Employee Spotlight – Julio

Meet Julio!

We like to showcase the awesome people who work here at 729 Solutions because they are more than just great employees – they are creative and interesting people! Today we spoke with Julio, a UI/UX Designer and Front End Developer at 729.

Julio is coming to us from sunny Miami, Florida.

Tell us more!

We asked Julio to answer a few questions for us. Here are his thoughtful responses.

What do you like about working for 729?

A couple of things. The fact that we get to work on a host of interesting projects. I enjoy working with a bunch of highly-skilled and talented individuals. The opportunities for career development are always there. And of course, there is no traffic when you’re working from home!

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy watching documentaries on all sorts of topics but mostly history, politics, and true crime. I used to play a lot of basketball, and just before COVID hit, I was getting back into the swing of things. I’ve also picked up walking long distances (with or without the dogs) while listening to podcasts or binaural beats.

What are you doing to entertain yourself during COVID-19 Stay At Home orders?

I’ve been catching up on the movie queue. I watch all types. They’ll range from vintage, award-winning films to poorly made cult classics. I’m also trying to read more books.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I’ve always been taught to treat others equally and with respect. To listen more than to talk. And to never stop learning.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of super stars?

Never hesitate to ask questions when you’re unsure about things, we have a team of experts here. We’re distributed across the world, so prepare to learn about interesting people and new cultures. Bring your skills but don’t be afraid to put your twist on things. Yes, we have conventions but we always seek to improve them.

Cats or dogs?

…Yes. I’ve always been a dog person growing up but realized later in life that I’m also a cat lover. I’m fascinated by animals, I’ve had rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and ferrets in different times in my life – so I love all animals.

What is your favorite word in the English language?

My favorite word in the English language is crisps because of how it sounds at the end—“isps”—and because our friends in the UK (and other places) use it for referencing “potato chips.”

What is your favorite word in another language?

My favorite word in another language is yalla. In Arabic, it essentially means “let’s go!” or “c’mon!”.

What is the most inspiring part of your job?

Knowing that my design or code solved a particular issue for a project. Assisting team members with whatever they may need, even if it’s something I’m not familiar with. When I get the “eureka” moment or learn something new.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

This is a tough one. Ultimately I’d like to be able to travel through time. I could maybe manifest some sort of “portal” where I can see and experience a particular time, place, or event in history.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a lifeguard or an artist. Maybe it was because I loved watching Baywatch and I drew a lot.

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

I’ve gotta go with the Shell – it’s so cool looking and I love pasta with seafood. And for an unusual pasta shape, I’d probably be a Space Invader.

Is there anything else you’d like the world to know about you?

That’s all for now, but It was to meet you, ?. See you around.