(Service Technician, Sulphur Springs Office)  Almost three decades ago, Brandon Brock interviewed with a copier service manager in Sulphur Springs (then Advantage Copy Systems). In the interview, he commented to Brandon, "Most people get into this field and stay in it. I just want you to know that."

Brandon’s thought at the time? “Yeah, whatever.”

Yet here he is 28 years later, still at it.  Looking back today, he laughs at the memory. "He knew something I didn't know."

This month, Brandon celebrates 28 years with Datamax, proving those words couldn't have been more accurate. Along the way, he has learned that becoming a great technician isn't just about mastering copiers. It's about building relationships, utilizing the support system around you, and being willing to return the favor for the next person or the new technician that jumps on board.

What led me to Datamax?

At first, he was simply looking for a job.

Yet a funny thing happened as he trained, learned, and spent time out in the field serving clients. As Brandon settled into the role, he quickly discovered there was much more to the job than repairing equipment. The first year came with a steep learning curve, but once he gained experience, everything began to click.

"At first it was overwhelming. After about a year or so, you get enough experience under your belt. It gets more comfortable and easier if you just hang in there."

My experiences at Datamax:

Brandon's commitment to customers has not gone unnoticed by East Texas Service Manager Michael Johnson. Covering one of the largest territories in the region, Brandon's day might take him from Mount Pleasant to Greenville and then north to Bonham, yet he consistently finds a way to take care of every customer while still pitching in wherever the team needs him.

Michael says Brandon is always willing to help with operational tasks between offices, but what impresses him most is Brandon's commitment to making every customer experience better. Whenever Michael rides along with him, Brandon already has a list of customers he wants to revisit for a second set of eyes, often on complex production devices like imagePRESS or varioPRINT systems.

"We'll take care of the original service call, and then Brandon will say, 'Can we go see this customer, and this one too?'" Michael said. "To me, that shows the level of care he wants to provide. Just because the customer's not complaining about it doesn't mean it doesn't need to be addressed."

Michael says Brandon also leads by example when he encounters something unfamiliar.

"One of the things I admire about him is when he runs into something he's not sure about, he calls. He doesn't let his ego get in the way. He wants to get it right."

Brandon echoes the same sentiments regarding the support team around you at Datamax.

"My advice is get help. Have someone show you how to do it. I've never needed something that I didn't get here at Datamax."

That support has shaped the technician Brandon is today.

"The people that I've worked with over the years have been great. A lot of them are still here. You build relationships, and I've always had good support from management."

Now, after nearly three decades in the field, Brandon has become that source of support for others.

"I'm willing to help. Sure. I'm not too good to help anybody. I don't want to see anyone struggle because I've been there. I'm 100 percent willing to be there for them."

As technology continues to evolve, Brandon believes teamwork is more valuable than ever.

"Copiers are so connected today. They can get confusing. Do your research and do what you can do. But if you get stumped, don't carry the burden alone. Get someone to help you. I've called a lot of other techs, and they're willing to help. It's hard to find an issue another tech hasn't seen."

Just as important as technical knowledge is the ability to connect with customers.

"You have to be a people person and know how to adjust to their personality. Know what they expect of you. That's how you have to do it."

What makes me want to stay at Datamax?

For Brandon, the answer starts with the people who have supported him from day one.

"If I need something, I can reach out to my manager. The support is great. It's a good environment. They give you what you need to do your job. As long as you're doing your job, they leave you alone. They're here to help you."

That environment has kept him motivated through nearly three decades of change.

"A lot of times I tell myself I'm getting so old I can't learn anything new," Brandon joked. "But really, it's the environment. I don't think I could find something better. The company has great benefits. I have a lot of time off. It's hard to find that nowadays, where people will treat you right."

When he's away from work, Brandon enjoys life in his hometown of Sulphur Springs, where he's lived his entire life. Whether he's hunting, fishing, playing golf, maintaining his 40-acre property, or raising Labrador retrievers, he stays busy. But after 28 years, it's clear that Datamax has become just as much a part of his life as the community he calls home.

For Brandon, the lesson from that very first interview has come full circle.