Get to Know Green House Data: Jon Byrd

Our ongoing blog series, Get to Know Green House Data, introduces you to the people who answer your tickets, rack servers, test Proofs of Concept, and keep your service levels high. This week, meet Jon Byrd, Senior Infrastructure Consultant for Green House Data.

Which office do you work in? Are you originally from the area?

I work in the Seattle office and live across the Puget Sound from Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula. It is a beautiful daily commute to downtown via two ferry boat rides one way. Although I was born in Searcy, AR and have also lived in Floydada, TX and Bellevue, NE, my roots are deep here and I consider Seattle my home.

What are your favorite things to do in Seattle?

I’m involved in the Seattle music scene as the bass player in a local rock band called “Off the Rails.” We are a blend of Seattle angst, edgy female vocals, and crunchy 80’s-hair-metal guitar. We are almost famous... or something like that. Music sample here: https://www.reverbnation.com/offtherails2.

How long have you been in sales?

I have been in Sales and Business Development for over fourteen years. Most recently over the past eight years I specialized in SaaS solutions for city and county governments, managing the full life cycle of building permits and inspections. One of my earliest sales jobs after college was at Rent-A-Center where I once saw a lady spend over $900 for a rent-to-own VCR in a period of just eighteen months! Shortly after that I moved on from Rent-A-Center.

What are some of your favorite work projects? Least favorite?

One of the most gratifying aspects of sales for me is when I develop credibility and trust with a potential customer that senses my expertise and openly welcomes my advice. That is when things pick up speed and really start moving towards a mutually beneficial outcome. I really enjoy this because the momentum is energizing and it helps focus everyone towards a win-win solution.

On the other hand, it is a challenge growing into a new sales role when my credibility and expertise are still under major construction. As a six month veteran at Green House Data I still have a long way to go, but I am well on my way, transitioning from selling SaaS applications to selling IT infrastructure. I always embrace the chance to acquire new experiences and applied knowledge here at Green House Data.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy lake vacations at Lake Chelan, WA with my family of five, including wine tasting with my wife Maria. I also run road races having recently finished my third full marathon of 26.2 miles. Don’t underestimate the difficulty of the last 0.2 miles! Also, during the week I love watching my three kids play basketball including my handsome son Easton (9th grade) and two darling daughters, Peyton (6th grade) and Macy (2nd grade).

Three days at a resort with spa treatments, or three days camping in a secluded spot in the mountains?

Resort and spa! And maybe throw in a round of golf, a cigar, and a Manhattan.

Donuts or bagels?

Donuts, for sure. Pershings and Apple Fritters!

What do you like about working at Green House Data?

I love the Green House Data message of a “green cloud.” I love how that stands out.