Brandon

* If you had to describe your job to a 3rd grader, how would you describe it and why is it important?

A lot of kids spend a lot of time in front of screens, so I’d explain that I’m one of the people that makes the screen do meaningful things. I’d say, without developers there wouldn’t be any websites or apps or games, and we’d all be drawing on the sidewalk with chalk. I’d say, I tell computers what to do using a language they can understand and they rarely listen.
* What is your favorite part of your job?
I’ve dreamt of being a developer for nearly twenty years now but thought I’d missed my chance, now here I am. Better late than never. I love the problem-solving aspect, the troubleshooting, and the constant state of learning and adaptation.
* What do you like to do in your free time?
I used to play a lot of video games and I still do now, except now I mostly play with my 6 y/o daughter on the Switch. I also love board games and card games, especially Magic the Gathering, whenever I get a chance to get with my friends.
* Which animal best represents your personality?
The solitary, analytical octopus.
* Do you have a life theme song? Why or why not? And if so, what is it?
I haven’t thought about this. I’ll go with “Running Up That Hill” but the Placebo cover, not Kate Bush’s. It’s about perspective.
* What's your dream car and why?
That outrageously-priced Delorean EV because 1) Back to the Future and 2) it’s EV.
* What's your favorite snack at the office?
Popcorn seasoned with salt and nutritional yeast.
* If you could have any one superpower, what would it be?
Persuasion.
* If you could have lunch with any famous person, who would it be?
Dead – JRR Tolkien. Living – Wil Wheaton. Undead – George Carlin.
* What is your favorite book and why?
The Lord of the Rings. Answer speaks for itself. (Although the first three books of A Song of Ice and Fire are way up on the list.)