Meet The Team: David
At VSL, our team is made up of hard-working, attentive employees with combined telecoms experience of over 200 years! We thought maybe you’d like to get to know us a bit more. So here is the next instalment of our ‘Meet The Team’ posts.
Name: David
Job Title: Engineer
How long have you been with VSL?
Some might say that I am part of the furniture! Since November 1998 – so just under 18 Years.
What’s the best thing about working at VSL?
The team environment, everyone’s always eager to pitch in, and help where possible.
How long have you been in the telecoms industry?
Since I left college to be an electrician, and my dad suggested that telecoms was an emerging technology to get into – Thanks Dad!!
What’s the biggest change in the industry from when you started to right now?
The convergence of IT and Telecoms particularly the emergence of VOIP and the importance of networking that goes with it.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned working in the telecoms industry?
That no systems are quite the same, and it always pays to take the time to understand the customers objectives.
What’s your favourite product to install?
I like installing Ruckus Wi-Fi in schools. Frequently we go into schools and despite already having wireless, they have poor coverage and limited throughput, restricting its use within the classroom. When our Ruckus deployments go in, the benefits are so visible. The students are buzzing as they use their iPads on the field, teachers start using more and more technology in the classroom as they begin to trust in the network to support them. The icing on the cake is when we tie together a Mitel Phone system with the Ruckus Wi-fi to offer head teachers and other staff a communications solution that gives them complete flexibility to roam the school with a device that is connected to the main phone system. It’s solutions such as these that make a real difference.
What’s your favourite Mitel feature?
Being a comms veteran (and a little old fashioned), I wave the flag for core functionality make, receive, transfer and hold.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Clay pigeon shooting, having a beer (or two) with mates & keeping fit.
What’s your favourite song?
One – U2 of all time
Cheap Thrills – Sia – Currently!
What’s your favourite film?
Hmm, tough Choice – either the original Italian Job, or Pulp Fiction.
If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why?
I’d quite happily stay mid 30’s – old enough to know better, young enough to not care.
If you could eat one type of food or dessert every day and not suffer any consequences whatsoever, what would it be?
A good medium rare steak, followed by Lemon Meringue Pie.
What would be the first thing you would do if you won the jackpot?
After the money had cleared (I’d be dubious it was a joke) I’d likely book a fantastic holiday !
And then start my own excavation company – Dave’s Diggers (another one of my hobbies).