Meet the Chiefs: Rob Rae, Datto
This week in Meet the Chiefs we got to know Rob Rae, vice president of Business Development at Datto, a Connecticut-based backup and disaster recovery vendor. Although he isn't a channel chief in name, Rae manages many of Datto's different programs, including its community, events, partner programs, vendor management and partner advisory board. His main goal is to help Datto's partners go to market.
![Meet the Chiefs: Rob Rae, Datto Meet the Chiefs: Rob Rae, Datto](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt10e444bce2d36aa8/blt832e7806e37ffd57/6524702fc58f14d1d131ab79/Rob-Rae-Headshot_0.jpg?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
Rob Rae, vice president of Business Development at Datto
Rae: My parents insisted I get off my butt and find a job at 15. I didn't want a job but they dragged me to an interview for a teller (pre-ATMs) role at the Bank of Montreal (BMO). The only reason I got the job was because my mother worked there. I spent the next 12 years with BMO.
The VAR Guy says: Ah, the trusty bank teller. Definitely not an obsolete job, since ATMs are only good in a pinch—sometimes you need smaller bills than a $20!
Rae: Cars are a colossal waste of money. Worst investment you can make. That being said, I have a soft spot or the Dodge Challenger. SRT8 of course.
The VAR Guy says: Cars might be a big investment, but how else are you gonna look cool cruising around your neighborhood?
Rae: The beautiful island of St. Maarten. Sleep on the Dutch side, eat on the French side.
The VAR Guy says: We had an opportunity to visit St. Maarten a few years ago and we have to say it was quite beautiful. The crystal clear water was definitely a huge plus.
Rae: Early in life I read "The Celestine Prophecy." Still to this day it is one book that I live my life by.
The VAR Guy says: "The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield is a powerful guide to learning how to grow both spiritually and as an individual based on nine key insights. The book's teachings are based on a fictional ancient manuscript found in the rain forests of Peru.
Rae: I am about to splurge on a George Rodrigue original "Blue Dog." We just had our third annual user conference in New Orleans so I have spent a lot of time there lately. I've fallen in love with the Blue Dog, which is synonymous with New Orleans.
The VAR Guy says: Art is a great investment, and we bet this will make a great conversation piece when you have company!
Rae: I don’t have a ton of time for TV but when I do—"The Walking Dead."
The VAR Guy says: We love "The Walking Dead"! If we had to get stuck in the zombie apocalypse, we would definitely seek out Rick Grimes and Co. for safety.
Rae: I have no idea why but I wanted to be an accountant. Then I realized how boring that was going to be and changed paths quick.
The VAR Guy says: It might be boring but it pays the big bucks! Then again, being a channel chief isn't a bad position to be in, either.
Rae: I'm a big Quentin Tarantino fan. Combine that being a war history buff and you get "Inglourious Basterds."
The VAR Guy says: A hilarious movie, and one of Tarantino's best, if you ask us. Another great revenge tale, sort of like "Django Unchained."
Rae: I'm a big Quentin Tarantino fan. Combine that being a war history buff and you get "Inglourious Basterds."
The VAR Guy says: A hilarious movie, and one of Tarantino's best, if you ask us. Another great revenge tale, sort of like "Django Unchained."
This week in Meet the Chiefs we got to know Rob Rae, vice president of Business Development at Datto, a Connecticut-based backup and disaster recovery vendor. Although he isn’t a channel chief in name, Rae manages many of Datto’s different programs, including its community, events, partner programs, vendor management and partner advisory board. His main goal is to help Datto’s partners go to market.
Rae holds more than 25 years of sales and B2B experience in the IT industry, and he has been integral to building sales and channel teams at companies including Level Platforms, which was acquired by AVG, and Compaq, which was acquired by HP. He has been named to MSPmentor’s Top 250 people shaping the global managed services market for the past five years, as well as The VAR Guy’s Top 50 Channel Influencers List for 2015.
What is Meet the Chiefs?
Meet the Chiefs shines the spotlight on the channel’s head honchos and offers an opportunity to learn a little bit about the person beyond his or her company profile. Click on each photo to learn more about the channel chief you’re viewing.
Want to be included in an upcoming Meet the Chiefs? Send an email to The VAR Guy Associate Editor Michael Cusanelli at [email protected] for more information. He’s really good at answering emails on time, we promise.
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