Get to know us! At Carousel, we’re more than 1,300 #CarouselCrew members strong, spanning 27 locations across the country. Each month, we’re excited to share a glimpse of our talented team members.

This week, meet New Jersey-based Rob Acerra, National Account Manager. We sat down with him to get the scoop on his favorite technology and what motto he lives by (it’s not “eat dessert first”, though we all appreciate that one too!).

Reach out to Carousel today to see how our talent, partner affiliations, and thousands of certifications can help you achieve your IT goals.

What do you consider the best invention/technology?

Unified communication tools, specifically desktop video conferencing.  As a remote worker, I feel more connected with my clients and fellow employees when I am able to communicate with them via video. This, coupled with the benefits of collaboration via Skype for Business, Cisco Spark and other solutions, allows me to be more effective and productive. With one click, I can be presenting a Managed Services solution, reviewing funding models or hosting a quarterly business review, all from my home office.

Rob pictured with his wife Rose and son Robbie at a PTA event.

What are your top 3 life highlights?

First and foremost, I am a husband and father. I have a lovely wife, Rose, who I have been married to for 28 years, and three grown boys, Rob, Rich, and Ray. I have been fortunate to watch them grow and succeed in their own ways.

Second, as a student at Montclair State, I proudly presented the 1988 commencement address, going back the next year when my wife was speaking to roll out a banner reading, “Rose, will you marry me?”

Finally, in 1997, attending the ceremonies for my father and his 11 brothers when they were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. They were recognized for being the longest playing, all-brother baseball team in history, taking the field from 1939 to 1952.

How do you keep a healthy work/life balance?

I am up by 4:30 to catch up and get ahead of the tasks of the day before attending client calls, meetings, and training sessions.  When my kids were young, I would always find time to attend their school events or coach their teams. As they grew up, I began to take on more volunteer activities. I have served on my local Board of Education, Town Council, and as Deputy Mayor of Ocean Township, New Jersey. I am currently running for the New Jersey State Assembly. With the election in November, the healthy work/life balance is taking a back seat to campaign events and knocking door-to-door, though Rose and I always find time to sneak away for a happy hour once a week.

Rob speaks at a NJ school funding press conference.

What is most exciting about being a #CarouselCrew member?

The constant change. I have been with Carousel now for 11 years and there are always new faces, new products and services, and a fast pace to stay ahead of client needs. Technology is ever-evolving and Carousel is always helping our clients drive innovation in their business. It is an exciting time to be in the technology field and more exciting to be a part of Carousel!

What motto or quote do you live by?

People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Then once they know how much you care, they care about how much you know!

Interested in contributing to the Carousel culture? Check out our careers page here.