This month, we turn our attention south — where pine trees stand tall, landscapes stretch wide, and pride runs deep. From Big Bend views (click to catch my first-hand perspective of Big Bend's Lost Mine Trail!) to thriving food scenes and Friday night football, Texas offers a sense of place that’s hard to define but easy to feel.
In Part II of our State Champion series, we’re spotlighting the Datamaxers who call the Lone Star State home. Whether it’s the pace of Northeast Texas or the pulse of the Metroplex, the passion here runs deep in the heart. In Texas, ya’ll, we don’t just live here — we champion it.
When I think back on my earliest experiences in Texas, what I remember most isn’t the size or the stereotypes, but the welcome. On one of my first trips in the 1980s, Dick Callier and I visited Dallas-based Inwood Business Machines Inc. Then-President Larry Jackson’s hospitality stood out.
President, Datamax Inc.
As the Artillery Band Drum Major of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band in 2009, Dallas-based Technology Specialist William O'Gorman inherited a set of values that will carry him for a lifetime. Learn more about his experience leading "The Noble Men of Kyle."
Also, don't miss your chance to see the band perform what is often called the "Impossible Drill."
Ever seen the sunset at Possum Kingdom Lake? Steve Kennemer sure has. Read more about Steve's experience, along with some lake tips from your peers.
When the unexpected injury or illness occurs, Datamax has a policy to help. Click to review our Long-Term Disability package.
In Texas, high school football isn’t just a game under the lights. It’s a weekly rite of passage that brings neighbors, families, and generations together. Tyler's Jerry Ford doesn't miss a minute of the action when it comes to his beloved Tyler High Lions.
Rodger Morris
Hot Springs
When the 15-year-old device is hanging on for dear life (and there's no "Advance" in front of the imageRUNNER name) enter Rodger Morris. He's got plenty of experience on older machines, and understands that every print job matters.
Nick Roach
Dallas/Fort Worth
With a background in hospitality, and a penchant for all-out hustle, Nick Roach has found a place to flourish at Datamax. Sure, sales ain't easy, but the support system around him helps Nick withstand even the biggest challenges.
Joe Patnoe
Longview
You've heard it here before in this space, but Joe Patnoe's (pictured, middle) massive Marshall ISD copier deal is just another opportunity to reiterate: It really is a team effort. And now, the real work begins as Patnoe works to sustain a long partnership.
Hot Springs Chamber
Hot Springs
Embracing your community often starts with your local Chamber. Our IT group went all in with the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, and recently had a video posted with our group's suite of IT Service. Click below to check out the video!
Whether it’s slow-cooked barbecue, Tex-Mex classics, or Southern-inspired favorites, Texas dining delivers a sense of tradition and adventure that keeps locals and visitors alike searching for the next great bite. Starting,here at least, with Jennifer Duke and Sandra Roeling in Dallas/Fort Worth.
READ MORE ABOUT TEXAS CUISINE!
Tell us about your family: I am the proud aunt to two dogs
Hometown: Little Rock, Ark.
Hobbies: Watching anime, reading, clay making, cosplay, and concerts
When you're not at Datamax, what are you a Raving Fan of? Indie gaming or clay making.
Tell us about your family: Most of my family is from Dallas, TX. I was raised in a household with one brother and one sister. I’m the middle child at 27, my sister is 31, and my brother is 25. He is married and has two sons.
Hometown: Lancaster, TX
Hobbies: I like fitness, running, and basketball.
When you're not at Datamax, what are you a Raving Fan of? I love playing basketball, watching sports highlights or news updates, watching The First 48, sleeping, and analyzing my weeks or days. I’m always forecasting!
Tell us about your family: I have been married for 17 years and counting! We have two children. My 17-year-old daughter Kaylei and my 15-year-old son Zach.
Hometown: Jacksonville, TX
Hobbies: My family and I love to travel, we like to fish, and we just started the pickleball era!
When you're not at Datamax, what are you a Raving Fan of? We are very active in our church. My husband and I are the children’s Pastors. My daughter plays piano and is on the worship team. My son is learning guitar and plays pickleball. We stay very busy!
Tell us about your family: In October I will be married for a year to my wife Sierra.
Hometown: Troup, TX
Hobbies: I enjoy playing sports, going to the gym, and being outdoors fishing, hiking, etc.
When you're not at Datamax, what are you a Raving Fan of? I like to try new restaurants around Tyler and surrounding areas.
We love welcoming our new employees. That's why we've added the Datamax New Hire Dashboard – so you can get to know a little more about our new hires right off the bat. If you see one of these folks around the office, please say "hello! "
(Years at Datamax)
(Years at Datamax)
(Years at Datamax)
(Years at Datamax)
It’s funny, the culture inside every state that we serve mirrors what we strive for at Datamax. Texas is no exception. Pride in your work. Sincerity in your relationships. A willingness to help. These are values that you feel when you spend enough time in this state." — Barry Simon
Two months may have passed, but it still feels like yesterday. The victims of the July 4th Hill Country, Texas floods continue to remain on our minds. It's still hard to imagine that the calm, clear Guadalupe River, pictured here, could have suddenly turned into such a raging catastrophe.
“From Deep in the Heart of Texas to Deep in Our Hearts and Prayers, we remember those lost in the Hill Country floods. As of now, at least 135 lives have been lost, and 3 people remain missing, as the region continues its recovery. Yet, through the grief, we see the Champions of resilience and heart—neighbors, first responders, and communities rising together. (Presented in concert with the emblem of the Datamax Marketing Department, as a verse of unity and remembrance.)” — Robert Caldwell, Vice President of Marketing ... Texas Strong!
.jpg?width=450&height=450&name=Jeff-Walker-(Avatar).jpg){kind=avatar}
Marketing Communications Manager
Jeff Walker serves as the Marketing Communications Manager at Datamax Inc. Prior to joining Datamax, he worked as a reporter, critic and editor before becoming the Marketing Director at East Texas Copy Systems in Tyler, TX.
DALLAS/FORT WORTH | EL DORADO | FORT SMITH | HOT SPRINGS | JONESBORO | LITTLE ROCK
LONGVIEW | LUFKIN | RUSSELLVILLE | SAINT LOUIS | SULPHUR SPRINGS | TEXARKANA | TYLER