We are pretty proud of TeamTRUNO. From software programmers to administrators, support engineers to service technicians, TRUNO is comprised of a lot of talented folks working hard every day to bring leading innovation and reliable services to the retail marketplace.
John Poore has been an integral part of the TRUNO team for over 20 years. As Director of Software Development, John leads his team by strong example, exemplifying true talent and operating with efficiency on a daily basis.
Read John's interview below to learn more about why we think he's a real asset to TRUNO and the customer.
What did you do before working at TRUNO?
I've always had a love for computer programming and studied Computer Science at Winthrop University. While I was in high school, I actually developed software programs for local businesses as a part time job. Later on, I worked for a technology company based in Greenville doing software development. An interesting fact is, during my time there, I was asked to relocate to Raleigh to help formulate the base Toshiba ACE Point of Sale Software.
Tell us a little more about you.
I was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, and now have a family of my own here. I have two kids - Abby, who is graduating high school and headed to SCAD University, and Layton, a junior in high school. I met my wife Daphne in college and we've been happily married for 22 years. When I'm not writing software, I love spending time outdoors kite boarding, wake boarding, running, hiking, and riding my motorcycle.
As a software developer, much of your job is about understanding and solving problems for retailers. What trends are you seeing in grocery today?
I think the industry is realizing self checkout is really about customer service. Originally, it was thought of as a type of labor savings tool, reducing the amount of labor a retail store needs while still maintaining the same output of inventory. Now, it's rightfully seen as a technology that saves the customer time. In this day and age, time is becoming increasingly more valuable and a long line at the checkout is seen as an irritant. With the intuitive and smart technology of today, self-service user's checkout quickly while any potential theft is minimized. A happy customer is a worthy investment - regardless of labor savings.
Moreover, consumers are actually beginning to expect self-service and digital solutions. Today, using technology to allow a variety of ways to shop in and out of your store is about providing an exceptional customer experience.
What has been your most rewarding project?
A solution we created after the initial idea to report sales from one or more locations trickling in live. This project then sparked into an idea to provide help desks with real-time alerts. From there, a more in-depth live and historical data solution designed for Tier 1 & 2 Toshiba ACE users was realized. The tool delivers reports such as cashier productivity, store sales, loss prevention, store reports, and transaction details - a big expansion from the initial goal! It was so rewarding to come up with the idea, create it, expand the functionality and then see it sold and installed into businesses. Thinking outside the box to create solutions retailers never knew possible is both exciting and fulfilling!
The way technology can support retail business, especially in grocery, is evolving. What emerging technologies makes you most excited?
TruCommerce has proven itself as a valuable solution for the retail industry. As the demand for digital commerce rises, simplifying data processes is imperative to keep a retailer's operation efficient. The functionality this solution provides is continuing to expand as we see it integrated into more and more third-party e-commerce products. It's thrilling to know that as technology in the marketplace continues to expand, so do the solutions TRUNO provides.
What do you enjoy most about working at TRUNO?
I enjoy all of the change of a growing company. It's so refreshing! I love meeting new faces, learning new processes and procedures, and interacting with individuals that I can learn from.
Lastly, what advice would you give someone starting in your field?
I would say to make sure you have hobbies that reflect your career. It's important to love what you do and stay invested in it daily. Personal growth will absolutely make you happier. Most important, openly welcome change. Keep wanting to learn new things and new technologies.
Learn more about TeamTRUNO.
