Meet Richard Albertson: ECI's Training Specialist

Have you ever wondered who at ECI ensures that customers fully understand and utilize their new software? Meet Richard Albertson, the dedicated training specialist at ECI Software Solutions for Spruce and RockSolid MAX. In this interview, Richard shares his journey, insights, and role within the team.

ECI: Describe your role in 50 words or less.

Richard Albertson (RA): My role is to educate new customers on all the aspects of their new software, from point-of-sale to manufacturing and installed sales. I also do after-sales training for customers who have been live on our software for a while but still want to get the most out of it.

ECI: What and where did you study?

RA: MSU Billings Montana in structural drawings, where I was introduced to the first CAD (Computer-aided Drafting) system that filled an entire room.

ECI: Tell us about your background and the path that led you to your current role.

RA: I started as a structural draftsperson in the 1980s but transitioned to selling building products for the same company. I sold and managed building products for the next 30 years for three wholesale building suppliers dealing with lumber yards and builders. I brought new Spruce software at the last company I worked for. Fascinated with the software, I then went to work as an implementation specialist for Spruce in 2015.

ECI: What does your day-to-day work life look like?

RA: I schedule training for new customers and usually conduct four daily sessions. Every customer is different, so training is never the same. I will spend up to three weeks working with a customer, so by then you’re not just a trainer anymore, you’re a friend!

ECI: What advice would you give someone just starting in your industry? Any words of wisdom?

RA: People in the LBM industry are all cut from the same cloth from east to west, north to south—down-to-earth and wonderful people. As someone who used to call on lumber yards to sell my products, I always look forward to my visits. You need to understand the business you’re working with on a personal level.

ECI: What excites you most about working within this industry?

RA: I look forward to working with new customers, not only to show them how their new software will benefit their business but also to learn more about them and their part of the world.

ECI: What do you find most challenging about working within this industry?

RA: Keeping up with changes in the software and how business is being done.

ECI: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since you began your career?

RA: You end up working most of your life, so make sure you are happy with what you do. I feel fortunate some do not have a choice. Rejoice in all you do.

ECI: Since you started working in the industry, what changes have you witnessed?

RA: Speed and size. The first CAD filled a room, and now you can run on a laptop. My first computer in the 80s took nine hours to load inventory nightly on dialup. My cell phone was a brick. Severs filled a room; now it’s on a cloud.

ECI: What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

RA: You’ll find me riding my bicycle for fitness or golfing with my wife, Katie. Otherwise, I’m kicked back on our porch reading a good book.

ECI: What book would you recommend for anyone to add to their ‘must-read list?

RA: “Coming Out of the Ice” and “An Unexpected Life” by Victor Herman

Richard Albertson’s journey from a structural draftsperson to a training specialist at ECI Software Solutions exemplifies the transformative power of dedication and continuous learning. His story not only inspires but also offers valuable insights into the ever-evolving software industry.