As Vice President of Sales & Development for Shaw Technology, a key piece of Channing Allen’s job is moving his company forward and increasing its pace of growth. He’s good at this job: Shaw Technology has been on the INC 5000’s Fastest Growing Companies in America list for five years in a row.
What are Shaw Technology’s primary services? We’re a managed service provider, or as most would say, an outsourced IT company. We become the internal IT for companies who need the help with that aspect of their business, and we also help internal IT departments to do their jobs a little better.
Who are Shaw Technology’s primary clients? Doctor’s offices, law offices, architectural firms, basically anyone or any business who has computers and needs help with their IT needs.
What are your duties as VP of Sales & Development? My main goal is to grow our company. That means sales, contracts, hiring, personnel development and anything else that helps Shaw Technology get to the next level.
What’s your No. 1 piece of IT advice for small businesses? It’s okay to ask for help; everyone wants to do everything for their small business, so you end up all over the place. Also, hire your weaknesses, and get help whenever you can so you can focus on your strengths.
What’s your favorite part of your job? Working with people from all over and helping them get better at what they do, both internally and externally.
What are your interests outside of work? I love to work out, play the guitar and sing. But most of all, I love spending time with my wife, Paulina, my son, Bryce, and our dogs, Avery and Oliver.
The Best Policy:
“I believe in being honest with people, especially in the difficult conversations. People grow from failures and from people who help them through it by being honest, not just telling them what they want to hear. The world has too many ‘yes men,’ and I’m far from one of those. Just ask my partners!”
shawtechnology.com
