For those who work for a professional sports franchise, landing the job was the culmination of hard work, determination and perseverance. For most, it is the realization of a lifelong dream come true. Although he worked hard to be Senior Desktop Support Technician, working for the Phoenix Suns was not necessarily in Patton Werner’s life plans.
After relocating to the Valley from Sacramento, Werner decided to attend a Suns game at then US Airways Center in 2007. This would be Werner’s first time seeing a basketball game played live. For one who did not grow up a Suns fan, or even a basketball fan at that, this was a life-changing experience.
“It became immediately one of my favorite sports to watch, especially live,” Werner recalled, mentioning the sport felt “larger than life.”
Werner grew up at a time when cassette tapes were becoming CD’s, board games were becoming video games, and typewriters were becoming computers; giving him a natural knack for technology. This intuition helped Werner succeed in multiple industries including home building and manufacturing, hotel hospitality, and retail before transitioning to technology support.
“My aim is not only to get people familiar with the technology that we have here, but to empower them and give them the knowledge and tools necessary to be able to get the most out of it,” Werner said.
Werner embodies the spirit of empowerment. In his two-plus years with the Suns, not only has Werner helped to streamline the technological processes in the workplace, but his primary focus has been to serve the people around him.
“The Help Desk is a people-first position, and technology second,” Werner said. “You have to know how to communicate with people on different technical levels, based not only on your experience but their experience as well.”
When Werner learned of the opening with the Phoenix Suns, he thought about applying but did not believe he would have a great chance of landing the job due to his lack of previous sports experience. However, he remembered advice his dad had once given him to “never be afraid to ask any question.”
“The worst that can happen is they can say no, or I can get one of the greatest opportunities I've ever had in my life,” Werner said. “Now, I'm enjoying the fruits of the labor.”
Something Werner admires about the organization's workplace culture is his colleagues' friendliness and the passion they have for what they do.
“I think everyone here relishes their opportunity to be here,” Werner said. “When they finally get that opportunity to get in the door, they relish it.”
Since starting in April 2021, Werner has seen both the Suns and Mercury make it to the NBA Finals and WNBA Finals, respectively. Working for a championship organization has helped Werner and countless other Suns and Mercury team members feel a part of the success.
“I feel like it's easy for people to believe in it and to be passionate about it,” Werner said. “Especially when you realize that basketball doesn’t happen without everyone’s involvement.”
Werner’s passion for a people-first culture and his infectious personality contribute immensely to the success and camaraderie of the Phoenix Suns team. He has genuinely relished his opportunity and does not take it for granted.
“When I come to work, I know I'm going to have a good experience all day, every day.”
When he’s not working, Werner can be found reading, painting miniatures, or enjoying a movie, his favorite being Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.