|
Q: Your title says software developer and architect, but what do you do specifically?
|
|
A: Fortunately we are a smaller development group, so I am able to do a lot of different things, which is good for keeping variety. As a developer, I write code for customer applications. As an architect, my role comes to play in the earlier part of a project when we plan how we’re going to break the project up and determine how it all fits together. I also assist in sales, for example helping with statements of work, as well as some project management. |
|
Q: What is the IBS project you are most proud of and why?
|
|
A: I would say our work for the Wisconsin Education Association. Not only was the project challenging—we basically had to rebuild their entire retirement account enrollment process—but it was rewarding. The new application went live about a year ago, it was delivered on time, on budget and the deployment was smooth. Plus, the client’s number of enrollments into their retirement IRAs has tripled since the launch. Another reason I am proud of this work is that we had done work for this client before, so they came back to us for this complex project—which I think speaks volumes.
|
|
Q: What tool/technology couldn’t you live without?
|
|
A: As a developer, day in, day out I could not live without Visual Studio. I use it for hours on end. It’s a good, state-of-the-art development tool.
|
|
Q: What do you think has been the greatest influence on the technology industry in the last five years?
|
|
A: Good question. Things change so fast both in terms of hardware and software. But I would say the thing that’s changed technology the most is the number of people who have access to high-speed Internet—everyone has it and it’s everywhere. Because of this, it’s changed the kind of applications that we can write; now we can assume everyone has access to fast download capabilities. Another change is the capability of mobile devices. You have to really consider who is going to use your applications when developing because there’s a good chance people are using it from a phone.
|
|
Q: If you weren’t working for IBS, what would you be doing?
|
|
A: If I was completely out of the industry—I would pursue something in finance or teaching. Or, in college I was a teaching pro at several tennis clubs and I still help with classes a few times a week. I might pursue that to a greater degree.
|
|
Q: What makes IBS unique that most people don’t realize?
|
|
A: Most people don’t realize we’ve been in business 25+ years. In this field you typically think of companies that are newer, like the dot-com type companies. When you see that we’ve been in business for 25 years, you realize we’re credible and stable. We didn’t throw something together just to do a specific project—we have history.
|
|
Q: What was your first job and what lesson did you learn that you carry with you today?
|
|
A: My first job was as a stock boy at a grocery store. As the new guy, I had to bring in the returnables. So the biggest thing I learned is that you didn’t want to be a stock boy!
|
|
Q: What is your favorite activity when not working?
|
|
A: I have eight kids and we are expecting our ninth this summer. So, spending time with my kids is what I do outside of work. I love it. My oldest is a freshman and my youngest is 1 ½ years old. When I do get free time—I like running, swimming, and playing basketball and tennis—with and without my kids!
|
