Meet the Team: Dani Roca
We love writing about our product, features, and enhancements, and, of course, anything and everything technology, digital, AI, brands, and sports. But, we don’t talk or write much about the people behind the cutting edge and innovative work we’re doing at Blinkfire Analytics. This Meet the Team series takes you inside our Chicago, Valencia, and Dallas offices to “meet” the great team we’ve built — who just so happens to be creating super cool technology and working with some of the biggest brands, teams, and leagues in the world.
Dani Roca – Sales & Business Development
A little about yourself?
I live in Valencia with my three kids and wife. Sometimes I travel with my second wife Christian to visit some customers (our first time in Paris was together sharing room). I love soccer and I’m Valencia supporter. I spend my free time as Futsal head coach — for those that don’t know, futsal is a version of indoor soccer, but it’s played on a hard court.
What do you do at Blinkfire Analytics?
I’m a salesperson. I help my colleagues as much as possible so we can grow the company.
Most challenging part of your job?
Bringing in new deals, and keeping the European sales team motivated to win the Ryder Cup.
Most rewarding / exciting part of your job?
Hearing customers’ great feedback, and seeing how potential customers’ faces change during demos, as they start to “get” what Blinkfire does. Also, I love the chance to visit and pitch in front of some of the most important people in the sports industry. That’s amazing.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be patient. When someone says something to you, don’t take it personally but rather try to learn from it and grow.
What is something you’ve learned in the last week (work or non-work related)?
Some new english words. Hopefully I’ll keep then in my mind longer than usual.
Most unique thing about Blinkfire (culturally, innovation-wise, industry-wise, etc.)?
The ability to adapt and incorporate new features so quickly. I love it.
Qualities about Blinkfire and the team that made you want to work here?
I love digital, sponsorship, sports, challenges, and innovation, and I want to make an impact on the future. Blinkfire is the perfect blend of all these things. If I were a coach, the Blinkfire team would be the team I would like to coach. The team is amazing, friendly, and hardworking.
How many languages do you speak?
Spanish and English (I’m constantly improving my English!).
Name a person, living or dead, you’d like to have a drink with?
I’d have a drink with my friend Pepe (he passed away years ago).
Favorite sport and athlete?
Soccer.
Favorite sports moment / memory?
Spain winning the World Cup.
If you could be on the cover of one magazine, what would it be?
Time.
Favorite book?
Tuesdays with Morrie.
Favorite movie?
In the Name of the Father.
Doppelganger?
Álvaro Soler or Woody from Toy Story.
If you could have a super power, which one would you have?
Teleporting.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Compose music.
Hobbies / interests outside of Blinkfire?
Soccer, Family, Futsal, travel, and magic.
Favorite place to visit?
Iguazú.
TV show you’re currently watching?
Magic for Humans.
Greatest sports rivalry?
Nadal-Federer.
Lebron or Jordan?
Jordan.
Messi or Ronaldo?
Messi.
One thing your coworkers don’t know about you?
My first coffee was at 35.
Favorite sports jersey?
Spain’s 2008 home jersey.
If you could be sponsored by one brand, which one would it be?
Apple.
What’s something you want to do this year that you’ve never done before?
Road trip across Europe.
Want to meet other members of our team? Read last week’s Q&A with Paula Toledo.
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