Important Disclaimer: This blog represents my own opinions.  The opinions expressed here are not those of my employer, their customers or the firm’s investors.  

I use this blog to share my thoughts and opinions on various technologies as well as the role of being a Sales Engineer. The goal is that each posting can stand on its own. I also hope to not use this as a platform to vent about the experiences I’ve had in tech that weren’t positive. If it ever does sound like venting, do please let me know.

There are a few things about me that will influence or color my posts and I feel it is worth disclosing the ones I am aware of. The reality is when you work in a space you are passionate about it is impossible to completely separate your history, experiences and life from what you do.

A few of those facets of me include:

• This blog is treated as a living document. I will at times update items like spelling and grammar but won’t always add an “Editor’s note” unless a fact was wrong or added. If it still carries the same message and facts then I see no reason to clutter it with minor footnotes like that.
• My backups contain old drafts that were never completed. When I do the restores I might publish them in the time slot where they were originally created or perhaps put in more effort and publish with a current date. There is no agenda here or goal, so I see no reason to be so rigid.
• I don’t take this blog too seriously. There will be typos and grammar errors. I balance my effort with the time that is available. If I were making a living or trying to generate revenue with these pages I’d put in more effort. Hopefully you can forgive (or alert me to) the errors.
• I love technology and have been fortunate to play in that space long enough to have true career stability. I started programming in the 6th grade, and modified my first computer by soldering on function keys by probably my Freshman year of High School. My son built his first computer (with help) at 11 and has since done a full upgrade. My world keeps expanding with offerings like edX and I can only imagine what it will be like for him.
• I am a complete Fastly Fanboy. Having spent more than two years working there and seeing what was truly behind the curtain I have a tremendous amount of respect and faith in the people, processes and platform that makes up the company. Yes, I do have some equity (full disclosure) but don’t feel that my cheerleading could ever influence their valuation. Have you ever worked for an Enterprise SaaS company where multiple times customers would come by your booth at a conference and tell you how much they loved your product? Not a bland “we use you” but an enthusiastic “we love what you do” or “you rock!” I couldn’t work a single shift at a conference without this happening multiple times. Or have you worked somewhere where the product did everything your marketing team promised and there were lots of case studies from large firms with quantitative facts to back it up? I have and that company was Fastly and I’ll always think highly of them.
• I have had a few experiences where there was a RIF (Reduction In Force) or other change in staffing that was not handled in a mature, respectful or positive manner. So there is technology out there that I respect, but where the company to me is neither ethical nor trustworthy. I do my best to not have that shade my reviews here. And if you are an analyst, recruiter or candidate and you ask my opinion I’ll admit if I don’t feel I can be objective. I’ve also done my best to internalize these experiences and vow to not be party to or complicit in their ever being repeated.
• I volunteer with a local Boy Scout Troop as a Merit Badge counselor.  I used to be the STEM Coordinator for my son’s troop. Having worked with several coworkers who made Eagle and were more dependable and diligent than their peers has opened my eyes to what the program can do for our youth. At some point I’ll restore the draft I’d written about the program as well as those qualities. Unfortunately I don’t have any experience or knowledge around Girl Scouts, but if you are a parent and have been involved with that program I could really use some quotes and examples for that article.
• I’m a Land Speed Racer. We compete in places like the dry lake beds of Southern California or the Salt Flats of Utah. It’s not an adrenaline sport. You are merely competing against the clock for top speed over a defined distance. Yes, it will get your heart pounding but the goal is to figure out that extra mile an hour that the other folks haven’t in a very defined class. I don’t have the experience or sophistication to run mechanical fuel injection in a vintage or fuel class, but I’ve gotten to wire up an aftermarket Engine Management System and customize it to engines that have never run on such technology before. Tuning is done with a laptop instead of jets. I offer up this facet as an example of the intersection of a career (technology) and a hobby. They do mix well.

I joke at times that I am “paid to play” and am grateful to make a living having fun in the technology space. So if you are still interested, please dive in and see what is here.