We say it often. The WebDevStudios (WDS) team loves the annual company retreat, WDS Camp, because it brings us together and allows us to get to know each other on a more personal level, which strengthens our working relationships and solidifies our company mission. Having said that, we thought it would be a little fun to let you get to know us on a personal level, too. Oh sure, you can just visit our Team page to learn more about us, but what about those special fun facts that none of us really mention, except for when we’re on our retreat?
From speaking Latin, to home brewing, to handcrafted goods, our team members have talents the extend beyond design, coding, project management, sales and marketing. Get to know us! Here are some fun facts that you never knew about Team WDS.
Sports Fans, Athletes, and Namaste
At WDS, sports is kind of a big deal, with many brackets and competitions that occur around a variety of playoffs. When he was a teenager, CEO, Brad Williams, was an ax-throwing champ. Director of Project Management, Cristina Holt, played softball for 13 years. Project Manager, Katy Keilman, was an athlete in college, playing both basketball and softball. Support Technician, Jose Castaneda, once placed second in an international weapons tournament for karate in Las Vegas.
Director of Engineering, Greg Rickaby, is a part owner of the Green Bay Packers. Corey Collins, Lead Frontend Engineer, spent a month as a professional wrestling referee before attending college. And, our Director of Operations, April Williams, is a certified yoga instructor. Namaste.
Almost Famous
Before enrolling in college, Senior Backend Engineer, Tom McFarlin, almost skipped it in order to pursue a career as a guitarist in a rock band. Another Senior Backend Engineer understands the call of music all too well. That would be Jeremy Ward, who once toured the US, performing live onstage in 24 different states as a professional drummer.
During high school, Senior Backend Engineer, Zach Owen, played the violin, viola, upright bass, and cello in the orchestra. Before joining WDS, Director of Business Development, Jodie Riccelli, was an actress and singer. George Gecewicz, Backend Engineer, was an extra in the movie “The Place Beyond the Pines,” and Director of Client Services, Jim Byrom, was a photographer on the red carpet at the 1992 Academy Awards.
Artists, Artisans, and Makers
It should come as no surprise that some truly creative people are members of our team. For example, when she’s not managing client projects, Ashley Harrison, Project Manager, loves to draw and paint. In his days as a graphic designer, Frontend Engineer, Marty O’Connor, was a part of the team that won a Grammy Award for Best Album Design for Metallica’s Death Magnetic.
Both Lead Frontend Engineer, Will Schmierer, and Lead Backend Engineer, Aaron Eaton, are into woodworking, consistently creating wonderful pieces.
Support Engineer, Chrispian Burks, is an experienced maker of leather goods, running an online shop with his wife. In fact, his name comes from the patron saint of cobblers and leather workers. Cool, huh? When he’s not wrangling bugs for clients at Maintainn, Support Technician, Allen McNichols, is at home brewing his own beers and spirits.
Do you enjoy pancakes and/or waffles? Well, you would like them even more with maple syrup tapped and produced by our very own Justin Foell, Senior Backend Engineer. Lastly, during college, Frontend Engineer, Mike England, started a business custom painting cars and body painting people. Seems like two different body types to us, but he sure made it work.
Dr. Dolittles
You know, Dr. Dolittle, right? He’s the featured character of a book series for children—a doctor who shuns humans in favor of tending to animals. Well, we kind of have two of those at WDS.
As a youngster, Ben Lobaugh, Lead Backend Engineer, went through his Dr. Dolittle phase, having had 21 tropical freshwater fish tanks and over 300 domestic and exotic birds. Frontend Engineer, JC Palmes, is still having a Dr. Dolittle moment. She keeps a slew of exotic pets, but is deathly afraid of spiders.
Lovers of Languages
Project Manager, Lauren Drew, is well-versed in Latin, giving our team a lesson each Friday during our company scrum. Technical Project Manager, Meagan Hanes, speaks basic Japanese. Konnichiwa.
Weird and Different
They say being weird and different goes hand-in-hand with being creative. Expressing her interest in all things Alice in Wonderland, COO, Lisa Sabin-Wilson, built AliceIpsum for those who think Lorem Ipsum is, well, boring. (It is.) And while it may not be all that weird, it certainly is different. Support Engineer, Michael Beckwith, has been a part of the remote work culture forever—or, at least, since 2005, as a part of his college internship.
Going back to weird… Evan Hildreth, Backend Engineer, once dressed as “the weather” for Halloween. This may explain his Twitter profile, @oddevan. As the company Communications Specialist, not only can I communicate well with the general public, but I also speak to and see dead people. Just kidding, but I can read tarot cards.
Our varied personalities, skills, and talents are what make our particular dynamic work for our team and our clients’ website projects. We celebrate all those little nuances that make us uniquely different and set us apart from other agencies.
Are you interested in learning more about Team WDS? Contact us and let’s chat! Get to know us better and discover how, together, we can build something amazing.
