We are thrilled to pay tribute to our June Associate Spotlight, Eric Roddy. Eric, who has been with Edafio for over a decade is one of our esteemed System Operations Specialists on our Field Escalation Team.
The comings and goings of staff are a part of every dynamic organization; therefore, it can be challenging to get to know our coworkers better as people. We have to be mindful that our company culture thrives on our exceptional people and their outstanding technical skills. As such, we are finding that our periodic interviews with associates allow us to acknowledge and celebrate the beautiful life stories, extraordinary professional accomplishments, and even the little quirks that make us uniquely beautiful human beings.
We hope you find each Edafio associate story as inspiring as we do in gathering and sharing them.
How long have you worked at Edafio, and what does your job entail?
I’ve worked at Edafio for 11ish years? It feels like forever! Oh, the stories I could tell….
I was on the NOC for 9.5 years or so. I enjoyed working with clients and talking to new people all the time. I developed some excellent relationships with our clients. That helped lead to what I do now: direct the Field Escalation Team. I’m a “Jack of all Trades” kind of dude.
What do you like most about your job?
The flexibility I have when working with clients. It allows itself to get to know our clients and become more than just “The IT Guy.”
Also, the flexibility that being able to work from home made possible. It has improved our family life at home.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
Be yourself! Be yourself regardless of who you work with, work for, or meet on the streets! I’d never want to work somewhere where I couldn’t just be me.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Realistically, I’d be a personal strength trainer for athletes. What I’d like to do? Own a pizza shack that serves non fru fru pizza with a bar with only beer!
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
“Cracks knuckles” here we go…. First, when I’m off work, I’m off, and that door is closed.
I spend a lot of time with my wife and kids, mostly because I’m one of the kids, and my wife has to correct me like I’m one of them; hence, we spend a lot of time together.
Two days a week, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, I train a group of kids in basketball skills and drills. I love coaching!
I’m a gamer, so I love to game when I have the time or when my wife is not looking.
I spend extra time writing and drawing as well.
What’s a fun fact about you that many people may not know?
I played college basketball and was on a couple of small semi-pro teams as a practice player, but I was never really into sports. I’m a big geek and was part of a group that won an art contest sponsored by Marvel Comics. We got to do a 10-page comic and put it in a local comic store. I also made money in college by hanging out in the honors dorms when they had D&D night and getting paid to draw their characters.
What’s your favorite place in the world?
This may sound so cliché, but it is true for me.
Anywhere with my wife and kids. I have been through many things, and being around them is very fulfilling for me.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
“Walk into a room like you’re the king, or like you could care less who the king is.”
Eric’s personality shines through in all that he does. He has unending enthusiasm. He cares deeply about client satisfaction and wants others to have the same customer service passion that he does. He is always willing to help and mentor. Eric has an innate ability to walk into a challenging situation and successfully deliver time after time.
Ryan Brown, Operations Center Team Lead
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Stan Lee. He wasn’t just an amazing comic book artist and the creator of many characters that flood our childhood memories; his outlook on life and being true to yourself is inspiring. I’d love to sit and talk about nothing with him.
Three words to best describe you:
Kind, Trustworthy and AWESOME!
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Pizza…. What? Were you expecting me to say my wife, kids, or Cartoon Network? Paaaleeeese…..
Who or what made you smile at work today?
After watching Will Smothers’ video, it’s tough not to be like, “Will Smothers is my dawg.” Even though that guy is the man, I must go with pulling up to the store to buy a Monster and seeing the gas price at $4.50. I started laughing because I was worried that all the drivers at Dominos might quit, so I’d have to get my own pizza!
Everyone at Edafio has a story about why they joined the team. What’s yours?
Well, I had just gotten a job with the Arkansas Heart Hospital, and about three months later, I was called into a meeting where Keith Woodruff and Neal Fendley sat at a table. I sat down, and they said, “We be taking over this party now. You in?” I was like “Bet!” and Neal was like “Bet,” then Keith was like….. “Bet.” The rest is history.
Edafio is always looking for exceptional candidates to join our team. For an opportunity to work with folks like Eric, visit our careers page to learn more.
