Dustin Kane

Tell us a little about yourself.

In March of 2022 I began working for AKLean Virtual Assistant LLC. A virtual assistance company focused on helping small businesses and law firms. I primarily worked in Gavel, Clio, Smartsheet, Lucid Chart, and various other software programs building workflows, automating documents, and streamlining processes for those small businesses and law firms.  

“The technology you use impresses no one.The experience you create with it is everything.” – Sean Gerety.

Providing that experience is my passion for what I do in document automations and building platforms for companies toembrace what technology can do for them.

What is your document automation experience?

I have been working in Gavel for over two years, and I was a part of them team that built the Gavel Gold standard course. Many of the projects I worked on have been for law firms along with other various small businesses. I am Gold Certified through Gavel, I have certifications and experience building and automating in Smartsheet, as well asClio.

Can you describe your process for how you build a document automation workflow?

My process for document automation begins with meeting with a client and capturing a mental image of what they want. Then mapping out the data flow and identifying which document starts the process, and where the information connects to other forms. Mapping helps identify where information triggers need to be placed, and what output documents need to happen. Once I have the process mapped out and have identified the information that needs to be collected, I can streamline the building and testing process.

What do you think are the most important qualities for a document automation specialist to have when workingwith a client to automate their templates and forms?

The same core values I have kept from my time in the Air Force: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and ExcellenceIn All We Do.

Identify the solution, map the process, and execute the plan. Like the quote above, it is not just the fact that you have the software and an understanding of how to use it, ultimately it is about the experience you create. Capturing the image/idea the client has and making that happen to the best of my abilities. Attention to detail is critical at every point of the process. Just building a product isn’t enough though, ensuring that my clients have a full understanding and are properly trained on how to use it is when I feel that I have succeeded. Aside from that below is a list of my current certifications in the field:

·      Lean Six Sigma Yellow BeltCertification

·      Gavel Gold Certification (I was also apart of the team that built the current standard and test for the GavelCertification.)

·      Multiple Smartsheet Badges/Certifications

·      AIGPE Certified Process MappingSpecialist

·      Proficient in a multitude of software programs including Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Smartsheet, Adobe, Gavel(a document automation site), Lucid, etc.

What is your proudest moment(professional or otherwise)?

While working with AK Lean VirtualAssistance LLC, I took the most pride in the moments when we would take on a build or project from a company that was either unfinished or completely broken and fixing them. Taking the time to break down the process built by another builder, finding the errors or issues and correcting them. When you start a new build that is your own the process is much easier and straight forward because it is yours. It can be quite a challenge to get into a project or build that you know nothing about. I found a lot of my personal growth and learning came from these projects.

What do you do for fun?

I am an avid gamer, to the extent that a small group of my friends and I are building a game. Baking and cooking area ls a passions of mine. I collect nerdy replica weapons, nick knacks, gadgets, and have my place decorated like a small nerd museum. Aside from that my number one priority is my daughter and she keeps me very busy at times.

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