Alter.Nation
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This is the first post in a new series we are doing on the Alter.Nation blog. Each week we will spotlight a different Alteryx ACE so you can get to know them better.
Today’s ACE spotlight is @MarqueeCrew! Keep reading to learn more about Mark and what makes him a unique Alteryx super user.
Tell us a bit about your professional background.
My journey to becoming an ACE has been curvy and required: jumping through hoops, digging myself out of holes, and walking through walls. Professionally, it hasn't been all that different. It seems that I've made a profession out of dealing with ambiguity and solving problems. I enjoy solving problems and getting my hands dirty, but more so, I enjoy team development. After 30+ years of working for enterprise companies, I set off to become MarqueeCReW and play full-time with Alteryx. 7 years later, I am still playing and learning daily. I am a cheerleader for those in Community and my clients. I am inspired by many and humbled by "imposter" syndrome. The myth is greater than the legend.
What is one fun thing about you that community members might not know?
With six poodles and two sphynx (hairless) cats, you might not be surprised that I have an affinity for animals, but did you know that I had three monkeys as a kid?
The monkey pictured above, however, wasn’t my monkey. I was in India (for Alteryx for Good) and met a new friend while I was out exploring.
What is your favorite Alteryx tool, and why?
Make Group is my favorite Alteryx tool. It is recursive and powerful with almost no configuration. If you try to build the Make Group in SQL or with Alteryx (as a macro), you better be advanced or expert. Out of the box, it is pure magic.
What has been your favorite Alteryx project?
Working with Alteryx ACE, Alberto "AJ" Guisande (@Aguisande), we tackled re-writing the Data Cleanse macro and made it "CReW" worthy (more on this later). AJ and I work well together, and getting to know him better has been a great reward for me.
What is your favorite Alteryx memory?
In 2017 I was recognized by Alteryx founder Libby Duane (@LDuane) for my contributions to the Alteryx Community at Inspire. I was brought onto the stage and was in total disbelief of what was happening. Later that year, I solved my 500th community post and was again surprised with a video message from Alteryx, which included messages from the community team and all 3 founders; Dean, Libby, and Ned.
What advice do you have for new community members?
Community builds friendships and "family." There are many tribes that come together in the Alteryx community. Be open and active, and you'll find great allies in your professional and, hopefully, personal journey.
What is your favorite way to engage as an ACE? Also, what area of the online community do you spend the most time in?
I like to be interactive. Forget the slides, let's just look at the challenge that you're facing, and we'll figure it out together. My focus is designer discussions, but I'm all over the place.
Silly question... if you were a kitchen appliance/utensil, what would you be and why?
I'll be the kitchen sink. I've cleaned more data and have had "everything" tossed my way.
What’s your youtube channel about?
It’s all about fun! Fun with Alteryx that is. There is occasional educational content as well. I did a would you rather series with ACEs and a challenge involving answering questions & eating hot things.
I’ve seen some of your CReW macros—what does CreW mean?
CReW stands for Chaos Reigns Within. This haiku originated in an error message from an early version of Alteryx: “Chaos reigns within. Reflect, repent, and restart. Order shall return.” The goal for CReW macros is to keep things easy and simple in Alteryx. (You can check out the Chaos Reigns Within Blog, with contributions from both Adam Riley (@AdamR) and Mark, here.)
Ok, now finally, let’s do a quick “This or That” to get to know your Alteryx preferences!
Tune in next week to meet another amazing ACE!
Want to learn more about what ACEs do and how to become one? Check out this page to see details about the program.
