CIO Values: Bill Brown, Senior VP, Infrastructure Services, Iron Mountain

Career Track

How long at current company: Three years

Career accomplishment I'm most proud of: First was starting a PC direct-marketing company, PCs Compleat, with two partners, including building the

IT and distribution operations. Second, after we sold the company, I spent four years serving at a private Catholic high school, Xaverian Brothers High School. It was a very fulfilling experience.

Most important career influencer: I originally planned my undergraduate work around education, but my grandmother told me I wouldn't make a living for myself and steered me to the technology field. Secondly, one of my former business partners found a way to get his employees to reach deep within themselves to excel. He also demonstrated unwavering integrity and honesty, which has heavily influenced the way I approach my business relationships.

Decision I wish I could do over:There've been a few doomed projects I wish I'd pulled the plug on earlier, but I have no regrets.

Vision

The next big thing for my business will be ... the convergence of physical and digital assets (documents, backup, e-mail, etc.), which is changing the game for the types of services and service modalities we will offer.

Best advice for future CIOs: Concentrate on areas where you may be uncomfortable, especially when coming from a technology background--i.e., building relationships, spending time with business partners, etc. Also, find innovative ways to communicate with team members and constituents.

On The Job

IT budget: Plus or minus $80 million

Size of IT team: About 400

Top three initiatives:

How I measure IT effectiveness: We're investing a great deal of effort in assessing and communicating the business value of IT.

Personal

Colleges/degrees: Bachelor in mathematics, Bridgewater State; MBA, Babson College

Leisure activity: I have a USCG captain's license and enjoy offshore fishing.

Last vacation: We live on the water on Cape Cod, so every day is like vacation.

If I weren't a CIO, I'd be ... a charter captain in Cabo San Lucas!