Life in the Swimlane with Marvin Smith, Senior SDR

Welcome to the “Life in the Swimlane” blog series. Here we will feature interviews with Swimlaners to learn more about their experience. This series will give you a preview of Swimlane, our culture, and the people who keep us going.

My name is Marvin Smith Jr., I grew up in Northwest Indiana between Merrillville and Gary. I grew up with a younger brother who now lives in Arizona with his family and kids. I also played competitive basketball all of my life and received a scholarship to play at St. Joseph’s College. I had opportunities to play overseas but decided to go a different route into the business world.

I moved to Chicago in 2010 and my life revolves around my 4.5 golden retriever (Nala), staying in shape, spending time with family and friends. OH, and spending time in the sun during the amazing Chicago Summers!

What does your job entail?

Being on the frontlines for the company to prospect and speak with potential end-users to inform them about our superior products and services that can make their operations more efficient via a central pane of glass.

What do you enjoy most about working at Swimlane?

I would say the culture and the people here. With me being new, everyone has been more than willing to help me when I have questions or when I’m in need of some assistance.

It’s very refreshing to be a part of an organization like that.

What excites you most about your work? 

Being able to spread awareness about Swimlane and how we differentiate ourselves from other products out there.

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

Typically when I’m not working, I’m spoiling Nala (my golden), getting a workout in, watching reality tv,  hanging with friends or watching one of my sports teams play.

GO BLUE (Michigan Wolverines), Bulls, Bears or Blackhawks!

Are there any clubs, volunteer/awareness groups, or social movements you’re passionate about?

I think working with inner city kids is something I’m passionate about. I like to volunteer when I have the time when it comes to basketball camps, practices, etc.

The game has given so much to me so I love to give back to the younger generation when I can.

What’s are some fun facts about you many people may not know?

My uncle got drafted by the Utah Jazz only to lose out the last roster spot to Karl Malone.

Your motto or personal mantra:

Work hard when no one is watching.

Three words that best describe you:

Loyal, Vibrant, Understanding.

What Swimlane core value resonates with you the most?

Honesty and Integrity in all the things.

What type of impact do you want to leave on our industry?

I want to be looked at as someone who helped to change the industry for the better by informing and educating people about Swimlane and all the things we do to make security professionals’ lives easier.