Andrew Gardner says the channel opportunity at his firm is still expanding
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
My first job was as a silver-service waiter at a local hotel and restaurant. Once I had accidently poured gravy over the bride at her wedding breakfast, I decided it might be best if I studied business IT instead and, after graduating, got my first job in IT at Digital Pathways.
Planes, trains or automobiles?
Definitely automobiles. Despite several requests, nobody has let me have a go driving any of the others.
What sport should be in the Olympics but isn't?
Motor sport. The Olympics is supposed to be for amateurs so that would make for some interesting races!
Which fictional TV character is borrowing ideas from your life?
Batfink, in an animated Batman parody series of the same name that started in the late 1960s. He too has wings like a shield of steel!
What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?
Teacher: Give me a sentence beginning with 'I'.
Little Johnny: I is the...
Teacher: No, Johnny. You must say 'I am' not 'I is'.
Little Johnny: All right. I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.
"In my dreams ... "
... I would get more sleep.
What was your best business trip or junket ever?
I worked in IT distribution in the mid-90s and there were a lot of great trips. It was the closest thing to travelling like a rock star. Helicopters to grands prix, free bars, hotels all over the world. VIP treatment and yet we still managed to look like students at a union bar.
"I never..."
... touched it. It was like that when I found it.
What would your superpower be?
The power to stop time. Why? Because I always seem to be racing to meet my next deadline or get to an appointment on time.
Print or online news?
Online, every time. I like to follow the links to further information and related articles on stories that interest me.
Do you use social media?
I do! I use it for both business and personal. Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, I use them all.
What does the channel most need to learn to succeed and grow this year?
The channel needs to learn how to engage with Silver Peak and our distributors to really grow this year - it's a great opportunity.
Your closest near-death experience?
I had a few close calls when I was younger as I rode a motorbike, but the closest I've felt to death was during a storm where lightning struck a few feet from me and I woke up a few moments later lying on the pavement. Scary!
Andrew Gardner is UK and Ireland regional manager at Silver Peak Systems
