This month, we get the pleasure of getting to know Paul Combetta, a Senior Systems Engineer at Platte River Networks. Paul has been with us for a full 15 years. Prior to that he worked as a Systems Engineer at Keyspan Energy, worked as a Network Administrator for TRW and did in-house IT for a recruiting company when he was just 18 years old. He is almost entirely self-taught.
Paul does upgrade and migration work for customers and serves as the final escalation point for difficult issues that come up from the team leads. He enjoys the expression of relief from customers when he is able to help resolve a difficult situation. He also enjoys when the team pulls together to work around the clock if necessary to make a serious problem right again.
Paul was born and raised in Warren, Michigan, just north of Detroit. He is happiest when he is out doing something fun with his best friend and partner in all things, his wife Danielle. They have a beagle named Pickly and two cats, Arya and Cashew. Their oldest son actually works for PRN as well!
In his free time, Paul enjoys woodworking, gardening, and gaming. His favorite book is the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan and his favorite movie is The Blues Brothers.
When asked who he most admires most, he mentioned all the little people who are fighting the good fight for causes they believe will help others while getting no or little recognition. If he could be anybody else, he said, “I refuse to be a ‘grass is greener’ type.” (What a great response!) His life motto is “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness, that is life.”
