2022 BBJ CEO Awards: Brian Jackson, Abacus Technologies … – The Business Journals
Brian Jackson
President
Abacus Technologies
What’s the top factor that has allowed you to have a successful career? Always looking for ways to improve and never being afraid to fail. Failure is a part of the learning process. Ask the hard questions and don’t be afraid of the answers.
What was the most pivotal moment in your career? What happened and how did you respond? As an inexperienced leader, I quickly learned that I could not do it all; even though I could didn’t mean that I should. People are the most important resource in any organization. Once I figured this out, my focus turned to development and the subsequent success of those around me. Leadership requires a different mindset, perspective and process.
What is your biggest pet peeve? I always strive to achieve high standards of accuracy and quality of work. It is very hard to see others just do the bare minimum, game the system or act with no sense of urgency.
What do you do outside of the office? Outside of the office you may find me riding trails on my mountain bike or taking in a round of disc golf. I also enjoy DIY projects.
What are you most proud of in your career? Being able to help those around me solve problems. I have never been really focused on personal goals; my attention instead has been on serving others. Understanding pain points, discovering needs and how to help others has always been a passion for me.
What is your go-to restaurant when taking clients out for a meal? El Barrio or Firebirds
What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know? A few years ago I began building farmhouse furniture out of my basement. This would include large tables, benches, shelving and other various pieces. Some were from plans but other pieces were customized to meet specific or unique spaces. I really enjoy fixing, building and working on DIY projects.
If you were CEO of Birmingham, what one change would you make to the metro area? Birmingham has a lot going for it and has seen some major changes over the past decade. The age-old problem yet to be solved is how to unite the various communities, towns and cities toward common interests. As the CEO of Birmingham I would begin working toward solving this problem immediately. Because if the situation is left as is, success, prosperity, and growth as a city will be much harder to achieve.
What’s your sales pitch for why someone should move to metro Birmingham? Birmingham has a lot to offer whether you’re a “foodie”, a sports fan or love the outdoors. You can hike the trails at Oak Mt., catch a Barons game then take in some fine dining all in the same day. We have a stable job market with opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, finance, and technology. The cost of living is lower than the surrounding cities and you can live downtown or enjoy the peace and quiet of a local neighborhood. Birmingham offers a living experience that can be customized to your own needs and preferences.
What does Birmingham need to succeed in the coming years? To be successful in the coming years we are going to need more cooperation between the City and surrounding communities. We could see millions in investments go to other cities simply because of our area governments’ inability to work together.
What do you see on the horizon economically for your business in 2023? We expect to see strong demand for services through next year. Companies are increasingly recognizing technology and digital transformation as a strategic asset that is key to future growth. They need experts in cybersecurity, business intelligence and systems engineering to align the people and process with their technology investments. Abacus Technologies is well-positioned to help companies solve the technology problems impeding their journey to success.
What have you found to be the most successful way to retain and attract quality employees? Everyone knows that great benefits and culture are important in attracting and retaining employees. Leadership is very important; nothing will drive employees away faster than a bad leader. Being a leader is a lifelong learning activity, so training up strong leaders on how to engage, inspire, and retain employees is critical. Be upfront about your company’s values, culture, and business results, top talent will be attracted to structure and success. Show a path for growth and advancement; develop learning plans allowing employees to gain new skills which support their career goals within the company. Finally, be flexible with employees so they can balance personal and professional roles in their life.
Do you feel the work from home trends will continue in the coming years? Why or why not? There is no doubt that work from home is here to stay. But I do believe that in the future most employees and employers will arrive at some type of hybrid arrangement.
Recognizing talented top executives in Birmingham
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