April 24, 2018 • Smart Resources

Getting Smarter with Bill Clarke

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At Smart Resources, we aren’t just a big group of IT consultants or tech minds. We’re a family. Our team is not only one of the most skilled in the country, but also one of the most interesting. Each month, we feature a conversation with one of our great consultants so that you can get to know us better. This month, say hello to Consultant Bill Clarke!

Name: Bill Clarke

Position: Consultant

Years with Smart Resources: 1 1/2

Professional Background in one sentence:

I have spent 36 years in IT, including Project Management, Business Systems Analysis, Design, Development, and Testing.

Describe your typical day.

In my current role as Scrum Master for a Data Warehouse team, my morning includes preparing and leading the team standup and daily communication meeting with our client Data Mart teams. Throughout the day, I manage issue tracking, collaborate at various levels of the organization, work to resolve roadblocks, answer process-related questions, and do whatever else needs to be done that day to keep our team on track for the major conversion project we are working on.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Being able to offer my skills and help the organization in any way I can. I also enjoy working with a team that not only gets the job done well but has fun along the way.

Tell us about the most memorable moment of your career.

There have been a lot of memorable moments over the years, especially in system conversions and client support projects. One that stands out was managing a team of really top-notch IT folks rollout the first credit card balance transfer product on the market. It was so successful that we were not allowed to know how much money it made for the company for fear that competitors would be quick to jump into that business.

What career advice do you have for someone just starting out in IT?

Be flexible and willing to do everything you can no matter how trivial it may seem. The more variety of experience you get, the better you will know what you really like doing.

What will be the biggest tech trend of the next 5 years?

Artificial Intelligence in combination with the Internet of Things. Every facet of life will demand faster, simpler, and more automated solutions.

Do you have a favorite software program?

Anything that helps me get my job done faster and better. You can do almost anything in Excel.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the Richmond area?

I love playing the keyboard in our church praise band and spending time with my family on our farm (including our horses, goats, chickens, peacocks, etc.)

Describe your favorite meal.

Southern home cooking like country ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans, and pumpkin pie for dessert…..Yum, yum.

What’s your favorite song?

I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe. The movie about the making of this song is great as well.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I’m able to play the Shofar (Ram’s horn), although it only has a few note range.

What’s your favorite thing to drink in the morning?

I like to drink water until I get to work. Then a cup of tea gets me ready for the day.

The best movie you’ve ever seen is:

The Sound of Music.

What’s your most prized possession?

My wife of 35 years, 4 children, 2 grandchildren (and 2 on the way) as well as my extended family. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter are my favorite times when 15+ of us gather and just enjoy each other’s company.