Meet Lou Ernst, Senior Sales Development Representative
Today we turn the spotlight on Lou Ernst. Lou quickly became a tremendous asset to the team at The 20.
What do you do here at The 20?
I am a Senior SDR here at The 20. My job is to discover, create, qualify and reach out to potential clients for our MSPs in the Marketing Program. My goal is to educate companies of all the benefits to having a managed IT department and putting them in touch with the right MSPs.
Describe The 20 in three words…
Fun, Innovative and the Best!
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an astronaut!
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
The most challenging aspect of my job is probably handling potential clients in every single industry.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
I’d say the most important qualities necessary for success is having integrity, patience and optimism.
What do you like most about The 20?
I love my co-workers and just the environment in general. Every day is different, and there’s just no substitute for that.
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
I love to camp and play golf!
Where are you going on your next vacation?
I’ll be heading to Costa Rica.
What’s your top life hack?
I’d say my top life hack is to simply have more fun, and stress less. Slow down and be thankful!
Interested in working with Lou at The 20? We’re hiring! Check out our Careers page for more info.
Meet Camden Parks, Talent Acquisition Manager
Today we turn the spotlight on Camden Parks. Camden quickly became a tremendous asset to the team at The 20.
What do you do here at The 20?
I am the Talent Acquisition Manager for all departments within the company. I basically find, qualify, and help the hiring managers hire all of our employees. I also focus on our retention and employee engagement efforts to keep our company culture at its best.
Describe The 20 in three words…
Innovative, progressive, and collaborative.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian. It wasn’t long before I realized that I wouldn’t be able to emotionally handle that type of work, so I chose to do something that would make me happy instead!
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
The most challenging aspect about my job is having to reject candidates that I build relationships with. First and foremost, I’m an advocate for my company, but I always become an advocate for my candidates along the way. Sometimes, it’s just not a great fit for one reason or another, and I have to remember that the goal is to always set up employees for success. Networking is huge for me, so even if I don’t have a good fit for a candidate now, I am known to call them later when I find something that would be a mutually beneficial fit.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement at The 20 has been building the Talent Acquisition department from the ground up and watching the explosive growth we have experienced so far. We hired in 73 people last year alone, which is more than we had as a company when I started! To walk out onto the floor and see all the wonderful employees we have really warms my heart — I love when the connection between company and employee is a great fit.
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
Grit is the ability to persist in something you feel passionate about and persevere when you face obstacles. Someone once told me that motivation and determination alone will only take you so far, because they don’t last forever. Passion is what keeps you going when you feel like giving up. Grit combines passion, motivation, and determination for reaching long-term and meaningful goals.
What do you like most about The 20?
The best part about working for The 20 is feeling like I have the ability to make such an impact for the company. I know that my work is meaningful and purposeful and I know that I’m valued for what I contribute. My manager, hiring managers, and coworkers help foster a collaborative, fun, and open-door culture which makes my work environment so enjoyable. We spend more waking hours at work than we do at home, so it’s nice to be able to say that at our home away from home, we really are The 20 Family.
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
One of my biggest passions in life is dog rescue. I work with a few different rescues in the DFW area, where I rescue, foster, and help transport dogs to different areas of the US. I have had 100+ dogs come through my home in the last couple of years — some with crazy medical issues, some seniors that have a hard time getting adopted, and some with behavioral issues. The best part is seeing each one get adopted into their forever home and getting updates from their families as time goes on.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
OBX, North Carolina to get my best friend married! After my bridesmaid duties end, I will be glued to the sand.
What’s your top life hack?
Mix Downy Unstopables laundry beads (1/4 cup) with hot water (2 cups) and baking soda (2 tablespoons) in a spray bottle for a cheap and easy air refresher that’s safe for fabric! My couches and dogs’ beds always smell great. Having lots of dogs in and out of my house required me to get creative!
Interested in working with Camden at The 20? We’re hiring! Check out our Careers page for more info.
Meet Lee Mash, Business Development Manager
Today we turn the spotlight on Lee Mash. Lee has quickly become a tremendous asset to the Sales team and The 20.
What do you do here at The 20?
I’m the Business Development Manager, which means I’m in charge of member recruitment. I search for potential MSPs to see if they’re the right fit to join The 20.
Describe The 20 in three words…
Revolutionary, Teamwork, Unique.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an astronaut.
