Spotlight: Sam Solano
By: Sam Stone
Tags: Agency, Business Analyst, Office Culture, Interview, Creative Studio

Q:As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Sam: I just wanted to play video games and stuff, that’s a job right?

Q: Describe your dream project for us:

Sam: I love what I do so I don’t really think like that. If I had to pick, I would like to work on some video game projects in the future. I don’t really ever play anymore, but It used to be a big part of my life when I was younger. The gaming industry is only going to get bigger and better.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure?

Sam: I like some super cheesy music. I like Dave Matthews Band and yes, I’m willing to admit that publicly. I haven’t listened to it in a long time but I would for sure go to a Dave Matthews Band concert.

Q: Skill that people wouldn’t expect to be the most helpful in your role?

Sam: I come from a pretty strong data background, I think I was always going to be good in a role like this, I just wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do with it. Growing up, I was lucky, I had friends from so many different backgrounds and I could migrate between groups of people. I could go from the musicians, to the jocks, to the nerds, which made me a good communicator. I think I’m a people person. Clients like being in my meetings, I try to get laughs, and I can always find a common ground with people no matter what.

Q: Tell us 3 things you have at your desk right now?

Sam: Literally there is nothing on my desk except this Fantasy football trophy. My wife keeps moving it from various locations in the house and leaving it here. Should I take that as a sign?

Q: What makes you proud to work at Five & Done?

Sam: We’re just better! Can I say that? People have high expectations of our work, and I love that because I like to work hard and all the people around me love to work hard too. We are really good at what we do, and when we deliver, we always over deliver. I feel like Five & Done does things people wouldn’t expect.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone in history who would it be?

Sam: Easy, David Bowie.

Q: Advice to someone just getting started in a Business Analyst position?

Sam: Listen! Seriously though, really listen to people. Also, don’t be afraid to shake things up or question things. I think most importantly, building relationships with people is going to be your best friend.

Q: What is something that lives up to its hype?

Sam: You know what doesn’t live up to any hype? “The Greatest Showman”. That movie is terrible, you could hear all of the autotune! I love music and I dont think I’m pretentious about it, but WOW. You know what lives up to its hype? The show “Atlanta”. I think it’s one of the best shows on TV and, as a white person, it forces you to consider different issues from a perspective that you normally wouldn’t think. Everyone should watch it.

Q: If you weren’t a Business Analyst, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

Sam: Honestly, I worked behind a grill long before I worked behind a computer. I have always worked in kitchens, so I think I’d still be doing something with that.

Q: What was cool when you were a kid, but is NOT cool now?

Sam: Pogs, I had a little pog collection. I don’t even really get it. I mean, they’re just cardboard circles, what’s the point?

Q: A sugar daddy buys you nice things, what does a “Splenda” daddy buy you?

Sam: A splenda buys you Sketchers, like the hideous brown ones. Maybe he would buy you “The Mummy Returns” on VHS, it wouldn’t even be the first one, and you wouldn’t even own a VCR. He’s a Shrek 3 DVD kind of guy, and it’s missing the bonus features disc.

Q: What are you really bad at, but enjoy doing anyway?

Sam: Sometimes I think this job!? I’m totally joking! When we went to Camp Five & Done in Lake Arrowhead, we took these personality tests and the results lumped me in with people who get really stressed out over numbers and analytical work. I guess it’s just imposter syndrome because that’s totally not true, I’m a total Scorpio.

Q: What show are you binging right now?

Sam: “Handmaid’s Tale’’ on Hulu. I’m watching the newest season, it’s okay so far. Some things just need to end, you know? I almost refused to watch “Orange is the New Black”. After watching the last couple of seasons of “Weeds,” we know what can happen when stuff drags on.

Q: What is something people are surprised to learn about you?

Sam: That I have 2 kids, but I think I give off that “cool dad” energy.

right on, dad

Q: Show us something special from your record collection:

Sam: I have this Bootleg Frank Ocean vinyl from Germany that I love.

Q: If you could time travel, where would you go and what time period would it be?

Sam: I don’t have an exact time period, but I just want to go back to a time when you could go to a good concert for 15 bucks. When I hear old people talk about live music and how cheap it was to see shows, I get so jealous. You know, before Live Nation and Ticketmaster ruined everything.

Q: What is something that makes you feel hopeful for the future?

Sam: My kids! They make me laugh. My oldest cracks me up all the time. It’s nice to see this whole different perspective through their eyes. I think the future is really going to get better in a lot of ways.

Q: What is something that you are irrationally afraid of and why?

Sam: I do not like horses, one tried to kill me by kicking me off. I was on a guided slow ride with a group, then the horse started sprinting back to the farm at full speed, and tried to kick me off onto the highway. Look, I respect them, I just don’t like them.

K.O.!!!!

Q: What is a “phase” that you went through that makes you cringe now?

Sam: Oh man, so many! Obviously, my “wannabe scenester emo phase”. That’s just a lifestyle choice for you… right? I didn’t even identify with it, it was just a big thing in Texas. Then for a while, I got really into Chaos Magick and Right-Hand Path Magick. When I get into something I get really into it.

Q: What conspiracy theory do you actually believe?

Sam : There is an entire website about how the Beatles never existed. It’s not like I believe that, but I would kind of like to. People are nuts.

Q: Kim Kardasian’s hidden talent is smelling cavities. What’s your hidden talent?

Sam: I can gleek on command, wanna see?