Intro
Hi! I'm Sharon Faust, Quickbase Expert and Founder of Quick Base Junkie. I've been using Quickbase since 2011, when I first discovered it could transform projects from plodding, months-long nightmares into dreamy, ready-for-action solutions in days (or even hours!). Since 2018 I've been helping Quickbase builders learn fast and deliver more through my consulting, training, resources, and YouTube channel. And in 2025 I was presented with the Quickbase Qrew Legend award having been nominated by the Quickbase community for my contributions.
Quickbase Beginnings
- How did you first discover Quickbase?
I was introduced to Quickbase while working in process improvement at Intuit. At that time Intuit owned Quickbase and they were BIG Quickbase users. At Intuit it was not officially my job to build or maintain apps, but I had the opportunity to use apps that others built and in doing so I found many ways to leverage Quickbase support the work I was doing… which led me to building my own apps - What was the first thing you ever built in Quickbase?
My first app was a Learning Management System to track the Lean Six Sigma training and Kaizen events I was facilitating. Having struggled with Microsoft Access in the past, I was A-M-A-Z-E-D at how seriously user-friendly Quickbase was. The moment I discovered form rules that could dynamically show or hide fields based on another field's value, I was completely smitten. - When did you realize you were hooked on Quickbase?
In 2018 I left my successful corporate career to launch Quick Base Junkie. I'd been passionate about Quickbase for years, but committing to help builders full-time through training, consulting, and YouTube? That's when I knew I was all in. Now I literally wake up every day thinking about Quickbase (after dreaming about Quickbase formulas and Jinja code)… yeah you can say I'm hooked!
Building and Impact
- What's your favorite app aspect to build out in Quickbase?
It's hard to choose a single favorite! I think any time you solve a problem or create a new solution that takes some time to get just right there is a type of euphoria that is hard to describe. For me this can come from writing an API button formula that compresses a workflow into a single button click, building a pipeline that uses advanced jinja coding to dynamically adjust the output, or leveraging HTML & CSS to enhance the user experience.
But my absolute favorite, is probably teaching others how to use capabilities like these to enhance their apps & workflows. - What’s a build or project you’re most proud of?
Over 14+ years there have been many projects I'm proud of. The one that comes immediately to mind is a Vendor Pricing Portal. I completed it a number of years ago and it is still being used without issue today. The portal allows for multiple external vendors to easily supply pricing on hundreds of items each quarter. The past method using email and Excel spreadsheets was time consuming, error prone, and lacked visibility. Now with a few selections and the click of a button the quarterly bid packs are generated and links are emailed to the vendors. The vendors can carry forward the prior quarter's price or enter new pricing directly in Quickbase. Once they finish and submit the bid pack, it copies the details in the internal only Pricing App and allows the whole team to review and approve pricing by item across multiple vendors. I was able to share how I made lightning fast pipelines to support this workflow at the 2024 Empower Pro event. You can watch the replay and read all about it on the Quick Base Junkie blog: https://www.quickbasejunkie.com/blog/empowerpro24 - If you were a QB superhero, what would your special power be?
I think it's a two-part special power:
1) The ability to see wasteful inefficient workflows and instantly reimagine them as cost saving / revenue driving streamlined workflows. With my Lean Six Sigma background and Quickbase expertise, it's hard to watch people struggle with the ineffective tools when I've seen firsthand how Quickbase could solve their problems in a fraction of the time.
2) Teaching others how to leverage the various aspects of Quickbase to create valuable apps and workflows. I often receive positive feedback on the way I break down complex topics and demonstrate them step-by-step with examples that are easy to understand. - What’s one process you’ve automated that made life easier for your users?
I recently completed a project for a client that involved creating complex estimates in Quickbase. These estimates used to be developed in Excel using a template. Moving it to Quickbase brought a lot of benefits, but just the other day the Project Manager told me that the team that reviews the estimate before the final proposal goes out is now twiddling their thumbs because there is no need to verify all the totals/formulas since Quickbase does the work without the need or possibility of the user making edits to the underlying template. They now have hours at their disposal for more value-added work. Yassssss!
The Qrew Experience
- How did you discover the Qrew?
Back when I first started using Quickbase there was no Qrew. I'm not even sure if there was a community forum. In the beginning there were training webinars and not much else. Over time the Quickbase community has grown and evolved to support new and seasoned builders alike. As someone who can't get enough of Quickbase and all the nuanced, fun, creative strategies and tips I try to stay informed and participate in the Qrew events and forums. - What’s your favorite part of Qrew Meetups or the community?
The collaborative spirit. Everyone genuinely wants to help each other succeed, whether you're a beginner or an expert. I love seeing builders have "aha!" moments when they learn new ways to solve problems. I also get really tickled when someone shares a link to a Quick Base Junkie video or resource to help another builder 😊 - Why should others join or attend Qrew Meetups?
If you're the only Quickbase builder at your company, the Qrew becomes your extended team. You'll learn faster, build better apps, and discover creative solutions you'd never think of on your own. Plus, it's good to connect with people who understand why you get excited about building an API button or conditional drop-down!
- If you could describe the Qrew in three words, what would they be?
Collaborative, creative, passionate.
Beyond The Keyboard
- What do you like to do when you’re not building in Quickbase?
I'm currently reading my way through Agatha Christie's 66+ detective novels (I've completed 28). She has a true mastery of the mystery genre. I also enjoy sampling the skills of the vibrant craft brewing community in Southern California. My favorite brews are typically hefeweizens, red/amber/brown ales or stouts, and the occasional funky sour (sorry, IPAs you are not my cup of tea).
- What’s your go-to focus or creativity booster?
I like to use good old-fashioned pen and paper. When I feel a little stuck on an app design or need to get my thoughts organized, I gravitate towards the tangible and unrestricted aspect of writing and drawing my ideas (often in multiple colors). It can look very messy but, in the end, I often have the breakthrough I need. - How do you like to unwind after a full day of Quickbasing?
Typically, after working you'll find me relaxing with my husband on our back patio enjoying the view of the valley. I love the dusky time when it is still light out enough to see the color of the trees and houses but dark enough that you start to see the city lights.
- How can people connect with you?
You visit my website at QuickBaseJunkie.com for training courses, consulting, and free resources or subscribe to Quick Base Junkie on YouTube. I'm also active in the Quickbase Discord and love connecting with fellow builders!