Just back from his venture to Costa Rica, WorkSmart’s Chief Financial Officer, Ricky Ayers, is back crunching numbers and analyzing data. Let’s take a look at Ricky’s personal interests when he isn’t planning financial success for WorkSmart.

Colleges & Degrees: Georgia Tech – Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering; Harvard – MBA
Home Town: Madison, Alabama
Family: Becky (wife); Hannah (miniature schnauzer)
How long have you lived in North Carolina? Since 2002
What do you feel are the top three characteristics of an innovative business leader? 1. Ability to listen 2. Vision to see past and to challenge the current status quo 3. Desire to continuously improve (even when you’re best in class)
What’s the least glamorous thing you do in the line of duty? Payroll
What skill would you most like to improve? Either time management or email management (though those two may be the same thing!)
What do you do to relax? Tennis…though, with my game, it’s not that relaxing
What is your dream vacation? An extended around-the-world tour stopping for at least 3 weeks in each location
What music is on your iPod? Most played: Alicia Keyes and a lot of random stuff. I listen to podcasts more than music, though.
What’s your favorite part of a typical day? I probably shouldn’t say buying a pizza from Little Ceasers since it’s walking distance from our new RDU office, should I?
An interesting fact about you is: Went to Space Camp when I was younger.

Which social media platform best suits your organization?

Click to vote:

A. Facebook. I’m a fan.
B. Twitter. Tweet Tweet.
C. LinkedIn forever.
D. I have no social media life.

WorkSmart strives to be the premier provider in Information Technology services. With colleagues like Marissa, this initiative is possible.

Marissa joined the WorkSmart team in December of 2008, having recently graduated from East Carolina University (ahem… GO PIRATES!). With her background in marketing, she quickly got to work alongside the Sales team. Recently, she has worked closely with Director of Client Engagement, Fabi de Souza, to ensure that client’s in the Raleigh-Durham region have everything they need. Not to mention her full-time position as “Fashion Police”.

“I’m always impressed by her ability to multi-task and understand the inner workings of various departments within WorkSmart,” noted Bob Casey, Senior Business Advisor. “She’s tremendously customer-focused and eager to help, and her good humor makes the workday that much better. To quote the notorious Charlie Sheen: ‘Duh…winning!’”

In order for you to get to know her better, we asked her a few questions. Here are Marissa’s answers:

Hometown: Chicago
Favorite Beverage: Fresca – it’s just so delicious!
If you could be on a TV show, what would it be? Criminal Minds… Although I’d love to be on River Monsters!
Favorite TV Series: Criminal Minds
Favorite Band/Music/Artist: I grew up on folk and classic rock.
Favorite Hobby: Dancing – I dance everywhere, including the grocery store
Do you prefer sneakers over flip flops? Umm. I prefer the question “Pumps or Wedges” because I’d rather wear heels!
If you could be any animal, what would you be? A tiger, for sure.
Favorite board game: I am a Scrabble master. You can’t take me down.
Do you play any musical instruments? Piano, violin and cello. Let’s just say my parent’s made me.
What is the color of your car? Liquid Metallic Silver
Can you sing? Sing? Nope. Rap? I’m a natural.
One place you could travel right now: Italy
At the beach, would you rather play in the sand or in the water? Sand
Words of Wisdom (or quote you like): Happiness runs in a circular motion – Donovan

The moving boxes are piled high. The packing peanuts are everywhere.
Over the weekend of June 3rd, WorkSmart’s Durham office will to completely moved to our newly renovated space near the intersection of NC Highway 55 and Interstate 40. Rest assured that our team will be able to support our clients throughout that weekend, and we will be settled into our new space on Monday, June 6th. Please visit us at our new address!

100 Meredith Drive, Suite 200
Durham, NC 27713

WorkSmart strives to be the premier provider in Information Technology services. With colleagues like Bob, this initiative is possible.

In August, Bob will celebrate his seventh year with WorkSmart; his immense drive and cheerful disposition continue to make him asset to the WorkSmart team. He embodies the organization’s values and mission with his care for clients to ensure they receive great service. Bob’s colleagues view him as a great teammate as he is extremely helpful and eager to do so. You can also always count on him to be present at after-hours functions and social engagements!

“Bob’s upbeat and positive attitude at work allows us all to keep a brighter outlook even when it’s rainy out,” noted Accounting Manager, Alexis Komondorea.

In order for you to get to know him better, we asked him a few questions. Here are Bob’s answers:

Favorite Kool-Aid Flavor: What am I, 5 ?!
Favorite Beverage: Guinness
If you could change your name, what would it be to? The artist formerly known as Funkmaster Flex.
Any cool or “hidden” talents? I have the ability to not grow a beard.
If you could be on a TV show, what would it be? Saturday Night Live
Favorite TV Series: Ooh, tough one. Let’s go with several: Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Rick Steves – Travels in Europe, and all mixed martial arts programs
Favorite Band/Music Artist: Pink Floyd/David Gilmour
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would it be? As Good as it Gets
Favorite Hobby: Consuming online media
Do you prefer sneakers over flip flops? Sneakers, definitely. Flip flops fall off my feet!
If you could be any animal, what would you be? Being human is pretty cool, but I wouldn’t mind being a griffin!
Favorite board game: Battleship!
Do you have or wish you had a catch phrase? What would it be: ‘Duh – winning!!”
Favorite day of the week and why: Saturday, because it’s wide open, baby!
Do you play any musical instruments? No
What is the color of your car? Silver
Can you sing? Everyone can sing. I like doing Karaoke. “I’m a cowboy….on a steel horse I ride…”
What do you wish you were doing right now? Promoting my latest movie/album/talk-show/invention on a world-wide tour.
One place you could travel right now: Where the warm breezes and tropical drinks are flowing.
At the beach, would you rather play in the sand, or play in the water? I’m definitely in the water with my kids.
Words of Wisdom: Carpe diem
Anything else you would like to comment on? WorkSmart rocks!

