Today we turn the spotlight on Brad Nichols. Brad quickly became a tremendous asset to the entire team at Roland Technology Group.
What do you do here at Roland Technology Group?
As an account manager, my main function is client communication and relationship building. As a part of that, I also create quarterly IT reports and meet with clients so we can better align our IT services with their business needs.
Describe Roland in three words…
Managed Service Provider (MSP), that was too easy.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Like most kids I wanted to be a lot of things; trash-man, baseball player, Evil Knievel. Digging in the dirt and finding treasures like an archeologist was probably my favorite.
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
The same thing that makes it the most rewarding. Working with people inside and outside the organizations to solve problems. Some people are more challenging than others.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Living long enough to answer these questions. When I was 21, I never envisioned myself this age. I had more of the live fast, die young and leave a good looking corps philosophy. I have survived a lot. Most of my achievements are not my own. I have invested a lot of time parenting, coaching and working in teams to reach goals. Any significant achievements I have I share with many others.
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
Thick skin. I don’t care who you are, there will always be people who will tell you can’t do it, whatever it is. You have to be mentally tough and willing to sacrifice. I am the first person in my extended family to graduate college. There were a lot of people who didn’t think I could do it and many more who didn’t see the value in it, even after I got my diploma.
What do you like most about Roland?
We are always moving forward. Some times it feels like one step back and two steps forward but we are always moving forward. I feel like I am a valued member of the team and what I do matters in the success of the company.
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
That is a great question. I like good food so eating out and cooking are fun to me. Also my favorite memories are the holidays. To me heaven will be like a large church pot luck at Thanksgiving. There will be at least five varieties of green bean casserole and everyone gets to sit at the grown-up’s table. In the past when I am not eating, I have enjoyed running, golfing, fishing, hunting, and softball.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
The answer to this question was supposed to be Italy. Thanks to the pandemic that got put on hold. I haven’t made any other plans.
What’s your top life hack?
What ever gets you down, get back up quick. Anger, self-pity and worry are a waste of time and energy.
