Employee Spotlight – Sam!

Each month we will be featuring an IA employee giving everyone an opportunity to get to know all of the faces and minds that make up our company and provide you with the best possible software and customer service! For our first edition we are spotlighting a person that many feel they know well already, our Director of Customer Service, Sam. Sam has been with IA for over a year. During this time he has become very familiar with many teachers and administrators via GoTo Assist. Sam is one of IA’s most knowledgeable employees and there seems to be no problem that he cannot solve! In addition to helping our schools and faculty members with their questions and concerns, Sam also helps everyone at the office on a daily basis! We all rely heavily on Sam and are truly grateful to have such a dedicated coworker. So, without further ado, meet Sam!

Sam and one of his famous GoTo Assist highlighter drawings.

Full Name: Samuel Cain Lackey
Birth date: June 16, 1983
Hometown: Rocky Mount, VA
Current City: Roanoke, Va
Education: Lynchburg College
Marital Status: Single “wink”
Position at IA: Director of Customer Support
Books: The Floating Opera by John Barth, The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
Movies: Fletch, 12 Angry Men, The Dark Knight
Music: “anything from the 80’s”
Favorite Quote: “A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are for” -William Shedd
Favorite Color: blue
Favorite teacher/professor: “Dr. Lipani – An English professor from Lynchburg College; one of the most engaging people that I have ever met.”

Sam hard at work.

Briefly describe what you do at this position: “Keep customers happy!”

How would your co-workers describe you? “I would like to think that they would say I am a hard worker with a good sense of humor and laid-back personality. I know that they would say that I am one of the clumsiest people that they have met.”

On a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being very messy) how messy is your space/desk? “5- definitely something that I am constantly working on.”

What is your favorite part about working at IA? “Every day at IA is a little different. I not only get to work with an amazing staff compromised of some of the most energetic and hard working people that I have ever worked with, but I also get to work with different school personnel from across the state. I thoroughly enjoy coming to work each and every single day.”

What is something our school districts may be surprised to find out about you? “I have a debilitating fear of public speaking….and clowns.”

What is your favorite snack at the office? Blueberry Yogurt

Where is your favorite place to go out for lunch? “Alejandro’s – hands down”

What is your proudest accomplishment while working at IA? “I would have to say my first solo remote assistance call. I spent my first week at IA learning the program and how to use the remote assistance but the idea of handling a remote assistance call by myself from start to finish was nerve racking. I remember having a “deer in the headlights” moment at first but quickly got over it. Just knowing that I could do was one my favorite moments.”

Thoughts on education? “I think educators have the great responsibility of being one of the most important part of children’s lives during the most impressionable time of their lives. It is a tremendous responsibility and it makes my day being able to assist educators daily.”

Our fun-loving Sam!

What do you do outside of IA? “I enjoy playing racquetball, riding my bike, and reading. There isn’t anything better than a good read on a rainy day.”

Of what should everyone own at least one? “a pair of flip flops”

What is most important to you? “a strong work ethic”

Thanks Sam for all you do!!!