EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Michael Butterworth
ClIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
Meet Michael – a staple on the FastTrack team since early 2019. As Client Services Director, Michael’s day-to-day consists of nurturing customer relationships by tending to their needs and optimizing FastTrack’s suite of Automation Solutions & Services to tailor to the unique workflow requirements of each client.
What is your current position with FastTrack? How long have you been in it?
Client Service Director. It will be 2 years in April.
What is your typical work day/week like?
As a Client Service Director, I am responsible for the day-to-day account and customer relationship management of an assigned client base. My day truly centers around the client. Not only do I ensure that all of our services and solutions are running smoothly, but I also focus my time on the optimization and utilization of our technology to meet the ever changing needs of the client.
Do you work with any specific customers?
I currently oversee the accounts for Dearborn, Principal Financial Group, American Fidelity, Amalgamated, and Primerica (US).
What has your career path been like within FastTrack?
I am still in same position I was when I started, but I am super excited about new opportunities as we continue grow and expand our business!
How has FastTrack helped your personal and professional development?
I came to FastTrack with over 13 years of disability/group benefits product and industry knowledge, which has provided me a strong foundation to truly understand the significant value and the need for FastTrack’s automated services and solutions. Working here has also given me the opportunity to learn and grow professionally on the technical development side of the business. As an innovative technology company, working hand-in-hand with our development team has provided me with a whole new skill set and appreciation of all the tremendous work behind the scenes.
What is something you love about working at FastTrack?
I truly love the company culture, the fantastic people, and the work life balance at FastTrack! Immediately from day one, I felt highly respected and valued! From the top down, I believe FastTrack does an excellent job of hiring the right people, equipping them with the right tools and resources, and then fully trusting they will get the job done. The relationships you have and build at work are not only key to your professional growth and job satisfaction, but they are a major contributing factor to a healthy and balanced life style outside of work. I will never ever underestimate the power of working for great people.
What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, or podcast?
I am always up for a great movie, but you will hardly ever find me sitting down watching TV.
Do you have any pets?
We have a two-year-old pet turtle named Leo!
What are your favorite hobbies and interests?
I am a very active person and I love being being outdoors. I enjoy working out, going for runs, and the adventure of exploration on a hike/trail. I also enjoy coaching youth flag football and watching my two sons play. I am also a super active DIY home improvement enthusiast who loves to work with his hands. I often create my own projects (even when they aren’t needed) just to keep busy!
What type of activities are you mostly likely to be up to on the weekends?
I enjoy spending the weekends with my family and friends. Most weekends will usually consist of at least one afternoon of getting in the car and seeing where the day may take us. I am a very structured and planned individual—a creature of habit—but I am learning that spontaneity often leads to something always unexpected! I also love doing outdoor projects around the house.
What is your favorite vacation destination? What’s one you haven’t visited yet but would like to in the future?
How can you pick a favorite vacation spot if you haven’t been everywhere?! Traveling, in my opinion, should always be a new destination and viewed as an adventure. My ideal vacation spot must also have a source of water (preferably warm crystal clear water surrounding an Island, but I can settle for a beautiful warm pool). Maldives is top destination spot on my bucket list. If you never heard of it, treat yourself to an online image search.
What person would you most like to switch places with for a day?
I think I would be a a bird for a day. Then I can freely fly and look over anything or anyone I want!
What’s the first thing you would do if you won the lottery?
One of the first things I would do is plan a surprise family vacation, probably on an island somewhere with as much family and close friends as possible. I would also invest in property; my goal is to own multiple luxury style apartment/townhouse complex’s and commercial properties one day. I would then oversee the property management as a part time retirement gig!
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can impersonate Scooby Doo and a seal (the animal, not the singer!). So I guess maybe its not really a talent!
What is your motto for life?
I have two: “Everything happens for a reason” and “If there is a will, there is always a way!”
What are your top 3 most overused words or phrases?
“To make a long story short…” (though it’s never really short) and “Due diligence” (either I am telling you that I am going to do my due diligence or I am pointing out that someone didn’t do it).
What is a surprising fact about yourself?
I am a Jack of ALL trades, master of none. I love to get my hands dirty and I proactively look for ways to take on DIY projects even if they are outside my comfort zones. Cutting hair, installing refrigerator parts, replacing front end suspension parts on a car, customizing stone work, building a deck, running new electrical wire, or plumbing pipes! Many people are truly surprised when they see the quality of my work.
If there was a movie about your life made, who would you want the narrator to be?
Will Smith. I think he has a great ability to be captivating and he always find a way to insert his unique personality and humor into any situation!
Do you have any nicknames?
I have a variety of nicknames all spun from my last name. Most of my friends refer to me as Butter, Butters, Butta, B-Dubs, Butterz, Mantequilla (its how you say butter in Spanish!).
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn
