Role: Founder And Director
Company: Fuel
Track Record:
TRACK RECORD
Paul Trouton started Micro Computer Solutions (MCS) in 1992 while at Queen’s University and in 1993 decided to make it a registered company. Last month MCS rebranded as Fuel to enable its plan to expand the business into new markets and countries and currently employs 14 staff.
7am
I normally wake up around 7am and begin to get the kids ready for school. I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to breakfast — like my mother always said to me, it really sets you up for the rest of the day. Myself and my wife ask the kids what they will be up to during their days and get an understanding of what everyone will be doing.
I think it is crucial that the kids don’t see work or school as a chore or a ball and chain. My life and work have always run hand in hand and I would like my kids to take the same approach to whatever education programme or career path they pursue.
7.30am
Once I’ve got my engine running its time to check in to my emails. Email is a key part of my work and as such I have to monitor around nine different email accounts. These include work and personal accounts as outside of Fuel, I also own and run many websites devoted to all things concerning retro computing and gaming.
8am
I drive into work each day and once I arrive at my desk I can begin planning my day. I have a good system for working and making sure everything gets done. Throughout the day I use a dictaphone, a paper diary and an electronic diary to keep up to date with the tasks.
It may seem odd that someone who is so involved in IT keeps a paper diary but I use it to record specific thoughts about projects and I find it can be a really good way of distilling through details. I keep all of my previous paper diaries and review them regularly as I find it a great way of remembering thought processes and solutions to problem solving.
10am
Fuel employs 14 staff and has over 1,500 clients across Ireland, England and Scotland. For that reason it’s important that I am aware of any issues or emerging situations where I can offer input. I stay in close contact with all the team and it is normally at this time that we hold regular meetings to see if there are any projects that require my expertise and where other support is needed. It’s a great way of understanding all the work we are engaged in at any given point.
12 noon
As part of my role it is vital that I am aware of what is happening in global ICT. The best way to do this is by reading as much as possible so I tend to spend any spare time I have looking at websites such as Techspot, Ted.com and The Register. When assessing IT technology, I think it is key to gather as much detail and knowledge as possible.
I have a real energy for knowledge and I’m genuinely curious in all aspects of IT. Over the years, there have been many bandwagons which have passed through the IT world. I pride myself on the fact that Fuel hasn’t jumped on any of these and has been able to offer our clients the full picture on the plus sides and pitfalls of new technologies. Our job is to bring the client on a journey where education and understanding is key.
2pm
I’m back on the road and I’m off to visit the site of a recent installation for our clients Copeland. Copeland is based in Cookstown and produces a range of high powered compressors. They had asked us to build and install eight industrial-level computers that would power their robot production line. These industrial computers are all hand built and made to the highest specifications. For me, it’s important that I guide the clients through the idea, installation and activation of the computers.
Sometimes within IT there can be a tendency to talk in technical language or assume that people will understand complicated concepts. I’m always conscious of this and happy to make all information available for customers in a way they understand and can evaluate.
4pm
The afternoon gives me a chance to visit Whitenoise, who created the concept around our rebrand. Fuel has almost 150 years of IT experience at its core and it’s an incredibly exciting time in terms of local business and IT.
We have been working with Whitenoise to rebrand the business and communicate all of the partnerships that we currently hold. It’s been an amazing process and has included an incredibly detailed look at all aspects of how we function.
6pm
I head home around six and meet up with my wife and kids. When I’m at home I really like to relax but I’m also a keen chef. I love Asian, Thai and Indian food and I’ve just learned how to put a beautiful Masala together from scratch. I see cooking as a big part of family life and sharing a meal allows us all to catch up on how our days went.
8pm
I recently invested in a valve amplifier and a valve CD player. I have a huge collection of compact discs collected over many years and wanted a system upgrade that would bring the music to life.
After road testing a few options I settled on a Valve Amp system and I’m currently listening my way through a selection of female singers’ back catalogues. It’s a great way to relax and the perfect way to end the day.