Jeff Hucker is Pixafy’s third (and newest) project manager, whose decades of experience working with code offers a unique perspective into the role. Jeff’s expertise will be put to great use and has already settled in nicely. Jeff offers up some information about himself in our latest interview.
Q: How did you discover Pixafy?
I was introduced to Pixafy by Drew Sussberg at Workbridge. When I met him he had a lot of energy and enthusiasm about his work and I knew he would find something really great for me.
Q: Where are you originally from? Do you still have family there? Any Pets?
I was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., many moons ago. I come from a large family that some years later decided to scatter themselves around the country and so I decided to scatter myself in Rockland County where I can meet rabbits, deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, coyote and bears in person. My town is special. Perfect strangers walking past one another say hello and coming from Brooklyn took a little getting used to.
Q: Where did you go to school, and what did you study?
I majored in Computer Science at Kingsborough Community College and transferred to Brooklyn College. I’ve taken many technology classes the firms I worked for offered, but the modern technology was self-taught from tech manuals and instructional video. This allowed me to design my own social networking site using the latest and greatest the LAMP stack had to offer.
Q: Any mentors/other people who’ve been particularly instrumental in your direction to date?
I had one mentor at JP Morgan who spent a great deal time transforming me from software engineer to a project manager. I’ve met many managers and few had his communication and teaching skills. He was one of the leading senior project managers in the firm. I think every successful enterprise should require managers to act as role models and mentors. They must learn to recognize talent and nurture it. That’s how organizations grow.
Q: What is your first impression of Pixafy?
I sensed a very positive energy when I arrived. People were busy working but appeared happy. The first two people I met was Uri and Eric, and knew right away I wanted to be a part of this organization.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish at Pixafy?
My plan is become an integral member of this team and play a critical role in the growth of this company.
Q: Hobbies/interests outside of work?
I enjoy long drives in the country, eating at fine restaurants, talking long walks in the woods where I live and riding my mountain bike. I’ve always enjoyed working out at the gym, too, but lately I’ve been remiss.
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
I enjoy a wide range of music such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Stones, Beatles, Yes, Stone Temple Pilots, Korn, Nickelback, Bent, Buddha Bar, Café Del Mar, and so much more…Oh yeah, some old disco too. How could I forget?
Q: Qualities you most admire in others (non-Pixafy employees)?
With strangers simple things like courtesy. With friends it would be integrity, intelligence, compassion, sense of humor, honesty and spending time together through good and bad times.
Q: Any pet peeves?
Gum snapping, flat tires, warm beer, standing in long lines, telemarketers, traffic jams and slow internet speeds.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being a involved with code?
Being able to have fun and make a living, too. I enjoy technical challenges and learning new technology that allows you do some very cool things, especially when you can play a role that enhances the lives of others, whether it’s shopping or socializing. The web is the nervous system of the planet and we are a key part of that system. Its an evolutional step that will take us from a type 0 civilization to a type 1. This is the most important step in human evolution and failure is not an option.
Q: Any unusual hobbies that we should know about?
I always had a passion for martial arts and started training from the age of 14. I have a 4th degree black belt in combat Taekwondo. I’ve studied other systems ranging from escrima to jujitsu. I was fortunate to work with world famous artists. I’m a bit out of practice but I can still kick myself in the head when I need to. I’m also a certified scuba diver and licensed skydiver.
Q: If you won the proverbial lottery, what would you do with your windfall?
First make some good long term investments. I’d help out some friends and family. I’d get the Lamborghini I always wanted, but I would really like to do is help others who are less fortunate. I’d like to either start an organization or donate to causes that would help put children on the right path in life so they would be well equipped, educated and self-empowered to live a very fulfilling and happy life.
Q: What’s something that no one at Pixafy knows about you (until now)?
I got a little obsessed with Angry Birds but I’m all better now.
