Team Spotlight: Dave Muller

You pass them in the halls, seen their faces on Zoom calls, and exchange e-mails. You know their job title and department, and might even know their extension by heart. But do you truly know who you’re working with? Get to know our Senior Vice President of Technology, Dave Muller!

Who are you?

My name is Dave Muller and I’m a lifelong resident of Tom’s River, NJ. I started off college at Villanova, and when I was a sophomore, I transferred over to Stockton State College. Like most people from New Jersey, I spent a lot of time on the beach growing up. My wife and I got married in 1999, and we have three kids, ages 19, 17, and 15. We’re almost close to being empty nesters, but we love having the kids around. As they grew up, we were always running around and going to their sports and activities, so it’ll be weird when the house is quiet. Nowadays, I play a lot of golf with my youngest son, who actually just hit his first hole in one. I’ve never hit one, and he got a plaque that hangs in my office that I have to look at all the time. It’s fun for him, not for me.

What is your favorite form of potato?

Hmm, favorite potato, favorite potato. You know what, if I had to choose any kind, I’m going to go with scalloped potatoes because I don’t get them often, but when I do, they’re always good. Steak fries are a close second, but I can get french fries any time. There’s nothing special to them. I’m definitely going with scalloped potatoes.

What got you into the world of technology staffing?

I left Prudential Security for a career in IT staffing. A headhunter sent me to an interview at a firm in downtown New York in 1997. I interviewed with a really good group of people, and we just clicked. Despite not previously knowing this industry existed, I took the job due to the people and the growth potential and haven’t looked back since!

Even though we’ve all gone our separate ways, I’m still friends with the people I met at that first company. They have all accomplished great things in their respective careers, and I know I can always turn to that network for advice.

Would you rather go on vacation to a good beach resort or an awesome ski resort?

Beach resort all the way. I have no interest in skiing. Honestly, I don’t mind the cold, but I have big feet so finding ski boots is not that easy. And I just like to be around the water. Not frozen water, regular water.

Who was your hero/inspiration growing up?

My family network has been solid my entire life. The 70s and 80s were a very family-oriented time for me. My dad went to Vietnam, came back, worked hard, and supported his family. Both my parents were fantastic to us, so I’d have to say my parents truly were my inspiration and heroes growing up.

Buffalo Wings: Are you a drumsticks or flats guy?

I’m a flats guy. The flats make you work for the meat and the rewards are so much better. At the first firm I worked at in this business, we used to go to John Street Bar & Grill in New York’s financial district after work and just crush wings for hours. Those were some great times. No buffalo sauce for me though. I do not like buffalo sauce.

What is your hidden talent, both recreationally and professionally?

I played trumpet in the high school band, and I can definitely still play it. Professionally, I have a really good memory—which has served me well in my staffing career. Whether it’s remembering client needs, important skillsets, or professionals we worked with in the past, recalling that stuff is key in our line of work.

If you had to listen to one musical artist and their catalog for the rest of your life, who’s it going to be?

My music taste has not changed since 1999, and I’m a New Jersey guy, so it’s got to be Bruce Springsteen. Wait. Maybe it could be Pearl Jam? No, no, it’s Bruce. He literally has a song for any moment or feeling. He’s the guy that I’d go see in concert right now if I could. I do love Pearl Jam though. Freshman year of college was great a time in music for me. For everyone in my year, honestly. Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Smashing Pumpkins all were out. But yeah, I’m a Jersey guy so it’s gotta be Bruce.

Speaking of Jersey, is it pork roll or Taylor ham?

It’s a pork roll. Anyone who says it’s Taylor ham is a BENNY.

What appealed to you about TESG?

Mostly the culture. My meetings were mostly with leadership, but the messages and goals were consistent throughout the entire process no matter who I talked with, which I thought was special. In my gut, I just felt it was the right place for me.

If you could live in any city or country in the world, where would it be?

Hmm, it’s going to have to be a beachy place. But I also need a place that isn’t seasonal because I do like some winter. You know what, maybe San Diego? It’s just one of those places when you go, you wonder why you have to leave. My brother gave me a plane ticket to San Diego for a graduation present and I got to be honest, if I hadn’t met my wife, I wouldn’t have come back East.

What are your professional goals for the upcoming year?

To really maximize our team’s cross-selling potential, which is one of the reasons I joined the company. Since we serve so many industry verticals, the growth potential from cross-selling is incredible. I’m also here as a leader to help my team accomplish their individual goals. Our technology team is made up of so many hardworking and motivated people that have so much potential. As a whole, we’re a high-performing team. We can do big, great things this year, so I’m really looking forward to working towards that with them

You stumble upon a magic lamp and are given three wishes. What are they going to be?

Three wishes. Hmm, three wishes? I really don’t know what people normally choose for these types of questions. I would feel really good about myself if I used one to end climate change. That’d be good for everyone. I’d use the second one for a perfect season of football for the Giants. And the last one, I don’t know. I guess if my kids read this, they’re going to be mad if I don’t use one wish on their happiness or success or something. Hmm. You know what, let’s use the last wish on a “Cheers” reboot. You know that show “Cheers”, right?

Yes. I know it. Just to clarify, you have three wishes and you want to use the last one on a “Cheers” reboot. Not being a billionaire or maybe even more wishes, but for a reboot of the show “Cheers”?

Yes.