Team Spotlight: Len Lombardo

You’ve passed them in the halls, seen their faces on Zoom calls, and exchanged 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 Chief Information Officer, Len Lombardo!

Who are you?

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, and I am (we are) the youngest of 6 siblings. Not sure if many people at the company know this, but I’m actually a twin.  My parents had no idea they were going to have twins, so I was born, and 7 minutes later my twin brother showed up. I like to say I was planned, and he was the surprise. Growing up, I did 8 years of parochial school at St. Bernadette’s and then high school at New Utrecht High School, all while working at a catering hall the entire time.

I got my college degree from CUNY Baruch and then started my career working at a hedge fund. I eventually went back for my Master’s Degree from Polytech. I currently live in Manalapan, NJ with my wife, who grew up there. She dragged me over to New Jersey kicking and screaming, (I kid) but I love it. I don’t love the commute, but it’s worth it for our family.  I’ve been living there for 20 years with our three kids: Joseph, my hockey star who’s been playing since he was 5 and whose teams I help manage; Francesca, my competitive dancer who goes to the performing arts high school in our town; and, my little guy Vincent, who’s currently big into rec basketball. I tried to get him to play hockey, but he’s not into it like his big brother.

Would you rather go bungee jumping or sky diving?

Oh god. Neither! But if forced, I would go bungee jumping. My biggest fear is jumping out of a plane. I don’t like heights one bit. Listen, if the plane was on fire and it was my only choice, I would jump. But there’s no chance in hell I’m paying to do it. I’m an advanced certified scuba diver and dive whenever the opportunity arises, so I’m not afraid to do fun, exciting things. But no heights and especially no jumping out of planes for me. Bungee jumping it is.

Who were you heroes / mentors / inspirations growing up?

My older brother was a solid mentor and inspiration. He was like a second father to us and guided me and my brother throughout life. He was smart and a great athlete. Anything he did he was good at. He’s been a great person to have around and we have a great relationship to this day.

What cartoon character would you switch lives with for a day?

Great question. I’m going to go with G.I. Joe. He was always fighting the good fight, a great leader, and, of course, winning most of the time. The show growing up tried to be as realistic as cartoons can get, so I’d go with that. Wait, you know what? Batman. He was the man. If the Iron Man cartoon was similar to Robert Downey Jr.’s persona and portrayal of him in the Iron Man movies, I’d do that because I love those movies with all the gadgets and technology. But you know what, let’s go with Batman for the same reason as GI Joe. And, of course, because he’s got all the cool equipment.

How did you get into the world of IT?

When I was in 6th grade, we were down the shore in Seaside Heights and I won a Timex Sinclair computer. I remember my father asking me why I wanted a computer and I said, “I don’t really know. I just want one.” From then on, I was just hooked onto computers. It always came easy to me. Back in high school, I was the guy wiring everyone’s speakers in their cars, working on amps and what not. Even through college, I was working for a publishing house as a programmer and doing their infrastructure. I was always good with my hands and it just came natural to me. And that was without YouTube. If I had YouTube like kids do now, I’d be building helicopters or something with no problem.

What is your greatest sports moment of all time (whether it’s you accomplishing something or attending a memorable sporting event)?

Easy: 1994 New York Rangers Stanley Cup. I wasn’t at THE game, but I went to so many games throughout that championship run. I was actually at game 5 when they lost at home and I was absolutely crushed. They had to go back on the road and lost game 6 and then come back home to win game 7. I was at home with my dad and brothers watching that game, but man I’ll never forget it. An incredible championship run. By the way, I like hockey if you haven’t noticed.

If you could call yourself when you were fifteen years old for a twenty-minute conversation, what would you tell yourself?

Another great question. Be patient and be less emotional. Don’t worry about work so much and enjoy your friends and family and your youth. I was so fixated on getting a job and into the workforce when it probably didn’t matter at the time. I mean, I was 15. I probably should’ve spent more time partying on the Jersey Shore and Hamptons, and enjoying being a kid. A lot more time. I also would’ve encouraged myself to be involved in some type of service. I was so focused on business, that I never really took the time to weigh those types of options. So, I wish I could’ve told myself to either join the military, FBI, or some type of law enforcement agency.

The world is ending, and you have one last meal. What is it?

I know exactly what it would be: my mother’s pasta and zucchini specialty. It’s spaghetti and zucchini. It’s the most amazing meal my mother would make. It sounds simple, but it’s truly incredible. Either that or the pasta with cauliflower. I still make it all the time and I’d even make it for my dad too and bring it over to his house. It’s a pure nostalgic dish, but the flavor is just out of this world.

What brought you to Tandym Group?

I was at a point where I was trying to figure out what my next step was. I was working for the Lloyd Group as their CTO and running Client Strategy.  That’s how I was introduced to Tandym. I got to know Larry and the management team quite well, and when the CIO opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it because I really wanted to be part of this company. And let me tell you, I love it. I love what I do because it’s not work for me. I truly enjoy my job. I like fixing things, I like raising the bar, I like providing a high level of service, and I like making people around me better. Tandym gives me all these opportunities, and I’m loving it.

What is your go-to karaoke song or songs?

Writer’s note: He gets up and stares out the window for 5 seconds in silence 

It’s got to be Jon Bon Jovi’s “Livin on a Prayer.” I can scream and yell it to get a crowd going. And, I guess I’m really a Jersey guy now.

What is your goal for Tandym Group for the rest of 2022?

Well, finish the laptop rollout for one. But my main goal is to ensure a smooth integration with Tandym and the additions of two companies we recently acquired. I also want to replace our current phone system with our new Teams calling / voice environment. But the integration is the big move and definitely the most important. Ensuring our new team members make a seamless integration to Tandym will be where most of my attention will be focused for the rest of 2022.

Your bed is a giant sandwich, and your sheets are deli meats and cheese. How are you dressing your bed?

I am a Prosciutto di Parma & fresh mozzarella guy through and through. Add some roasted peppers, some balsamic and olive oil and I’m good to go. Preferably on a nice semolina roll. I know I’m sleeping in this, and I could’ve been boring with a roast beef and mozzarella combo, but I don’t mind getting oily for this combination. Too good.