We are thrilled to pay tribute to our August Associate Spotlight, Derek Lewis. Lewis is Edafio’s Network Operation Center Team Lead who strives to empower his dedicated team through coaching and mentoring and by applying Edafio’s core values at every opportunity.
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 started at Edafio around five years ago (2017) and provide leadership, guidance and mentorship to a dedicated team of Engineers in our 24/7 Network Operations Center.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
When you empower employees, you promote a vested interest in the company. I strive to empower and advance my team because when they do better, it helps me and the company advance too.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I wanted to be an athletic coach, but typically, you have to be a teacher. I started with a degree in kinesiology and a minor in English. However, after I began the teaching observation, I quickly realized that educating and coaching kids was not what I expected. It was a great learning lesson and brought me to what I am doing today.
Three words to best describe you:
Witty, Loyal and Determined.
What is your Crystal Knows Type?
Architect. He craves efficiency and pushes for more effective, practical ways to help others improve. Don’t be surprised if he offers suggestions to improve anything that appears unproductive.
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and Oatmeal Cream Pies!
What do you like most about your job?
The best part about my job, besides the IT aspect, which I thoroughly enjoy, is the team I work with companywide. They bring experience, wisdom and humor to their role, which makes it fun and rewarding.
What’s a fun fact about you that many people may not know?
I was a college wrestler and have had several pieces of my poetry published in the national library of poetry.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
When you commit to something, do it with excellence. Don’t do it half-heartedly. Invest a hundred percent in everything you do
Everyone at Edafio has a story about why they joined the team. What’s yours?
I was at another MSP for ten years, and unlike Edafio, they weren’t interested in growing. I wanted something more to challenge myself and advance my career. My brother worked at Edafio at the time and suggested I apply for the project management role. I interviewed with Keith Woodruff and Amy Beam, and it wasn’t too long into the conversation that Keith realized he wanted me for another position. I was offered the NOC Team Lead position a week later, and I have been here ever since!
Edafio is always looking for exceptional candidates to join our team. For an opportunity to work with folks like Derek, visit our careers page to learn more.
