Employee Spotlight: Travis LaFountain
For our last interview of the year, but not less important, we spoke to Travis LaFountain. He has been part of the Vision Net team for 12 years and we are glad to have him here. During the interview, he tells all about Vision Net geek atmosphere.
What is your position here at Vision Net and what do you do?
Network Operations Center Senior Lead – We are the first line for all the Vision Net costumers, we actually do a lot of the Vision Net IT work, security work, we are the brain center of Vision Net. I sit in a dark room with a bunch of nerds, watching computer monitors and making sure all the emails and phone calls are answered.
What made you choose Vision Net?
Mostly because I fit right in with the gamers and computer geeks. I came for the atmosphere, and stayed because it became the most stable, benefit filled, and fulfilling job I’ve ever worked.
What’s your favorite Vision Net perk?
All of them combined: Paid Vacation, Paid Sick time, Paid personal time, Matched 401k, Matched Retirement and savings, Medical, Dental, Vision, Company phone, Work Laptop.
What advice do you have for prospective Vision Net candidates?
Be willing and be humble. There’s a lot to learn in the world of IT, you can learn it all here if you’re motivated.
What do you like most about your job?
I like that the NOC dabbles into everything, like school, but here you learn actual life skills.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Staying on top of a team with ever changing duties and responsibilities.
Are there any projects you’ve worked on that you’re proud of?
Customer onboardings. I’m proud if the customers tell us we’re doing a great job.
What’s something that you’ve learned at Vision Net?
Everything I know about the Internet, servers, fiber transport, browsers, email clients,cabling, monitoring, tech support, networks, 911 centers, video conferencing, and company politics.
If you could add one thing to the Vision Net office, what would it be?
This one took me a long time. A Dance Dance Revolution Arcade Cabinet.
How would you describe Vision Net company culture?
Groups of specialists coming together to assert our dominance.
You recently acquired some certifications, how was that for you?
My most recent Cisco certification I failed twice before passing it in August. It was very important that I learned the degree of dedication it takes to get some of these certifications.
What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?
The wireless revolution, Cellular data and Home Wi-Fi.
What is your favorite book and why?
Freak the Mighty – Brain and brawn come together as unlikely friends to save each other.
What is your favorite movie and why?
Inception – I went into it not expecting anything and came out blown away. Now everything has the suffix ‘ception added to it. Email within an email? Emailception.
What is one food that you cannot resist?
Gummy Bears, and neither can you, so don’t judge me.
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
Group Workout Classes and PC Gaming. If I could do both at the same time, it would be that.
How do you define success?
Finding Jesus and making it through this life without giving up.
Thanks Travis, we are happy to have you as part of the Vision Net team!
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