Meet Daniel Torres
Tech Allies’ is thrilled to spotlight the career and organizational involvement of Austin-based, technology executive, Daniel Torres. As the Chief Information Officer of Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP (Perdue Brandon), Torres has been instrumental in driving technological innovation and solutions.
Through his professional connection with Tech Allies Principal, Tricia Shelvin, Torres has been involved with the organization since its inception and as Tech Allies expanded into the Austin area, Torres grew his involvement to foster the community.
“I wanted to connect with other CIOs and people in the industry to find out what other vendor solutions are available and vet solution providers,” said Torres. Tech Allies has given him the space to do so as he has participated in networking events, located vendors on the cutting-edge of industry, and provided invaluable mentorship to disadvantaged youth entering the corporate world.
A Unique Approach
Perdue Brandon’s operations differ from traditional law firms, requiring different technological solutions. “We are not a traditional law firm,” Torres said. “We partner with local municipalities, and we help collect delinquent property tax and court fines and fees on behalf of the clients we represent.”
Because of Perdue Brandon’s unique structure, Torres has had to identify vendors who cater to their specific needs. “Through Tech Allies, we see what other vendors are out there that we might be able to partner with,” said Torres.
Strategic Innovation
Torres’ career has been defined by his commitment to innovation and strategic leadership. While navigating the complexities of IT services, partnership management, and his executive responsibilities, Torres has used Tech Allies’ network to identify potential partnership to streamline his work process and maximize the firm’s efficiency.
“Through Tech Allies, we have an opportunity to engage with many sponsors who provide a wide array of technology solutions,” said Torres.
The Tech Allies Benefit
Inspiredge IT solutions, who offer multi-channel, multi-tier support on communications platforms, were introduced to Torres through Tech Allies. During the pandemic in 2020, Perdue Brandon was one of many companies to struggle with staffing. But the partnership developed through Tech Allies proved to be beneficial, “Inspiredge assisted us staffing a U.S. based workforce. They were able to procure, staff and manage the talent.”
“Inspiredge was able to provide staff within 30 days and provided an environment that was self-sustaining.”
Beyond providing the value of people, Inspiredge also proved to be a valuable partner to Perdue Brandon in terms of efficiency and accommodations.
“Inspiredge agreed to a Service Level Agreement for all assigned tasks,” Torres said. “Inspiredge is able to measure their team’s efficiency, which makes it easy for us to justify the investment.”
Providing Partnerships and Solutions
In addition to Inspiredge, Torres has been able to engage with other Tech Allies connections to fill various vendor voids.
Because of the connection made through Tech Allies, Torres was able to source a vendor for his needs that came with the trust of the network. “The connections Tricia and Rob have within the Tech Allies community and the insight they provide, especially with a telecom expertise, has been a huge benefit from our involvement with Tech Allies,” Torres said.
“Rob has become a reliable resource from Tech Allies. He is at Crossvergence and has been able to assist me with several areas of need” Torres said. “We also have engaged with Cloudcover, Zeb/Avasoft, Tech Star and Strobes through Tech Allies.”
Building Valuable Relationships
Beyond the benefit of B2B, Tech Allies also offers the opportunity to get involved in mentorship and have a profound impact on the future of the industry. Torres emphasized the importance of the mentorship opportunities offered by the Tech Alliance network, and how he can positively impact the careers of those entering the industry.
Torres said. “I see mentorship as an opportunity to provide guidance to someone who has yet to step foot into the technology industry.”
“I attended a mentor event at Huston-Tillotson University and met with future graduates from all degree paths,” Torres continued. “Many of these graduates have yet to enter the corporate workforce and can benefit from guidance through experience.”
The opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore innovative solutions without the pressure of sales-driven conversation tactics emphasizes the unique benefit of Tech Allies. This informal, peer-focused network is part of why Torres is so involved in the community.
“Tech Allies in the Austin market was a welcomed expansion,” Torres said. “The opportunity to see what others are doing and what vendors they have selected provides valuable feedback when selecting a solution provider. Tech Allies events are free from the typical pushy sales environment of other events. Tech Allies events offer an opportunity to engage with sponsors who may have a solution you’re interested in. The sponsor engagement is informal, welcoming and engagement with peers and sponsors is at your own discretion.
Why Tech Allies?
“When you go to other networking events, they are different – often the sponsors main focus is the sale” Torres said. “With Tech Allies, it’s an informal method to connect with peers and solution-providers and you have the freedom to engage.”
Torres’ involvement with Tech Allies demonstrates the meaningful impact of strategic networking, and how it can lead to innovative solutions and meaningful professional connections.