Steve Starr, who is quick to humorously point out that the company is not named after him, is the director of network operations, managing the day-to-day activities of DayStarr’s technical staff and serving as the company’s resident programmer and network engineer. He celebrated his 10th anniversary with the company this year.
Steve Starr, Director of Network Operations
I graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business, Computer Information Systems, and while there did web development for the admissions office. When I was fresh out of college, my soon-to-be father-in-law asked Michigan Online Group — which later merged with DayStarr — to interview me just as a favor. They weren’t really looking for anything but I guess I made an impression as I’m still here 10 years later.
On a daily basis I manage the tasks of the inside technicians, things like trouble tickets or turning up new services. I also work as a network engineer making sure all of our equipment is optimal and running. As a director, I provide guidance on the direction of the company. I am excited to see DayStarr grow, helping to bring 21st-century technology to small communities.
It is really, really cool to see the new technology and what we can do with it; pretty amazing things we couldn’t do two or three years ago! The downside is that technology is advancing so rapidly that while you might think you are bleeding edge, it doesn’t take long for you to be working with old technology, which means you are having to always upgrade equipment to stay current.
As to my personal business philosophies, I think that failure is only bad if you don’t learn from it. Everyone fails. It happens. It is what you do with that failure that matters. Do you just sit back and sulk, or do you learn, grow and become better? We have certainly made decisions that didn’t turn out the way we expected, but, as a result, we are a better company.
I look to great entrepreneurs for inspiration: Warren Buffet for his ability to still lead a very modest lifestyle and instill those same values in this children; Bill Gates and Steve Jobs for how they helped advance technology and kick off the PC war that grew into where we are now; Steve Wozniak for what he engineered; and Bill and Melinda Gates for how they have given back to the world.
Outside of my work, I love spending time with my wife, two children and the rest of my family. My wife and I have been married for 10 years. I think being a parent is the hardest thing I have ever done. Don’t get me wrong, it is rewarding, but I think that people without kids generally underestimate how hard it truly is. My family is so important to me and since I have a blended family, I have been lucky to have been influenced by many parents.
I love outdoor activities and most people would be surprised to learn that despite being engulfed with technology, I actually love being away from it. It’s kind of freeing at times. I love to snowboard in the winter and my kids love skiing. I golf in the summer and have recently introduced my 6-year-old son to skateboarding so that is a revived interest for me. I am also a bit of a beer snob and have started home brewing my own.
Published by Steve Starr
December 14th, 2015