In today’s world, technology is ever evolving and as a company, we are too. Furthermore, when it comes to our team, we stand strong by our brand promise to DRIVE results for our customers. That’s why we’re excited to feature the Involta Spotlight.
Each month we feature several Involta team members from a personal and professional standpoint. Our illuminating interviews will capture the essence of what drives our team to deliver both at home and on the job. Our clients will get an inside look into who we are and learn more about our exceptional team members who are here to help our clients through their IT transformation journey. It’s our goal to help our clients “Get There” through trusting, communicative and collaborative relationships.
What do you do at Involta and in what circumstances would I come to you for something?
I support our Boise, ID sales team and help assess which products and services, specifically in our Tucson market, make sense for our customers.
What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?
Before I came into my role at Involta, I had always been on the customer side of business. One skill I’ve determined I need on the sales side of business is knowing how to listen. For a year and a half, now, I’ve been working with customers and I still have to resist the urge to ask questions right away. I need to take in the whole story because hearing what the customer has to say is most important.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
A previous manager – who is also a friend and mentor of mine for more than 12 years. We’ve been through three companies in two different states together. I’ve learned how to accept criticisms, fix my faults and pursue things in a positive manner. He is a genuine role model. Whenever there was an outside pressure, he would stand in front of his employees and protect them. When it came to company successes, he would let his employees stand in front of him and take the credit. Over the years, I’ve tried to model myself after him. Without exposure to him, I don’t think I would’ve accomplished the successes I’ve had today. The best part is, we are still in touch, so I can always look to him for advice when I need it.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?
Both personally and professionally my trait for success has been persistence. I met my wife when we were in college. At first, she didn’t want anything to do with me, but I was persistent and continued to pursue her. Now, here we are thirty years later, happily married. When it comes to technology, when there is a problem, no matter what it is, I stick with it until it is fixed. I constantly look for solutions or come at the problem from a different angle and involve other people. I never give up.
What is your favorite hobby?
I like working with my hands either making, creating, fixing or refinishing things. Lately, I’ve been tying flies, wood working and fixing up my old Jeep. My projects vary, but it’s a common thing. In my free time, I enjoy projects aside from being behind a computer.
What’s the best advice you were given? From who?
I’ve been told that nobody is irreplaceable. This advice may come across as negative, but it was very helpful to me. It made me aware of my actions and made me realize the importance of communicating with others. If you have the opportunity to help others and share your knowledge, don’t hoard it. Hearing this shocked me at first, but being able to reflect on it over the years has helped me. I’ve learned to not get too self-important and to make it about the team, not about me. It turned out to be really good advice in the long term.
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