Sean Mullan is a Team Lead in Kraft Kennedy‘s Support Practice Group. Heading up a team of network engineers, he provides escalation assistance, serves as a technical guide and teacher, and works closely with firms on their IT roadmaps and budgets to keep them future-ready.
Downtime is our interview series spotlighting the people of Kraft Kennedy.
Sean Mullan
What is the story behind how you got into your line of work?
When I started college at Rutgers University, my focus was sports medicine. During my first semester I took a general education computer course with a great professor. The rest is history. I decided to switch and pursue Information Technology & Informatics. I also majored in Psychology, which helps with both the management and customer service aspects of my role.
What’s the biggest challenge you see your clients having?
Staying on pace with the changing security requirements in the industry. Our clients are getting audited more frequently and being forced into making security changes to get new business. Some audits are simple documents with a few recommended changes like password policy updates. Others are more detailed and require additional Kraft Kennedy services. Examples are multi-factor authentication, vulnerability scanning, and security awareness training.
What advice can you share for people getting into your field?
Hone your troubleshooting and critical thinking skills. One of the best, and most challenging, aspects of working for a managed service provider is being exposed to countless technologies across a client base. It is rare to see the exact same issue multiple times, which is why it is so important to find a troubleshooting process that works for you to effectively break down and resolve problems.
What is your signature dish or recipe?
Carnitas tacos topped with a pineapple pico de gallo.
Describe your perfect Sunday.
Waking up early for a round of golf with my friends, followed by a trip to a winery or brewery with my wife.
What’s something your coworkers don’t know about you?
As much as I enjoy working with technology, my true passion is the outdoors. Some of my favorite hobbies include snowboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I am a sucker for a nice watch.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Basically” and “technically.”
Where would you most like to live?
High taxes aside, I enjoy living in South Jersey. I like how accessible both Philadelphia and New York City are. I also enjoy the seasons in different areas, summers on the coast and winters in the mountains of Pennsylvania.
What is your most treasured possession?
My grandfather’s pocket watch that was given to me after he passed away. I made sure to wear it in my suit pocket on my wedding day.