Each month, we spotlight one of our amazing team members who work hard to bring you great results. Today, we interviewed Tom Jones from our client services team. Let's get started!
1. What’s your role at Mediacurrent, both internally and client-related?
As a project manager, I get to work with many of the talented folks that make up Mediacurrent and our amazing partners each day. We have many roles depending on what the partner needs but we are primarily creating a strong team environment where each person’s expertise can contribute to making the project better. Our teams implement great technical, strategic, user-focused solutions daily but I see my role as building and growing the relationships across our teams and partners.
2. Give us an idea of what professional path brought you here.
My professional path goes back many years now but my primary building blocks started with a large communications and publishing company supporting news and classifieds sites. My initial start was as an entry-level developer working with proprietary technology. I moved into a project management role over time, working with enterprise clients and built the foundation for leading teams on large, complex projects. I knew many in the Drupal community from this path and that eventually led me to Mediacurrent.
3. How did you first get involved with Drupal?
The large communications company mentioned before had committed to using Drupal in the newsrooms to publish sites. I believe Drupal 5.x was the first version we used for the initial trials.
4. Is there a go-to Drupal module that you like to incorporate whenever possible?
I would say Admin Toolbar because that is number one on Jay Callicott’s Top Drupal 8 Modules list. If we could get an “On time, on budget” module that would be great!
5. Do you have any recommended reading or books that you would suggest to others?
There are many great books related to technology and business but I believe the one that has benefited me personally and professionally the last few years would be Chasing Excellence: A Story About Building the World's Fittest Athletes by Ben Bergeron. The mental approach and strength helps me daily. Focusing on what I can control and how I react to actions and circumstances out of my control, practicing gratitude, replacing “have to” with “get to” in my vocabulary has made me better.
6. Any mobile apps that you use regularly?
Really nothing out of the ordinary. I have been using MyFitness Pal to log nutrition, and it has made a huge impact on my health during the past 18 months.
7. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love doing CrossFit after work. Living in Savannah offers many outdoor options like kayaking, biking, running, and fishing. Of course, enjoying the historic beauty of Savannah and we have great live music and local craft beer.
8. What do you like about Mediacurrent?
The people, it’s all about the people. It’s a great feeling each day to work with so many talented folks that are true experts in their field. It’s fun getting to know more about them personally and building those relationships that strengthen our culture at MC. This allows us to work with partners at all levels in various industries. There are so many challenges to take on providing opportunities for us to improve.