Jordan Conley
Supply Coordinator - Tyler Office
Both Justin Harper and Mitzi Lloyd have always made me feel like they were on my side and I could trust them. I can go to them with any situation and know they will “coach” me through it. I also feel like the entire administration team works well together and will help each other out. When you can trust your managers (coach’s) and your co-workers (teammates) it creates a positive work environment. I truly enjoy coming to work because of them.
Aaron Sauer
Senior IT Administrator - Saint Louis Office
When I first started working with the company over 25 years ago I had a warehouse manager who understood his employees. He was honest yet genuine! He told me the first day that you’re gonna make mistakes but don’t worry about it, move on and learn from those mistakes. I know it’s hard to believe but I still make mistakes today 😊 and try to learn from them and push forward.
Mark McKinney
Service Manager - Little Rock Office
Halfway through my junior year, I was playing running back and I broke a toe in my right foot. I was told that I wasn’t going to be able to put pressure on that foot, which meant I could run but couldn’t make cuts that a running back needed to do.
A coach told me “I need you on the field. You’re at a crossroads, you need to decide how important football is to you. You’re still an asset to this team, you just can’t play the same position.” I asked him what I could do. We came up with a position… I moved from running back to weak-side defensive end and worked in coverage and on pass rush.
That’s exactly what we do every day as people with jobs. We adjust. We ask “what can I do?” I would never have fully understood that without that experience with that coach’s guidance. You have to decide what’s important. You gotta make it happen.
Jonathan Smith
Account Representative - Little Rock Office
I can remember when I was younger having a particularly bad practice. My coach was on my case then entire practice. No matter what I did or how hard I tried, I just couldn’t do anything right or to his liking. At the time this was hard for me to understand because I knew that I was one of the better players on the team. I couldn’t understand why he chose to single me out on that particular day. After practice my head was down and my confidence was gone. Coach took me to the side afterwards and told me that he knew he had been a little hard on me. He also said, “Jonathan, on good teams coaches hold players accountable. On great teams players hold players accountable. You can only hold someone else accountable if they’ve seen you putting in the work to be ready when the time comes…”
Great teams are made up of individuals that can look at one another, and KNOW that each of them has done the work to be ready. It’s an expectation, not a hope… And when everyone holds everyone else to that expectation, the entire group will be ready when the time comes.
Brad Russell
Technology Services Delivery Manager - Little Rock Office
Years ago, I was told the following
“You have a choice to make every time you’re involved in a customer service interaction. In their eyes,...
- Do you want to be average or awesome?
- Do you want to be mediocre or magnificent
- Do you want to be par for the course or be the one to raise the bar?
That choice is yours to make.”
It has stuck with me. I have said the same so many times to my colleagues. It has shaped my outlook on service. That is one of the most powerful things I’ve heard regarding service, and is what compels me to do more.
Roy Faries
CRM Application Administrator - Dallas/Fort Worth Office
I first met Datamax’s VP of Marketing Robert Caldwell 30 years ago when Datamax was hiring a database programmer part time. At the time, Datamax had only been in the area a short time and there was no need for a full-time programmer.
Robert wanted a simple Customer Relationship Management (CRM) program and hired me to do it. It did not take long for me to realize the type of boss Robert would be. At first contact, I realized his wealth of knowledge, not only in marketing, but in the copier industry, in the processes of a good working CRM, and the extent it can become.
Robert is passionate about everything he does and it shows in his work. He pays close attention to the details and is not satisfied until it is absolutely the way he envisions it. He demands from his coworkers the same passion and attention to detail that he possesses. I will admit, at first, it was a bit frustrating at times, trying to live up to his standards. However, I realized it was that drive to perfection that leads to a better product in the end.
Robert eventually taught me to not be so defensive about my work, and to strive hard to get the end result I can be truly proud of. Robert has influenced me in many ways. I feel his leadership has molded me into a better employee and a stronger person. I try to approach every task and request the way he would, to do my best in everything I do. Anyone who knows him, anyone who has ever worked with him, and anyone who sees his work will know what I’m talking about.
Steve Kennemer
Vice President of Service - Dallas/Fort Worth Office
I'll never forget what my dad said next (after Steve mentioned not feeling like he was part of the varsity football team). He told me, This is a lesson you’re going to need to learn. You don’t just join a team. You earn the right to be part of that team. You need to be the first one on the field and the last one to leave it. Show you’re working just as hard, you’re helping people, and the team will want to join you.”
Kristina Prichard
Account Representative - Little Rock Office
(Area Sales Manager) Ken Allison has been very instrumental in my success. He's on your side 24/7 and will go to bat for you any time. Once you’re in his circle he will protect you to the death.
Jeff Walker
Marketing Communications Manager - Tyler Office
This coach's message certainly wasn't directed at me, but it had a huge impact on me nonetheless.
Like ANY college football fan in America, I was glued to the TV the night in early 2006 when Texas played USC for the National Championship. As great as that game was (and it was among the best ever played), what stuck with me more than anything was what Texas Coach Mack Brown told his team in the locker room after the game. This is the gist of what he said:
“Don’t let this (playing football) be the best thing that ever happens in your life. Maybe it’ll be the best sports event, but don’t let it be the best thing. Make sure you’re a better father than this today. Make sure you’re a better husband than this today." Success is not defined by one moment or one event. When it comes to success (personal/professional/spiritual), you never truly "arrive." It's that pursuit that makes us whom we become.
Robert Caldwell
Vice President, Marketing - Tyler Office
The 6-Ps: "Proper preparation prevents piss poor performance"... I'll never forget it. I was not entirely sure how my High School football career would go after snapping a collarbone in Jr. High. I am very grateful for my Defense Back and Wide Receivers coach, who really challenged and spoke in to me, especially in the area of positional preparation. His toughness was measured with encouragement and a lot of one-one time helping me get coverages and routes run right.
A great coach does not just bark about what needs to be done, they get right down in the dirt with you to show you how it's done. That's priceless, and that's the sort of thing that inspires preparation and propels ultimate performance.
