Our staff’s passion for technology and collaboration drives BlueGranite’s success. Through the Meet Our Team blog series we introduce you to some of the many people behind our reputation as a trusted analytics partner. Today we’re introducing Josh Smarrella, a BlueGranite industry account lead. Josh partners with clients to strategize targeted, successful modern data platforms and machine learning solutions around specific customer niches.
A graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Josh majored in business management and human resources. He thrives on innovative collaborations and solving complex data challenges. Outside of work, he’s dedicated to his family and mastering Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The martial art requires steady discipline, which he credits with influencing every aspect of his life, including his career.
While he has contributed to various management leadership associations throughout his education and career, Josh recognizes some of his earliest experience – with one of the nation’s largest quick-serve dining chains – in helping shape his approach to business, as well as his commitment to community and customer service.
“My very first job, at age 14, was with Chick-fil-A,” Josh said. He worked there through high school and college, originally hoping to franchise his own restaurant and serving in nearly every restaurant leadership position along the way. When he was a Director of Leadership Development, Chick-fil-A awarded Josh its Leadership Scholarship award – an education assistance honor bestowed on employees who demonstrate professional achievement, are actively involved in serving the community, and who receive a recommendation from someone in a leadership role with the company. “It was a really cool experience,” Josh said. “My 10 years with the organization greatly shaped and molded me into the business professional that I am today.”
Since then, Josh has held roles allowing him to refine his expertise in leveraging data to further positive customer connections and experiences, making him perfectly suited to BlueGranite’s client-first, collaborative ethos.
“I am thankful to be part of an organization that encourages personal and professional growth, teamwork, and work-life balance,” Josh said. BlueGranite’s emphasis on collaboration and open dialogue foster the partnerships he thrives on – those that deliver accelerated, cutting-edge solutions and cultivate long-term relationships.
Josh said the tenure of his fellow BlueGranite account leaders speaks volumes. While sales roles tend to have a high turnover rate, “You do not see that at BlueGranite; I truly believe that is due to our culture.”
He and his wife, Hannah – along with kids Zeke, Paisley, and Lakelyn – also have a passion for travel. While their roots and home are in Indiana, they love taking road trips across the U.S., traveling 8,000 miles and visiting 10 new cities in 2019 alone.
Read more here about BlueGranite’s commitment to innovation, or contact us today to discover how our partnership services can help you do more with your data.
