Employee Spotlight
August 2025
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about what your role at Retail by CRS and what your typical day looks like?
A: I work as a Retail Pro technical support and development specialist here at CRS. Most of the days start early for me, even before the stores opens. I like to check in on all store systems and make sure everything is running the way it should. One of the key things I keep an eye on is data syncing. If data isn’t syncing properly between systems, clients won’t receive accurate updates, which can lead to a lot of confusion and delays. So catching those issues before they become problems is something I take seriously.
After that, my day usually involves troubleshooting technical issues, writing custom reports, and working on plugins. I stay in close contact with our team throughout the day to make sure everyone’s aligned. Honestly, what I enjoy most about the job is that every day brings something new. There’s always a challenge to solve, and I really like that mix of problem solving, collaboration, and constant learning. It keeps things exciting.
Q: Outside of your work life, what kind of things are you interested in? Do you have any hobbies or side projects that you’re passionate about?
A: Outside of work, I love to travel. There’s just something refreshing about being in a new place exploring the streets, tasting local food, and taking in the culture. It gives me a sense of reset. I especially enjoy cities known for their food. I think food tells the story of a place. It’s not just about flavor, it’s about the people and history behind it.
I’m also really into cinema. Not just big-budget films I enjoy all kinds of storytelling through film. Going to the theatre, grabbing some popcorn, and getting lost in a movie is one of my favorit ways to unwind. Tom Cruise is my all-time favorite!
Another thing most people don’t expect is my love for snow and winter landscapes. I grew up in a much warmer place, so for me, snow still feels magical. There’s something so peaceful about a quiet, snowy morning it’s calming in a way that’s hard to describe. That’s why I always look forward to winter trips. Whether it’s a short escape or a proper vacation, it helps me recharge.
Q: What inspired you to pursue your career path and what kind of advice would you give to someone aspiring to be in your field?
A: I’ve always been someone who enjoys figuring things out. I love digging into problems and finding solutions especially when it comes to systems and technology. That’s what pulled me toward retail tech in particular. I realized early on how even small improvements in this space can have a huge impact on how a business runs.
What really motivated me was seeing how a quick fix to an error, a better troubleshooting, or a efficiant working could actually make someone’s whole day easier at the store. That kind of real-time, visible impact is very rewarding.
For anyone thinking of getting into this field, I’d say: stay curious, stay humble, and never stop learning. This is a fast-moving space – tools evolve, systems change and you need to keep growing. But more importantly, always remember you’re working with people. Approach every support case with empathy. Understand that clients are under pressure, and when you listen to them with that mindset, you’ll not only solve the issue you’ll, build trust too.
Q: If you could swap roles with someone for just one day – either within the company or outside of the industry – what would it be and why?
A: If I had the chance to switch roles for a day, I’d love to step into Colin Bates’ shoes. He’s our Director, and honestly, someone I deeply respect not just for his title, but for his knowledge and approach. He has this amazing ability to see the big picture while still understanding the nitty-gritty technical details.
I think spending a day in his role would be such a valuable learning experience getting to see how decisions are made at a higher level, how leadership works behind the scenes, and how strategy plays into the services we offer. Colin is kind of a role model for me in this field. I think even a single day observing how he leads and thinks would help me grow not just as a tech professional, but as someone who aspires to lead effectively in the future.
Q: Tell us a surprising fact about you that your coworkers don’t already know.
A: Most people don’t know this, but I’m currently based in Dubai, away from my family. I actually made the decision to move here because of the situation back in Pakistan where I’m from. Unfortunately, frequent internet outages and power cuts made it really difficult to offer consistent, high-quality service to our clients. And for me, that’s non-negotiable.
Even though I’m covering all the expenses myself, I knew I had to put myself in a place where I could be fully reliable and available. I wanted to make sure that when clients reach out, they get the support they need without delays, without excuses. It was a big move, but one I felt was necessary to do my job right.
On weekends, I also volunteer at a local charity organization here in Dubai. It’s a place where people come together and offer their time and skills to help others completely free. I help out by providing technical support and general assistance. It’s not only fulfilling but also a great way to stay grounded and connected to the community outside of work.
