Believe it or not, we’re adding another name to the Pure Capsaicin list! This week, we are recognizing @Denis-Kelley for attaining the highest level of engagement in the Spiceworks Community.
To achieve this level, one must earn 250,000 points. This requires commitment, tenacity, drive, determination, IT intelligence, and a genuine desire to help one’s peers. If you look at @Denis-Kelley’s profile, you can see that he’s earned 844 Best Answers and has done many other things to help others, such as helping as a moderator, being a SpiceBuddy, and so much more.
We contacted Denis Kelley to congratulate him, thank him, and shine a spotlight on him.
1. You’ve just hit Pure Capsaicin; how does it feel? While I know the new scoring system may have changed your level a little early, you now have over 250,000 points, correct?
Yup, the numbers finally have caught up to the badge. Feels pretty cool. It has been a very, very, long path to PC. That gulf from Mace to Pure Capsaicin sure seemed like it would go on forever. But I made it.
2. How did you initially get into IT? Was it always an interest of yours?
I was in an old school-type of business and realized that if I wanted to see any upward mobility, I needed to transition jobs. I dabbled with computers in school, so I jumped at an opportunity to get into the IT industry at the time.
3. How did you discover Spiceworks?
Funnily enough, it was my boss who recommended this software he found which could inventory PCs. He showed it to me in the first week I was here. Not too much later, I discovered the community.
4. What inspires you to offer so much help to your peers?
I just like helping people. I started in this industry in sales, and then later to management, but I always missed getting my hands dirty. I learned from watching and listening to my Engineers. Later I would often help them by building equipment while they were in the field. I then changed my career again and moved into more of a SysAdmin role.
5. You’re active in many areas and receive Best Answers in various categories. Tell us a little about that.
I guess that comes from my career and the many jack-of-all-trade hats I’ve worn. I’ve consulted to large companies, and also advised and supported smaller offices. Both for-profit and nonprofit. Because I love helping people, I often go down that rabbit hole to find a solution, even if it doesn’t match my current skill set.
6. Have there been times the Community has helped you solve a problem?
A few times. Most of the time, I find the answers to similar questions in the community. Sometimes, I even find my own solution I posted years ago. As a SW member, I’m cognizant that we want new original posters to give a wealth of details so we can help them. Often as I try to emulate that wish, when starting a new question, I find myself coming to a solution to the problem before I hit the send button.
7. What’s your favorite thing about the Spiceworks Community?
The people, silly. 
The number of connections in the community I’ve made over the years are insane. I have a group of folks that I communicate with daily that I know if I have any issue, technical or personal, they are there for me. I tell my company I have a personal international tech group. If my tech group doesn’t know how to solve the issue, they generally can direct me to others.
8. Where can we find you when you’re not at work or on Spiceworks?
Living a groundhog life. Doing much of the same thing each week: Going to work, trying new things to cook, gaming with my kids, or learning Kung Fu.
9. Any plans on how to celebrate hitting Pure Capsaicin?
I was chatting earlier with that same tech group, and based on that discussion, I’m going to try making square scotch eggs this weekend.
10. Now that you’ve hit Pure Capsaicin, what’s next?
Hollywood? Nah, just kidding. I sure hope Spiceworks doesn’t add another pepper level after PC. I don’t envy doing another 250K. That climb was a doozy.
11. Any shout-outs to individuals who’ve helped you in the Community?
I’m sure this webpage won’t have enough room for all of those I’d recognize, so here are a few in no order: @DragonsRule, @r0b, @Huw3481, @Katie-M, @martinpeverley, @joe9013, @nic, @Gabrielle.L, @Rick-Veeam, @koaladomingo, @ivanidea, @Robert762, @Brianinca, @Robert5205
12. You know I have to ask; do you like crunchy or creamy peanut butter?
Why not both? Especially if there is chocolate or caramel involved.
Let’s all give @Denis-Kelley a big congratulations and a huge thank you. Members who help and give back are one of the main reasons this Community is so great!
