Meet the Team | Mersim Kosovrasti, Field Engineering Team Lead

S-NET’s resident funny guy, Mersim Kosovrasti always gravitates toward tasks that allow him to interact with people and build relationships. He enjoys working with with clients who find technology challenging so that he can ensure that their transition to a new service is smooth. After a tough day of installs, Mersim enjoys walking his dog, Lola, and stays active with judo and soccer. Read on to get to know him better.

Tell us about your background.

I’ve always preferred to take the scenic route, and my career is no different. I was working as a managing partner at a restaurant when I came across information technology. One of my staff members was studying computer science and I remember being both fascinated and intimidated by the field. I decided to take some courses to explore if this would be a viable path for me and decided to stick with it. I earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer and Information Technology, a CompTIA A+ certification, and I am currently working on my CCNP certificate.

What other jobs did you have before joining S-NET?

As I mentioned, I worked in the hospitality industry for quite some time. I started as a dishwasher and worked my way up to owning and running some of the busiest restaurants in the Chicagoland area. I also worked as a licensed electrical contractor for a few years, before joining S-NET in September of 2015.

What are your primary responsibilities at S-NET?

I work on deploying services for new and existing clients. My job is to determine the optimal way to implement a technical solution. I collaborate with clients throughout the entire process, from site surveys to installation and training, and I help configure the solutions to best meet their needs. As of recently, I am also in charge of managing all field dispatch and project allocations among members of the Field Engineering Team.

It sounds like you interact with clients quite often.

Yes, I talk to clients daily and really enjoy interacting with a whole spectrum of different people, many of whom are not very familiar with technology. As a former restaurateur that used to be intimidated by technology, I can relate to their worries. I am able to help them through their reservations and show them what technology can do for their business. I really like end-user trainings, because in a room filled with worried employees whose work styles have just been uprooted by new technology, that’s where I can make the biggest impact. It’s all about connecting people to a technology that will make their job easier and make them more productive.

Are there any aspects of your work that are challenging?

Cloud communications can be very complex and there are a lot of moving parts: a clients’ existing infrastructure, the compatibility of different technologies, changing requirements and many more. I enjoy the process of finding the most optimal solution that fits within a client’s budget and delivers results. Seeing clients happy and productive at the end of the day makes it all worthwhile.

What have been your favorite S-NET projects so far?

I’m a people person, so I enjoy all the projects where I can interact with clients and co-workers face-to-face. I have always liked a personal approach, whether I was managing staff in my restaurants, collaborating with S-NET’s technical team or building long-lasting relationships with clients.

How has S-NET helped you grow as an engineer?

S-NET provided me with the opportunity to delve into this exciting field and all the complex installations push me to learn and grow each day.  Our team respects and support each other, regardless of seniority, experience, technical knowledge or age. We are all working toward the same goal.

How do you like to spend your free time?

After a day at the office, I like to take my dog Lola for a long walk. I’m not sure which one of us enjoys it more. (Laughs.) I like to stay active as much as I can. I enjoy going to the gym, practicing judo and playing soccer.

Do you have any exciting plans you look forward to?

Being featured on the company blog, I have been waiting for this for a long time! (Laughs.) I’m just joking, but I am looking forward to visiting my parents in Serbia later this year.

Tell us one thing that your coworkers and clients don’t know about you.

I think they already know everything, I talk too much. (Laughs.)