Brenton Struck is a tech expert with over thirty years of experience in the corporate landscape. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Seattle University, Brenton accepted a position working for a California-based business.
It was during this time that he received extensive industry experience which helped pave the way for future opportunities.
Currently living in Mercer Island, Brenton now serves as a technology advisor for a prominent online marketing firm. As a member of the management team, he assists in providing comprehensive solutions to enhance productivity and maximize workflow. As a valuable member of his team, Brenton enjoys working alongside an impressive team of industry-leading individuals.
What do you currently do at your company?
I serve in a management position for an up-and coming marketing firm based out of Mercer Island, Washington. My role focuses on developing applications to help increase efficiency and maximize productivity. I also provide ongoing support for any technical issues that may arise across various departments. My job is highly challenging but I really like that no two days are ever the same for me.
What was the inspiration behind your career choice?
In high school and throughout my youth I always found myself intrigued by technology and what technology can do for us on a daily basis. I studied mostly math and science and then attended Seattle University where I enrolled in their Computer Science Program. My post-secondary education really opened up my eyes to the field and I knew I wanted to pursue a technical role. When I moved back to Washington I worked for several smaller companies before landing my current position.
What defines your way of doing business?
While most of my job is very much behind the scenes, it is also very client-facing. I lend my ongoing support to any staff members that may be experiencing technical issues on a daily basis, so customer service is also fundamental to my role. I also do my best to practice patience. I remind my staff that most individuals do not have the knowledge and expertise that we have when it comes to certain software. I work one-on-one with both the bottom line and our executives to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
What keys to being productive can you share?
That is a difficult question to answer because everyone works differently. For myself, one of the things that keeps me most productive is the people that I surround myself with. I like to be challenged and I really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of my role. However, it’s also easy to get distracted with the bigger picture, so my team ensures that I take it day by day and focus on one issue at a time.
How do you measure success?
I measure success by the fact that I get to do what I love for a living. I really take pride in what I do and I am so grateful for the support I receive on a daily and yearly basis from my staff. I also value innovation. I look for technological solutions wherever I can to help individuals speed up their tasks. I like helping people achieve optimal results.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
My best advice is to not take advice. Everyone must follow their own path, make their own mistakes, and navigate through a series of professional challenges. Experience will often provide individuals with the confidence they need to pull through, but it’s important to believe in your own talents and skills. Self-doubt is very common, especially the highly competitive corporate landscape. Take the time every now and then to reassess and establish long-term goals.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
I am an avid reader. I encourage everyone to take the time to pick up a good book when they can. Stress and burnout is very real in my line of work, so it’s important that I make the time to relax, and I find reading is a great way to do just that.
I also love to exercise. When possible at lunch I will often take a brisk walk to clear my head. I find that it helps me refocus for the rest of the day. Once at home I do my best to avoid my email and all business inquiries unless it is an emergency.
What are a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend?
I recently finished reading Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by psychologist Julie Smith. The book provides a really powerful perspective into self doubt and provides advice for finding motivation and breaking negative patterns.
