Alex Helps Hardware Stores with Their Computer Hardware

Alex Best may be relatively new to Paladin Data Corporation, but he’s already making a significant impact on both the company and its clients. As a technical support representative, Alex specializes in assisting stores with hardware issues—not the kind involving nuts, bolts, or lawn mowers, but rather computer hardware like printers and credit card processors.

Initially part of Squad 2, which deals with software challenges, Alex transitioned to Squad 1 to better align with his background and interests. His previous experience with Best Buy, where he helped customers with hardware setup and troubleshooting, made this move a natural fit. Interestingly, Paladin has several former Best Buy veterans, which helped Alex feel right at home.

Alex finds great satisfaction in his role at Paladin, especially in solving hardware problems.

“When you help people with hardware, they’re generally more excited because they get the physical satisfaction of seeing results. They’re usually happy because their label printed, as opposed to just watching their EDI order process. The satisfaction of helping customers is much greater. I also enjoy the troubleshooting aspect of the job. It’s a lot of fun,” he says.

A native of Portland, Oregon, Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Oregon State University in Corvallis. During college, he interned at Puffin Labs, a cryptocurrency regulation company, focusing on social media marketing.

After graduation, Alex and his fiancée, Rochelle, moved to Bend, Oregon. Following his time at Best Buy, Alex found Paladin’s work more challenging but also more rewarding.

“My first month and a half here, I thought learning Paladin was really, really hard. But then there was a week when everything just clicked, and it’s been relatively smooth sailing since. I love everyone on the team. We all get along really well. It’s a good environment, and anyone who’s available is always ready to help,” Alex explains.

Squad 1 lead Andrew Martinelli has been impressed by Alex’s performance.

“Alex came onto the team asking great questions, willing to learn, and with a great attitude. He quickly rose to be one of the top-performing techs,” Andrew says.