Meet a Helpful Human – Duane Peltier

We’re the employees you would hire if you could. Responsive, helpful, and dedicated in ways automation simply can’t be. We’re your team.

Each month we recognize one of our Most Helpful Humans in Hosting.

Meet Duane Peltier

Why did you join Liquid Web?

I joined to become one of the Most Helpful Humans in Hosting. The fact that a real person at a tech company would pick up the phone in 59 seconds blew my mind. I needed to be a part of that.

Is there something specific at Liquid Web that you just love?

Co-workers. Sounds corny, but we really do have a family here, and people genuinely care for the customers too. Also, the culture is amazing. While all of us work hard day after day, it doesn’t mean we do not have fun while doing it! We support each other professionally and personally and have a lot of laughs along the way.

Change/Adaptability. Much like the technologies we support, the people are also constantly evolving. If you are a fast-paced person, this is a great place to be as something new and exciting is always right around the corner.

Teamwork. Every team is a close-knit group of people that will fight for one another and the customer. I have witnessed it at other companies, but not with the same passion that people show here.

What draws you to the hosting industry as a career?

Every interaction is an internal or external puzzle. You constantly have to be on your toes and look at a problem from all available angles. This provides a lot of personal and professional growth that transcends hosting.

What is the biggest milestone you’ve accomplished?

Recently, I helped to onboard a new member to the sales organization. He reached out for advice on how to be a better mentor since we already had rapport working together previously. After explaining what I felt were the pillars of a good trainer, he thanked me and said, “Since you started mentoring me my life has been going great! I picked up the right kind of mindset from you.” As one of my last classes, this was my crowning achievement of my three-year tenure as a trainer at Liquid Web. To be an integral part of the transformation process for someone else is a truly special event to experience.

Tell us about a truly rewarding experience you’ve had with a customer.

Long ago, when I was on the night shift in Solutions, one customer was having all sorts of issues with his email settings on his BlackBerry phone and we were communicating through Live Chat. I sold cell phones before starting at Liquid Web and was able to help get his phone up and receiving email. Consequently, due to uncovered issues during the conversation, I was able to help the customer upgrade to a 4GB VPS, which was a win-win.

He appreciated the help, liked the attention to detail he received, and appreciated the questions I asked. Personally, it felt like a great example of how we stand out from our competitors. We truly care about helping our customers.

What are you known for at Liquid Web? What do people specifically come to you for?

You know the junk drawer in your Mum's kitchen? That is me, but for sales. If someone needs some bit of sales oddity, it is most likely stored away in the corners of my mind.

What is one thing you wish our customers knew about their hosting?

It is sad to hear on the phone how someone has been burned three or four times by their current host. We can provide all of the pleasantries and features that make us great, but what truly sets us apart is our diligence in listening to our customers, caring about their plights, and taking knowledgeable actions to help. The customer’s website is often their livelihood, and that is why it matters to us.

Work aside, what are some of your hobbies?

Pub trivia every week at Buddy’s in Okemos or at the NutHouse in Lansing! I am the guy drinking coffee there at 9 pm.

I also play a whole gaggle of instruments. I played in a band from 1999-2006. These days you’ll find me at home recording music as a hobby, mainly Lo-Fi HipHop and Post-Rock.

What is your nickname at Liquid Web and why?

"Duanegineer." Like the celebrity names that are a creation from the first names of each person combined together, this comes from a combination of my first name and my title. It seems to be sticking despite my best efforts.

If you could have dinner with one famous person [dead or alive] who would it be?

Tom Waits, who is one of the most influential musicians I listen to. He started releasing major albums in 1973 and continues to do so even today. I have listened to Waits on vinyl since I was a wee lad helping my Dad out with Sunday morning breakfasts, so his music evokes many fond memories from the past.

You can follow Duane on LinkedIn.

We hope you enjoyed our series, and stay tuned for the next Most Helpful Human in Hosting profile.