After years of experience in sales and marketing, DJ Jones has joined the Trapp Technology team as our new VP of Sales!
DJ Jones, VP of Sales, Trapp Technology
Describe your job at Trapp Technology.
I create strategic marketing plans to increase our opportunity, help revenue grow, and develop a strategic partner program that’s mutually beneficial to us and our partners.
How do you describe what you do for a living to your friends?
They do understand cloud hosting, so I tell them that I work for a cloud hosting company and I run their marketing department.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I had the dream of playing baseball for the Chicago Cubs. Kind of crazy enough, when I was playing The Game of Life, I decided that being a CPA would be good for me since I’m a statistics buff!
If you could trade places with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Do I get to look like Brad Pitt also? I’m kidding! If I could trade places with any one person … man, that’s difficult. I’m conflicted — I want to pick a sports figure and a businessman. For sports, I’d pick Aaron Rodgers — he’s the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, and he’s just so good. For business, I’d say the Zappos co-founder, Tony Hsieh. When Amazon acquired Zappos, the agreement was contingent on the company operating the same, and that the company culture be maintained rather than operating like a large stuff shirt business. He took a pedestrian salary in order to stay on board — something like $36k/year. He’s a leader that cares about his employees and inspires greatness through individuality while willing to get paid modestly (he is a multi-millionaire 10 times over). That’s a leader.
What’s the last book you read in its entirety?
The Power of Positive Thinking.
What is your favorite sport to watch? To play?
My favorite sport to watch live is baseball, and football on TV. I’m 31, so I’m kind of stuck playing slow pitch softball. I play a couple times a week in the local leagues.
What’s your ideal travel destination?
Anywhere with some historic value. We went to Cancun and I visited all the Mayan ruins.
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
Normally, I’m at the gym at least once a day, so that’s most commonly where I’ll be. You could find me at home with my wife and our two American Bulldogs.
Do you do any volunteer work?
I’m involved with the Boys and Girls Club of America. I’m very passionate about the message they convey to youth.
Have you ever been told that you look like someone famous?
Oh, man, yes! How many odd things have I been told? Have you ever seen Princess Bride? I get Carey Elwes a lot, but that’s the one I hate hearing the most. When I had more hair, I’d get Leonardo DiCaprio.
Where did you grow up? What do you love about it?
I grew up in Chandler, Arizona. I actually bought the house I grew up in. Everything that I do has a sense of nostalgia to it.
What could you not get through the day without?
Going to the gym, and I have to have my protein shakes each morning.
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
My first baseball game — Cubs vs. Brewers. It was spring training, but it was the first time I ever saw live baseball. My dad sprung me out of school to go.
What was your first job, and would you do it again if you had to?
My first job was at Earnhardt Dodge. I was the parts and warehouse help. I’m under the impression that if you get to a point where you have to do something for your family, you do what it takes. So in a dire situation, absolutely. I’d do whatever it takes.
What characteristics do you admire in others?
Passion, first and foremost. Creativity. I love people who have organized thoughts. The best way that I’ve been described is organized chaos. I like people who are creative but can organize it.
What is your favorite movie?
I know it’s cliche since I’m a baseball fan, but Field of Dreams. I also loved Remember the Titans.
How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who did right by his family and made a difference in the business he was involved with.
What has been your proudest moment thus far with Trapp Technology?
One of the coolest things was sitting down with David and finding out how the business evolved. I take pride in what I do by understanding how it came to be.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
Making people around me, better.
What do you think sets Trapp Technology apart from the competition?
Passion.
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