Get to know Lijit: Zach
Zach is officially known as a “Systems Architect” around the office, but unofficially known as the guy who makes sure that Mike doesn’t go crazy. Our CEO, Todd Vernon, wooed Zach for a while before he was able to talk him into jumping aboard. Rumor has it that the sweet office in downtown Boulder sealed the deal for him. There is much to learn about Zach and the following questions are only the beginning of our lesson…
- What is your Lijit contribution?
I come to Lijit with about 13 years of practical systems, network and security experience across environments large and small. I hope to make a positive impact especially in the production network, as Lijit has significant performance and security demands there. I also want to help make the production and office systems more manageable, so that over time people find it easier to get their jobs done, and developers and IT folk wake up to fewer surprises in the data center.
- What is your least favorite word and why?
Performant, because it transforms a real verb into a fake adjective in order to shorten the three syllable phrase “performs well” into a three syllable word that makes one sound like an EMC salesperson, and EMC sales people give me the willies.
- What sound or noise do you love and why?
I have a new drum set, and the kick drum sounds like a howitzer. I love that.
- What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?
Cosmology. If you’re a cosmologist, you can never fully understand your own profession, but nobody could reasonably expect you to anyway, so it’s OK. I just read an article asserting that in the future, the universe will be expanding so rapidly that light from its farthest recesses will never be able to reach observers on Earth, and Earthicans may perceive our by then bloated galaxy as the extent of the universe. So the job should only get easier with time.
- Something you’re guilty of…
I introduced my father to Gran Turismo 4 for the PS2, knowing that he would become addicted to it, potentially destabilizing his job and family life. It worked, and I smile inside every time I think about it. For so many years he mocked me for spending my allowance on video games. Who’s laughing now?
Like a few others, Zach started his blog when he was hired here. He says he wants to have a place to test the Lijit widget (likely story!) but he hasn’t actually posted anything yet. Perhaps when he sees all the traffic I’m pushing his way, he’ll be inspired to write something. I mean, since he’s already demonstrated his wit with the above answers, there are really no acceptable excuses. Zach, thanks for playing along; we can’t wait to see more from you!
