What do you do here at RBN?
I work as Director of Software Engineering. I lead our team of programmers into the forays of web app development! I spend time researching and prototyping new technologies to ensure we’ve always on the cutting edge and using the latest and greatest. I design and architect our applications, and at times am able to get my hands dirty with production development. Last but not least I spend time mentoring and management the team and our projects.
You are RBN team’s longest tenured employee. You’ve seen lots of changes during that time. What has been the biggest eye opener for you during that time?
We’ve come a long way. From a single engineer to over a dozen! One of the most impressive aspects of RightBrain is that even though relatively small, we’re a (if not the) worldwide leader in AWS Architecture and Technologies. Large companies with brilliant engineers come to us for expertise and solutions.
What do you love most about your job?
I love exploring and working with new technologies. Whether that be new programming languages, open source frameworks and libraries, or open source projects (think Apache Foundation suites), my passion for coding and engineering are truly satisfied here. In the world of consulting sitting still is moving backwards. We’re always staying ahead of the curve, exploring new domains before they become the next hot thing. I do these types of things as hobbies with some of my free time; getting to do it as a job as well is awesome!
What is your office nickname, and how did you earn it?
The Godfather. Some years ago as we started to “tip” and grow our staff, things could be pretty stressful. I make it a point to have happy 🙂 engineers and alleviate the stress as much as possible. Watching over everyone during that time, I think that’s how the nickname came up.
If you could switch your job with anyone else within the RBN team, whose job would you want and why?
I wouldn’t mind changing jobs with Jason :), Team Lead, Software Engineering. I love coding. I admit I’m a little jealous that I don’t get to spend as much time as I’d like programming.
How has RBN helped you in your career development?
I’ve grown and continue to increase my technical skill sets. We see such a variety of projects and technology requirements. I feel I’d have to had switched jobs almost annually to get all the technical learning opportunities I have here.
What is the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I wouldn’t call it weird, but when I was younger I referred Rec & Ed soccer games. Doing such for Elementary School aged kids can be more of an exercise in babysitting. Making sure they don’t randomly run off into the street is the #1 priority ;).
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Hmm. In school I had lots of interests. The sciences, maybe teach, or even a lawyer (I know, booo right?). My favorite class though was Astronomy. I find outer space, black holes, spacetime, the big bang… absolutely fascinating. Maybe work for NASA?
If you were the subject of a movie about your life, what would the title of the movie be, what genre, and what actor would you like to play you?
Umm, I don’t think Hollywood would be that successful making a movie about my life :). But if I could fudge most of the story, I’d be a private eye played by either Tom Hardy or Chris Pratt. Think Dick Tracey.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
Recently my life has been consumed by a video game called Destiny. I really need to seek a help group for that ;).
What was the last song you listened to on your smartphone? Or what’s on the last playlist you listened to?
When the work day gets hectic, lately I’ve been mellowing to the Jazz for Sleep channel on Spotify.