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
Finding MSPs that REALLY are open to change. Change is difficult, and most people say they’re committed to change — but when it comes down to it, they don’t want to leave their comfort zone. Stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way you’ll grow and excel.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Finishing my training and being accepted into the Elite Nahal infantry brigade of Israeli Defense Forces was my greatest life achievement. Our beret march was around 100 miles and I carried almost 100 pounds of gear. Climbing up Masada in full combat gear; carrying the stretcher while watching the sunrise and knowing I finished this trek was breathtaking. A task that I originally thought was impossible, became possible and that’s when I realized YOU can be the greatest barrier to your own success.
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
Self-discipline.
What do you like most about The 20?
The 20 gives every MSP the chance to grow, no matter their size or where they’re at in their business plan. If they have the will and motivation to grow, The 20 enables them to unlock their true potential.
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
In my spare time I enjoy working out, playing ice hockey, hanging out with friends, reading, laying on the beach and traveling.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
I am going to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan in May!
What’s your top life hack?
Wake up before sunrise and you’ll be exponentially more productive! I guarantee it!
Interested in working with Lee at The 20? We’re hiring! Check out our Careers page for more info.
Meet Misty Kaufman, Cloud Services Specialist
What do you do here at The 20?
I build and maintain strategic partnerships with vendors to better service/support our members!
Describe The 20 in three words…
Innovative, imaginative, resourceful.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a Foley Artist.
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
Making sure communication flows internally and externally so everyone remains informed and up-to-date.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Giving birth to my son!
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
Work ethic. And you have to care about all aspects of your job/position to be successful.
What do you like most about The 20?
The 20 has given me the ability to utilize many skills I have that are not related to my position. I have had the opportunity to bring my ideas to the forefront that have now become standard practice!
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
So many hobbies. Mostly I am a musician, but I also make jewelry, knit/weave and turn on a lathe. When I am not doing any of those, I enjoy watching movies and running AV at church.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
New Mexico — we are going to see my husband’s brother.
What’s your top life hack?
Always check your cables first!
Interested in working with Misty at The 20? We’re hiring! Check out our Careers page for more info.
What do you do here at The 20?
I am a Senior Tier 1 Support Technician.
Describe The 20 in three words…
Innovative, supportive, and rewarding.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A fighter pilot (Top Gun and Independence Day were my favorite movies)!
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
Getting my monitors to align correctly on the mounting bracket.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I once ran a mile in under 7 minutes.
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
Eagerness. One must be eager to relentlessly pursue his or her goals regardless of the circumstances.
What do you like most about The 20?
I enjoy having access to the abundance of knowledge shared by all the smart folks on the support desk.
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
I love rock climbing. It combines physical activity with the great outdoors and there’s nothing much better than that. I’m also very into music and regularly play guitar. Video games and ‘nerding-out’ on computer parts/other gadgets are also common pastimes.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
No plans yet, but hopefully somewhere cold with lots of mountains and trees.
What’s your top life hack?
A simple inventory of what you’re grateful for when you’re feeling down can often correct that sour mood (this may be a boring life hack, but IMPORTANT nonetheless)!
Interested in working with David Albert at The 20? We’re hiring! Check out our Careers page for more info.
Employee Spotlight: Matt Mariaux, Support Desk Team Lead
What do you do here at The 20?
I am a Support Desk Team Lead, which makes me a bit of a catch-all. I try to provide auxiliary support in a variety of ways like acting as a resource, investigating service delivery issues with Zach, monitoring call and ticket flow, as well as tracking data for optimizing efficiency. I help out where I can.
Describe The 20 in three words…
People who help computer.
You know, I think I biffed that one…
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Private Investigator. I grew up loving the Sherlock Holmes stories. I used to set up “crime scenes” around the house and question my whole family while writing down notes in my composition book. I was the best fake crime solver in the neighborhood.
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
Sometimes you have to have tough conversations with people. I want to challenge techs when a ticket didn’t quite go as well as we’d like to see. That’s not always an easy chat, but it’s necessary to keep everyone at their best. Fortunately, they don’t hear all the quiet cursing coming from my desk beforehand. Or maybe they do. I don’t know.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Probably ‘Doctor of the Peggle Arts’on Xbox 360. It took a long time.
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
Success is sort of a moving target, isn’t it? I prefer to focus on goals. If you want to achieve something, you have to put in on paper. You don’t truly know or understand anything unless you can write it down. So do that.
What do you like most about The 20?
I’ve really enjoyed seeing the growth and the changes that come with that growth. It’s nice to look back every once in a while and think, ‘I remember when…’
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
I’m an actor part-time, though I haven’t worked much lately. I’m also a bit of a film buff and have a totally not unhealthy love of video games.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
I was thinking I might find a small town somewhere I can drive to. I’d interview people and research the town’s history and quirks so that I could write a profile on the place. I might not even try to sell it. It’d really just be to unwind while focusing on a new challenge.
