In a client-centered place like ZAG, it’s nice to have someone who has been in the client’s shoes to understand the challenges, the decisions, and how technology plays a role in business success. ZAG Director of Client Strategy Patrick Day is that someone.
Patrick understands the operations side, having served as an IT Director for more than 15 years. This allows him to navigate how best to serve clients as a consultant.
“It’s like when the former quarterback comes into the booth to offer more color to the game,” he said. Patrick worked with MSPs in his role as IT Director and understands how a good managed services provider (MSP) can make or break an organization.
In his role now, he guides ZAG’s account managers and business strategists and ensures they have the tools they need to be successful in a consultative business.
Here, we learn more about Patrick and his role:
How and when did you get your start in the technology industry?
I got my start in sales right out of college for Pepsi in Silicon Valley. After that, I went to work for AC Nielson (now Nielson Global Solutions – the TV ratings company) working as part of the data gathering function. Back then, they used modems to get the data they collected and while I was there, the company asked me to pitch in to help with more server administration. From there, my interest in IT grew into a 15+ year career in technology and IT, eventually leading me into the role of IT Director.
Why did you decide to join ZAG?
Being an IT Director is challenging. The operations piece, literally being on call 24/7, can be tiring, so when my daughter graduated college, I decided I wanted to shift into a more consultative role for my director-level colleagues. I wanted to use the skillset I built to help IT leaders navigate technology decisions and have conversations that drive more business value for companies. I looked at MSPs because I had a lot of experience managing those relationships and understood the challenges they face, and that’s when I connected with ZAG President Greg Gatzke and CTO Jim Hunton and that’s how I joined ZAG.
What are the responsibilities you have in your role at ZAG?
Ultimately, I’m in charge of revenue and growth for the business. I also help set strategy for the clients I manage around solutions that ensure they’re able to meet business goals. I fill that consultant and partner role for them to guide decisions around technology investments.
How would you describe your job to a class of kindergartners?
I help companies get better, stay secure, and grow.
What would you be doing for a career if you weren’t in IT?
Playing golf (haha); maybe teaching at some level, maybe in junior college.
What do you like most about your job?
Helping companies get stronger and realize their goals and objectives – whatever those are. I also like the variety that technology consulting brings.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
Be brave enough to suck at something new. Challenging yourself really is the best way to grow in your career.
What is one piece of professional advice that you’ve received that stuck with you through the years?
Don’t be afraid of hard work.
And for more personal questions…
What was your first job?
I had a traditional paper route in Pleasanton, Calif.
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
Playing golf, following racing and motorsports, trap shooting, sports in general (Go Giants!).
What’s a fun fact about you that people may not know?
I used to be a licensed U.S. Soccer Federation/Association referee; my wife played soccer in college and my daughter also played throughout her childhood.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to try new things.