Do you interact with your email more often via your computer or Smart Phone?

Click to vote:

• Computer
• Smart Phone
• I do not have access to my email on my phone.

WorkSmart strives to be the premier provider in Information Technology services. With colleagues like Jason, this initiative is possible.

This March, Jason Wood celebrates his fifth year as a member of the WorkSmart Support Team. He continues to serve as an asset to our team, most certainly benefiting from his dedication to thoroughness; needless to say, Jason sees things through to completion. He is known among his colleagues as always willing to help. A few colleagues also noted Jason’s supreme talent at Google searches as well as his two “green” thumbs.

“His troubleshooting methodology is rock-solid,” commented Stefan DiMauro, fellow Support Center Representative. “His general sense of calm is infectious around the Support Center and is almost necessary on really hectic days.”

In order for you to get to know Jason better, we asked him a few questions. Here are his answers:

Hometown: Oxford
Favorite Kool-Aid Flavor: Powershell
Favorite Beverage: Spicy Hot V-8
If you could change your name, what would it be to? Carlos Slim Helu
Do you have any cool or “hidden” talents? I can hear you right now.
If you could be on a TV show, what would it be? Big Bang Theory
Favorite TV Series: Survivor
Favorite Band/Music Artist: Jonathan Walz & Hal Rottenberg
If you have to choose a movie title for your life story, what would it be? Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise
Favorite Hobby: Scratch Baking (bread, pastry)
Do you prefer sneakers over flip flops? Flip Flops
If you could be any animal, what would you be? Chimpanzee
Favorite board game: Clue
Do you have or wish you had a catch phrase? What would it be: “Dyn-O-Mite!!!”
Favorite day of the week and why: Saturday – the possibilities are limitless.
Do you play any musical instruments? No
What is the color of your car? Silver
Can you sing? No
What do you wish you were doing right now? Reading
One place you could travel right now (doesn’t need to be realistic): Mars
At the beach, would you rather play in the sand, or play in the water? Water
Words of Wisdom (or quote you like): “Actions reflect priorities”
Anything else you would like to comment on? “I’ve said too much already”

Last month we inquired about your offsite backup habits. Here is what we found:

• 42% of respondents manually take hard drives offsite on a regular basis
• 30% of respondents have an automatic offsite solution
• 28% of respondents do not send any data offsite

Which cloud solution are you using or most likely to try?

Click to vote:

• Hosted Exchange (email) – get the benefits of a Microsoft Exchange Server without the upfront costs and maintenance expenses
• Google Apps – access Office-like applications online
• Hosted Servers / Hosted Desktops – connect to your resources via the Internet without incurring the costs of procuring hardware

WorkSmart strives to be the premier provider in Information Technology services. With colleagues like Fabi, this initiative is possible.

Fabi joined the WorkSmart team in 2006, working to bring on new clients. She represents the spirit of WorkSmart well as she is engaging and helpful in both her interactions with clients and colleagues. One of her colleagues described her as “effervescent” and “sincere.” In 2009, she transitioned into her current role as Director of Client Engagement, dedicating her time to ensuring client satisfaction; not to mention her dedication to train for marathons and triathalons during her lunch break!
“I’m very passionate about WorkSmart, ” said de Souza. “I love getting to know our clients and helping them achieve their mission and goals.”

In order for you to get to know her better, we asked her a few questions. Here are her answers:

Hometown: Santo Andre, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Favorite Kool-Aid Flavor: I’ve never had Kool-Aid…
Favorite Beverage: Fresh watermelon juice
How many languages do you speak/understand? Four
If you could be on a TV show, what would it be? CSI and Two and a Half Men
Favorite TV Series: CSI and Law and Order SVU
Favorite Band/Music/Artist: Alternative rock, dance/electronic, and Latin rock
Favorite Hobby: watching movies, relaxing time with my children and husband, running, cooking
Do you prefer sneakers over flip flops? No way.
If you could be any animal, what would you be? My dog Lola
Favorite board game: I prefer card games.
Favorite day of the week and why: Saturday – slow and relaxing morning routine
Do you play any musical instruments? No
What is the color of your car? Black
Can you sing? Nope
What do you wish you were doing right now? Hanging out in Guaruja – a beach area in Sao Paulo I visited all the time while growing up – as it’s summer there!
One place you could travel right now (doesn’t need to be realistic): Australia
At the beach, would you rather play in the sand, or play in the water? Water
Words of Wisdom (or quote you like): never give up; live it to the fullest; spread love

Do you send backed up data offsite?

Click to vote:

• We use an automatic off-site solution
• Regularly – we have someone take hard drives offsite
• Never
• We don’t need it