They are responsive, helpful, and dedicated in a way that automation cannot. we are your team.
Every month, we recognize one of the most helpful people at Hosting®.
Introducing Ricky Smart
Born, raised, and currently living in Houston, Texas. Ricky Smart holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Early out of college, Smart was hired as an illustrator, developing designs for gift products at a Las Vegas hotel. After that, he worked as a graphic designer for several companies, and after several years of freelancing, he got a job at a design company specializing in WordPress.
Smart is a multimedia designer with everything you need And I’ve been in this position for just over a year. His work ranges from updating and redesigning websites, designing exhibition backgrounds and materials, creating social media graphics, videos and motion graphics, writing and producing commercials.
Why did you join Liquid Web?
A friend of mine told me that Nexcess was looking for a designer. When I looked into it, I found that I realized how well Nexcess and Liquid Web fit into my mindset and ethos of building on open source platforms and being very proactive, helpful, and friendly. Previously, I had dealt with many other hosting companies on behalf of clients and knew how important it is for a hosting company to have a positive and proactive attitude. It was refreshing to see how deeply rooted the idea of being helpful is in the foundation of this company.
What drew you to the hosting industry as a career?
I didn’t even think about it at first My occupation as a designer usually leads to work, so and Not a hosting company for they. Previously, my impressions of hosting companies were not very positive. At least until I discovered Liquid Web and Nexcess, I didn’t feel like hosting companies had any personality or warmth.
Is there anything in particular that you like about Liquid Web?
Even though my team is remote, I feel connected to everyone and the company. A sense of community extends to everyone in the company. That’s a rarity these days.
What do you like most about Liquid Web’s company culture?
everyone is happy to be here And I love their work.
From your perspective, how is Liquid Web different from other employers?
The value that companies place on both Employees and their customers are the key differences.
What is the biggest milestone you have achieved?
I’m really proud of the commercials I created for Nexcess.
We are open to anyone and everyone to submit ideas and concepts, and some of these ideas have been seeded with little more than the first sketches of ideas. We then determine how that idea and message fits into our branding tone and general company personality. It was interesting finding the right balance between being specific about what we do and telling people who we are.
Of course, our individuality needs to be expressed through all these topics, so creating most of the creative direction in-house helps us collectively find core messages that we wouldn’t otherwise find. help you discover.
Tell us about your great customer experience with Liquid Web.
We are currently in post-production of a Nexcess customer testimonial video. When I reviewed the footage, I was surprised at how easily they talked about his Nexcess and how much they shared. The Liquid Web model of being helpful and accessible to experts has transformed his business in many ways. And it reduced his stress.
What are you known for at Liquid Web? What exactly do people come to you for?
I’m used to generating concepts and ideas and rapidly iterating on those ideas. I have an extensive background in different types of design.I don’t know how that translates to how others perceive me, but I hope it means I’m open to working on anything.
What do you want your customers to know about hosting?
that we really care About their site and business.
Aside from work, what are your hobbies?
I play the guitar and make music. True to the technology theme, I use both analog and digital signals (MIDI) on my guitar, and run everything through my computer using virtual instruments and digital effects.
What is your favorite TV show?
right now, I really enjoy Ted Lasso. Other favorites are Barry, Westworld, The Rehearsal, Arrested Development, and Last Man on Earth.
What is your favorite app?
I found myself going back in time and spending more time Reddit. You can upvote and downvote content and comments, making for a more interesting and positive platform.
What if I could have dinner with a celebrity? [dead or alive]who would it be?
Joseph Campbell. His book “The Hero’s Journey” and the idea of Monomyth had a great influence on me.
We hope you enjoyed our series. Stay tuned for the next Helpful Human profile.
