Darren Rodrigues

Business Technology Consultant

Years at Telcion: 20

What was your first job?

My first job was at US Rentals in Modesto while in high school. I began doing janitorial services on Saturdays—mopping floors in the office and restrooms, cleaning toilets, and washing windows. Eventually I asked to start doing other things like servicing rental equipment as they were returned. Eight years later, I was the weekend manager—responsible for writing contracts for clients and managing staff. I kept the job until I graduated from college at CSUS.

What energizes you at work?

When you see a project you collaborated on with a client come to fruition. When you know that what you provided was something that increases productivity for your client and also provides work for our engineers. Last, when you hear the “thanks” or reference from the client who recognizes the help you provided.

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

My personality is geared toward “task oriented” which has helped me make promises to clients or fellow employees… and I keep my word. I remind myself of Jesus’ words to “make your yes a yes and your no a no”. Don’t overcommit but do your best to honor the commitments you make. The most consistent feedback I hear from clients is “good follow through”.

If you could add one thing to Telcion’s office, what would it be?

A Coca-Cola freestyle machine. I tend to prioritize dining at places that have one so that I can create a custom diet coke. Cherry Coca-Cola is my favorite mix.

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

Coaching basketball. My wife and I have been coaching a local high school girls team for 9 years. The more I coach, the more I learn what I don’t know. There is so much history to the game—how it’s coached, different offenses, different defenses, and then working with different strengths of players.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

Many are not aware that I played tennis in high school and then for CSUS team, and then played racquetball for 8 years competitively in Northern California after high school. Many assume that I played basketball for school teams like my wife did.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

In junior high, I recall reading an article in Modesto Bee about the jobs that would pay the most in the next decade: Attorney, CPA, and IT. I kept all of these in mind as I progressed to high school and college. I eventually got bachelor’s degree at CSU Stanislaus in Computer Science with a Minor in Business, and later a Master’s degree in Philosophy of Religion from Biola.

What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?

I have a group of friends who have played board games every Friday night for the last 25+ years. We play games that have more than 50 pages of instructions, so not your typical Monopoly game. You might also find me running a basketball practice—my wife and I coach high school basketball (winter sport), but during the summer, we run practices on Saturdays for 5th-8th grade girls to introduce them to the sport.

What’s one thing you’re learning now, and why is it important?

The word “charitable” comes to mind most often lately. That is assuming the best about people at their motives. It is something I remind myself daily to provide grace towards others as I don’t know their circumstances. It is important because I would hope others are charitable towards me as well.

What book are you reading now?

I usually have 2 books I’m reading at the same time—one for pleasure/coaching and one for learning/philosophy/religion. Currently I’m reading “The Culture System: A Proven Process for Creating an Extraordinary Team Culture” and “The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution.”

What’s your favorite TV show—the one you’re always watching on repeat?

Friends. I’ve watched it so many times—I can listen to it while I go to sleep and see the video playing in my mind. I can’t get enough of Joey’s “How you doin?” lines.

What’s your favorite thing about Turlock?

I’ve lived here my whole life… Although the town has grown, I know A LOT of folks, which makes the town more personable.

We don’t have crazy traffic issues (yet) and we are within 2 hours from all sorts of activities, such as the beach, or the mountains, or San Francisco for the day, or the lake for skiing.

Thank you, Darren!

🤝 Connect with Darren on LinkedIn