We are thrilled to pay tribute today to Shannon Sims, one of Edafio’s esteemed Systems Engineer and an associate spotlight for September.
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, especially during a time of social distancing. We have to be mindful that our company culture thrives on our exceptional people as much as 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.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Shannon Sims. I have been in the healthcare industry for 25 years, and I love helping our clients daily. I represent Edafio Technology Partners in a local hospital as their IT Manager. II have two boys in college, my favorite youngest son is at UCA, majoring in Business and my favorite oldest son is studying to be an Optometrist at Arkansas Tech.
What drew you to this profession?
I grew up working in our family-owned business, so business and management came first nature for me. At UCA, I took many computer classes as a requirement for my major and discovered my love for computers and helping others. I took this newfound information to my advisor and decided to major in Business Admin with an emphasis in Computer Information Systems.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Enjoy the little things in life for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things “- Antonio Smith.
What do you like to do in your free time?
WOW! In my free time, I love helping people with their skincare needs, spending time with my boys, cooking, traveling with my family and friends, and vegging out in front of the TV on occasion.
When I’m creatively stuck, I…
I like take a drive to clear my head, maybe grab a special cup of coffee to relax. Sometimes, I call my best friend to brainstorm.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
My first thought is coffee, although if I had to, I could.
It would be impossible for me to give up the people I love in my life. I wholeheartedly love and want the best for my family and friends. Love, Support, and Grace are essentials.
What do you consider your most defining moment?
I would say one of my most defining moments was when I learned how much I loved project management. I was left in charge of a large classroom renovation project when my Sr. Analyst went on vacation. I learned about electricity, dongles, grommet holes, contracts, codes, etc.. I had to make sure the architect completed the punch list to keep us on task. Upon our PM return, he advised that I went above and beyond, that what I learned and accomplished was outside my scope and was really the architect’s job to have completed. At that time, I realized my love for PM and how rewarding the end result of someone else’s vision was. To negotiate contracts on over 60 computers, furniture, AV, paint & carpet. This was the first of many fun projects I was a part of.
What would you do if you had no fear?
If I had no fear and lots of money, I think it would be amazing to travel to different parts of the world and experience different cultures, specifically the seven wonders of the world.
If you could spend one day with anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would have to say both of my Papaw’s. I would love to learn all of Papaw Glen’s cooking secrets that I never really paid attention to as a kid, and my Papaw Hollis could entertain us and make us laugh while we cooked.
If I had one core message for the world, what would it be?
Be willing to help others and never judge; you have no idea what others may be experiencing in their daily lives.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
My last first was learning how to refinish a kitchen table and reupholster the chairs.
At this moment, what do you desire most?
That my Mom would live to be 97 like her Mom; and that her cancer was curable so she could travel and do life without worries of Covid or low counts.
What is one miracle, large or small, that has occurred in your life?
My massive miracle from God was when he blessed my youngest son with complete recovery after a horrific four-wheeler accident. We endured nine surgeries in 30 days. God is great!
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Shannon since she started at Edafio. She sets the bar very high when it comes to being committed to the client’s success and her integrity in all dealings. She is continually working to save our clients money and deliver the best service possible. It is an honor to work with Shannon and call her a friend.”
Trevor Bates, Field Team Leader
Who or what inspires you?
My Mom inspires me daily. No matter what adversities life throws at her, she perseveres and is there for our family and me. She is the person that gives advice and encouragement on a bad day. I can never say enough good things about my parents.
Quarantine can be a time of learning, self-reflection, and personal discovery. That said, is there anything you would like to share that COVID-19 and this quarantine has taught you?
Slow down, don’t overbook your schedule.
Everyone at Edafio has a story about why they joined the team. What’s yours?
When I interviewed with Edafio for the first time, I was seeking out more. The position I was in at the time was not a rewarding job. I needed to be back in the hospitals/clinics. I needed a challenging job that I loved. That is when I interviewed with Kenny. I can honestly say, I love my career! I love helping others! Fast forward 7 years later, I am an IT Manger for one of our clients and I love helping others.
Get a closer look at who Shannon Sims is and what makes her so exceptional through our Teams video chat.
Edafio is always looking for exceptional candidates to join our team. For an opportunity to work with folks like Shannon, be sure to visit our careers page to learn more.
