Meet Jeff LaCasse, IT Director
What is your role at BRIGS, and what does your day-to-day look like? IT at Brigs is handled in a tag-team fashion. I handle anything that relates to the computers, servers and softwares that run on them. My colleague handles most matters that relate to the web portals our staff uses. My day-to-day tasks are mostly break/fix in that I respond to computer issues that are unplanned or don’t have simple fixes. It seems that 80% of all computer issues are software, and hardware very rarely is the cause. Software changes daily and as so many softwares interact with each other, there are bound to be issues.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Most people call me in a panic and are very frustrated with whatever is happening with their systems. Unfortunately, computers and technology are so part and parcel of everything we do in our daily jobs, we really can’t get much accomplished without them. I like to keep a level head and be a calming voice to whomever calls me for help. I like solving issues and most people are very appreciative. The work I do and the variety of different challenges each day keeps the job fresh and the day flies by…isn’t that really all we want out of a job?
What’s something you find challenging about your work? I think like most people I am often challenged by issues I have never seen before. It is frustrating when I don’t know the immediate resolution to an issue. This can be an issue as we all want immediate resolutions, and oftentimes I need to spend some time researching or trying different things before finding the resolution. The other challenge is explaining or understanding what is happening on the other end of the call or support session. It has taken many years to find the best way to help someone navigate through a process without seeing what is happening on their end….sort of like giving turn-by-turn driving directions live over the phone to a driver in a car you are not in!
What are some hobbies you enjoy? I really just like being outside…when I was a young buck, I enjoyed playing touch football, street hockey or soccer but now I get tired driving a cart around 18 holes. I do still hike and enjoy camping, but climbing Everest isn’t in my future plans!
Jeff and his wife
Tell us about your ideal weekend plan. My wife and I have a lake house in Maine that we like to escape to on weekends. I like working on various improvement projects—and she likes to supervise! We love having friends up to hang out on the lake and enjoy a bonfire at nights. That’s about all we need to be happy!
What is your favorite movie? Tombstone
What is your favorite part of fall in New England? Easy…the weather. I love fall and the comfortable 70’s during the day and 60’s at night….best for campfires!
Pumpkin spice everything. Love or hate? Hate the candle, love the bread!
Any favorite spots to go leaf peeping? Maine, of course!