ModSquad’s 2021 Bestofus Festivus

This is our fifth year of celebrating Festivus at ModSquad. Unlike the founders of this holiday, we celebrate Triumphs of ModSquad Spirit rather than Feats of Strength.

The Bestofus Festivus award is for the person who, throughout the year, has most embodied the ModSquad spirit.

We’re excited to announce the 2021 Bestofus Festivus is Stephen Dunne!

Now, there are lots of ways to embody the spirit of ModSquad — we’re a very spirited bunch. Don’t let Stephen’s low-key nature fool you. He exemplifies who we are and what we strive to be (even if he doesn’t join your sing-along on the way back from a nice steak lunch).

One of our longtime phrases is that we’re “sharp-witted and kind hearted.” It’s not just a slogan or marketing gibberish. It’s foundational to our approach. It’s the way we want to show up for our clients and each other. Being smart isn’t enough; you have to understand and connect with people. We’re at our best when we’re bright and friendly.

It’s exactly this part of the ModSquad spirit that Stephen embodies. He’s clever and compassionate. He has a knack for simplifying complex problems, quickly. He’s adaptable and resourceful. But then he has the soft skills to make sure everyone is on board. He communicates and mentors. He does everything in his power to make sure his clients and colleagues are successful. He’s the leader people love to follow, the partner clients want.

So what does Stephen actually do? These days he’s a Sr. Director of Client Services, but he’s been a fast-rising star at ModSquad for nearly five years. To say he leads many of our biggest projects with our top clients is an understatement. You’d recognize their names from the entertainment, tourism, and gaming industries. And they certainly know his name. He’s a big part of the reason that we’re running circles around our competition.

Stephen splits his time between our European Operations Center in Londonderry-Derry and his home in the Ards Peninsula, where he lives with his wife and two kids. His days are fueled by coffee, but when it’s time to unwind he enjoys spending time with his family. He’s an avid gamer on the PC and console and is virtually learning to fly via a Cessna 152. When the weather permits, you can find him paddleboarding. When the pandemic permits, you can find him traveling the world, including Walt Disney World — a family favorite. And when it’s time for an adult beverage, Stephen deftly avoids Irish Whiskey debates by having a Bourbon.

Let’s hear from Stephen’s colleagues to find out why he’s our 2021 Bestofus.

“Steve is the kind of manager I want to be. He is a great listener and can see things from multiple perspectives. This makes him a dynamite problem solver. He is kind and thoughtful, and on top of that, he’s also really funny and a joy to be around.”
— Jenny Young, Community Strategist

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Steve for almost five years. He always makes himself available to help, and does so with the most positive attitude.”
— Gina Miller, Director, Services & Support

“Stephen embodies everything great about ModSquad. He’s a superstar with clients and service delivery and the friendliest person you’ll ever meet. Everyone here at ModSquad loves Dunne, and we’re incredibly lucky to have him.”
— Jason Ferguson, Sr. Director, Client Services

“Since joining ModSquad, Steve has been a fantastic mentor to myself and to the various managers working with him. Steve works tirelessly to ensure that everyone feels appreciated, and to make sure they have everything they need and are set up for success.”
— Shane Beeton, Account Manager & Implementation Consultant

“Stephen is always on hand to offer support and ensure that his teams are set up for success. Stephen’s level of engagement, ability to resolve issues quickly, and willingness to help us and our clients achieve our goals make him a true asset to ModSquad.”
— Caroline Markey, Account Manager

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Steve for several years. I’m always inspired by his dedication, not only to his role but to the overall success of the business. He is very driven and is a fantastic communicator. Ongoing success and growth is almost a guarantee with him in his role.”
— David Hamilton, Account Manager

“Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to ModSquad. No matter what comes up, you can bet he’s seen it before. He’s personable and has time for everyone, which is appreciated by his clients and colleagues. He is also great for a good laugh!”
— Kevin O’Neill, Senior Director, Finance & Accounting

“I have had the pleasure of working with Stephen now for over four years. He has helped me understand the ins and outs of complex issues we encounter every day. Stephen is an amazing asset to me and countless others here at ModSquad. I would not be the manager I am today without his help and support.”
— Mark Concannon, Account Manager

Ode to Stephen Dunne
by Izzy Neis, Head of Digital

There is a man named Stephen Dunne
A much beloved son
He’s talented and kind
With a tactical mind
And always a great deal of fun

Well, Dunne is an Englishman
Who’s traveled from land to land
He loves all things green
With an emerald sheen
Now he’s rooted in Northern Ireland

This Director has a darling wife
And two children who brighten his life
They put up with calls,
dinner and holiday stalls
Their patience is larger than life

Working in several time zones
He masters it all on the phone
Truly merry is he
Professional as can be
His excellence is very well known

Stephen always rises to the occasion
He’s got brilliance down to an equation
Balance, bliss, and support
Family, office, and desk fort
Dunne’s dedication is honestly a sensation

So holiday time is upon us
Celebrating people with flair and a fuss
And Stephen Dunne is legit
The best and that’s it
So congratulate our Bestofus Festivus!

On behalf of everyone at ModSquad, we offer the warmest of congratulations to Stephen. Please take a moment and leave a note in the comments section below.

Happy holidays and happy new year!