Dean Trester

I didn't choose Business Intelligence.

I began my path solving exception errors in accounts payable, then transitioned to quality assurance auditing the same exceptions I used to solve. Eventually, the path illuminated when my friend described his new job in Analytics.

"That's a job you can have?"

So, I began studying SQL for an open position at my company. That was more than 10 years ago.

I learned SQL through trial by fire.

That's why developing clean queries, well-structured models, and intentional engineering is important to me. We've all inherited enough projects to know how much it matters. Data and analytics leave my hands in a state I'd want to inherit.

I'm a collector by nature.

I love collecting music -- the physical variety -- vinyl, jewel cases, digipaks. Hip hop is my centerpiece.

Obsessions keep me going. Space sciences and quantum field theory are all-consuming; time and light are especially fascinating. I also have a fondness for Japanese culture, language, and history.

Contrary to public perception, I find AI amazing. I'm eager to see how it evolves and how we evolve with it. It seems inevitable like the printing press or the internet.