It’s time to announce our newest artisan to take the Deacom spotlight. Since joining the team last May, she has made a significant impact on how both employees and customers are using the DEACOM software. In fact, much of her work can be seen in the latest Help System overhaul that was launched a few months ago. Congratulations, Julia Quigley!
In a recent State of Deacom talk, Deacom’s CEO, Jay Deakins, spoke about our recent move into a new market: the cannabis industry. During the process of securing our first customer in this category, we needed to show how we can help them comply with a lot of the regulatory requirements. Julia took on this challenge with open arms by researching and documenting those requirements reassuring the customer that we can help them maintain compliance.
“It really wasn’t part of [her] day-to-day job but it made a big difference in getting us the sale and setting us up to be in a better spot for other, similar opportunities,” said Deakins.
Here is what you need to know about this Artisan:
Describe your role at Deacom?
I am on Deacom’s Documentation team, which means I am responsible for maintaining the content, layout, functionality, and security of our software’s Help website. Occasionally, I focus long stretches of time researching various compliance regulations, such as FDA and USDA requirements, and draft outlines and templates that our customers use to demonstrate how the DEACOM software can be used to comply with those requirements. I know – fun stuff!
When and how did you come to work at Deacom?
I started at Deacom on a sunny Tuesday in May 2017. I previously worked in the oil and gas industry but struggled with some internal conflict about supporting such operations. I am a big advocate of being environmentally friendly and sustainable, so I decided to look for a job in a different industry. For some odd reason I have always been drawn towards technical writing and compliance (someone’s gotta do it). I saw a position in the Support department at Deacom and instantly felt a connection with the energy of the company.
What do you enjoy most about working at Deacom?
The freedom to develop my own approach and my manager’s trust that it is the right way to successfully get the job done. And of course, Joe Gannon’s short stories.
What has been your favorite project at Deacom thus far?
Sometime towards the end of 2017, I was asked to research what it takes for a company to comply with FDA regulations. With no idea what I was getting into, I compiled a list of documents and a short description of what each should cover and gave it to my manager. He said, “Great, now please write them all.” I was able to use that opportunity to dive into a topic I knew absolutely nothing about and create templates that our customers can use to ensure they are operating in accordance with federal regulations.
What excites you most about the technology industry?
There is always growth and improvement, and a way to make something easier, quicker, and more efficient. I am a huge fan of efficiency and lean sigma principles, so I am always looking to technology to help make things smoother and more organized.
What do you like to do when you’re not at the office?
Drink beer, travel, explore new areas, attend as many concerts as possible, and when I’m home, watch New Girl with my cat (her favorite character is Winston) and boyfriend (a real Nick, but with much better financial responsibility).
What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’ll give you a few:
- One of my life goals is to run at least one marathon on every continent. So far, I have run four marathons, but they’ve all been in Philadelphia. I’m currently planning my Europe race and trying to decide between Reykjavik, Iceland or Dublin, Ireland.
- I’ve been told I am very good at impressions. As a result of my aforementioned New Girl obsession, I would have to say my current best is Schmidt.
- At some point in my life, I plan to build a tiny house on wheels and travel across the country in it.
What is your bobblehead holding and can you explain what it means to you?
Like a true millennial, I am holding an avocado. I love avocados – on tacos, toast, eggs, in a smoothie, anyway I can get it. I recently went on a trip across Europe with a couple friends and while we were there we got to stop at a restaurant called “The Avocado Show” in Amsterdam. It was one of the best meals I have had. The entire adventure even inspired me to get an avocado tattoo, so that everyone knows our love is true.
Curious who else from the Deacom team has taken the Artisan Spotlight? Click here to see the most recent.
