Q&A: Brendon Petsch, Gritit

Describe your role in three words.

Problem-solver. Negotiator. Innovator.

Who is your tech hero? And why?

Sergey Brin and Larry Page. I think they are turning the world on its head and still have so much more to offer. Internet search was just the beginning of what's still to come from these guys.

I really enjoy the entire process from finding a problem or bottleneck in the business, designing a new process or system, and then developing the solution through to launch. Seeing the end result of something that was an issue previously and using technology to solve it efficiently is quite satisfying.

What does your current role involve?

All design, development and maintenance of a bespoke unified back office IT system that runs all aspects of our business from sales, to operations through to invoicing. Our system monitors all service throughout the night and processes millions of variables to verify service in real-time across the country highlighting any exceptions to the rule.

I am also always constantly searching for faster, more efficient ways of doing things while trying to integrate more parts of the business into our system. And all the other day-to-day IT tasks that come with the role.

How did you arrive at your current role?

Mostly by chance really. I was asked nearly six years ago to come in and help out for a couple of weeks and just never left. I realised that there was huge value to the business if we could automate and integrate a lot of what we were doing and have been doing that ever since. The business has gone from six to 60 full time staff in that time.

Did you always want to work in IT?

I started out wanting to be in advertising but ended up going down a slightly different path working in the technical side of packaging and print, which I spent 15 years in before this role. So, I think I was always destined to be in some IT or technical role.

What do you enjoy most about your role/working in IT?

I really enjoy the entire process from finding a problem or bottleneck in the business, designing a new process or system, and then developing the solution through to launch. Seeing the end result of something that was an issue previously and using technology to solve it efficiently is quite satisfying.

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