P.B. Bell would not function without our many amazing team members! We’ve connected with our Yardi Systems Manager, Jackie Hill,  about what his day to day responsibilities entail, as well as what he loves to do outside of the office.

 

What does a typical day for you look like?

Typically I arrive at work around 5:45/6 a.m. and I stay until 3 p.m. I get a lot done in those first two hours before people arrive. Our team works hard to manage software integrations and solve technical issues, but every day is different. You never know what to expect because there are breaks in technology all the time. Most of my time is spent online, researching and fixing issues as I try to find better ways to use the software that our teams utilize. I also help our 3rd party vendors integrate their product with our system.

 

What is a favorite memory from working at P.B. Bell?

My favorite memory would have to be the transition event when Philip Bell stepped down and passed P.B. Bell on to his son, Chapin. It was bittersweet to watch Philip retire but it was an exciting time as well. We learned about how things were going to change, what new and exciting initiatives we were rolling out and where P.B. Bell was going as a company. It was the only time I saw Philip Bell cry, but they were definitely happy tears because he was excited for his son.

 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy being able to help people. When people contact me, it often means that something is broken and they are at their wits end. I always find pleasure in solving the puzzle of a technological problem. I enjoy being able to figure out what is happening and coming up with a solution for people when they are stressed out. Hopefully I can give someone a better day and make them chuckle by the end of it.

 

What is one fun fact about you?

There are a lot of people that don’t know me very well, but before I got into IT I was a hairdresser! When I tell people this, their eyes go right to the top of my head because I shave it, so they are normally a little confused. I did that for years and I had a friend who was in property management who wanted me to work with her – the next thing I knew I was here at P.B. Bell!

 

What is your favorite thing to do in Arizona?

Pre-pandemic I used to go to a lot of concerts – I love seeing random indie bands. I recently moved out to the East Valley, and realized that so much has changed in 35 years! I drive around on the weekends to explore everything that has evolved. I also live a short drive from the Superstition Mountains and like to do photography out there.

 

What is your favorite restaurant to eat at in the area?

I recently found Gecko Grill. It’s in a strip mall so it’s easy to overlook but they have really good Mexican food. The people there are friendly and they have a really nice patio. I love their fish tacos, I could eat that all day long.

 

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

I really enjoy photography. I picked it up over the last few years and I love to learn more about the craft. I also like to travel. I have a friend who recently moved to Hawaii. I’m going out there in April; this will be my second time on the big Island. I could spend a whole day just taking pictures of nature and volcanoes.

 

What is your life motto and words to live by?

I have two. I love “If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving is definitely not for you” and “don’t take life too seriously, you’ll never get out of it alive,” from Elbert Hubbard. To me, this means that you need to enjoy life and live life to the fullest.

 

Jackie, thank you for being a ray of sunshine at P.B. Bell for nearly 15 years! We appreciate your humor, patience and dedication to solving the ever constant technology issues.