Mike
TITLE: Programmer/Analyst

"One of the more outstanding benefits of working for Sherwin-Williams, "says programmer/analyst Mike, "is that management is willing to try newer technologies to enhance the business. There is no evidence of 'that is how it has always been done'."

Sherwin-Williams’ willingness to innovate translates into opportunities for Mike. Opportunities to learn new software or hardware platforms to help him do his job better. And to have a positive impact on improving business processes.

Vernard
TITLE: Team Leader

Vernard’s career with Sherwin-Williams started a few years ago, as an Analyst at the Corporate Customer Service Helpdesk. "I was really impressed with the company’s push towards education & training. On my own initiative, I took advantage of the IT University classes, on-the-job training and off-site classes offered at Cleveland State University... Little over a year later, a management position became available and I got it!"

In his current role, Vernard defines success in terms of the quality service his team provides to the user community. "We must continue to do a reality check to assure that we’re effectively supporting our customers. To have the mindset to evolve customer service beyond its traditional reactive ways and be a truly proactive support organization."

Ever mindful of the speed of change, Vernard acknowledges that IT’s success hinges on "Taking a continuous developmental route with new and ever changing technology. Ensuring that IT has the capability and capacity to respond to the current and future business needs of the company."

Vernard plans to continue his journey through the management ranks. As he says, "The sky is the limit here at Sherwin-Williams."

Tony
TITLE: Sr. Programmer/Analyst

Tony has been with Sherwin-Williams for more than 20 years, working in various areas of the company. Weathering the "ups and downs" of corporate life. "Many of the people I started with over 20 years ago are still here. That's a pretty good testimonial to the ‘ups’ outweighing the ‘downs’."

Tony is especially pleased with the recent initiatives in IT. "The key factor in selling the IT department is the change in senior managements’ attitude... With the acknowledgment that IT is now a critical resource and not just ‘data processing’. Management has committed, and continues to commit, dollars and resources to arm the company with the IT tools it will need to compete in the new millennium."

While Tony appreciates management’s commitment to IT, he also recognizes the need for IT professionals to really know the business. He says the collaborative working relationship between IT and the user groups is a critical factor in meeting business objectives. "By working together with the user groups, IT can better understand how the business actually works. It is this understanding of the business functions which gives IT the insight to design and develop better end user tools."

When asked about career opportunities for IT professionals, Tony replies, "The close working relationship between IT and the user community allows IT personnel to learn the business side of the business. This affords the opportunity to move into the business end should one be inclined to do so. The IT opportunities are wide open. The company has a policy of providing whatever training is necessary for employees to attain their goals."