MEET THE NEW GUY

It's not often that I get to interview the new hires, especially the Sales folks as they're always hitting the road running. But, lucky for me, I was able to chat with our “New Guy”, Mr. Jeremy Bernard, before his official start date and I'm happy to take this opportunity to introduce him to you.

So, Jeremy, I understand that you will be starting with Lixar on June 17, as the new Director of Sales, congratulations.

“Thanks, I'm really looking forward to starting. I've already met some really great people through the hiring process and I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the team.”

What do you think is the most important part of your role? What do you think is the most “un-business” way to describe sales?

“I think that they are the same, to help people get the product and services that they need, when they need it”.

How would you describe your style?

“With me, there is no song-and-dance, no snow-balling. I work with a sincere, honest and collaborative approach to making sure that client services provided really make businesses and lives better”.

Do you have a business motto?

“Yes, What you sell is what you are going to deliver, … and treat clients openly with a genuine approach”.

Ok, why Lixar? Why do you want to work in web technology?

“Because I feel that I can make a measureable difference and have impact. I want to be more than a cog in a wheel. I love the tech environment, I'm familiar with it because I've worked in it before. I particularly like the pace of change, the adaptive nature and the ability to work with clients to build long-term relationships. Lixar comes across as a company that looks at things from the same perspective”.

What do you like most about sales?

“I like the interaction with the clients. I like building relationships and being accessible.”

What about the Director of Sales role? What do you have planned?

“…Looking forward to getting to know the current customers and to continuing to focus on the telco, energy and e-health sectors. Lixar has done some great work in these areas and I'm very interested in learning more. There certainly is a massive opportunity in the smart tech area.”

Now about you, where are you from?

“I'm from Sackville, New Brunswick originally. I lived in B.C. for a few years and then went to Halifax to do my MBA at St. Mary's University. I've since moved to Ottawa which is now my home-base.”

What was your biggest life accomplishment?

“Sounds funny but it was completing my MBA. I came from a completely non-business background with an undergrad in Political Science and French. So for me, to complete my MBA, specifically the stats and math side of things, it was a personal accomplishment to learn a new ideology without previous experience.”

What is your biggest personal challenge?

“To complete the Canadian Death Race in under 24 hours. It is a cross country race held in Alberta which takes place over 3 mountain peaks. I trained in Nova Scotia at sea level and then competed in this event at 7,000 feet. By the end of the event, there were only 50 of 170 people that finished, I completed it with only 1 hour and 20 minutes of wiggle room to the finish line.”

What do you like most about Ottawa?

“The Gatineau Hills. I love Mt. Biking … especially the steep trails. I also love cross-country skiing. I can't wait to do the Canadian Ski Marathon with Lixar next year.”

What is your favorite technology?

“I have to say it is my IPod. I love carrying my music with me. ”

Any particular kind of music?

“All kinds from old country to blues, to White Stripes and Wilco, to hip hop like Public Enemy.”

You'd definitely like the Halifax Pop Explosion, a music event that Lixar sponsors. I think that's it for today. Anything else you'd like to add?

“I'm really excited to start building relationships with clients and providing solutions that meet their needs.”

Ready to take on any challenge

Business can offer many day to day challenges from how do I stay competitive, to how do I lower my overhead costs, to how do I increase efficiency and grow the bottom-line? Lixar Business process automation and custom application development solutions can save your business a significant amount of money by creating the right tools to make your business run efficiently and effectively.

The Canadian Curling Association implemented a Lixar web-based event & volunteer management system and saved the association time and money. The Canadian Curling Association decreased administrative costs by 60%. CCA Volunteers can now fill out their applications on-line saving the association hundreds of thousands of dollars and administrators a lot of time.

Ignite your Business

Got an idea or a business need that's ready to go into overdrive? The tank is full and Lixar is ready to drive. Our in-house development team is developing solutions as we speak for many local and international organizations so new challenges are welcome.