The new hire spotlights recognize the people-powered stories of the incredible individuals committed to our clients’ and Edafio’s success and are fundamental to our vibrant culture. From consultants and engineers to sales leaders and administration and beyond, we’ll get to the heart of our team so you can get to know us a little bit better and find out what makes us tick. Today, we are delighted to introduce our most recent hire, Doug Long, who will take the role of a Client Engagement Leader. If you have a moment, be sure to send Doug a message welcoming him to our rapidly growing company! Now let’s learn more about Doug!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Eastern Arkansas. I still own a farm over there that I lease to individuals but use it in the fall and winter for hunting and fishing, but I’m known as the sidewalk farmer ????. I have lived in Little Rock since 1993 and have a wife and three children. They are not children anymore; my wife and I are empty-nesters at this point as two of the three are in their careers, and the youngest is a sophomore at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. My career started in IT back in the early ’90s, and I have done everything from service desk, system administration to managing system administrators. My wife and I have attended Little Rocks First Baptist Church since 1993 and are also heavily involved in the church and school programs at Baptist Preparatory school.
What does your job entail?
I am taking on the role of Client Engagement Leader (CEL) here at Edafio. While I am ready to be part of whatever Edafio asks of me since we are “One Team,” my specific roles as a CEL are to lead IT-related functions at assigned clients and maintain client satisfaction. This is a different role than I have had in the past as I will manage the relationship with all clients and lead the team members in the same technical roles I once served.
I look forward to gaining a greater understanding of Edafio’s technology solutions and interfacing with our clients to understand their needs and recommend solutions.
What brought you to Edafio?
Research. In assessing my career, I wanted to have a more significant role in the outcomes and success of an organization. I have met many clients that use Edafio as their trusted technology solution, and all have spoken highly of their offerings. The people at Edafio are advanced both technologically and personally.
I look forward to the friendships that we will develop internally and with our clients in the years to come.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra –
Go Hogs ???? ha! While that’s a daily wish, I think I probably lean on the values that came from being raised by hard-working parents. I learned an acronym at a very young age: TANSTAFL –“There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.”
We must work hard for what we want and never lose sight of our goals. They do take effort on the part of the person wishing to achieve them.
What do you like to do most outside of work?
That’s an extensive list, but I would have to say that I love the outdoors with my family. We love to travel, golf, hunt and fish. I also actively stay involved in sports programs where my wife works and help develop younger students in athletic programs such as football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. I love to jog and go on long runs by the Arkansas River trails, but as I get older, my knees are leading to a path of biking. As a graduate of the University of Arkansas, I try to find whatever excuse I can to attend an Arkansas Razorback game.
Grand Canyon Razorback Game 
Family Beach Trip 
Family Beach Trip
What skill do you think everyone should learn?
Communication skills are a must today. While technology has given us an excellent opportunity to interact with one another, we must be careful not to lose the skills of speaking to one another, listening to one another and adjusting and interpreting one another’s intentions. Effective communication requires an effort often lost behind a keyboard. All parties should attempt to discuss challenges, strategies, and unity in pursuing a company’s ideals face to face when possible.
What upcoming technological innovation will dramatically impact the industry in the next five years?
While it’s not an upcoming one, I see it affecting us more and more daily because of the efficiency and effectiveness involved. Containerization of Operating Systems such as Docker and Kubernetes is big. Strategies around using containers for operating system deployment include fast and efficient implementations, mobility, security, and smaller footprints that allow for adaptive yet robust solutions for using applications and solutions to meet customer demands
Are you interested in working at Edafio? Check out our Careers page to learn more about who we are and our current openings!
