Where are you located?
I live in Gulf Breeze, Florida but am originally from Fort Worth, Texas.
What is your role at Highline?
In my role as Lead Front End Engineer, I architect and build impactful developer and end user experiences.
What’s your background? What did you do before working at Highline?
One of my earliest memories is typing “CAT” on a 1982 Apple II computer to access the file system. It was a rare treat to be able to use my older brother’s computer and I always wanted to learn more about it. A few years later, my father made me an offer: if I sold all my video games, he would buy me a PC. I jumped on the deal and began digging into software to see what made it work, along with exploring the online systems of the era. I loved every minute of it, which drove me to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from the University of Texas at Arlington. Most of my career has been in the financial services sector, spanning several facets of the industry. I have experience working as a full stack developer, but with the release of modern front-end frameworks my main focus and passion has shifted mostly to end-user and developer experiences.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
When I am not at my desk, you can usually find me outside. I love being active and spending time in the sun. Our recent move to Florida has allowed me to take advantage of paddle boarding, swimming, and other outdoor activities. I like to spend a lazy Sunday longboarding along beach paths with my wife and corgi. Traveling is also a passion; my favorite country to visit so far is Iceland. In my spare time, I like to read and learn about a variety of topics that interest me, including UX and front end development, outdoor cooking, science, and history. I consider myself a lifelong learner and seek out knowledge to constantly improve.
Why did you join the Highline team?
I joined Highline early on. After speaking with our CEO and COO about their vision and the product, I had a good sense of their direction, what they wanted to do, and how it could improve people’s lives and the industry as a whole. With my previous experience, it clicked immediately and I knew I could help.
What has been the most rewarding aspect so far?
I’ve really enjoyed building something this challenging from the ground up and being able to make decisions that positively impact the future of our product and company. Highline has an exceptional culture with supportive and transparent leadership and a strong, bright, and cohesive team that I am very proud to be part of.
What do you think the future of fintech holds?
Payments by payroll will be a big part of the fintech ecosphere in the future and Highline is positioned to become the premiere player in this new paradigm.
