Q&A with Dave Horner, VP of Technology

Technology is changing the way we do business in nearly every industry. From strengthening virtual communities to enabling better processes and automations, the advancement of technology is a key focus for many companies in 2022, including Talking Rain.

We recently caught up with our new VP of Technology, Dave Horner, to discuss how technology is helping companies evolve in the CPG marketplace and where we’re headed at Talking Rain.

Q: What brought you to Talking Rain?

Dave: I was in the interview process for 3 other roles when I came across Talking Rain on LinkedIn. I was curious immediately after digging into the company website and LinkedIn pages. I was particularly drawn to the aspects of social impact being a core value of the company. I started the interview process with key executives and the team I would subsequently end up managing. I was delighted to discover that the culture of the company presented during the initial process was backed by my interactions with the Talking Rain employees and further confirmed when I started in mid-July.

Q: What are some current initiatives you are working on to help drive technology advancements at Talking Rain?

Dave: After I was hired, I hit the ground running, meeting my team members and my direct reports to establish what the tactical priorities were to optimize our technology platforms and processes – normal “blocking and tackling” activities.?Within a week, I was planning a 3-year Business Transformation Program and initiating an RFP to select a strategic partner and ERP platform that will underpin our success and growth for many years to come.

Q: What tech trends are having the biggest impact on the beverage or CPG industry? Dave: The biggest impacts on the top and bottom lines of any company are the results of managing change.?All companies are trying to react and adapt to macro-economic conditions and challenges within their specific industry.?Those companies that can flex to address these challenges are the most successful. Where our Technology team comes in is to be able to predict those conditions through analytics and quickly provide proven capabilities to optimize a business process and support new processes. We must ensure that we have proven capabilities ready to enable us to enter new geographic markets, add new products, and reach new customers.

Q: How can technology help to create a competitive market advantage?

Dave: Technology cannot and never will create a competitive advantage on its own.?Talking Rain’s competitive advantage is its culture—and that culture has way more impact than any technology can ever hope to achieve. Technology will help the company succeed by delivering the right changes at the right time by working together as one team to push the boundaries. There is no Business and IT, we are one team committed to doing the right things for this company.?As we say…Company, Team, Self!

Q: What are you most excited about in this next chapter in your career?

Dave: I have been involved in technology for over 30 years – I started on an IT Help Desk and have performed most roles that exist in the department.?During that time, I have seen my fair share of success and failure.?I am excited to share my experience with the team here and grow the next generation of leaders.?I am looking forward to seeing the results of what can be achieved with my experience, this company’s leadership, and our highly motivated and skilled teams.