Meet Sam Bocchicchio, IT Manager in our Seattle office! Sam supports everyone at AdColony with amazing technical support. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, keeping up with the latest scientific advancements, and developing a green thumb. Get to know Sam in this week’s AdColonized feature!
What exactly does an IT Manager do at AdColony? What’s an average day like for you?
No two days are the same, and I love it! My role at AdColony has evolved a lot in the last three and half years. My day typically includes responding to tickets that come in all hours, managing our systems, getting people to the right resource if it’s not me, managing vendor relationships, and so much more. Last year we had a lot of office moves, which really kept me busy and on the move. This year I plan on making my trips to the offices all about spending time with the teams and giving everyone the opportunity to sit down with me and ask questions. I hope to focus on learning what the teams need to be successful and how I can help keep everyone productive.
Tell us a little about your experiences prior to joining AdColony and how they have prepared you for your role here.
Before working for AdColony I worked for Apple as a Genius (by title, not IQ 😉 ) and before that, I worked in technical theater. I really got my passion and knowledge about computers from my time with Apple and my creative thinking and problem solving from my experience in theater. Both of these experiences have been integral to my success in tech.
What makes AdColony the right fit for you?
At Apple I had hundreds of new customers with different problems every day. Sometimes you get regulars and you get to know them, but I love that all of AdColony is my ‘customer’. I get to form relationships with everyone all over the world, and I get so excited when I go to a new office and meet people that I have never met in person but talk to on Slack every week, if not every day!
AdColony values employee development. How do you keep growing and learning in what you do?
I’m a member of an organization called ‘Lesbians Who Tech & Allies’, a community of LGBTQ women, non-binary and trans individuals in and around the tech field. They host monthly meetings, talks, or happy hours, and I love having an opportunity to connect with people with similar interests. We get to learn and grow with each other as leaders in tech and lean on each other as peers in the industry.
How do you act as a resource for the rest of your team?
I am a resource finder. If I don’t know the answer, I find out. I know it’s impossible to know everything, but knowing your resources is essential to providing solutions.
Is there someone you turn to personally or professionally?
I’m so extremely lucky to have so many supportive people in my life. My partner is a true gem for always keeping the ship running while I’m gone. My best friend, Jessica, always knows how to keep it real and give me the best advice or challenge my perspective. I’m more than fortunate to work with Camila every day, who always pushes me to be better.
What are your hobbies or activities that you look forward to doing on the weekends or after work?
So many things, so little time! I love to read, kayak, and paint. My partner and I moved to the Seattle area about a year and a half ago, and we have loved exploring the Pacific Northwest. It’s so beautiful here, and we really love all the amazing scenery Washington has to offer.
We just bought our first house, and we have absolutely loved making it our own. We are both very into homeownership right now. I’m in the process of smart home-ing everything I can, and also learning as much as I can about gardening, composting, sustainable living, and taking care of land. We have just over 2 acres, and I can’t wait for the spring so we can get some chickens, and grow most of our veggies on our property.
Which app is keeping you engaged lately? Why?
I’m really loving Seed to Spoon. It’s everything you need to know about growing fruits and veggies. It tells you everything from when to plant and sun requirements to the health benefits of each plant. Also, I just found out they have Rollercoaster Tycoon on the iPad so I’m sort of having a bit of a nostalgic moment with that app.
Tell us one or two fun facts about you.
I’m a huge fan of science advancement and space exploration. I’ve had the opportunity to attend many lectures at the American Museum of Natural History when I lived in New York (where I was born and raised). I have met tons of scientists and astronauts including Bill Nye, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Mike Massimino, Buzz Aldrin, Chris Hadfield, Don Pettit and many more.
What is your favorite moment you’ve had with the AdColony team so far?
Some of us in the Seattle office like to take a quick break during the day and play Super Smash Brothers. Even though I’m not as skilled as some of my co-workers, I can definitely hold my own.
What are you listening to lately (music, podcasts, etc.)?
My commute just doubled (thanks Seattle traffic) so I have been really getting into more podcasts. My favorite is Queery, but I just started listening to Factually! with Adam Conover. I’m all over the place with music, I’m still totally stuck on LPs newest album Heart to Mouth and my other favorite band Glass Animals hasn’t put out new music since 2016 so I’m really hoping for some new tunes this year.
What are you looking forward to most in the next 5 years?
I try not to get too ahead of myself. If you told me five years ago I’d be here right now, I probably wouldn’t believe you! I’m mostly looking forward to learning to balance my time between jet-setting all over the world with AdColony and turning my house into a thriving mini-farm.
About AdColonized
Each AdColonized feature shines a light on a different member of the AdColony team. From favorite apps and hobbies to fun facts, we cover it all! Who do you want to see on the next AdColonized? Tweet it to @AdColony. For the latest AdColony mobile news and updates, follow @AdColony on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or connect on Linkedin.
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- AdColonized: Getting to Know Britany Scott - December 16, 2020
