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Essential business philosophy: As an organization, we have to make money, but how you go about it is important. My philosophy comes down to respect for the customer and finding the solution that is best from their perspective.
Guiding Principle: If you throw yourself at difficult situations with honesty and determination, others rise to the occasion with you. Your co-workers, your clients, your family. This way, anything is possible.
Best way to keep competitive: Enjoy what you do - the fire stays lit that way..
Yardstick of success: It comes back to enjoyment, both professionally and personally. A successful person is passionate about whatever they do, savoring the challenges that come up.
Goal yet to be achieved: I want to keep building on Systech's success, and sharing that with the people who have helped build it, the folks who have made it happen.
Best business decision: Starting Systech; also, my decision early on to get involved in the hiring process, to know every prospective employee.
Mentors: I've gained my business acumen from my partner, Arun [Gollapudi, Systech's CEO]. I've learned a lot from him. Plus sports mentors were big when I was growing up, cricket heroes - I learned to never say no to a challenge.
Like best about the job: The people I work with. The reason why I started this company, why people enjoy being at Systech, is the family atmosphere and this collection of mavericks and talented individuals we've built here.
Most important lesson learned: Learning the perspectives of a diverse group of people. When Arun and I founded Systech, we were two engineers. Over the years, as we've grown, we've brought in excellent people with skills - sales, marketing, finance - and I've learned to understand their needs and perspectives. This way, everyone's behind you but more importantly you can appreciate what others do.
Person most interested in meeting: Bill Gates. The stories you hear about the housekeeper finding someone sleeping on Gates’ office floor in the morning, and it’s Gates after working all night. I can relate to that, sometimes you have to burn the midnight oil.
First choice for a new career: I'd pick this career, building an IT Consulting firm, all over again. Or I'd run a vineyard. Can that be a side project?
Favorite quote: I really believe in that adage, "you live only once - enjoy life." Every day should be enjoyed. Having a passion for what you do is part of that enjoyment. Struggle is a part of living, I love a good challenge. And I enjoy completing what I've started, especially in regard to Systech. It reminds me of that Robert Frost poem: "but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep."
Favorite restaurant: A place called Stanford, in Portland.
Favorite meal: Bronzed Cajun salmon with jalapeno sauce.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Las Vegas, Monte Carlo Hotel - they're all about customer service.
Favorite way to spend free time: Watching Discovery Channel with my son.
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