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When Roots began in 1973, computers were more science fiction than reality. As recently as ten years ago, there were barely half a dozen in the head office. Today, computers are an indispensable part of Roots. Such is the degree to which companies now depend on modern technology. That’s why Robin Nelson is so valued at Roots. As the Manager of Technical Services in the IT Department, she plays a vital role ensuring that everyone has the tools to connect with each other and the outside world by computer and telephone. Robin looks after the data and voice network infrastructure at Roots. As such, she’s intimately involved in the planning and purchasing of computer hardware, software, and communications, and loads of other technical stuff that most of us will never understand. Robin ensures that all the main points in the Roots network - the head office, Distribution Centre (DC), leather factory, flagship store on Bloor Street, Roots home office -- plus 30 remote users in North America including sales people and market managers -- are all interconnected and functioning smoothly. The recent move to the new Roots global headquarters presented major technical challenges for the IT Department. Last June, Robin started preparing plans for 1400 Castlefield and the move of the DC to 75 Tycos Drive. In the ensuing months, she analyzed the current technical system and future needs of Roots. She studied different options for connecting the new building, the DC and factory, investigating various configurations before designing a new network infrastructure best suited to the complex requirements of Roots. It was a formidable project that demanded incredible skill, organization and countless evenings and weekends on the case. Throughout the construction process, Robin worked closely with the architect and engineer in planning the infrastructure to meet the technical needs of the company and each employee. In all, nearly 200,000 feet of cable were installed to service all the computers and phones in the offices. If that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Robin designed the server room - home to the 26 servers that house the application needs of Roots - involving issues of cable management, electrical requirements, temperature controls, and security. In addition, Robin also conducted extensive research into selecting a new phone system for the new offices. “It was a personal challenge for me to have the move go off without a hitch,” says Robin, who joined Roots in 2001. “The most satisfying aspect was seeing everybody leave their former offices on that Thursday at 5 pm and arrive on Monday morning at the new offices to find their phones, computers and printers all in place and working. That felt good.” Robin says she could not have gotten through the months leading up to the move without the support and collaboration of her staff in IT. “I’m fortunate to have an incredible team working with me,” says Robin. “You’re only as good as your team. I try to surround myself with people who are highly dedicated and have positive energy. Their hard work, understanding and patience made the whole project more pleasurable and manageable.” Robin has a distinctive style at the office. "One of Robin's greatest assets is her extensive Roots sweatshirt collection," says Roots Co-Founder Don Green. "She seems to have a special knack for picking out the best of the best. In working with Robin on the preplanning of the IT system for Roots and the logistics for the move, she was very attentive to detail and understood clearly the importance of working within the budget. She and her I.T. team actually brought the IT component into reality at 1400 Castlefield below budget. Michael and I have always found Robin to be highly motivated, thorough and very strong in her beliefs. We enjoy her popping into our office regularly -- often to answer Blackberry-related questions. We have a good time with her and appreciate her Roots spirit, enthusiasm, dedication and sense of humour." Others who worked closely with Robin on the move and the new offices were equally impressed by how she rose to the occasion. “Robin is a real professional,” says Alan Dalquen, Lead Designer for the 1400 Castlefield project. “She’s very clear. She knows what she wants and what she thinks is needed for the situation, and she goes for it.” With the move behind her, Robin understandably feels relieved, but not unneeded. Overseeing a team of technical support analysts and network administrators who address the technical woes of Roots employees. This includes the management of the email system and providing network security and computer virus protection, all quite time consuming but critical to the technical operations of any major modern business like Roots. Robin also has to constantly stay abreast of new developments and innovations in the field to provide maximum efficiency for Roots. Before coming to Roots, Robin spent two years as the Manager of Technology and Logistics at a retail apparel company (The Coat Club), after being at Dylex for 12 years during which she managed and implemented systems in their DC and was involved in centralized technology. Robin, who puts her age at “29 and holding,” was born in Sudbury, and spent most of her youth in Peterborough. Today, she lives in Toronto’s Etobicoke neighbourhood. While getting a diploma in Business Administration and Materials Management from Sir Sanford Fleming College, Robin developed an interest in technical matters and became a self-taught wizard on computers. “Being selected as this month’s MVP is a real tribute,” says Robin. “It’s very gratifying to be recognized as a valuable member of Roots. It adds to my enjoyment of working here. What I like about working at Roots is its fast-paced, ever challenging character. Best of all, I get to wear great sweatshirts every day. |
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