What is your role at Mainstay?
Going out and interacting directly with our clients, troubleshooting workstation and network issues, and working with individuals to streamline their use of IT. Behind the scenes, I implement and manage cloud backup solutions.
What are your technology specialties?
Troubleshooting hardware and software issues. Everything is a system, and when a system breaks it is just a matter of tracking down the failure. Every problem is a puzzle that I am compelled to solve! I am also currently pursuing several Cisco networking certifications, and have experience in various Linux environments.
What was your first memory of using computers?
In the early 90’s, our home was the first in the neighborhood to have a computer with dial-up. I instantly became the most popular kid on the block, and that terrible screeching sound of dial-up connecting still holds a special place in my heart. Ever since then, my home has been filled with a plethora of old and new technology that I just can’t stop tinkering with!
When you’re not found in front of a computer you are…
With one of my 14 guitars. It is a passion and the only thing that will always take away the stress of a day.
What was the last great book you read?
Miriam Webster’s dictionary; seriously. I used to read books and loved learning new words from them, but then I realized that there aren’t that many unique words in any given book. The obvious solution was to cut out the “middle man” and go straight to the source. Did you know that your great-great-great grandfather is your “quatrayle”?
If you could go anywhere for an entire month, where would it be and why would you go there?
The road. I have been fortunate enough to take many road trips around the country, and I plan to take many more. I like setting a loose destination, getting in my car, and just going. Maybe I’d stop at the world’s largest ball of twine. Maybe I’d spend a week stranded in New Orleans. That’s what I love about road trips- you never know what is going to happen!
What are you most frequently heard listening to?
Anything with great guitar in it. I really enjoy a good flamenco or gypsy jazz piece, but I am pretty open to most styles.
What is one thing you love about your career?
The freedom and encouragement to pursue my passions, and the open environment that allows each of us to discover where those passions lie, and how they fit in on the team.
What is one thing that everyone should know about Mainstay?
Everyone here loves what they are doing, and has such an energizing passion that shows in everything they do. We also have the most amazing clients!
What would you do if you had an extra 5 hours every week?
I would spend 42 minutes watching CSI: Miami without feeling guilty. 18 minutes would go to unashamedly browse Facebook. 1 hour 7 minutes would be spent walking the quiet wooded path by my house. I would then take a long 23-minute shower because nature is dirty. An hour and a half would be purely focused guitar time. 57 minutes would go to cooking a nice meal- no takeout or sandwiches. Wow, I only have 3 minutes left- maybe I should have felt more guilty about watching CSI…