategies and process improvements. She has held leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer, where she successfully reduced operational costs and improved service delivery through innovative financial strategies. Notable achievements include a 20% reduction in operational costs and a 30% decrease in administrative processing time, all while ensuring compliance and aligning financial goals with institutional missions. Her expertise in financial analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder collaboration has led to significant efficiencies across higher education environments.
FOCUS AREAS:
Financial Analysis Budgeting
Operational Efficiency Process Improvement
Strategic Planning Implementation
Stakeholder Engagement Communication
Data Analysis Reporting
Derek Barraza
Consultant
Derek is an innovative IT leader specializing in cost optimization and technology integration, with a proven track record of driving efficiencies and delivering cutting-edge solutions. He has achieved significant cost savings by negotiating vendor contracts and implementing new technologies, including founding a five-time national champion esports program. With a BAS in Finance and Management from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Derek is skilled in network infrastructure design, server migration, and Passive Optical Networks management. Outside of work, he is involved in community activities, including soccer coaching, refereeing, and mentoring in the esports community.
FOCUS AREAS:
Vendor Management & Cost Reduction
Network Infrastructure Design
PON Network Management
Who We
Work With
Primary Audience: University administrators, decision-makers in higher education, faculty members, and educational policymakers including community college and K-12 private institutions.
Secondary Audience: Any private business seeking information on institutional effectiveness and revenue growth strategies. This includes partnership strategies to increase branding effectiveness and market share growth.
Experience in:
University of California System
California State University System
University of Louisiana System
University of Texas System
Banking Industry
Current Clients:
Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association / Envoi / Michael’s Uniforms / LA Frontier Selects / Acquistapace Foundation / Scoreboard Media
" Brian and Melanie are highly effective leaders with a propensity for action. They look for creative solutions to problems and keep working until their plan comes to fruition. I have worked with Brian and will look for opportunities to do it again."
Charlie Megan - President Scoreboard Media