Let's connect with Harold Martin of Terry Reilly Community Health. Please leave your comments and questions for Harold below. If you are interested in being featured in a member spotlight please email customerreference@8x8.com.
Tell us about your job.
I work at Terry Reilly Community Health, a medical, dental and behavioral health provider. We have 18 sites across Idaho. I'm part of a small IT team, and we wear a lot of hats. One of the hats I wear is managing the phone system. There are four of us who support 600 employees. My official title is network administrator.
Have you lived in Idaho all your life?
My dad was in the military, so I grew up in Japan, Singapore and Korea. I liked Japan for the culture, Korea for the food, and Singapore for everything, because they have the culture and the food in one place. I moved to Idaho when I started college and stayed here.
What path led you to your current role?
When I finished college, I was looking for an IT job in a smaller environment. I thought that if I joined a big organization, such as a large hospital, I would have a very specific role and wouldn't get to learn new things. I wanted an opportunity to work for an organization where they were growing and learning so I could grow and learn with them. That path led me to Terry Reilly.
Growing up did you know technology would be your career choice?
I always thought I was going to be a developer or programmer. When I finally got into it, I started to realize that I like to deal with people more than I like to sit in a room and code. So I went over to the IT support side and began my career as a system admin.
Have you had a mentor during your career?
My boss has been a mentor. He's a master at trial by fire. When something goes wrong, he figures it out and fixes it out. Our past director left us with a lot of systems patched together with band aids. We set out to future proof our systems and processes. It has been rewarding working with him to put those changes into effect.
Tell us about your 8x8 journey.
We had been using a Mitel phone system and were ready to try something new. Our IT consultant company, CompuNet, recommended some different phone systems to us. 8x8 was the one that fit our needs for our phone system and contact center. 8x8 is a very good, versatile platform.
What was the last book you read?
Jordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for Life. He said some fun stuff to say.
What advice would you give someone pursuing a career in technology?
Don't be afraid to take a small role because it can always lead into other things. If there's a job that interests you and you doubt your abilities, apply! You never know until you try.
On a personal note, what are your hobbies?
I play recreational sports and stay pretty active in the gym. My dogs keep me active, too. During COVID, I got into fishing.