Employee Spotlight – Luke Creighton
Our latest Employee Spotlight features Luke, our End User Computing Manager who has been with FOD Mobility Group for an impressive decade. Starting as an IT apprentice in 2015, Luke has steadily progressed through the ranks, now managing everything from device preparation to technical support while collaborating with our Information Security team to enhance our security practices.
Passionate about technology since childhood, Luke finds immense satisfaction in keeping the business running smoothly and helping colleagues with their technical needs. One of his proudest achievements was setting up our new Waterfront Office that we moved to in 2022, implementing state-of-the-art systems to future-proof our operations.
Outside of work, friends describe Luke as “a helpful tech wizard” with “a heart of gold.” A family man at heart, his bucket list includes taking his children to experience American theme parks and witnessing the Northern Lights in Greenland. Read the full interview below to learn more about Luke’s journey in IT.
Describe your current role and how long you’ve worked at FOD Mobility Group.
I’ve been working at FOD for a decade, starting as an IT apprentice in March 2015. I’ve steadily progressed through the ranks and now hold the position of End User Computing Manager. My responsibilities include preparing new devices for employees, ensuring all equipment is in working order, offering technical support, managing our 365 and Entra estate, maintaining our email security platform, operating system, and application patching, and collaborating with our Information Security team to continuously enhance our security practices in accordance with ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials.
Which projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on transitioning to a new security platform that’s being rolled out across our estate. Additionally, I’m collaborating with our various suppliers to renew different services.
What made you want to pursue your current career path?
From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by all things IT. Whether it was building PCs, diagnosing problems, or tinkering away, I thoroughly enjoyed it. So, it made sense to pursue a job doing something that I loved! When I started as an apprentice at FOD, all my knowledge and skills were self-taught. It was an incredible opportunity to put my knowledge to the test and learn new things to enhance my skills.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Seeing the business run smoothly is a great feeling. If employees across the business can carry out their duties without any problems, then I must be doing something right! It’s the satisfaction of knowing that I’m keeping the business well-oiled so that it can continue to function smoothly. I also genuinely love helping people. No matter how small the problem or query may be, I’m more than happy to provide the answer or solution, and it’s a great feeling to know that I’ve made a difference.
What have been your proudest moments at work to date?
Back in late 2021, I embarked on the task of setting up our new Waterfront Office. It involved a lot of work with various suppliers, managing numerous different pieces of the puzzle. Ultimately, the goal was to find the right solution that would future-proof the business for years to come. This included installing redundant internet lines, state-of-the-art wireless access points, and the creation of dedicated workspaces for our teams. When the project was finally complete and we had our first working day in the new office, it was a moment of immense pride for all of us.
What’s one professional skill you’re working on?
I’m constantly striving to stay updated with the latest advancements in technology. My field is constantly evolving, and my primary goal is to remain ahead of the curve. By staying informed about ever-evolving technology, I’m able to propose innovative ways of working that can benefit the business. I’m also taking a course offered by Microsoft to enhance my understanding of Intune management.
What is the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
Be curious. Why does that work? How does that work? Break it, fix it, make it yours.
How has the work culture at FOD progressed over the years?
Working at FOD is truly special. From the very first day, I felt like I was part of a family. Even though the business has grown significantly since then, that sense of belonging hasn’t faded. Despite our different departments and tasks, we all share a common core similarity: we work as one team, a solid unit, with the goal of delivering the best possible service to our customers and, of course, for me, my internal customers, our employees.
What do you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
With us deeply entrenched in Microsoft’s ecosystem, I am eager to further enhance my knowledge across all aspects of the products we use. The more you know, the better service I can provide.
How would your friends describe you?
I honestly didn’t know, so I went ahead and asked them! Here are their responses: “A helpful tech wizard”, “A top guy with a passion for tech”, “A genuinely sound guy, first to help if any of us has a problem”, “An Ed Sheeran Lookalike with a heart of gold” (I really do not see the resemblance in the slightest, perhaps it’s because I’m ginger?), “A WWE mad head who fails at attempting RKO’s”.
Can you describe the top 3 items on your bucket list?
They all revolve around traveling, but an absolute must is to take my kids to America. I’d love to see their faces as they experience Disneyland, Universal Studios, and true American food. I went when I was in my mid-teens, and it was an unforgettable experience!
I also want to travel to Greenland. I’ve always wanted to see the beautiful scenery and experience the Northern Lights properly.
I’d also love to attend WrestleMania in person, even though they’re always held in America. I think it would be a fantastic event to attend, surrounded by thousands of other people all there for the same reason. The atmosphere would be amazing! You’re never too old to watch wrestling, right?
If you could meet anyone famous past or present, who would it be and why?
Steve Jobs – You could sense that innovation and staying ahead of the technological curve coursed through his veins. His personality was an integral part of his business approach, as if normal rules did not apply to him. While it may seem unconventional, was he successful? I firmly believe he was!
Share a random fact about yourself.
I had the nickname of ‘Squirrel’ when I was in my teens. Why? Because I decided it was a great idea to jump out of a tree and startle a friend. Thankfully it didn’t result in a trip to A&E for me!
What are your top three favourite songs of all time?
The Adventure – Angels & Airwaves
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Comfort in Sound – Feeder
What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
This is a challenging question. As a young boy, I had various aspirations for my future. One of them was becoming a footballer. Later, I shifted my interests to engineering or working with cars. I’m pretty sure I also wanted to become an astronaut! However, I believe it’s evident that the one thing that truly resonated with me was the desire to be a computer professional. I suppose that dreams do come true if you put your mind to it, right?