Behind the Build – Adam Lewis

Go Behind the Build with Adam Lewis, Controller at Riley, and discover how strong values, a passion for problem-solving, and a drive to help others have shaped his career.

Looking back, what experience prepared you most for where you are today? 

Going all the way back to the beginning, I grew up in a family that placed a large emphasis on teaching and upholding character qualities. We were held accountable to qualities like diligence and initiative in everything from washing dishes to playing sports. I suppose those qualities will serve you well in any career, but when I was preparing to interview at Riley, the HIFI values felt especially familiar. Seeing those values emphasized in the company culture made Riley feel like a place where I could be at home.

What’s an aspect of your work that most people don’t get to see? 

I would say the time spent designing and building with data. I enjoy the process of transforming dormant information into usable data, then getting it in front of our people in a repeatable or real-time fashion. They see the output, but the process is mostly invisible, and it is an aspect of my job that I really enjoy.

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through your career?

 I’ve learned that I really enjoy simplifying complex things. Whether it’s automating tedious work, explaining a difficult subject, or working through technical details, I’m drawn to taking something complicated or inefficient and making it clearer, easier, or more useful.

What’s a piece of advice you find yourself giving often? 

I find myself encouraging others to be inventive with the necessary parts of their work that they may enjoy least. I really enjoy the times at work when I can solve problems and improve the status quo, and I want others to experience that too.

What keeps you moving forward when things get difficult? 

I feel a responsibility to my family, team, and leaders, and I want them all to succeed. I’m motivated by the challenge of learning something new, working through a difficult problem, and getting to the other side.