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    • Inside Smarty™ - Dirk Whatcott

    Dan Lambourne
    Dan Lambourne
     | 
    March 13, 2024
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    Working for Smarty blog tagWorking for SmartyOperations blog tagOperationsProgramming blog tagProgrammingSmarty culture blog tagSmarty culture
    Inside Smarty™ - Dirk Whatcott

    Meet Dirk, Smarty's very own Swiss Army knife, with a smile. Officially, our Operations Engineer Team Lead, he's our go-to guru for IT, building management, APIs, and more. He’s also known around the office for running the movie script reading group (A group of Smarty workers who spend their lunch reading through well-known and classic movie scripts.). Picture him as the superhero of systems, ensuring everything runs like a well-oiled machine, providing that smooth, worry-free experience for us here and our customers at Smarty.

    But wait, there's more to Dirk than just his IT wizardry. Are you stuck in a pickle? Dirk's your man. Need something fixed, built, or creatively solved? He's your real-life MacGyver, minus the mullet. Always armed with a can-do attitude that could put Disneyland to shame, Dirk turns every situation into "the happiest place on Earth." So, if you're ever in a bind, just remember: Dirk's here to bring a bit of that Disneyland magic, one fix at a time.

    Let's dive in and get to know Dirk Whatcott.

    A chair that Dirk hand made

    Explain to a 10-year-old: What do you do at Smarty?

    I control access to things and keep our software up-to-date.

    What is the most surprising thing you learned about addresses after joining Smarty?

    Addresses can be more complex than imagined.

    What challenges do you face in your job role at Smarty?

    Making sure every request is addressed.

    Dirks 1968 Ford Torino

    Do you have any completely irrelevant skills or talents?

    I can make a hanger do amazing things.

    What has been your most joyous discovery?

    Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.

    What do you think makes our company culture unique, and how do you contribute to maintaining that culture?

    Focus on people and make them feel appreciated.

    What strategies do you use to build strong working relationships?

    Striving to capture things that need to be done by me and then reviewing and doing said things. I like to do what I say I am going to do.

    Dirk and his spouse at Disney

    In simple terms, Dirk is the heart of Smarty, wearing many hats and always ready to lend a hand. Whether it's fixing a technical glitch or just making the day brighter, he's the go-to guy. His knack for solving problems and his constant cheerfulness make him a key player on our team, ensuring everything runs smoothly and everyone stays happy.

    Visit our careers page to explore exciting opportunities to join the Smarty team.

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