What’s your top life hack?
Did you know you can get blood out of clothing if you soak it in Hydrogen Peroxide? That probably makes me sound like a serial killer, but I just learned it recently and I thought it was cool!
Interested in working at The 20? We’re hiring! Check out our Careers page for more info.
Employee Spotlight: Meet Tiana Ware, Administrative Coordinator
What do you do here at The 20?
I am an administrative coordinator here at The 20 and Roland Technology.
Describe The 20 in three words…
Innovative, Upbeat and Dynamic.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A history professor!
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
There are times when the job can be pretty demanding, and as a result, I can feel overwhelmed. But I have such a strong support system here that these occasional storms always get weathered!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Losing over 150 pounds!
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
Tenacity.
What do you like most about The 20?
My colleagues!
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
Traveling for food with the kid, making different vegan meals, attending conferences, workshops and DIY classes.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
Seychelles, Africa.
What’s your top life hack?
If you feel a cold coming on, consume spicy foods and foods with a lot of garlic. It assists in alleviating the mucus in your body, possibly avoiding getting sick all together.
Interested in working at The 20? We’re hiring! Check out our Careers page for more info.
What do you do here at The 20?
I’m a Support Desk Engineer (After Hours).
Describe The 20 in three words…
Top, Twenty, Percent — lol just kidding, but it seemed like a trick question!
Let’s go with: Crazy, Fun, Fast.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be Spiderman until I was about 8, then it changed to playing with anything electronic and getting paid to do so!
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
Working during off/odd hours.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Still being alive!
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
Honesty with everyone you work with, to achieve success in anything you work for.
What do you like most about The 20?
It’s a second family and we look out for each other!
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
Music production and beat production for small and up-and-coming businesses and rappers.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
Colorado (I like the cold)!
What’s your top life hack?
When going out to a restaurant for dinner, tell the waiter/waitress that it’s someone’s birthday at the table. Depending on the group, you sometimes will get a free desert or a discount on the bill. This also can work in hotels and other places that a vacationer might go.
Interested in working at The 20? We’re hiring! Check out our Careers page for more info.
What do you do here at The 20?
Offer top-notch IT support as a Tier 1 Support Desk Technician.
Describe The 20 in three words…
Happy
Dynamic
Progress
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a crazy scientist/inventor.
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
Accepting that at the end of the day, you might not be able to have resolved all issues.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My daughter. Despite her being half a world away, we remain in contact.
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
Being aware of both strength and weakness and learning from both success and failures.
What do you like most about The 20?
The happy work culture.
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
Messing with computers
Playing games (both board and computer)
Doing statistical/technical analyzing
Watching movies
Where are you going on your next vacation?
A cruise in the Caribbean, including dolphin swimming and ruin exploration.
What’s your top life hack?
Use data to form conclusions. Don’t use conclusions to judge data.
Interested in working with Bryan? We’re hiring talented technicians! Check out our Careers page for more info.
This month, we turn the spotlight this month on The 20’s Digital Designer, Ross O’Neal!
What do you do here at The 20?
I’m a Digital Designer, so I create sales and marketing collateral (digital and print), social media content, email blasts, internal documentation, fun stuff for the screens around the office, things like that.
Describe The 20 in three words…
Fun, Innovative, Unique.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
First dude to play for the Cowboys and the Mavs.
What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
First thought is Hwy US-75 S. It’s also challenging to have a number of different types of projects going on at the same time. Lots of balls in the air, if you will. But I like wearing different hats and knocking things off my list one at a time. It’s not always super easy to think of a creative solution right away, but something usually hits eventually.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I’ve recently been finishing chapsticks at over a 50% rate.
What do you think is the most important quality necessary for success?
I think it’s a whole bunch of qualities.
What do you like most about The 20?
The fun, team atmosphere is truly unique. We laugh a lot and get stuff done. It’s actually fun to go to work.
What do you like to do in your spare time? / What are your hobbies?
Game of Thrones has pretty much taken centerstage at the moment. Oh, and Avengers: Endgame. I also like golf and working out. And if listening to The Ticket and looking at Twitter are hobbies, I’ll put those down too. So all that until football starts and then it’s definitely football.
Where are you going on your next vacation?
VEGAS!
What’s your top life hack?
I dunno, whatever you’re having trouble with you can probably just look it up on your phone.
Interested in working with Ross? We’re hiring a Graphic Design intern! Check out our Careers page for more info.
