Welcome back to our Team Highlight! Today, meet Connor from Integris’ Duluth office.
Could you describe your role/what you do in 2-3 sentences?
I am a managed services technician supporting Northern Minnesota clients within our midwest region. We handle anything that a client might deem as a “computer” related problem. These issues range from hardware troubleshooting, public DNS/domain management, to server OS level troubleshooting. We are the first point of contact for almost any issue that a client may encounter.
How did you become interested in your profession as a career?
I have always had a fascination with technology and as with most people in the “older” millennial age group I grew up building and utilizing PCs. In 2014 I was looking for a change of pace and was brought on board as a member of the client-facing “break-fix” team.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Managed services issues are often due to a vast expanse of source problems. There isn’t a single day that goes by that I don’t find myself encountering a different issue and being forced to learn something new. Some people say that variety is the spice of life, which means that a position in managed services is spicy indeed.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? What are some of your hobbies?
Since moving to Minnesota in early the early 2000s I started curling with my late grandfather. Since that time I have been completely hooked on the sport and find it dominating my non-work life during the long northern winters. During the summer I enjoy flying drones, taking pictures, and spending time near a body of water with my wife and dogs.
Your favorite… album, book, movie, or game? (You can just pick one category)
Album: Scar Symmetry: Pitch black Progress
Book: Any Star Wars book (before Disney took over)
Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Game: Halo 3
What are some things you love about the place you currently live?
Northern Minnesota is just a great mix of everything I enjoy. Modern amenities are close at hand, but you also don’t need to go far to get out in nature. If you can’t stand the cold (I don’t mind it), the springs and summers are absolutely perfect. For those times during the summer when it gets too hot, all you need to do is pick one of our 10,000 lakes to go explore. If they could add an ocean at some point I don’t think I would have a reason to ever leave again.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl, 100%. It normally takes me a couple of cups of coffee to get going in the morning.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I see my family still living up in this area of Minnesota. Hopefully, at this point, we have had the good fortune to purchase land and build a home.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Whatever you do, give it your all” This was a saying that my grandfather was fond of and I feel it’s something everyone can implement to their benefit. Even if you are doing something that you aren’t stoked about, you can still find a sense of accomplishment in knowing that you didn’t hold anything back.
If you could have a superpower, what would you want and why?
Ah, the age-old question thrown around elementary schools across the globe. I’ve obviously had many years to ponder this question, and my answers have evolved over time. Honestly, I feel like almost any superpower would eventually be used for selfish reasons no matter the original intent. However, at this point, I feel that if I had to choose one it would be some sort of hyper-intelligence.