Hometown?
I originally grew up in Methuen and Lawrence, MA. When my wife and I started planning for children, we were looking for a house with a large yard. In Massachusetts, we couldn’t find much in our price range. However, just over the border in the small town of Pelham, NH we were able to find exactly what we were looking for. It took about two months to get used to all of the nighttime “country” wild life noises.
What are your technology specialties?
I am fortunate enough to have been exposed to lots of different technologies and solutions over my career. If I had to pick a specialty, I would say designing, deploying, and maintaining identity and access management tools. I enjoy working with most cyber security tools and utilities. Additional, exploring and evaluating new offerings in proof of concept scenarios.
What was your first memory of using computers?
My first computer memory involved using a Tandy 1000 with dual 5.25” floppy drives. My sister would print banners from a word processor on a dot matrix printer and go through whole reams of paper. The next major memory was with a white box 486/dx2 66MHz desktop with Windows 3.11 for Workgroups. I had (accidentally) broken the computer. Immediately, I scrambled to fix it before my father got home. Thus, my career in IT was born.
When you’re not found in front of a computer you are…?
Playing with my children – cards, sports, board games, driving range, skating – is high on my list. Working on cars or driving spiritedly would be a close second. My default is people watching and looking for someone to engage with. The pandemic reduced that human interaction, so I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do.
What was the last great book you read?
I’m currently reading Polysecure by Jessica Fern. The main focus is polyamory and consensual non-monogamy but the topics of attachment, bonds, communication, and trauma help understand and navigate all relationship types.
What is something unique about you?
It is hard to choose one thing to share. I am a (younger) twin. I can play some wood and wind instruments. I (usually) perform better under pressure
What would you do if you had an extra 5 hours every week?
If I had additional time each week, I like to think I would do something productive and for self-care – like slowing down, meditating, exercising, or planning. However, I would likely dedicate the time to interact more with the family and enjoying different cuisines.
If you could go anywhere for an entire month, where would it be & what would you do (or why would you do it)?
I’ve been fortunate enough to do this twice in my life already. My wife and I prioritized travel before children. Our honeymoon was San Diego, Hawaii (large island and Oahu), and Las Vegas. The second trip was half work and half pleasure. We traveled around Europe – Germany, Italy, Spain, and Morocco.
What are you most frequently heard listening to?
I grew up on 60s/70s rock in the back seat of my parents’ car for long trips. Creedence Clearwater Revival, Led Zeppelin, Joan Jett, Jefferson Airplanes. The 90s hip hop also has a large space in my heart – Beastie Boys, DMX, Dr Dre, Fugees. Influences from the family include Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Megan Trainor, Doja Cat, Weeknd.