Welcome back to our Team Highlight! Today, meet Paul from Integris’ office in Austin, Texas.
Could you describe your role/what you do in 2-3 sentences?
I solve business challenges by helping people determine what the proper technology implementation looks like for their business. I help them to decode those challenges they know they face, and those that they do not.
How did you become interested in your profession as a career?
My first exposure to working in the IT space was working for a student-run IT department while at University. I fell in love with the industry and have been happy to work in it ever since. Seeing how happy people are when their technology issues are fixed is very rewarding and that has not dissipated for me since day one.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I most enjoy presenting solutions to our potential customers. I’m not sure I can put my finger on why, but presentation day is when I feel I’m most in my element. I love walking people through the changes we will be implementing and what the positive ripple effect through their business will look like. I find this especially true when presenting to non-technical people.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? What are some of your hobbies?
If I’m not at work, I can usually be found playing with my two sons, nerf battles are currently prone to take place at our house at any moment and I usually find myself the target. On the weekends I take both of my boys to the skateboard park which is another favorite thing to do for me.
If I manage to find free time for me, I can usually be found working on my planted aquarium, or working in the garden. Working and thinking about technology all day makes me appreciate getting my hands dirty sometimes.
Your favorite movie?
I’m an avid Sci-Fi fan, I’m not sure I could pick a favorite.
What are some things you love about the place you currently live?
We’ve recently moved to our home here and it’s been a major shift. It’s been nice being able to walk the kids to school instead of driving, and to have everything so close. In contrast to where we lived before, it seems like everything and I mean everything is local to us now. We used to plan trips to drive to some attraction, shopping, or the like, and would be an all-day affair. Now it’s a quick errand run. Love it here.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I am definitely a night owl. Please don’t tell my wife how late I stayed up.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Ten years from now I hope to be watching my kids go off to college and reclaiming some peace and quiet in the house!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Once upon a time my wife and I thought we were being smart waiting until we could afford kids. But someone I respect told me: “don’t wait, no matter how much money you make, you can’t afford kids.”
That same person told me some professional advice that has served me well in my sales career. “Never dread objections to your proposal, always run head first into addressing them, and treat them as challenges to overcome, not as barriers.”
If you could have a superpower, what would you want and why?
I would want the power to heal. I try to always be an empathetic person and that would be a great extension of that.
