[01:15] How big is your employee base at ARC?

Around 1500 currently.

[01:25] Are you a Microsoft shop?

We are currently. We also have a number of Linux platforms as well.

[02:06] What was your first computer?

It was probably an IBM 8086 system. My dad brought it home, so I don’t remember exactly where it came from.

[02:25] Nobody expects to be in computers for life, did you see this being your path?

In college, I studied physics and intended to be a physicist. Now I’ve been doing it for over 30 years. I worked for Naval and Intelligence after college and had to learn to program for my job and research.

[04:44] As Director of IT, what have you been seeing as your biggest challenge lately?

At the start of the pandemic, switching to remote work over in the office was challenging. Now we are mostly back in the office and there is still some working remote. Keeping systems up and running, and improving analytics and visibility to the leadership team, are things we are currently looking at.

[05:50] Where do you guys begin with that implementation?

Right now, it’s internal and staff is going through training with the product we have acquired. It’s mostly our quality staff going through it at the moment although IT is also undertaking it to understand end-user concerns. The initial plan is to provide data to shed light on the issues and ultimately integrate with machinery to shut down ops that are looking out of spec.

[07:05] Have you found any inefficiencies yet?

It’s just the beginning and we have just finished the first training cycle. In the next few months, we will begin implementation. We have high expectations for the product we have selected, and about 6 months of research has gone into it.

[07:44] In what sense?

What we’re looking for is quality improvement in our products and reduce scraps.

[08:55] Did something about IT become exciting to you? What flipped the switch after college?

I came from software development and that is what got me into it. In grad school I got a job as a programmer, and problem solving was something I enjoyed. Creating infrastructure and laying foundations is something I also enjoy.

[11:20] Where did you get the experience and courage to make part of your job presenting to people?

I got more exposure when I worked as a Business Systems Manager down in Florida. It was a learn on-the-job experience and the company invested in my learning.

[15:30] Now that you’re a director, what kind of reports do you prefer to get?

A happy medium between bullet points and heavily detailed. We have what is called an issues list, what’s been handled, what needs resolving etc.

[17:15] How many guys do you have directly on your team?

In Knoxville right now we have 4.

[17:48] Do you have direct contact with end-users?

Yes, via phone, Teams, etc.

[18:08] What was the biggest change forced by the pandemic?

Making sure we had enough equipment for remote working. The bulk of communication was done through Teams.

[21:20] How did the IT department deal with the pandemic switch?

It really wasn’t that bad, the platform we used was sound and helped the transition.

[22:15] When you talk with other IT professionals, what’s the most passionate subject?

More along the lines of software development. I still get excited about it and like learning and developing new techniques.

[24:00] How do you find good software development people?

There should be some testing or skill level testing involved as well as an interview.

[25:28] What does that test involve?

Some basic design, approaching problem-solving, analysis. Nothing deep but a gauge for their base technique.

[28:27] For IT Directors out there, what’s the end game?

I want to work forever; I’ve not thought about retirement. The end goal for the business is to show value.

[29:30] What bold moves do IT leaders need to make?

Get involved with projects and show your value. If you aren’t involved, you can’t be prepared.