Spotlight: Jeff Ellis

 

Q: Tell us about yourself!
A:  Been in NWA for 30 years, but recently moved back here from Las Vegas. I have been with Kitestring for 14 months, all at the Car-Mart account. I don’t really have a title; I “lean in” with the CTO of Car-Mart and suggest resources and courses of action to address corporate issues.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Riding Motorcycles, fishing with the Mrs., and making beef jerky!!

Q: What led you to this career? Were you influenced by anyone or anything?
A: Jason Todd was a large influence in getting me to KS.  I have worked with him before. Jason encouraged me to apply to the company, stating it was a great workplace. He was not wrong!!  😊

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing since joining Kitestring?
A: We have built an exceptional team at Car-Mart, growing the account for two associates when I got there to over 20 today. With the support of KS management, we have expanded our service offerings to include Security, Infrastructure, reporting, DBA support, and Project Management at Car-Mart.

Q: What’s one thing –industry-related or not – you learned in the last month?
A: There is never a shortage of things to learn. I suppose the thing I learned is how much some of the tools in the IT Operations area have grown since I last “dabbled” in them.

Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: Teaching people that they CAN make a difference. Helping them grow and achieve goals they never even imagined they could do.

Q: Where is your favorite destination to travel to, and why?
A: Anywhere the fish are biting. Honestly, the destination doesn’t matter; the company you keep does.

Q: What could you give a 30-minute presentation without advance preparation?
A:   Security principles. Regulatory Compliance.  IT Ops

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A:  I never had a clue to be honest. I wanted to fly; I will get there. Now I just like solving problems and helping people grow.

Q: What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
A: Sometimes, there isn’t anyone that knows the answers. You can either figure it out or suffer with the consequences of not trying.