The headcount at DealTrak HQ has certainly grown over the past 12 months. And, in celebration of the faces both old and new – in terms of tenure, not age, of course – we’ve decided to give you the InsideTrak on a different member of the team each month, to learn more about what makes them tick.
This month we’re finding out more about Mark Taylor, Lead Architect, who in his spare time enjoys getting thrown about in Jujitsu when not getting lovingly pecked by his overly friendly hens.
1. Summarise your role in one paragraph: As Lead Architect at DealTrak, I am responsible for driving the innovation of new functionality to our platform, utilising the most optimal technical solutions and design methodologies, which I effectively communicate to the various teams in the business. I am currently heavily involved in the architecture of DealTrak’s new platform, which is helping to future proof our business model.
2. What’s the best part of your job?
The motor industry is full of challenges. As I love problem solving, and keeping up with advances in the tech industry, I’m lucky that I can leverage my knowledge and experience in order to improve the DealTrak platform, making us more competitive in the marketplace.
3. Which one word do you think your colleagues would use to describe you?
Perfectionist.
4. And what word do you think best describes DealTrak?
Innovative.
5. What’s been the most satisfying moment of your DealTrak career so far?
I spearheaded the transition from bare metal hosting to the AWS cloud services, which involved migrating all services and data. Hosting costs were reduced, performance increased, and the cloud allows us to scale and innovate without restriction.
6. What do you love about the DealTrak office?
I love the location, and space. The dock area of Leeds is peaceful in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the centre, and that really appeals to me. The office lets in lots of light, and we have a lovely view of the waterfront. We also have a nice chill out area, with a pool table and retro arcade machine, which helps to relax the mind.
7. Workplace wellbeing is something which is really important at DealTrak HQ, so what’s your favourite work perk?
I really love the flexibility that DealTrak offers its staff. I work from home several days a week, which suits me as I live an hour from Leeds. This allows me to focus more time on productivity instead of sitting in traffic. We also work flexitime, which I’m a big advocate of, as it enables staff to be more productive – fitting into our optimal working pattern, instead of being forced into a ‘one-size-fits-all’ box.
8. If one of your colleagues could win an award (industry or office-related) who would it be and why?
It would be Martin Hill. I was interviewed by Martin when I joined the company, and he inspired me so much that I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. I think he does an excellent job of managing and promoting the company, and I love his approach to developing people.
9. What are your hopes for DealTrak in the coming year?
I hope the new iteration of the platform is a big success and enable us to expand our market share.
10. What is the biggest challenge facing the industry over the next 12 months?
Now that the internet is so widely used, I envisage a decline in customers visiting car showrooms. I think if companies don’t adapt to consumer demand, they will struggle to survive.